Psychiatrists in 94121

Photo of Joe Walker, MD, Psychiatrist
Joe Walker
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dr. Walker is a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of psychiatric disorders in adults and the geriatric population. Board-certified in psychiatry, he demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care.
Dr. Walker is a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of psychiatric disorders in adults and the geriatric population. Board-certified in psychiatry, he demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care.
(628) 257-7785 View (628) 257-7785
Photo of Takeo Toyoshima, MD, Psychiatrist
Takeo Toyoshima
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
I am a Yale, UCLA and UCSF-trained addiction psychiatrist. I provide confidential, evidence-based treatment for mental health issues and addictions, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, tobacco, cannabis, and behavioral addictions like internet, gaming, and gambling. These are NOT moral or character failings, but rather medical conditions that can affect anyone at any time, from any walk of life, with oftentimes serious personal, relational, and professional consequences. Though validated treatments exist, these are often underutilized due to medical providers’ discomfort, lack of education, and/or stigma.
I am a Yale, UCLA and UCSF-trained addiction psychiatrist. I provide confidential, evidence-based treatment for mental health issues and addictions, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, tobacco, cannabis, and behavioral addictions like internet, gaming, and gambling. These are NOT moral or character failings, but rather medical conditions that can affect anyone at any time, from any walk of life, with oftentimes serious personal, relational, and professional consequences. Though validated treatments exist, these are often underutilized due to medical providers’ discomfort, lack of education, and/or stigma.
(628) 300-3719 View (628) 300-3719
Photo of Andrea Ament, MD, Psychiatrist
Andrea Ament
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dr. Ament, a psychiatrist with training from Stanford, specializes in addressing psychiatric disorders in adults. She holds dual board certifications in Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine (Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry).
Dr. Ament, a psychiatrist with training from Stanford, specializes in addressing psychiatric disorders in adults. She holds dual board certifications in Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine (Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry).
(650) 523-9702 View (650) 523-9702
Photo of Swapnil Khurana, MD, Psychiatrist
Swapnil Khurana
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dr. Swapnil Khurana is an experienced and board-certified psychiatrist and psychosomatic medicine specialist who brings over a decade of expertise to her practice. She is committed to delivering high-quality care to her patients and providing them with the best possible treatment options. Her dedication and passion for her field make her a valuable asset to the healthcare community.
Dr. Swapnil Khurana is an experienced and board-certified psychiatrist and psychosomatic medicine specialist who brings over a decade of expertise to her practice. She is committed to delivering high-quality care to her patients and providing them with the best possible treatment options. Her dedication and passion for her field make her a valuable asset to the healthcare community.
(650) 353-9749 View (650) 353-9749
Photo of Vidushi Savant, MD, Psychiatrist
Vidushi Savant
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dr. Savant specializes in addressing comorbid psychiatric disorders in individuals with medical illnesses. She holds dual board certifications in Psychosomatic Medicine and General Psychiatry since 2013.
Dr. Savant specializes in addressing comorbid psychiatric disorders in individuals with medical illnesses. She holds dual board certifications in Psychosomatic Medicine and General Psychiatry since 2013.
(650) 640-0613 View (650) 640-0613
Photo of Mariana Schmajuk, MD, Psychiatrist
Mariana Schmajuk
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dr. Mariana Schmajuk is a dual board-certified psychiatrist who earned her MD from the Boston University School of Medicine in 2012. She completed her General Adult Psychiatry Residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident. In 2017, she pursued a Consult-Liaison fellowship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Schmajuk strives to provide comprehensive mental health services tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Dr. Mariana Schmajuk is a dual board-certified psychiatrist who earned her MD from the Boston University School of Medicine in 2012. She completed her General Adult Psychiatry Residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident. In 2017, she pursued a Consult-Liaison fellowship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Schmajuk strives to provide comprehensive mental health services tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
(650) 675-2087 View (650) 675-2087
Photo of Laurence Tecott, MD, Psychiatrist
Laurence Tecott
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dr. Tecott holds the prestigious position of Professor Emeritus at UCSF, where he served as the Maurice Eliaser Professor in Molecular Biology and Genetics in the Department of Psychiatry within the School of Medicine. Additionally, he is affiliated with the Neuroscience Program and Biomedical Sciences Program at UCSF. Dr. Tecott is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, showcasing his expertise and commitment to the field.
Dr. Tecott holds the prestigious position of Professor Emeritus at UCSF, where he served as the Maurice Eliaser Professor in Molecular Biology and Genetics in the Department of Psychiatry within the School of Medicine. Additionally, he is affiliated with the Neuroscience Program and Biomedical Sciences Program at UCSF. Dr. Tecott is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, showcasing his expertise and commitment to the field.
(650) 750-7362 View (650) 750-7362
Photo of Tirath Gill, MD, Psychiatrist
Tirath Gill
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have been in practice for over 25 years serving patients and communities in different roles. I believe in keeping the patient’s concerns front and center when making treatment plans and it delights me to see them get better. I believe many individuals are capable of brilliant insights that can bring lasting joy and peace in their lives. I believe in the great potential of cognitive behavior therapy and other therapies. Sometimes therapy works even better when combined with the right psychiatric medication. I enjoy working with other clinicians on collaborative care.
I have been in practice for over 25 years serving patients and communities in different roles. I believe in keeping the patient’s concerns front and center when making treatment plans and it delights me to see them get better. I believe many individuals are capable of brilliant insights that can bring lasting joy and peace in their lives. I believe in the great potential of cognitive behavior therapy and other therapies. Sometimes therapy works even better when combined with the right psychiatric medication. I enjoy working with other clinicians on collaborative care.
(669) 213-1256 View (669) 213-1256
Photo of Ryuko Ishikawa, MD, Psychiatrist
Ryuko Ishikawa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dr. Ishikawa Dr. Ishikawa is an internationally acclaimed, bilingual psychiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience and dual licensure in the United States and Japan. She is a champion of contemporary psychiatric methods, including Family Systems Psychotherapy and telepsychiatry. Her extensive global training and advanced independent research give her a unique perspective on modern psychiatry. Dr. Ishikawa was instrumental in establishing Japan's first psychiatric hospital for children and has held leadership roles as Medical Chief of Psychiatry and Vice President in major hospital systems.
Dr. Ishikawa Dr. Ishikawa is an internationally acclaimed, bilingual psychiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience and dual licensure in the United States and Japan. She is a champion of contemporary psychiatric methods, including Family Systems Psychotherapy and telepsychiatry. Her extensive global training and advanced independent research give her a unique perspective on modern psychiatry. Dr. Ishikawa was instrumental in establishing Japan's first psychiatric hospital for children and has held leadership roles as Medical Chief of Psychiatry and Vice President in major hospital systems.
(650) 844-0631 View (650) 844-0631
Photo of Lindsey Hughes, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lindsey Hughes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have been in the healthcare field for 10 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient, acute care psychiatric rehab, and residential treatment facilities. I use a comprehensive method of caring for patients and realize therapeutic medications work in combination with psychotherapy. I take a non-judgmental and compassionate approach and believe patients should be partners in their care and have choices.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have been in the healthcare field for 10 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient, acute care psychiatric rehab, and residential treatment facilities. I use a comprehensive method of caring for patients and realize therapeutic medications work in combination with psychotherapy. I take a non-judgmental and compassionate approach and believe patients should be partners in their care and have choices.
(619) 485-6360 View (619) 485-6360
Photo of Manisha Ram Punwani, MD, Psychiatrist
Manisha Ram Punwani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Finding a Board Certified Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, one who approaches treatment from an evidence based clinical, holistic, developmental and systems based (family, school, etc) perspective is challenging. I am committed to improving lives of children, adolescents and their families. I specialize in Autism, Anxiety and OCD disorders. I treat these through Cognitive Behavioral, Exposure Response Prevention, Family or Parent Behavioral Management therapies with or without psychotropic medications. I incorporate mindfulness, psychoeducation, sensory and complimentary interventions as appropriate.
Finding a Board Certified Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, one who approaches treatment from an evidence based clinical, holistic, developmental and systems based (family, school, etc) perspective is challenging. I am committed to improving lives of children, adolescents and their families. I specialize in Autism, Anxiety and OCD disorders. I treat these through Cognitive Behavioral, Exposure Response Prevention, Family or Parent Behavioral Management therapies with or without psychotropic medications. I incorporate mindfulness, psychoeducation, sensory and complimentary interventions as appropriate.
(415) 599-4349 View (415) 599-4349
Photo of Bay Area Anxiety Specialist Tracy Foose, MD, Psychiatrist
Bay Area Anxiety Specialist Tracy Foose
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I spent much of the past decade overseeing an anxiety-focused clinical program at UCSF and teaching about the neuroscience of fear and anxiety at the school of medicine. So when I decided to build a psychiatry practice closer to home, I knew I wanted to continue that specialty focus in my own community.
I spent much of the past decade overseeing an anxiety-focused clinical program at UCSF and teaching about the neuroscience of fear and anxiety at the school of medicine. So when I decided to build a psychiatry practice closer to home, I knew I wanted to continue that specialty focus in my own community.
(415) 891-4958 View (415) 891-4958
Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
(415) 480-2963 View (415) 480-2963
Photo of Alejandro Perez - Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
(415) 993-9269 View (415) 993-9269

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Michael Perez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michael Perez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I graduated from University of California, San Francisco, where I obtained a Master of Science in Nursing as a PMHNP. Prior to this, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from California State University, Fullerton.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I graduated from University of California, San Francisco, where I obtained a Master of Science in Nursing as a PMHNP. Prior to this, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from California State University, Fullerton.
(650) 897-5593 View (650) 897-5593
Dr. Shannon Peterson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Dr. Shannon Peterson is a board-certified psychiatrist and has been with Mindpath Health since 2016. Dr. Peterson completed her psychiatric residency at Boston University Medical Center.
Dr. Shannon Peterson is a board-certified psychiatrist and has been with Mindpath Health since 2016. Dr. Peterson completed her psychiatric residency at Boston University Medical Center.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Dr. Anoopinder Singh, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Anoopinder Singh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Dr. Anoopinder Singh has been with Mindpath Health since 2014. Originally from Punjab, India, Dr. Singh has a holistic, collaborative, and culturally competent approach to mental health care. He emphasizes wellness and quality of life by integrating conventional and complementary treatments. He has a special interest in working with transitional-age youth, biological treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and providing gender-affirming and LGBTQIA+ mental health care. Dr. Singh’s research focuses on the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in mental health.
Dr. Anoopinder Singh has been with Mindpath Health since 2014. Originally from Punjab, India, Dr. Singh has a holistic, collaborative, and culturally competent approach to mental health care. He emphasizes wellness and quality of life by integrating conventional and complementary treatments. He has a special interest in working with transitional-age youth, biological treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and providing gender-affirming and LGBTQIA+ mental health care. Dr. Singh’s research focuses on the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in mental health.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Lindsey Hughes, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lindsey Hughes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have been in the healthcare field for 10 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient, acute care psychiatric rehab, and residential treatment facilities. I use a comprehensive method of caring for patients and realize therapeutic medications work in combination with psychotherapy. I take a non-judgmental and compassionate approach and believe patients should be partners in their care and have choices.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have been in the healthcare field for 10 years. I have experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient, acute care psychiatric rehab, and residential treatment facilities. I use a comprehensive method of caring for patients and realize therapeutic medications work in combination with psychotherapy. I take a non-judgmental and compassionate approach and believe patients should be partners in their care and have choices.
(619) 558-2477 View (619) 558-2477
Photo of Angela A Chijioke - Angela Chijioke DNP, PMHNP, DNP, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angela Chijioke DNP, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
I embrace a holistic approach that recognizes each patient as a unique individual with physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic syndrome, psychoses, mood disorders, and medication management. I am committed to providing patient-centered care that addresses immediate health concerns and considers the broader context of the patient's life. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. I obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
I embrace a holistic approach that recognizes each patient as a unique individual with physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic syndrome, psychoses, mood disorders, and medication management. I am committed to providing patient-centered care that addresses immediate health concerns and considers the broader context of the patient's life. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. I obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from Brandman University in Irvine, California.
(909) 377-4157 View (909) 377-4157
Photo of Max Burns, MD, Psychiatrist
Max Burns
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fairfax, CA 94930
I offer evidence based psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. My therapy approach is a mix of genuine humanism, evidence based (CBT, DBT. RO-DBT) strategies and mindfulness. I strive to be validating, non-judgmental and warm while collaboratively helping you get the tools you need to reach your valued-goals in life.
I offer evidence based psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. My therapy approach is a mix of genuine humanism, evidence based (CBT, DBT. RO-DBT) strategies and mindfulness. I strive to be validating, non-judgmental and warm while collaboratively helping you get the tools you need to reach your valued-goals in life.
(650) 239-6279 View (650) 239-6279

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 94121

10+

Average cost per session

$380

Psychiatrists in 94121 who prioritize treating:

100% Anxiety
93% ADHD
93% Bipolar Disorder
93% Medication Management
86% Depression
79% Trauma and PTSD
71% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

20 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% TRICARE

How Psychiatrists in 94121 see their clients

86% In Person and Online
14% Online Only

Gender breakdown

62% Female
38% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 94121?

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.