Psychiatrists in 92563

Photo of Tolulope Adedayo, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP
Tolulope Adedayo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP
Online Only
Tolulope is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience. She has worked in the primary care setting, internal medicine, geriatric, and psychiatry within community-based practices, telehealth, and clinics. She transitioned from primary care to psychiatry in order to provide compassionate, informed, and effective care for a growing population of underserved clients with psychiatric disorders. Dr. Tolu is a provider with integrity and compassion whose vision is to listen to the clients, guide them and ensure they reach their optimal quality of life.
Tolulope is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience. She has worked in the primary care setting, internal medicine, geriatric, and psychiatry within community-based practices, telehealth, and clinics. She transitioned from primary care to psychiatry in order to provide compassionate, informed, and effective care for a growing population of underserved clients with psychiatric disorders. Dr. Tolu is a provider with integrity and compassion whose vision is to listen to the clients, guide them and ensure they reach their optimal quality of life.
(951) 262-8322 View (951) 262-8322
Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, Psychiatrist, MD
WellPsyche Medical Group
Psychiatrist, MD
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!
(951) 577-1231 View (951) 577-1231
Photo of Noja Onuoha, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, MSN
Noja Onuoha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, MSN
Murrieta, CA 92563
I help children, teens, and adults who feel stuck in anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental health challenges. Rooted in my Christian faith, I partner with patients who are ready to get to the root, not just manage symptoms. While medication can be a helpful tool, it’s never my only approach. I take a holistic view of healing—addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being to support lasting change. I'm intentional about who I work with because I care deeply about results and long-term transformation. If you're ready to do the work, I’m ready to walk with you.
I help children, teens, and adults who feel stuck in anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental health challenges. Rooted in my Christian faith, I partner with patients who are ready to get to the root, not just manage symptoms. While medication can be a helpful tool, it’s never my only approach. I take a holistic view of healing—addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being to support lasting change. I'm intentional about who I work with because I care deeply about results and long-term transformation. If you're ready to do the work, I’m ready to walk with you.
(951) 336-8656 View (951) 336-8656
Photo of Liza P Alvarado, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CNP
Liza P Alvarado
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Thank you for taking the time to read my page, and for considering me to help you on your mental health journey. I am a seasoned behavioral health professional that offers holistic care with over 20 years of nursing experience. With dual board certifications and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, I provide comprehensive psychiatric care, fostering a caring, and compassionate approach, promoting wellness and positive mental health outcomes.
Thank you for taking the time to read my page, and for considering me to help you on your mental health journey. I am a seasoned behavioral health professional that offers holistic care with over 20 years of nursing experience. With dual board certifications and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, I provide comprehensive psychiatric care, fostering a caring, and compassionate approach, promoting wellness and positive mental health outcomes.
(575) 900-5675 View (575) 900-5675
Photo of Rebecca Dorne, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Rebecca Dorne
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Online Only
Outstanding psychiatric care is catered to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
Outstanding psychiatric care is catered to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
(310) 361-3903 View (310) 361-3903
Photo of Catvy Nguyen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Catvy Nguyen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
(714) 627-4057 View (714) 627-4057
Photo of Samir Hamed, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Serves Area
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 Allied Healers, 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.
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 Allied Healers, 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.
(619) 404-2859 View (619) 404-2859
Photo of Carolyn Love, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, MFT
Carolyn Love
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, MFT
Serves Area
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 Charles Scribner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C
Charles Scribner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Charles Scribner, PMHNP-C, is a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience, committed to supporting patients and their families through challenging times. He earned his Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Azusa Pacific University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Charles Scribner, PMHNP-C, is a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience, committed to supporting patients and their families through challenging times. He earned his Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Azusa Pacific University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
(951) 425-4157 View (951) 425-4157

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Heather Saltos, Psychiatrist, MD
Heather Saltos
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
I am a Child Psychiatrist residing in San Diego, CA. I love working with children, teens and their families. I understand the struggle of finding a good mental health provider and I am here to help. I have my board certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from Dartmouth University and am Adult certified as well. I am family oriented, have 3 children of my own, and value both therapy and medication management strategies. There is not a one step approach for treatment and I tailor my management on a patient by patient basis.If you or your family member are struggling, please do not hesitate to reach to reach out.
I am a Child Psychiatrist residing in San Diego, CA. I love working with children, teens and their families. I understand the struggle of finding a good mental health provider and I am here to help. I have my board certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from Dartmouth University and am Adult certified as well. I am family oriented, have 3 children of my own, and value both therapy and medication management strategies. There is not a one step approach for treatment and I tailor my management on a patient by patient basis.If you or your family member are struggling, please do not hesitate to reach to reach out.
(858) 358-6956 View (858) 358-6956
Photo of Tara Zamani, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Tara Zamani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Originally from Tehran, Iran, I grew up in a culturally vibrant environment before moving to the United States after high school. I speak Farsi and English fluently. My early experiences attending an international school and learning English helped me connect with students from various cultures and backgrounds, broadening my understanding of diversity and significantly influencing my professional development. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, I have extensive expertise as both a nutritionist and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Originally from Tehran, Iran, I grew up in a culturally vibrant environment before moving to the United States after high school. I speak Farsi and English fluently. My early experiences attending an international school and learning English helped me connect with students from various cultures and backgrounds, broadening my understanding of diversity and significantly influencing my professional development. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, I have extensive expertise as both a nutritionist and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
(424) 304-0915 View (424) 304-0915
Photo of Mariam Fazil, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Corona, CA 92881
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.
(209) 439-5177 View (209) 439-5177
Photo of Ryan Thebo, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
3 Endorsed
Riverside, CA 92505
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
(888) 909-8676 View (888) 909-8676
Photo of Sana L Johnson Quijada, Psychiatrist, MD
Sana L Johnson Quijada
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
Welcome to Our Practice We understand that seeking help can be a big step, and we're here to support you. Our dedicated team of mental health professionals specializes in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns. We offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs, helping you navigate life's challenges with medication management to help find your path to wellness. Choosing the right provider is crucial, and we prioritize creating a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard and respected. Let us guide you on your journey to better mental health.
Welcome to Our Practice We understand that seeking help can be a big step, and we're here to support you. Our dedicated team of mental health professionals specializes in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns. We offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs, helping you navigate life's challenges with medication management to help find your path to wellness. Choosing the right provider is crucial, and we prioritize creating a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard and respected. Let us guide you on your journey to better mental health.
(951) 501-0362 View (951) 501-0362
Photo of Venita Ninemire, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Venita Ninemire
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family nurse practitioner. I am trained and experienced in helping you manage your mental health medication needs. I enjoy cooking, baking, laughing, and working with people. Like many of you, my house is messy, but my guests feel welcome, and my kids all know where to find the ice cream and snacks. Let me get to know and help you.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family nurse practitioner. I am trained and experienced in helping you manage your mental health medication needs. I enjoy cooking, baking, laughing, and working with people. Like many of you, my house is messy, but my guests feel welcome, and my kids all know where to find the ice cream and snacks. Let me get to know and help you.
(209) 243-1717 View (209) 243-1717
Photo of Mehdi Bubba Thomas, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Mehdi Bubba Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Online Only
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(949) 868-0326 View (949) 868-0326
Photo of Fady Boules - Fady Boules: Depression, Anxiety & ADHD Expert, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Fady Boules: Depression, Anxiety & ADHD Expert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Serves Area
I have built my practice over the years on the “3 Cs”, Compassionate, Conservative and Collaborative Care. I strive to deliver compassionate care to ensure that my patients feel and know that they are heard. I always practice conservatively to ensure the patient is comfortable, safe and to avoid creating any substance dependency. Lastly, I believe in collaborating with my patient to ensure that they are participating in their own treatment plan. ****Please Note, We do not check emails on this website. Please refrain from emailing us, and call the office on the provided number to ensure being seen in a timely manner. Thank you.
I have built my practice over the years on the “3 Cs”, Compassionate, Conservative and Collaborative Care. I strive to deliver compassionate care to ensure that my patients feel and know that they are heard. I always practice conservatively to ensure the patient is comfortable, safe and to avoid creating any substance dependency. Lastly, I believe in collaborating with my patient to ensure that they are participating in their own treatment plan. ****Please Note, We do not check emails on this website. Please refrain from emailing us, and call the office on the provided number to ensure being seen in a timely manner. Thank you.
(909) 707-6261 View (909) 707-6261
Photo of Michelle Hanna, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Michelle Hanna
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Oceanside, CA 92054
I am passionate about meeting my clients where they are at and I approach psychiatric appointments holistically, knowing the importance of the mind body connection. I ensure the care I provide is client-centered and collaborative because I know that working with my clients as a team helps us to achieve our shared goals. I provide medication management in a therapeutic setting and I use my education, experience, and genuine curiosity to learn and grow every day.
I am passionate about meeting my clients where they are at and I approach psychiatric appointments holistically, knowing the importance of the mind body connection. I ensure the care I provide is client-centered and collaborative because I know that working with my clients as a team helps us to achieve our shared goals. I provide medication management in a therapeutic setting and I use my education, experience, and genuine curiosity to learn and grow every day.
(442) 218-2603 View (442) 218-2603
Photo of Adaljiza Tavera, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Adaljiza Tavera
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Online Only
I am passionately led to psychiatry because I cherish this personal approach to medicine and thrive in the process of building relationships with patients. I am dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to my patients.
I am passionately led to psychiatry because I cherish this personal approach to medicine and thrive in the process of building relationships with patients. I am dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to my patients.
(877) 515-8113 View (877) 515-8113
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist, MD
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
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!
(323) 615-1407 View (323) 615-1407

See more therapy options for 92563

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 92563

< 10

Psychiatrists in 92563 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Bipolar Disorder
89% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
89% Sleep or Insomnia
78% Medication Management

Average years in practice

16 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
89% Oxford

How Psychiatrists in 92563 see their clients

56% Online Only
44% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 92563?

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.