Psychiatrists in 91501
Discover balance and clarity in today's digital world with Dr. Cristian Penciu. If you or someone you know is grappling with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, let's navigate these challenges together. Recognized among the top psychiatrists for contemporary mental health solutions in our digital age, my approach focuses on the latest techniques for depression relief, anxiety management, and ADHD therapy. With a consistent ranking among top results for best psychiatrist and online mental health consultation, my digital reach ensures you're connecting with renowned expertise.
Discover balance and clarity in today's digital world with Dr. Cristian Penciu. If you or someone you know is grappling with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, let's navigate these challenges together. Recognized among the top psychiatrists for contemporary mental health solutions in our digital age, my approach focuses on the latest techniques for depression relief, anxiety management, and ADHD therapy. With a consistent ranking among top results for best psychiatrist and online mental health consultation, my digital reach ensures you're connecting with renowned expertise.
Do you find it challenging to balance the demands of your professional and personal life? Whether you're a corporate executive, an athlete or an artist, my goal is to help you regain your mental well-being and lead a fulfilling life. I am a compassionate and understanding medical professional dedicated to providing integrative care tailored to your unique needs. Together, we will work towards your mental health goals, helping you to manage your symptoms with a combined approach of medications and therapy. With the right tools and support, you can overcome your challenges and the care you deserve.
Do you find it challenging to balance the demands of your professional and personal life? Whether you're a corporate executive, an athlete or an artist, my goal is to help you regain your mental well-being and lead a fulfilling life. I am a compassionate and understanding medical professional dedicated to providing integrative care tailored to your unique needs. Together, we will work towards your mental health goals, helping you to manage your symptoms with a combined approach of medications and therapy. With the right tools and support, you can overcome your challenges and the care you deserve.
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91201 (Online Only)
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.
Dr. Nassiri practices Integrative Behavioral Medicine, and is board-certified in Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology & EMDR trained. His approach is trauma and attachment informed. His cutting-edge approach made him the first doctor in Los Angeles to introduce Ketamine Infusion and Psychedelic therapy to a comprehensive treatment approach managing everything from addiction and co-occuring disorders, ranging from substance/alcohol use disorders, to depression, PTSD, anxiety, pain, OCD, and treatment resistant disorders. He provides outpatient & inpatient medical detox, as Medical Director of Huntington Hospital's CDRC Department.
Dr. Nassiri practices Integrative Behavioral Medicine, and is board-certified in Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology & EMDR trained. His approach is trauma and attachment informed. His cutting-edge approach made him the first doctor in Los Angeles to introduce Ketamine Infusion and Psychedelic therapy to a comprehensive treatment approach managing everything from addiction and co-occuring disorders, ranging from substance/alcohol use disorders, to depression, PTSD, anxiety, pain, OCD, and treatment resistant disorders. He provides outpatient & inpatient medical detox, as Medical Director of Huntington Hospital's CDRC Department.
Kristine Mbamalu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burbank, CA 91503 (Online Only)
My name is Kristine Mbamalu. I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with prescribing privileges and proficiency managing children, adolescents, and adults. I am licensed in the state of California and provide psychiatric evaluations, individual therapy, and medication management.
My name is Kristine Mbamalu. I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with prescribing privileges and proficiency managing children, adolescents, and adults. I am licensed in the state of California and provide psychiatric evaluations, individual therapy, and medication management.
The Mindful Lemon Marriage and Family Therapy INC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Burbank, CA 91502 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Jack Mkroyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Dr. Bacchus is highly-skilled, warm, well-regarded. Empathy, compassion and understanding buttress all evaluations. She is board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine, psychosomatic medicine and geriatric psychiatry. Integrative psychiatry is a biopsychosocial approach to total health. Functional capability and full mind and body health restoration is the goal. This approach is comprehensive, simple, fast and highly customized for each patient. Dr. Bacchus is able to help you identify the core issues of difficulty and address them with medication assisted treatment and psychotherapy in the quickest and easiest way possible.
Dr. Bacchus is highly-skilled, warm, well-regarded. Empathy, compassion and understanding buttress all evaluations. She is board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine, psychosomatic medicine and geriatric psychiatry. Integrative psychiatry is a biopsychosocial approach to total health. Functional capability and full mind and body health restoration is the goal. This approach is comprehensive, simple, fast and highly customized for each patient. Dr. Bacchus is able to help you identify the core issues of difficulty and address them with medication assisted treatment and psychotherapy in the quickest and easiest way possible.
Christopher Khoshoryan is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2020. He completed his undergraduate degree at UC Irvine, received his medical degree at St. George’s University, and completed his residency training in Psychiatry at Pontiac General Hospital. Christopher brings a patient-centered, empathetic approach to helping people. He believes in using evidence-based practices to assist patients through a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Christopher’s clinical competence, compassionate demeanor, and communication skills help patients achieve better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Christopher Khoshoryan is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2020. He completed his undergraduate degree at UC Irvine, received his medical degree at St. George’s University, and completed his residency training in Psychiatry at Pontiac General Hospital. Christopher brings a patient-centered, empathetic approach to helping people. He believes in using evidence-based practices to assist patients through a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Christopher’s clinical competence, compassionate demeanor, and communication skills help patients achieve better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
Renewed Mental Health Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MD, PMHNP, LMFT, ADHD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91202
Are you or your loved ones struggling with sadness, anxiety, concentration or another mental health concern that is negatively impacting your work, health, or personal life? If so, you have made the first step towards making a positive change. At Renewed Mental Health Group, we have specialty providers trained in treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, & other mental health disorders. We place emphasis with treating each client and their family with respect, comfort, and professionalism. We focus on the needs of our patients and tailors our treatment plan to keep everyone informed.
Are you or your loved ones struggling with sadness, anxiety, concentration or another mental health concern that is negatively impacting your work, health, or personal life? If so, you have made the first step towards making a positive change. At Renewed Mental Health Group, we have specialty providers trained in treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, & other mental health disorders. We place emphasis with treating each client and their family with respect, comfort, and professionalism. We focus on the needs of our patients and tailors our treatment plan to keep everyone informed.
Dr. Kyle P. Smith is a Harvard-educated, Cornell-educated, UCLA-trained psychiatrist in Los Angeles. He has an office in Los Feliz. He is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also offers ketamine therapy for several conditions.
Dr. Kyle P. Smith is a Harvard-educated, Cornell-educated, UCLA-trained psychiatrist in Los Angeles. He has an office in Los Feliz. He is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). He also offers ketamine therapy for several conditions.
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.
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.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
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.
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91202 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Accepting New Patients - Knarik Oganesyan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner in California, who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in 1999 from People's Friendship University of Russia, and has more than 20 total years of medical experience. Knarik is passionate about using her experience as a primary care provider, in order to do a comprehensive assessment of her client and find the root cause of their mental health symptoms. She employs a solution-focused approach, and advocates for lifestyle interventions, relevant to her client's symptoms.
Accepting New Patients - Knarik Oganesyan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner in California, who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in 1999 from People's Friendship University of Russia, and has more than 20 total years of medical experience. Knarik is passionate about using her experience as a primary care provider, in order to do a comprehensive assessment of her client and find the root cause of their mental health symptoms. She employs a solution-focused approach, and advocates for lifestyle interventions, relevant to her client's symptoms.
See more therapy options for 91501
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 91501
< 10
Psychiatrists in 91501 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
67% | Addiction |
67% | Grief |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Anthem |
How Psychiatrists in 91501 see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 91501?
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.