Psychiatrists in 92407

Photo of Angela A Chijioke - Angela Chijioke DNP, PMHNP, DNP, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angela Chijioke DNP, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
I embrace a holistic approach that recognizes each patient as a unique individual with physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic syndrome, psychoses, mood disorders, and medication management. I am committed to providing patient-centered care that addresses immediate health concerns and considers the broader context of the patient's life. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. I obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
I embrace a holistic approach that recognizes each patient as a unique individual with physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic syndrome, psychoses, mood disorders, and medication management. I am committed to providing patient-centered care that addresses immediate health concerns and considers the broader context of the patient's life. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. I obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
(909) 377-4157 View (909) 377-4157
Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
(760) 359-9311 View (760) 359-9311
Photo of Dr. Chidinma G Nwankwo, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Chidinma G Nwankwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Chidinma is a skilled Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University and a Master’s in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health specialization from Walden University. With experience caring for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, she provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.
Chidinma is a skilled Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University and a Master’s in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health specialization from Walden University. With experience caring for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, she provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.
(310) 272-5049 View (310) 272-5049
Photo of Brittnai Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brittnai Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
My name is Brittnai Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 12 years of experience in the field of Psychiatry. I use a person-centered approach to therapy and have a broad focus, such as Trauma, LGBTQ+, Mood Disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and many others! I use person-centered care to create a safe, non-judgmental environment and cater to each person for an individualized treatment plan.
My name is Brittnai Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 12 years of experience in the field of Psychiatry. I use a person-centered approach to therapy and have a broad focus, such as Trauma, LGBTQ+, Mood Disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and many others! I use person-centered care to create a safe, non-judgmental environment and cater to each person for an individualized treatment plan.
(650) 547-1150 View (650) 547-1150
Photo of Dr. Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
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!
(424) 396-0545 View (424) 396-0545
Photo of Dr. Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
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!
(424) 396-1109 View (424) 396-1109

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Ernest Takang, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ernest Takang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello! Are you having mental health issues? Are you attempting to maintain harmony with your general well-being? I am a mental health professional with board certification (PMHNP-BC).
Hello! Are you having mental health issues? Are you attempting to maintain harmony with your general well-being? I am a mental health professional with board certification (PMHNP-BC).
(951) 501-4897 View (951) 501-4897
Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(951) 419-4162 View (951) 419-4162
Photo of Rudy Roque, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rudy Roque
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
(510) 491-9295 View (510) 491-9295
Photo of Shabana Haxton - Body and Soul Health Center, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Body and Soul Health Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Corona, CA 92881
At Body and Soul Health Center, we are passionate about health education, wellness, and preventive medicine. We facilitate healing by combining a patient -centered approach with evidence-based research.
At Body and Soul Health Center, we are passionate about health education, wellness, and preventive medicine. We facilitate healing by combining a patient -centered approach with evidence-based research.
(909) 584-3421 View (909) 584-3421
Photo of Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Online Only
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
(951) 210-7990 View (951) 210-7990
Photo of April Bodily, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
April Bodily
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
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.
(760) 487-7393 View (760) 487-7393
Photo of Ana Popoca-Logue, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ana Popoca-Logue
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Online Only
We cannot escape pain & suffering, as they are part of the human condition; however, we can help alleviate their burden. Emotional pain and physical pain are often intertwined, thus a holistic approach is beneficial when dealing with mental conditions. Much has been written about human suffering, and of our collective quest to help one another; I believe our best tools are a caring brain & listening heart to hear you, understand you, assist you. This is your life. YOU are in the driver's seat; I will be your co-pilot, your guide, your listening ear... depending on YOUR needs. How can I help?
We cannot escape pain & suffering, as they are part of the human condition; however, we can help alleviate their burden. Emotional pain and physical pain are often intertwined, thus a holistic approach is beneficial when dealing with mental conditions. Much has been written about human suffering, and of our collective quest to help one another; I believe our best tools are a caring brain & listening heart to hear you, understand you, assist you. This is your life. YOU are in the driver's seat; I will be your co-pilot, your guide, your listening ear... depending on YOUR needs. How can I help?
(657) 301-4112 View (657) 301-4112
Photo of Benedicta Osuji, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Benedicta Osuji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience in managing mental health challenges across the lifespan. My practice involves working with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I hold a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix and a Doctorate in Nursing Science with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience in managing mental health challenges across the lifespan. My practice involves working with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I hold a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix and a Doctorate in Nursing Science with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
(949) 785-2966 View (949) 785-2966
Photo of Porsha M Peterson, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Porsha M Peterson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am dedicated to helping you achieve mental wellness through a balanced approach that integrates both medication management and holistic care. I understand that each person is unique, and I tailor treatment to meet your individual needs, working collaboratively with you to support your goals and improve your quality of life. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, I aim to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to help you thrive.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am dedicated to helping you achieve mental wellness through a balanced approach that integrates both medication management and holistic care. I understand that each person is unique, and I tailor treatment to meet your individual needs, working collaboratively with you to support your goals and improve your quality of life. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, I aim to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to help you thrive.
(213) 668-7131 View (213) 668-7131
Photo of Carolyn Love, PhD, PMHNP, MFT, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Carolyn Love
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, MFT
Verified Verified
Riverside, CA 92501
Compassionate and mission-driven, Carolyn is a dual certified MFT and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a plethora of experience with outpatient psychiatric evaluations, evidence-based psychopharmacology, and collaborative care within multidisciplinary teams. She is committed to providing ethical and competent services to individuals, couples, and families. She is also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, advocating for patients, and staying up to date with advancements in psychiatric care.
Compassionate and mission-driven, Carolyn is a dual certified MFT and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a plethora of experience with outpatient psychiatric evaluations, evidence-based psychopharmacology, and collaborative care within multidisciplinary teams. She is committed to providing ethical and competent services to individuals, couples, and families. She is also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, advocating for patients, and staying up to date with advancements in psychiatric care.
(909) 442-4376 View (909) 442-4376
Photo of Alexa Brozick, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Alexa Brozick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ontario, CA 91762
In this fast paced world, it can be very easy to fall into the habit of putting our own needs and mental health on the back burner. Eventually, overwhelming feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety start to feel like the new norm. What if I told you that it didn’t always have to feel that way? What if I told you that there was someone else who wants to put your needs and your mental health first? My name is Alexa Brozick and as a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in anxiety, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and ADHD, my goal is to provide all of my patients with comprehensive, holistic care.
In this fast paced world, it can be very easy to fall into the habit of putting our own needs and mental health on the back burner. Eventually, overwhelming feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety start to feel like the new norm. What if I told you that it didn’t always have to feel that way? What if I told you that there was someone else who wants to put your needs and your mental health first? My name is Alexa Brozick and as a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in anxiety, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and ADHD, my goal is to provide all of my patients with comprehensive, holistic care.
(909) 371-5873 View (909) 371-5873
Photo of Dr. Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
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!
(424) 361-1966 View (424) 361-1966
Photo of Kemerick Takang, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kemerick Takang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board-certified mental health practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Master's degree in mental health. I conduct mental health assessments and evaluations and treat and manage individuals with mental health concerns through psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
I am a board-certified mental health practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Master's degree in mental health. I conduct mental health assessments and evaluations and treat and manage individuals with mental health concerns through psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
(657) 571-3895 View (657) 571-3895
Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Riverside, CA 92505
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.
(951) 904-6189 View (951) 904-6189

See more therapy options for 92407

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 92407

< 10

Psychiatrists in 92407 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
100% Bipolar Disorder
83% Sleep or Insomnia
67% Grief

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
83% Oxford

How Psychiatrists in 92407 see their clients

100% Online Only

Gender breakdown

60% Female
40% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 92407?

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

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

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

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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