Psychiatrists in 92081

My name is Suzanne Simmons. I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I treat patients of all ages. I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years. I spent most of my nursing career as an Intensive Care RN. I've always held an interest in helping those that are the most vulnerable. I chose psychiatry to help people achieve the best version of themselves. During my evaluation you will expect a thorough assessment including an extensive personal history and lab testing.
My name is Suzanne Simmons. I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I treat patients of all ages. I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years. I spent most of my nursing career as an Intensive Care RN. I've always held an interest in helping those that are the most vulnerable. I chose psychiatry to help people achieve the best version of themselves. During my evaluation you will expect a thorough assessment including an extensive personal history and lab testing.

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.

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!

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!

I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.

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!

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Dr. Parthasarathy graduated from Kempegowda Institute of Medical Science, Bangalore University, India in 1992. He practiced general medicine in India from 1992 to 2000. Dr. Parthasarathy completed General Psychiatry Residency in 2006 and Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. He also served as a Chief Resident during Child Fellowship training. Dr. Parthasarathy has extensive experience in treating children and adolescents.
Dr. Parthasarathy graduated from Kempegowda Institute of Medical Science, Bangalore University, India in 1992. He practiced general medicine in India from 1992 to 2000. Dr. Parthasarathy completed General Psychiatry Residency in 2006 and Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. He also served as a Chief Resident during Child Fellowship training. Dr. Parthasarathy has extensive experience in treating children and adolescents.

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!

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.

I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.

My experience is with adults who suffer from mood disorders, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, ADD/ADHD and dementia. I have a special interest in geriatric psychiatry. I have provided services to patients in long term care, rehab, assisted living and memory care settings. I am also certified in cognitive screens if there is a concern for memory loss.
My experience is with adults who suffer from mood disorders, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, ADD/ADHD and dementia. I have a special interest in geriatric psychiatry. I have provided services to patients in long term care, rehab, assisted living and memory care settings. I am also certified in cognitive screens if there is a concern for memory loss.

Dr. Josefa Licas sees patients ages 18 to 64. Dr. Licas attended undergraduate school at University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Dr. Licas completed her medical degree in CEBU Doctors College of Medicine in Cebu, Philippines. She did community service such as outreach programs and medical missions for indigents before immigrating to the United States.
Dr. Josefa Licas sees patients ages 18 to 64. Dr. Licas attended undergraduate school at University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Dr. Licas completed her medical degree in CEBU Doctors College of Medicine in Cebu, Philippines. She did community service such as outreach programs and medical missions for indigents before immigrating to the United States.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Hello, my name is Angelica Luciano. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I was licensed in 2017. I use a bio-psycho-social framework. Understanding that psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, the effects of certain medications, or genetic predisposition. I incorporate multiple modalities, including medication management, education, and brief supportive therapeutic interventions to treat you as a unique individual and not a textbook. I treat adults, typically between the ages of 18-60, for a broad range of psychiatric conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
Hello, my name is Angelica Luciano. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I was licensed in 2017. I use a bio-psycho-social framework. Understanding that psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, the effects of certain medications, or genetic predisposition. I incorporate multiple modalities, including medication management, education, and brief supportive therapeutic interventions to treat you as a unique individual and not a textbook. I treat adults, typically between the ages of 18-60, for a broad range of psychiatric conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.

Ryan helps patients with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression. He has a holistic approach to treatment and collaborates with patients to create treatment plans.
Ryan helps patients with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression. He has a holistic approach to treatment and collaborates with patients to create treatment plans.

Jennifer Kalia-Overlie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I continue to become inspired by witnessing the amazing strength and motivation that each person holds in bettering their lives. I take pride in supporting clients in their journey to wellness and improved mental health. I firmly believe in holistic treatment, addressing the health of the mind, body and spirit. Through thoughtful use of medication, psychotherapy, and education, I aspire to design a treatment plan that fits each person’s lifestyle and personal beliefs.
I continue to become inspired by witnessing the amazing strength and motivation that each person holds in bettering their lives. I take pride in supporting clients in their journey to wellness and improved mental health. I firmly believe in holistic treatment, addressing the health of the mind, body and spirit. Through thoughtful use of medication, psychotherapy, and education, I aspire to design a treatment plan that fits each person’s lifestyle and personal beliefs.

Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!

Dr. Elijah Kim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PsychNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
We are born to be successful, happy, and enjoy every moment while living on earth, but that is a dream or fantasy in most cases. However, we are here to overcome obstacles preventing us from achieving our dreams and to make fantasies a reality. Life is full of surprises and challenges. Many are experiencing Depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a variety of other psychosocial stressors. It will be a privilege if I can assist those who need to alleviate their emotional pain and improve their daily functions.
We are born to be successful, happy, and enjoy every moment while living on earth, but that is a dream or fantasy in most cases. However, we are here to overcome obstacles preventing us from achieving our dreams and to make fantasies a reality. Life is full of surprises and challenges. Many are experiencing Depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a variety of other psychosocial stressors. It will be a privilege if I can assist those who need to alleviate their emotional pain and improve their daily functions.

Mindwell Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP, APRN, BSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temecula, CA 92592
MindWell Mental Health Services is a psychiatric clinic in Wildomar providing in-person and online mental health consultation, mental health counseling, psychiatric medication management, and therapy for adults, teenagers, and children struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety, addiction, and more. While based in Wildomar, MindWell also offers virtual and face-to-face mental health consultations in Murrieta, Temecula, Riverside County, and throughout California.
MindWell Mental Health Services is a psychiatric clinic in Wildomar providing in-person and online mental health consultation, mental health counseling, psychiatric medication management, and therapy for adults, teenagers, and children struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety, addiction, and more. While based in Wildomar, MindWell also offers virtual and face-to-face mental health consultations in Murrieta, Temecula, Riverside County, and throughout California.

Joseph Wurbel, D.O., attended the University of San Diego for his undergraduate degree prior to matriculating at Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thereafter he moved to Fort Lauderdale to receive residency training in General Adult Psychiatry at University Hospital. Desiring to further specialize his care for children, adolescents, and transitional age youth, he completed his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship and served as Chief Fellow at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC Medical Center.
Joseph Wurbel, D.O., attended the University of San Diego for his undergraduate degree prior to matriculating at Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thereafter he moved to Fort Lauderdale to receive residency training in General Adult Psychiatry at University Hospital. Desiring to further specialize his care for children, adolescents, and transitional age youth, he completed his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship and served as Chief Fellow at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC Medical Center.
See more therapy options for 92081
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 92081
10+
Psychiatrists in 92081 who prioritize treating:
85% | Depression |
85% | Anxiety |
85% | ADHD |
85% | Trauma and PTSD |
77% | Bipolar Disorder |
69% | Medication Management |
62% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
17 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in 92081 see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 92081?
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.