Psychiatrists in 93001

Photo of Dominique Sanders, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
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.
(805) 303-7974 View (805) 303-7974
Photo of Gol Ara, Psychiatrist, MD
Gol Ara
Psychiatrist, MD
Ventura, CA 93001
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
(562) 620-5558 View (562) 620-5558
Photo of Sabira Saifuddin - Family Psychiatry - Counseling & Wellness, Psychiatrist, MD
Family Psychiatry - Counseling & Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
(805) 341-3416 View (805) 341-3416
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
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.
(805) 439-8139 View (805) 439-8139
Photo of Ryan Blum, Psychiatrist, MD
Ryan Blum
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in private practice in Portland, OR who provides care in Oregon (in-person and telemedicine) and California (telemedicine only).
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in private practice in Portland, OR who provides care in Oregon (in-person and telemedicine) and California (telemedicine only).
(971) 459-0274 View (971) 459-0274
Photo of Ronald D Sager, Psychiatrist, MD
Ronald D Sager
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Dr. Sager studied at UCLA in General Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry where he did research studies in child development and attachment disorders in infancy. He remains an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA. He started his private practice in 1967 in General and Child Psychiatry and after five years returned to the LA Psychoanalytic Institute to receive special training in intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Dr. Sager's practice branched out to inpatient work with adults, children and adolescents.
Dr. Sager studied at UCLA in General Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry where he did research studies in child development and attachment disorders in infancy. He remains an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA. He started his private practice in 1967 in General and Child Psychiatry and after five years returned to the LA Psychoanalytic Institute to receive special training in intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Dr. Sager's practice branched out to inpatient work with adults, children and adolescents.
(818) 296-0777 View (818) 296-0777
Photo of Daniel Chandler, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Daniel Chandler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
My name is Daniel Chandler. I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. My focus is on those suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. I am comfortable treating all conditions within my specialty. My therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and compassion focused. I use motivational interviewing, with supportive care, to address all of your goals. I want to help you find the right medication regimen at the lowest dose that works for you.
My name is Daniel Chandler. I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. My focus is on those suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. I am comfortable treating all conditions within my specialty. My therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and compassion focused. I use motivational interviewing, with supportive care, to address all of your goals. I want to help you find the right medication regimen at the lowest dose that works for you.
(760) 823-8152 View (760) 823-8152
Photo of Michael Ferguson, Psychiatrist, MD
Michael Ferguson
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
Dr. Michael M. Ferguson is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 1981. He received Board Certification in Psychiatry by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University (summa cum laude), and completed his Medical Degree and Psychiatric Residency at UCLA. Dr. Ferguson provides medication evaluation and ongoing monitoring. He has extensive experience working with clients who have “Dual Diagnosis” (psychiatric conditions along with substance use disorders).
Dr. Michael M. Ferguson is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 1981. He received Board Certification in Psychiatry by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University (summa cum laude), and completed his Medical Degree and Psychiatric Residency at UCLA. Dr. Ferguson provides medication evaluation and ongoing monitoring. He has extensive experience working with clients who have “Dual Diagnosis” (psychiatric conditions along with substance use disorders).
(805) 919-8232 View (805) 919-8232
Photo of Dr. Sanjay Masson, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Sanjay Masson
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
Dr. Sanjay Masson is a dedicated psychiatrist at LifeStance Health in California, specializing in helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate complex mental health challenges. Serving patients across the state, Dr. Masson provides comprehensive care with a focus on accurate diagnosis and personalized psychopharmacology interventions. With extensive experience working in both private practice and various clinical settings, including inpatient and residential care, he is committed to listening carefully to his patients and their families, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to meet each individual's unique needs.
Dr. Sanjay Masson is a dedicated psychiatrist at LifeStance Health in California, specializing in helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate complex mental health challenges. Serving patients across the state, Dr. Masson provides comprehensive care with a focus on accurate diagnosis and personalized psychopharmacology interventions. With extensive experience working in both private practice and various clinical settings, including inpatient and residential care, he is committed to listening carefully to his patients and their families, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to meet each individual's unique needs.
(805) 323-9614 View (805) 323-9614

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Julie Curry Schreiner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Julie Curry Schreiner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Online Only
Is your child or adolescent needing mental health support? As a doctor of nursing practice, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and a family nurse practitioner, I have focused my career on integrative psychiatric care to children and adolescents. My professional goal is for families, children, and adolescent clients to feel supported and understood throughout their mental health journey. Through therapeutic support and medication management, I hope to meet the needs of every child and adolescent client I meet.
Is your child or adolescent needing mental health support? As a doctor of nursing practice, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and a family nurse practitioner, I have focused my career on integrative psychiatric care to children and adolescents. My professional goal is for families, children, and adolescent clients to feel supported and understood throughout their mental health journey. Through therapeutic support and medication management, I hope to meet the needs of every child and adolescent client I meet.
(805) 262-9350 View (805) 262-9350
Photo of Jane Li, Psychiatrist, MD
Jane Li
Psychiatrist, MD
Ventura, CA 93003
As a board-certified, UCLA-trained psychiatrist, I provide care for adult patients, treating a range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, eating disorders. I completed a Mood Disorders Fellowship at UCLA treating bipolar patients. I also received extensive training in experiential psychodynamic therapy and other therapy modalities through the years. I am able to offer therapy to supplement medication management when patients see a need, for both the patients' convenience and a more rounded treatment experience.
As a board-certified, UCLA-trained psychiatrist, I provide care for adult patients, treating a range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, eating disorders. I completed a Mood Disorders Fellowship at UCLA treating bipolar patients. I also received extensive training in experiential psychodynamic therapy and other therapy modalities through the years. I am able to offer therapy to supplement medication management when patients see a need, for both the patients' convenience and a more rounded treatment experience.
(805) 283-6074 View (805) 283-6074
Photo of Benedicta Osuji, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Benedicta Osuji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
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) 998-5039 View (949) 998-5039
Photo of Gia Nevel - Gia Nevel - Cura Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Gia Nevel - Cura Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Gia is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has worked in a variety of settings including behavioral health, acute care, and addiction treatment. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from UC Berkeley, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing summa cum laude from West Coast University. Subsequently, she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the same institution. Gia is board-certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in Advanced Practice Nursing for Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan.
Gia is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has worked in a variety of settings including behavioral health, acute care, and addiction treatment. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from UC Berkeley, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing summa cum laude from West Coast University. Subsequently, she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the same institution. Gia is board-certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in Advanced Practice Nursing for Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan.
(424) 364-2042 View (424) 364-2042
Photo of Dominique Sanders, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
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.
(714) 599-8634 View (714) 599-8634
Photo of Michael Polda, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Michael Polda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91361
As a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to assist adults with anxiety, depression, or the unique challenges of aging. If you need a compassionate, understanding provider to help you navigate your mental health journey I am here to help. I will partner with you in finding relief from your symptoms, improving your quality of life, and developing effective coping strategies. I provide accessible, timely care to facilitate your mental wellness journey through listening, understanding, and providing personalized solutions.
As a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to assist adults with anxiety, depression, or the unique challenges of aging. If you need a compassionate, understanding provider to help you navigate your mental health journey I am here to help. I will partner with you in finding relief from your symptoms, improving your quality of life, and developing effective coping strategies. I provide accessible, timely care to facilitate your mental wellness journey through listening, understanding, and providing personalized solutions.
(805) 870-9438 View (805) 870-9438
Photo of Margaret Coffey, Psychiatrist, MD
Margaret Coffey
Psychiatrist, MD
Ojai, CA 93023
I am a psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. I am trained in psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, relational psychotherapy, and attachment-focused therapy, and am certified in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT). My work focuses on treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, personality disorders, and attachment-related difficulties. I integrate medication management when appropriate, always working collaboratively to create a plan that fits each individual’s unique story and goals.
I am a psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, psychological, and relational challenges. I am trained in psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, relational psychotherapy, and attachment-focused therapy, and am certified in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT). My work focuses on treating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, personality disorders, and attachment-related difficulties. I integrate medication management when appropriate, always working collaboratively to create a plan that fits each individual’s unique story and goals.
(805) 467-7182 View (805) 467-7182
Photo of Mariam Fazil, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
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.
(805) 387-6790 View (805) 387-6790
Photo of Holly Jacobson - Jacobson Community Mental Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Jacobson Community Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Moorpark, CA 93021
Utilizing evidence-based practices with medication and non-pharmacologic approaches—including psychotherapy—speeds recovery and patients feel better faster. Dr. Jacobson's treatment process is a two-way collaboration based on empathy and judgment-free care in a tailored mental health wellness plan. Every client is unique and we will work together to help achieve your goals in your quest for mental wellness.
Utilizing evidence-based practices with medication and non-pharmacologic approaches—including psychotherapy—speeds recovery and patients feel better faster. Dr. Jacobson's treatment process is a two-way collaboration based on empathy and judgment-free care in a tailored mental health wellness plan. Every client is unique and we will work together to help achieve your goals in your quest for mental wellness.
(805) 457-0916 View (805) 457-0916
Photo of Ines Kaplan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Ines Kaplan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of dedicated healthcare experience. My career began in hospital and home care settings, and for the past 8 years, I have served as a nurse practitioner, specializing in psychiatric and family healthcare. My focus is on helping individuals navigate the complexities of mental health, including conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, OCD, and stress stemming from various sources.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of dedicated healthcare experience. My career began in hospital and home care settings, and for the past 8 years, I have served as a nurse practitioner, specializing in psychiatric and family healthcare. My focus is on helping individuals navigate the complexities of mental health, including conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, OCD, and stress stemming from various sources.
(818) 798-9689 View (818) 798-9689
Photo of Dr. Waqar Zuberi, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Waqar Zuberi
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
Accepting New Patients - Welcome to Bonmente! We accept all major insurances. 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. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!
Accepting New Patients - Welcome to Bonmente! We accept all major insurances. 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. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!
(805) 624-3578 View (805) 624-3578

See more therapy options for 93001

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 93001

< 10

Psychiatrists in 93001 who prioritize treating:

78% Depression
78% Anxiety
78% ADHD
78% Bipolar Disorder
78% Medication Management
67% Trauma and PTSD
56% Psychosis

Average years in practice

13 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

88% Aetna
88% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
75% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in 93001 see their clients

67% In Person and Online
33% Online Only

Gender breakdown

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

How can I find a psychiatrist in 93001?

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.