Psychiatrists in 90651

Photo of Jacquelyn Hamed, PHMNP, APRN, BSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jacquelyn Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP, APRN, BSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi! I am Jackie. I have been helping clients who are overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, panic episodes, trauma or PSTD, bipolar or personality disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Hi! I am Jackie. I have been helping clients who are overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, panic episodes, trauma or PSTD, bipolar or personality disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
(510) 241-3441 View (510) 241-3441
Photo of Brittany Lute, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brittany Lute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
(714) 202-9498 View (714) 202-9498

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Bianca Best, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bianca Best
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I'm Bianca, a Board-certified PMHNP dedicated to supporting your emotional and psychological well-being. I'm here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to navigate any challenges you're facing and promote a healthier, happier you. My approach to providing care is centered around creating a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment for my patients. I tailor my therapeutic methods to each individual's unique needs, combining various evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Hello, I'm Bianca, a Board-certified PMHNP dedicated to supporting your emotional and psychological well-being. I'm here to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together to navigate any challenges you're facing and promote a healthier, happier you. My approach to providing care is centered around creating a compassionate, empathetic, and supportive environment for my patients. I tailor my therapeutic methods to each individual's unique needs, combining various evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes.
(424) 788-4626 View (424) 788-4626
Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD, Psychiatrist
Waqar Zuberi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(626) 714-6289 View (626) 714-6289
Photo of Adeshewa Adekunbi, MD, Psychiatrist
Adeshewa Adekunbi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a general and child and adolescent trained psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbances and substance related and addictive disorders.
I am a general and child and adolescent trained psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbances and substance related and addictive disorders.
(877) 515-8113 View (877) 515-8113
Photo of Tiffany Quach, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tiffany Quach
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(949) 998-5931 View (949) 998-5931
Photo of Alhasan Ghazzawi, MD, Psychiatrist
Alhasan Ghazzawi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry, I am committed to providing care that addresses the multifaceted aspects of my patients' well-being. I offer an integrated approach that recognizes the interplay between social, psychological, and biological factors in shaping mental health. I began my psychiatry career at Maimonides Medical Center, serving as chief resident and pursued a post-doc training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at NYU's Psychoanalytical Association of New York. Following this, I completed my public psychiatry fellowship at Columbia University.
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry, I am committed to providing care that addresses the multifaceted aspects of my patients' well-being. I offer an integrated approach that recognizes the interplay between social, psychological, and biological factors in shaping mental health. I began my psychiatry career at Maimonides Medical Center, serving as chief resident and pursued a post-doc training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at NYU's Psychoanalytical Association of New York. Following this, I completed my public psychiatry fellowship at Columbia University.
(646) 846-7281 View (646) 846-7281
Photo of Fahim Rasul, DO, Psychiatrist
Fahim Rasul
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi! I am Fahim Rasul. I have developed a profound appreciation for the holistic and patient-centered approach. My journey has been guided a commitment to integrating principles of osteopathy with a deep understanding of modern medical science while striving to provide compassionate and effective care. One of the most rewarding aspects of my practice has been building meaningful relationships with the patients and their family.
Hi! I am Fahim Rasul. I have developed a profound appreciation for the holistic and patient-centered approach. My journey has been guided a commitment to integrating principles of osteopathy with a deep understanding of modern medical science while striving to provide compassionate and effective care. One of the most rewarding aspects of my practice has been building meaningful relationships with the patients and their family.
(877) 515-8113 View (877) 515-8113
Photo of Sandy Hah, MD, Psychiatrist
Sandy Hah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
(310) 879-1097 View (310) 879-1097
Photo of Eva Altobelli - Home-LA, MD, Psychiatrist
Eva Altobelli - Home-LA
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
I find that life is a challenge for most of us. The allure of self medication to deal with life's stressors is often a temptation. Just being human and living within our society creates obstacles to stress free living. We are complicated creatures and it has taken us many years of experiences and usually some trauma to become who we are now. I believe there is not one path to healing and each of us have the capacity to heal.
(310) 596-4301 View (310) 596-4301
Photo of Brittany Lute, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brittany Lute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90755
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
(562) 655-7366 View (562) 655-7366
Photo of Dr. Chidinma G Nwankwo, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Chidinma G Nwankwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Chidinma is a skilled Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University and a Master’s in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health specialization from Walden University. With experience caring for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, she provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.
Chidinma is a skilled Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University and a Master’s in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health specialization from Walden University. With experience caring for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, she provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.
(310) 272-5049 View (310) 272-5049
Photo of Jamie Fauth, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jamie Fauth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi, I’m Jamie. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 9 years of experience in the field. I specialize in treating women’s issues, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders as well as working with the LGBTQIA+ community. During sessions, I use a compassion focused and client centered therapeutic approach. I take a holistic perspective on mental health medication treatment and will carefully evaluate your background, lifestyle, and health history to help you choose the right medication.
Hi, I’m Jamie. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 9 years of experience in the field. I specialize in treating women’s issues, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders as well as working with the LGBTQIA+ community. During sessions, I use a compassion focused and client centered therapeutic approach. I take a holistic perspective on mental health medication treatment and will carefully evaluate your background, lifestyle, and health history to help you choose the right medication.
(619) 649-4535 View (619) 649-4535
Photo of Rose Mae Chung, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rose Mae Chung
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Rose Mae is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and substance use. Rose Mae’s holistic approach uses therapeutic medication management, patient education, and other evidence-based practices.
Rose Mae is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and substance use. Rose Mae’s holistic approach uses therapeutic medication management, patient education, and other evidence-based practices.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Emil Soorani - Emil Soorani MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Emil Soorani MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I have over 38 yrs of experience using psychopharmacology to treat depression, bi-polar, anxiety, dementias, ADHD, traumatic injuries, PTSD, and complex psychiatric disorders compounded by medical illnesses. I believe a holistic approach to treatment offers optimal outcomes. I also offer home consultations and Concierge Service.
I have over 38 yrs of experience using psychopharmacology to treat depression, bi-polar, anxiety, dementias, ADHD, traumatic injuries, PTSD, and complex psychiatric disorders compounded by medical illnesses. I believe a holistic approach to treatment offers optimal outcomes. I also offer home consultations and Concierge Service.
(424) 294-8980 View (424) 294-8980
Photo of Young Tae Lee, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Young Tae Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Online Only
To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance! During our first visit, we will complete a full mental health assessment and evaluation. There will be lots of questions during this visit, especially regarding your medical and mental health history. Working together to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is important for your mental health. This may require multiple appointments. Controlled medications may be available from my practice on a limited basis and rarely on the first session.
To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance! During our first visit, we will complete a full mental health assessment and evaluation. There will be lots of questions during this visit, especially regarding your medical and mental health history. Working together to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is important for your mental health. This may require multiple appointments. Controlled medications may be available from my practice on a limited basis and rarely on the first session.
(949) 881-4912 View (949) 881-4912
Photo of Kalen Flynn, MD, Psychiatrist
Kalen Flynn
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027
I am a holistic psychiatrist and psychotherapist who works with people who are ready to take a radically new approach to their mental health. I support you in investigating the root causes of your symptoms, rather than just trying to alleviate or manage your symptoms. You may have already tried multiple medications or therapeutic approaches, but you are still suffering and feel ready to try something different. I specialize in psychotherapy, the holistic treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, helping people safely taper and stop psychiatric medications, and supporting people after challenging psychedelic experiences.
I am a holistic psychiatrist and psychotherapist who works with people who are ready to take a radically new approach to their mental health. I support you in investigating the root causes of your symptoms, rather than just trying to alleviate or manage your symptoms. You may have already tried multiple medications or therapeutic approaches, but you are still suffering and feel ready to try something different. I specialize in psychotherapy, the holistic treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, helping people safely taper and stop psychiatric medications, and supporting people after challenging psychedelic experiences.
(213) 510-2769 View (213) 510-2769
Photo of Jennique 'jenn' Simplice, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennique 'jenn' Simplice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Jenn Simplice is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree from Charles R. Drew University. Jenn received her bachelors on the East Coast from New Jersey City University and is originally from the Bronx, New York. Jenn migrated to the West Coast as a travel RN where she completed her masters and currently continues to reside in southern CA. Jenn is a dedicated and compassionate provider who makes the safety and wellbeing of her patient a top priority, she serves patients of all age populations including adolescents, adults, and the geriatric community.
Jenn Simplice is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a master’s degree from Charles R. Drew University. Jenn received her bachelors on the East Coast from New Jersey City University and is originally from the Bronx, New York. Jenn migrated to the West Coast as a travel RN where she completed her masters and currently continues to reside in southern CA. Jenn is a dedicated and compassionate provider who makes the safety and wellbeing of her patient a top priority, she serves patients of all age populations including adolescents, adults, and the geriatric community.
(424) 722-3659 View (424) 722-3659
Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente, MD, Psychiatrist
Bonmente
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(424) 396-2018 View (424) 396-2018
Photo of Alexandra Presler, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Alexandra Presler
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
(949) 998-4714 View (949) 998-4714

See more therapy options for 90651

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 90651

< 10

Psychiatrists in 90651 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Bipolar Disorder
100% Stress

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in 90651 see their clients

50% In Person and Online
50% Online Only
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 90651?

The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.

In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.

Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.

When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.

While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.

How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?

It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.

A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?

A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?

Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.