Psychiatrists in 94561

Photo of Chinenye Loveth Chukwu, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chinenye Loveth Chukwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakley, CA 94561
Life can feel overwhelming, and finding the right support is essential. At Clear Minds, LLC, I provide a safe, compassionate space to help you process emotions, explore your thoughts, and create meaningful change. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I use a personalized, evidence-based approach to meet your unique needs. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer therapy and medication management to support your mental and emotional well-being. Together, we’ll develop a plan to help you build resilience and achieve clarity and balance.
Life can feel overwhelming, and finding the right support is essential. At Clear Minds, LLC, I provide a safe, compassionate space to help you process emotions, explore your thoughts, and create meaningful change. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I use a personalized, evidence-based approach to meet your unique needs. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer therapy and medication management to support your mental and emotional well-being. Together, we’ll develop a plan to help you build resilience and achieve clarity and balance.
(803) 658-1108 View (803) 658-1108
Photo of Ify Ofodile - Alpha Health Services, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Alpha Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakley, CA 94561
Are you feeling down, sad, unhappy? Ask me how I can help because mental health is also a priority. Thus, respecting and understanding one's belief is among my strongest qualities because being empathetic, listening and building trust helps to bridge the gap in accessing mental health services. My strong clinical skills, such as listening, communication, empathy, and building trust with my clients, are my assets to bridge the gap in accessing mental health services.
Are you feeling down, sad, unhappy? Ask me how I can help because mental health is also a priority. Thus, respecting and understanding one's belief is among my strongest qualities because being empathetic, listening and building trust helps to bridge the gap in accessing mental health services. My strong clinical skills, such as listening, communication, empathy, and building trust with my clients, are my assets to bridge the gap in accessing mental health services.
(202) 972-2295 View (202) 972-2295
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.
(909) 570-8602 View (909) 570-8602
Photo of Tiffany Figuero, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tiffany Figuero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Hello, My name is Tiffany. I specialize in medication management for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, weight loss, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I am compassionate and I am here to help.
Hello, My name is Tiffany. I specialize in medication management for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, weight loss, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I am compassionate and I am here to help.
(925) 794-4973 View (925) 794-4973

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Rashmi Parmar, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Rashmi Parmar
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Dr. Rashmi Parmar is a dual board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Parmar's treatment philosophy involves making patients and their families feel heard and understood while tailoring their treatment goals. She educates her patients to make well-informed treatment choices and believes in achieving the overall well-being of an individual rather than targeting the illness itself.
Dr. Rashmi Parmar is a dual board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Parmar's treatment philosophy involves making patients and their families feel heard and understood while tailoring their treatment goals. She educates her patients to make well-informed treatment choices and believes in achieving the overall well-being of an individual rather than targeting the illness itself.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Nathaniel Altavas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nathaniel Altavas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi, I am Nathan Altavas, a dual board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and family medicine with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. I believe in providing care that is both supportive and practical, working with you to find the right treatment plan. I take a holistic, patient-centered approach, believing in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I focus on creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. We’ll team up to build a plan that helps you manage challenges while also focusing on your overall well-being and what matters most to you.
Hi, I am Nathan Altavas, a dual board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and family medicine with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. I believe in providing care that is both supportive and practical, working with you to find the right treatment plan. I take a holistic, patient-centered approach, believing in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I focus on creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. We’ll team up to build a plan that helps you manage challenges while also focusing on your overall well-being and what matters most to you.
(510) 945-4383 View (510) 945-4383
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence based medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence based medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
(341) 999-4148 View (341) 999-4148
Photo of Dr. Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Kailee Marin
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Online Only
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(925) 966-2264 View (925) 966-2264
Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
(916) 237-9585 View (916) 237-9585
Photo of Sarah Leiderman, PA-C , Physician Assistant
Sarah Leiderman
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
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!
(650) 649-6285 View (650) 649-6285
Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ronil Shah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
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Photo of Uzma Khan, MD, ABPN, ABOM, Psychiatrist
Uzma Khan
Psychiatrist, MD, ABPN, ABOM
Verified Verified
Alamo, CA 94507
I specialize in integrative Metabolic & Menopause Psychiatry. Metabolic dysfunction is often linked to depression, ADHD, anxiety, menopause and other mental health conditions. I offer tailored program packages for individuals managing psychiatric illnesses in a supportive, non-traditional setting, ensuring a holistic approach to both mental and metabolic wellness. My comprehensive care includes treatments for weight loss and maintenance, all focused on achieving mental health stability. I am all about smashing the stigma of having mental illness and it starts with having my clinic available in a non-traditional setting.
I specialize in integrative Metabolic & Menopause Psychiatry. Metabolic dysfunction is often linked to depression, ADHD, anxiety, menopause and other mental health conditions. I offer tailored program packages for individuals managing psychiatric illnesses in a supportive, non-traditional setting, ensuring a holistic approach to both mental and metabolic wellness. My comprehensive care includes treatments for weight loss and maintenance, all focused on achieving mental health stability. I am all about smashing the stigma of having mental illness and it starts with having my clinic available in a non-traditional setting.
(925) 578-3538 View (925) 578-3538
Photo of Inderpreet Dhillon, MD, MBA, Psychiatrist
Inderpreet Dhillon
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi! I’m a Licensed Adult Psychiatrist based in California with over 17 years of experience, trained at Mount Sinai Medical Center. My philosophy centers on building trust with my patients, as I believe that physicians must treat people, not just diseases. Psychiatry is rapidly evolving, and a key part of my role is to make mental health care less mysterious through education.
Hi! I’m a Licensed Adult Psychiatrist based in California with over 17 years of experience, trained at Mount Sinai Medical Center. My philosophy centers on building trust with my patients, as I believe that physicians must treat people, not just diseases. Psychiatry is rapidly evolving, and a key part of my role is to make mental health care less mysterious through education.
(209) 780-0446 View (209) 780-0446
Photo of Sridevi Banka, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sridevi Banka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi, I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a diverse educational and clinical background. I hold a Master's Degree from UCSF. I have extensive experience in diagnosing, prescribing and treating a variety of psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, trauma, sleep disorders, ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders. Over the years, I worked with diverse patient population in several hospital settings(in-patient, out-patient, Crisis Stabilization and Psychiatric Emergency Room) and treated mild-severe mental disorders.
Hi, I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a diverse educational and clinical background. I hold a Master's Degree from UCSF. I have extensive experience in diagnosing, prescribing and treating a variety of psychiatric disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, trauma, sleep disorders, ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders. Over the years, I worked with diverse patient population in several hospital settings(in-patient, out-patient, Crisis Stabilization and Psychiatric Emergency Room) and treated mild-severe mental disorders.
(341) 895-7305 View (341) 895-7305
Photo of Janice C Ivie - JJM Integrative Health, Advanced Nursing Inc, PMHNP, NANCC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
JJM Integrative Health, Advanced Nursing Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NANCC
Verified Verified
Vacaville, CA 95688
So often we are advised of what we need to do to make change in our lives, but we are not advised how to make that happen. I enjoy helping people learn how to apply the needed changes and make them sustainable. No matter the struggle, we can make a plan for change. We will spend time learning the struggles together and personalize a plan with focus on integrative practices and we will do so in a clear and very attainable way.
So often we are advised of what we need to do to make change in our lives, but we are not advised how to make that happen. I enjoy helping people learn how to apply the needed changes and make them sustainable. No matter the struggle, we can make a plan for change. We will spend time learning the struggles together and personalize a plan with focus on integrative practices and we will do so in a clear and very attainable way.
(707) 587-2374 View (707) 587-2374
Photo of Amarpreet Gill, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Amarpreet Gill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Amarpreet is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps adults with psychiatric disorders. Her approach to therapy is holistic, patient-centered, and evidence-based, using medication management, vitamin supplements, and lifestyle modifications.
Amarpreet is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps adults with psychiatric disorders. Her approach to therapy is holistic, patient-centered, and evidence-based, using medication management, vitamin supplements, and lifestyle modifications.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Valerie Tutson - Mindful Health Solutions - Valerie Tutson, MD, Psychiatrist
Mindful Health Solutions - Valerie Tutson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Fairfield, CA 94533
I am a Board-Certified, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist with a focus on depression including young adult-onset depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related issues. I have always stayed engaged and in-tune with the cutting edge of psychiatry and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a newer technology that allows patients with depression to improve when they may have given up hope of normal functioning and a better baseline.
I am a Board-Certified, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist with a focus on depression including young adult-onset depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related issues. I have always stayed engaged and in-tune with the cutting edge of psychiatry and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a newer technology that allows patients with depression to improve when they may have given up hope of normal functioning and a better baseline.
(628) 200-4015 View (628) 200-4015
Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist
Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, double board certified in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. I conduct legal / forensic / psychiatric evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), diagnostic psychiatric evaluations, competency evaluations, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, cognitive evaluations, immigration evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychiatric evaluations / assessments.
(831) 401-4823 View (831) 401-4823
Photo of Ngozi Onyenuforo, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ngozi Onyenuforo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I'm Ngozi Onyenuforo, a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) 95022632. My approach to care is holistic, integrating evidence-based treatment with a faith-based, Christian perspective. I specialize in medication management and therapy for mood disorders, anxiety, and co-occurring conditions, and I am committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower you on your path to mental wellness while honoring your faith and values.
Hello, I'm Ngozi Onyenuforo, a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) 95022632. My approach to care is holistic, integrating evidence-based treatment with a faith-based, Christian perspective. I specialize in medication management and therapy for mood disorders, anxiety, and co-occurring conditions, and I am committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower you on your path to mental wellness while honoring your faith and values.
(747) 207-4569 View (747) 207-4569
Photo of Pamela Giacalone, MD, Psychiatrist
Pamela Giacalone
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
While I am comfortable with managing medications when clinically necessary, my primary treatment modality is psychodynamic therapy. My approach is straightforward and warm, and I am flexible about the structure of sessions. Some patients appreciate coaching and education, while others find meaning in more open-minded and abstract discussions. I am especially interested in working with patients with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, binge eating disorder, and/or alcohol abuse, and I am skilled in helping women cope with emotional changes associated with pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause.
While I am comfortable with managing medications when clinically necessary, my primary treatment modality is psychodynamic therapy. My approach is straightforward and warm, and I am flexible about the structure of sessions. Some patients appreciate coaching and education, while others find meaning in more open-minded and abstract discussions. I am especially interested in working with patients with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, binge eating disorder, and/or alcohol abuse, and I am skilled in helping women cope with emotional changes associated with pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause.
(925) 297-1779 View (925) 297-1779

See more therapy options for 94561

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 94561

< 10

Psychiatrists in 94561 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Bipolar Disorder
75% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
75% Sleep or Insomnia
75% Alcohol Use

Average years in practice

3 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% Oxford

How Psychiatrists in 94561 see their clients

75% In Person and Online
25% Online Only

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 94561?

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.