Psychiatrists in 94061

My mission is to provide state-of-the-art psychiatric care that combines a collaborative, warm approach with the most effective practices in psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. My focus is on helping relieve distress caused by anxiety, mood disturbances, obsessions, insomnia and other symptoms. Common therapy goals are to help with a difficult life transition, improve relationships, break maladaptive patterns or deepen personal understanding. Many of my clients are young adults adapting to life in/after college, raising a family, or juggling challenging careers. Compassionate, empowering care truly can help.
My mission is to provide state-of-the-art psychiatric care that combines a collaborative, warm approach with the most effective practices in psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. My focus is on helping relieve distress caused by anxiety, mood disturbances, obsessions, insomnia and other symptoms. Common therapy goals are to help with a difficult life transition, improve relationships, break maladaptive patterns or deepen personal understanding. Many of my clients are young adults adapting to life in/after college, raising a family, or juggling challenging careers. Compassionate, empowering care truly can help.

Hello! I'm a Stanford and University of California trained child & adolescent & adult psychiatrist in a small, concierge-style practice. I work with a therapy dog who helps my patients to feel safe and comfortable. I have special interests in trauma-related disorders, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, warm, patient-centered, and therapy-oriented. When prescribing medication I practice based on the latest scientific evidence, so that my patients have the highest chance of meeting their mental health goals without unnecessary side effects. I connect especially well with teens and young adults.
Hello! I'm a Stanford and University of California trained child & adolescent & adult psychiatrist in a small, concierge-style practice. I work with a therapy dog who helps my patients to feel safe and comfortable. I have special interests in trauma-related disorders, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, warm, patient-centered, and therapy-oriented. When prescribing medication I practice based on the latest scientific evidence, so that my patients have the highest chance of meeting their mental health goals without unnecessary side effects. I connect especially well with teens and young adults.

Quick availability. Stanford-trained. 100% virtual. Dr. Clarissa Doi is a Stanford-trained, double board-certified physician with extensive experience in providing compassionate, evidence-based care. She has valuable experience at prestigious academic centers and organizations, including Kaiser Permanente and Lyra Health.
Quick availability. Stanford-trained. 100% virtual. Dr. Clarissa Doi is a Stanford-trained, double board-certified physician with extensive experience in providing compassionate, evidence-based care. She has valuable experience at prestigious academic centers and organizations, including Kaiser Permanente and Lyra Health.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I approach psychiatric care with a holistic perspective and a focus on your overall well-being. My practice is grounded in psychotropic medication management, bolstered by a commitment to your lifestyle, diet, exercise, and daily habits. I specialize in caring for individuals aged 18 to 65, with a focus on psychotropic medication management. I am most comfortable treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and Panic Disorder.

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problems with attention, are in a life transition, experiencing trauma and its consequences, or have wishes for a greater sense of authenticity, my 30 years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist and psychotherapist has convinced me that a good relationship with a mental health provider can help you understand, accept and value your unique story. I believe it is my passion for this work that has led me to be selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America" for 20 straight years.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problems with attention, are in a life transition, experiencing trauma and its consequences, or have wishes for a greater sense of authenticity, my 30 years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist and psychotherapist has convinced me that a good relationship with a mental health provider can help you understand, accept and value your unique story. I believe it is my passion for this work that has led me to be selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America" for 20 straight years.

Happy to help you use meds as one piece of a much larger puzzle. Self-compassion and a thoughtful approach can help you shift from overwhelm to peace. I’m passionate about using transformational states (psychedelics, brainspotting, breathwork) to learn more about ourselves. I’m a Stanford-trained psychiatrist specializing in working women with ADHD, anxiety, and depression - offering medications & more (supplements, exercise, nutrition, mind-body skills) in a way that is warm, detailed, and thorough. We'll consider your life, and all that makes you unique when making discerning decisions together.
Happy to help you use meds as one piece of a much larger puzzle. Self-compassion and a thoughtful approach can help you shift from overwhelm to peace. I’m passionate about using transformational states (psychedelics, brainspotting, breathwork) to learn more about ourselves. I’m a Stanford-trained psychiatrist specializing in working women with ADHD, anxiety, and depression - offering medications & more (supplements, exercise, nutrition, mind-body skills) in a way that is warm, detailed, and thorough. We'll consider your life, and all that makes you unique when making discerning decisions together.

1) Double Board Certified: Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine — trained under Dr Anna Lembke at Stanford University, author of Dopamine Nation. I believe in re-sensitizing dopamine receptors through putting in hard work, leading to more energy, focus, and fulfillment.
1) Double Board Certified: Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine — trained under Dr Anna Lembke at Stanford University, author of Dopamine Nation. I believe in re-sensitizing dopamine receptors through putting in hard work, leading to more energy, focus, and fulfillment.

My name is Nicole Miller, and I am a double-board-certified nurse practitioner. I am certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have found that patients are more compliant with their treatment plan if they participate in their care. Each patient receives individualized treatment plans and participates in care decisions from the first visit. I also utilize a multi-disciplinary approach in my practice.
My name is Nicole Miller, and I am a double-board-certified nurse practitioner. I am certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have found that patients are more compliant with their treatment plan if they participate in their care. Each patient receives individualized treatment plans and participates in care decisions from the first visit. I also utilize a multi-disciplinary approach in my practice.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

DON'T MISS work to see your psychiatrist! I work outside of regular business hours (esp. early mornings and late evenings) which works extremely well for the busy professionals population I take care of... I am a Yale and Washington University-trained double-board certified psychiatrist accepting new patients as I just launched my online practice and work exclusively online. I am happy to treat any mental health problem. I do not provide prescriptions for controlled substances due to restrictions related to practicing over telemedicine but if needed I can make recommendations to your Primary Care Physician.
DON'T MISS work to see your psychiatrist! I work outside of regular business hours (esp. early mornings and late evenings) which works extremely well for the busy professionals population I take care of... I am a Yale and Washington University-trained double-board certified psychiatrist accepting new patients as I just launched my online practice and work exclusively online. I am happy to treat any mental health problem. I do not provide prescriptions for controlled substances due to restrictions related to practicing over telemedicine but if needed I can make recommendations to your Primary Care Physician.

Licensed CA & VA
Persons suffering emotional illness often are hesitant to trust others. Yet they must bridge this gap if they're toreceive help. It's an evolving process that is made easier by encountering and interacting with empathetic, engaged, and experienced professionals. In addition, those professionals must be flexible, open-eared as well as open-minded if they truly desire to understand the person they're trying to help. This process begins at the first appointment when a psychiatrist must help the seeker answer the most important of questions: Can we really talk? Can I trust him? Can he help me? Will he help me?
Licensed CA & VA
Persons suffering emotional illness often are hesitant to trust others. Yet they must bridge this gap if they're toreceive help. It's an evolving process that is made easier by encountering and interacting with empathetic, engaged, and experienced professionals. In addition, those professionals must be flexible, open-eared as well as open-minded if they truly desire to understand the person they're trying to help. This process begins at the first appointment when a psychiatrist must help the seeker answer the most important of questions: Can we really talk? Can I trust him? Can he help me? Will he help me?

Hello, I am a board-certified psychiatrist trained to work with both adults and children, offering in-person services on Saturdays and evenings in the north Oakland/Berkeley area. My practice includes comprehensive assessments, customized interventions, and tailored treatments to assist individuals and families in navigating a wide spectrum of emotional and behavioral challenges. I have a particular focus on autism, anxiety, and trauma, providing support through parent coaching, psycho-dynamic and CBT-oriented therapy, and thoughtful medication management when appropriate.
Hello, I am a board-certified psychiatrist trained to work with both adults and children, offering in-person services on Saturdays and evenings in the north Oakland/Berkeley area. My practice includes comprehensive assessments, customized interventions, and tailored treatments to assist individuals and families in navigating a wide spectrum of emotional and behavioral challenges. I have a particular focus on autism, anxiety, and trauma, providing support through parent coaching, psycho-dynamic and CBT-oriented therapy, and thoughtful medication management when appropriate.

Jacquelyn Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP, APRN, BSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Hi! I am Jackie. I have been helping clients who are overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, panic episodes, trauma or PSTD, bipolar or personality disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Hi! I am Jackie. I have been helping clients who are overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, panic episodes, trauma or PSTD, bipolar or personality disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.

Dr. Vazirian is a compassionate psychiatrist who deeply cares about his patient’s health and well-being. He is a kind and expert listener and works closely with each of his patients to develop a detailed treatment plan just for them. He is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist with deep knowledge and expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of mental health and emotional conditions using medications and psychotherapy.
Dr. Vazirian is a compassionate psychiatrist who deeply cares about his patient’s health and well-being. He is a kind and expert listener and works closely with each of his patients to develop a detailed treatment plan just for them. He is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist with deep knowledge and expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of mental health and emotional conditions using medications and psychotherapy.

The Happiness Psychiatrist | Sheenie Ambardar MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Have you ever found yourself zoning out during meetings, struggling to finish chores, or losing track of time? These could all be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It's not about being lazy - it's actually related to your brain's executive functioning, which affects your ability to focus, plan, and organize. As an award-winning psychiatrist with 17+ years of experience successfully treating Adult ADHD, I offer a personalized approach that goes beyond managing symptoms. With the right diagnosis & treatment, you can expect improved focus, less distractibility, and a renewed sense of happiness & vitality.
Have you ever found yourself zoning out during meetings, struggling to finish chores, or losing track of time? These could all be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It's not about being lazy - it's actually related to your brain's executive functioning, which affects your ability to focus, plan, and organize. As an award-winning psychiatrist with 17+ years of experience successfully treating Adult ADHD, I offer a personalized approach that goes beyond managing symptoms. With the right diagnosis & treatment, you can expect improved focus, less distractibility, and a renewed sense of happiness & vitality.

I am dual-certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I practice integrative psychiatric care which is a whole-person approach to health that combines conventional medications with science-based complementary therapies and functional medicine testing when appropriate. My approach is recovery-focused, emphasizing overall wellness beyond just managing symptoms. I provide support in psychotherapy and in developing core health habits, such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, mind-body practices, substance use management, healthy sexuality, and building sustainable habits.
I am dual-certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I practice integrative psychiatric care which is a whole-person approach to health that combines conventional medications with science-based complementary therapies and functional medicine testing when appropriate. My approach is recovery-focused, emphasizing overall wellness beyond just managing symptoms. I provide support in psychotherapy and in developing core health habits, such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, mind-body practices, substance use management, healthy sexuality, and building sustainable habits.

Melinda Cuthbert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I have a passion for helping people live their best lives through accurate diagnosis, supportive therapy and evidence-based treatments in psychiatric care. I respect the courage and commitment it requires to present for care. I partner with you and bring over 30 years in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatry to help you meet your life goals. Developing innovative programs in technology and medical companies taught me strategies to support breaking large life issues into actionable items which can be addressed by Cognitive Behavior Therapy and other evidence-based interventions.
I have a passion for helping people live their best lives through accurate diagnosis, supportive therapy and evidence-based treatments in psychiatric care. I respect the courage and commitment it requires to present for care. I partner with you and bring over 30 years in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatry to help you meet your life goals. Developing innovative programs in technology and medical companies taught me strategies to support breaking large life issues into actionable items which can be addressed by Cognitive Behavior Therapy and other evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Lee Dockery serves as a general pscyhiatry provider for Talkiatry since joining in August 2022. He is board-eligible with expected certification in fall 2022, with further addiction psychiatry board-certification expected in 2023. He has been training and practicing psychiatry since 2018. Dr. Dockery’s practice emphasizes medication management within a therapy-informed framework, utilizing skills from Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness based therapies, motivation interviewing, and supportive therapy. Typically, he offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits.
Dr. Lee Dockery serves as a general pscyhiatry provider for Talkiatry since joining in August 2022. He is board-eligible with expected certification in fall 2022, with further addiction psychiatry board-certification expected in 2023. He has been training and practicing psychiatry since 2018. Dr. Dockery’s practice emphasizes medication management within a therapy-informed framework, utilizing skills from Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness based therapies, motivation interviewing, and supportive therapy. Typically, he offers 60-minute new visits and 30-minute follow-up visits.

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.

We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!

Brian Licorish is an adult psychiatrist. His path towards psychiatry began as an undergraduate at Harvard University where he majored in Neurobiology and minored in Music. He subsequently attended medical school at the University of Southern California and completed psychiatry residency at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. During residency, he was described by a clinical advisor as an “outstanding resident overall”. He was noted to approach work with “curiosity, intellectual rigor, diligence, and empathy”.
Brian Licorish is an adult psychiatrist. His path towards psychiatry began as an undergraduate at Harvard University where he majored in Neurobiology and minored in Music. He subsequently attended medical school at the University of Southern California and completed psychiatry residency at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. During residency, he was described by a clinical advisor as an “outstanding resident overall”. He was noted to approach work with “curiosity, intellectual rigor, diligence, and empathy”.
See more therapy options for 94061
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 94061
< 10
Psychiatrists in 94061 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
88% | Stress |
75% | Sleep or Insomnia |
75% | Medication Management |
63% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
16 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Anthem |
How Psychiatrists in 94061 see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 94061?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.