Psychiatrists in 90706

Tiffany Spearman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
Bellflower, CA 90706
My name is Tiffany Spearman and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management and behavioral therapy. Dealing with mental health issues can be a scary and challenging task. It becomes an even bigger challenge trying to find a provider that takes a progressive, yet holistic approach to managing your mental health. My focus is improving mental health and quality of life. My goal is to provide authentic and non-judgmental care, while keeping your best interest at the forefront.
My name is Tiffany Spearman and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management and behavioral therapy. Dealing with mental health issues can be a scary and challenging task. It becomes an even bigger challenge trying to find a provider that takes a progressive, yet holistic approach to managing your mental health. My focus is improving mental health and quality of life. My goal is to provide authentic and non-judgmental care, while keeping your best interest at the forefront.

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner trained to provide holistic care and help people with various mental challenges. I will take time to listen and understand your challenges/problems in a nonjudgmental manner. After a completed detailed initial assessment, together, we will decide on treatment modalities that are right for you, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality are respected, utilizing a patient-centered approach to care.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner trained to provide holistic care and help people with various mental challenges. I will take time to listen and understand your challenges/problems in a nonjudgmental manner. After a completed detailed initial assessment, together, we will decide on treatment modalities that are right for you, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality are respected, utilizing a patient-centered approach to care.

Apex Healthcare Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Bellflower, CA 90706
Accepting New Patients - Also open Weekends and After Hours - Are you struggling with mental health issues? Are you looking for someone to help you figure out what is going on with your mental health? Look no more, just call Apex Healthcare services, we are here to help. At Apex Healthcare Service, we help patients with multiple mental health issues to overcome their mental health challenges, and able to function in their full capacities in the society, and maintain their wellness as well as their well-being. Our team of LMFT and psychologist are also available for your therapy and counseling needs.
Accepting New Patients - Also open Weekends and After Hours - Are you struggling with mental health issues? Are you looking for someone to help you figure out what is going on with your mental health? Look no more, just call Apex Healthcare services, we are here to help. At Apex Healthcare Service, we help patients with multiple mental health issues to overcome their mental health challenges, and able to function in their full capacities in the society, and maintain their wellness as well as their well-being. Our team of LMFT and psychologist are also available for your therapy and counseling needs.

I know it took a lot of courage to get to this point. I am here to listen and help you. Are you struggling with episodes of mood swings ? Do you feel you get anxious easily for nothing in particular ? Do you have fears that lead you to do repetitive behaviors ? I’m here to help you. My practice which is calm corner mental health was founded for the sole purpose of providing a calm and safe place to seek help for mental health needs and treatment.
I know it took a lot of courage to get to this point. I am here to listen and help you. Are you struggling with episodes of mood swings ? Do you feel you get anxious easily for nothing in particular ? Do you have fears that lead you to do repetitive behaviors ? I’m here to help you. My practice which is calm corner mental health was founded for the sole purpose of providing a calm and safe place to seek help for mental health needs and treatment.

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.

Rita Onwenna, DNP is an experienced and a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Rita completed her doctorate degree in nursing practice at Walden University. She received her post doctorate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Bradman University. She obtained her master’s degrees in nursing with emphasis in family medicine and school health services from California State University, Long Beach.
Rita Onwenna, DNP is an experienced and a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Rita completed her doctorate degree in nursing practice at Walden University. She received her post doctorate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Bradman University. She obtained her master’s degrees in nursing with emphasis in family medicine and school health services from California State University, Long Beach.

I have worked in a wide variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, inpatient medical hospitals, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient residential facilities, clinics focused on treating the severely mentally ill (SMI) population along with individuals experiencing mental health crises in correctional settings. I have significant experience treating patients with a wide range of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Panic Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorders and PTSD.
I have worked in a wide variety of clinical settings including outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, inpatient medical hospitals, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient residential facilities, clinics focused on treating the severely mentally ill (SMI) population along with individuals experiencing mental health crises in correctional settings. I have significant experience treating patients with a wide range of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Panic Disorders, Neurocognitive Disorders and PTSD.

Uchechi L Nwosu-Iroha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I am Uchechi Nwosu-Iroha. I am dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I support my clients with medication management, therapy, and coaching. I will utilize a person-centered approach by providing unconditional positive regard and implementing active listening and supportive reflection to establish trust and build therapeutic rapport. I often use CBT, DBT interventions, relaxation and mindfulness and internal family systems in my practice, but I may employ various treatment types to support you.
I am Uchechi Nwosu-Iroha. I am dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I support my clients with medication management, therapy, and coaching. I will utilize a person-centered approach by providing unconditional positive regard and implementing active listening and supportive reflection to establish trust and build therapeutic rapport. I often use CBT, DBT interventions, relaxation and mindfulness and internal family systems in my practice, but I may employ various treatment types to support you.

We know 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. Now welcoming new patients!
We know 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. 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!
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!

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know 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 - We know 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.
15 Second Videos

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!

Now welcoming new patients! We know 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. Welcome!
Now welcoming new patients! We know 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. Welcome!

We know 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. Now welcoming new patients!
We know 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. Now welcoming new patients!

We know 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. Now welcoming new patients!
We know 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. Now welcoming new patients!

Desert Blossom Psychiatry was started from the belief that humans are able to create beauty and peace in the face of hardship and pain, like flowers growing in the harsh desert. Our patients are people who are trying to make changes or navigate transitions, but perhaps aren't sure how or find that their past experiences are keeping them from moving forward. I want to provide a space to process all of that to help you move forward.
Desert Blossom Psychiatry was started from the belief that humans are able to create beauty and peace in the face of hardship and pain, like flowers growing in the harsh desert. Our patients are people who are trying to make changes or navigate transitions, but perhaps aren't sure how or find that their past experiences are keeping them from moving forward. I want to provide a space to process all of that to help you move forward.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know 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 - We know 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.

Welcome! My name is April and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. With over 18 years of experience in the nursing field, I am here to help clients of all walks of life. I frequently work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, BPAD, AUD, insomnia, PTSD, panic disorder, and other mood disorders. I am passionate about providing compassionate, patient-focused mental health care making sure that everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.
Welcome! My name is April and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. With over 18 years of experience in the nursing field, I am here to help clients of all walks of life. I frequently work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, BPAD, AUD, insomnia, PTSD, panic disorder, and other mood disorders. I am passionate about providing compassionate, patient-focused mental health care making sure that everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.

We know 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. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know 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. Now, welcoming new patients!

We know 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. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know 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. Now, welcoming new patients!
See more therapy options for 90706
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 90706
20+
Average cost per session
$192
Psychiatrists in 90706 who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
96% | Bipolar Disorder |
85% | Trauma and PTSD |
77% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
77% | Medication Management |
73% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
96% | Aetna |
84% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in 90706 see their clients
65% | Online Only | |
35% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
19% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 90706?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.