Psychiatrists in 96120

Photo of Mariam Onikosi Offers Same-Day Scheduling, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Mariam Onikosi Offers Same-Day Scheduling
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Mariam Onikosi is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She graduated from Walden University. She has a strong history of success in the treatment of psychiatric illness, medical and emotional illness including environmental, sociological, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders. She focuses on developing a personalized treatment plan while utilizing evidence-based pharmacological and non pharmacological modalities to support each client. The tools that I'll provide you with are tools that I have been perfecting over my career helping people just like you.
Mariam Onikosi is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She graduated from Walden University. She has a strong history of success in the treatment of psychiatric illness, medical and emotional illness including environmental, sociological, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders. She focuses on developing a personalized treatment plan while utilizing evidence-based pharmacological and non pharmacological modalities to support each client. The tools that I'll provide you with are tools that I have been perfecting over my career helping people just like you.
(469) 436-5582 View (469) 436-5582
Photo of Sade Woldegiorgis, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Sade Woldegiorgis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Mental health is a delicate and profoundly personal matter, and I understand the courage it takes to seek support. After years of working in mental health and specialising in integrative psychiatry, I began to realize how strong the link is between the mind and body. As your provider, my job is to guide you to strengthen that link to live a life that's worth living. In my daily practice, I incorporate my expertise in integrative psychiatry into the your lifestyle and treatment plan. I tailor my treatment to integrate traditional medication with complimentary, holistic techniques like supplements, self help books and nutrition.
Mental health is a delicate and profoundly personal matter, and I understand the courage it takes to seek support. After years of working in mental health and specialising in integrative psychiatry, I began to realize how strong the link is between the mind and body. As your provider, my job is to guide you to strengthen that link to live a life that's worth living. In my daily practice, I incorporate my expertise in integrative psychiatry into the your lifestyle and treatment plan. I tailor my treatment to integrate traditional medication with complimentary, holistic techniques like supplements, self help books and nutrition.
(951) 723-9716 View (951) 723-9716
Photo of Asana Aruna, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Asana Aruna
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Serves Area
Mental health is a delicate and profoundly personal matter, and I understand the courage it takes to seek support. After years of working in mental health and specialising in integrative psychiatry, I began to realize how strong the link is between the mind and body. As your provider, my job is to guide you to strengthen that link to live a life that's worth living. In my daily practice, I incorporate my expertise in integrative psychiatry into the your lifestyle and treatment plan. I tailor my treatment to integrate traditional medication with complimentary, holistic techniques like supplements, self help books and nutrition.
Mental health is a delicate and profoundly personal matter, and I understand the courage it takes to seek support. After years of working in mental health and specialising in integrative psychiatry, I began to realize how strong the link is between the mind and body. As your provider, my job is to guide you to strengthen that link to live a life that's worth living. In my daily practice, I incorporate my expertise in integrative psychiatry into the your lifestyle and treatment plan. I tailor my treatment to integrate traditional medication with complimentary, holistic techniques like supplements, self help books and nutrition.
(951) 900-3809 View (951) 900-3809

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Shannon Jones, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Shannon Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
My name is Shannon Jones and I am an Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a holistic focused, patient-centered provider who chooses to focus on the inner-healing ability of every person. My goal is to support clients on their journey to heal themselves utilizing both traditional and alternative methods. I am an Army veteran comfortable working with veterans, first responders, police, firefighters and other first-line trauma workers.
My name is Shannon Jones and I am an Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a holistic focused, patient-centered provider who chooses to focus on the inner-healing ability of every person. My goal is to support clients on their journey to heal themselves utilizing both traditional and alternative methods. I am an Army veteran comfortable working with veterans, first responders, police, firefighters and other first-line trauma workers.
(650) 684-1861 View (650) 684-1861
Photo of Dave Auluck - The Focus Doc, Psychiatrist, MD
The Focus Doc
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
(530) 270-3395 View (530) 270-3395
Photo of April Clark - Cornerstone Child and Adult Integrative Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Cornerstone Child and Adult Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Online Only
Here for children and adults. Specializing in anxiety, depression. Also treating ADHD and trauma responses. I am passionate about listening to YOUR story and providing specific personalized psychiatric treatments with both natural and evidence based pharmacologic options. I integrate the most up to date psychiatry treatments with natural supplementation along with feasible life style changes that help patients live more peacefully with less symptoms. Through added therapy I am here to help make a way to some normalcy and more peaceful functionings of daily living. Contact directly to verify insurances.
Here for children and adults. Specializing in anxiety, depression. Also treating ADHD and trauma responses. I am passionate about listening to YOUR story and providing specific personalized psychiatric treatments with both natural and evidence based pharmacologic options. I integrate the most up to date psychiatry treatments with natural supplementation along with feasible life style changes that help patients live more peacefully with less symptoms. Through added therapy I am here to help make a way to some normalcy and more peaceful functionings of daily living. Contact directly to verify insurances.
(530) 802-8007 View (530) 802-8007
Photo of Dr. Valeria Serban, Psychiatrist
Dr. Valeria Serban
Psychiatrist
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Dr. Valeria Serban is a board-certified psychiatrist with 20+ years of experience, offering telepsychiatry across New York. She specializes in geriatric psychiatry, providing personalized online psychiatric care for adults and seniors dealing with anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and mood disorders. As a geriatric psychiatrist in New York, she treats dementia, psychosis, and age-related mental health conditions with a tailored, compassionate approach. Her treatment plans are based on thorough medical, hormonal, and nutritional evaluations, ensuring holistic and effective support.
Dr. Valeria Serban is a board-certified psychiatrist with 20+ years of experience, offering telepsychiatry across New York. She specializes in geriatric psychiatry, providing personalized online psychiatric care for adults and seniors dealing with anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and mood disorders. As a geriatric psychiatrist in New York, she treats dementia, psychosis, and age-related mental health conditions with a tailored, compassionate approach. Her treatment plans are based on thorough medical, hormonal, and nutritional evaluations, ensuring holistic and effective support.
(760) 875-0518 View (760) 875-0518

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Melissa Fisher, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Melissa Fisher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Folsom, CA 95630
Melissa Fisher is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is committed to providing compassionate and empathetic care. She has been practicing medicine since 2003. Melissa is dual-certified as a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. After working several years in hematology/oncology, she transitioned into psychiatry and completed a post-master’s certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been working in psychiatry for 10+ years and has experience treating adults of all ages in inpatient/skilled nursing and outpatient settings.
Melissa Fisher is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is committed to providing compassionate and empathetic care. She has been practicing medicine since 2003. Melissa is dual-certified as a family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. After working several years in hematology/oncology, she transitioned into psychiatry and completed a post-master’s certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been working in psychiatry for 10+ years and has experience treating adults of all ages in inpatient/skilled nursing and outpatient settings.
(916) 571-1399 View (916) 571-1399
Photo of Angela Ofoegbu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Angela Ofoegbu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Sacramento, CA 95826
My ideal client is an adult struggling with psychiatric conditions or substance use concerns. They seek effective treatment that combines both conventional and complementary approaches, aiming for symptom relief, stability, and long-term well-being. They want a provider who listens, collaborates, and offers flexibility to fit their schedule.
My ideal client is an adult struggling with psychiatric conditions or substance use concerns. They seek effective treatment that combines both conventional and complementary approaches, aiming for symptom relief, stability, and long-term well-being. They want a provider who listens, collaborates, and offers flexibility to fit their schedule.
(844) 569-9956 View (844) 569-9956
Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Ronil Shah
Psychiatrist, MD
Stockton, CA 95207
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 April Bodily, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
April Bodily
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
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.
(760) 589-5881 View (760) 589-5881
Photo of Molly McKeen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Molly McKeen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Are you looking for support with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands? Are you seeking a provider who will listen, collaborate with you, and create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs? You might be hoping to feel more balanced, more in control, and more like yourself again. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, managing ongoing mental health challenges, or simply ready to prioritize your well-being, I’m here to partner with you on that journey.
Are you looking for support with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands? Are you seeking a provider who will listen, collaborate with you, and create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs? You might be hoping to feel more balanced, more in control, and more like yourself again. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, managing ongoing mental health challenges, or simply ready to prioritize your well-being, I’m here to partner with you on that journey.
(530) 429-8403 View (530) 429-8403
Photo of Carrie Wilson Friedman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Carrie Wilson Friedman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Roseville, CA 95678
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Functional and Integrative Psychiatry. My ideal client seeks a holistic, root-cause approach to mental health. I work with those who’ve had suboptimal outcomes, intolerable side effects, or feel unheard in traditional care. I offer longer, personalized visits with deep listening and individualized treatment. I also have specialized training and a passion for working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism and ADHD.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Functional and Integrative Psychiatry. My ideal client seeks a holistic, root-cause approach to mental health. I work with those who’ve had suboptimal outcomes, intolerable side effects, or feel unheard in traditional care. I offer longer, personalized visits with deep listening and individualized treatment. I also have specialized training and a passion for working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism and ADHD.
(916) 299-7244 View (916) 299-7244
Photo of Nikky Okonkwo, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Nikky Okonkwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Life happens, and there is a great need for a compassionate provider, who can listen and understand the journey and struggles of clients with mental health Disorders. Most clients are eager to feel better, but they often lack the necessary tools to achieve it. With a little boost of medication therapy and/or talk therapy, clients are empowered, thriving, and have better control of their lives. My goal of treatment is to equip my clients with the appropriate tools needed on their road through recovery.
Life happens, and there is a great need for a compassionate provider, who can listen and understand the journey and struggles of clients with mental health Disorders. Most clients are eager to feel better, but they often lack the necessary tools to achieve it. With a little boost of medication therapy and/or talk therapy, clients are empowered, thriving, and have better control of their lives. My goal of treatment is to equip my clients with the appropriate tools needed on their road through recovery.
(916) 461-8154 View (916) 461-8154
Photo of Gloria Stephen laizer, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN
Gloria Stephen laizer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, MSN, APRN
5 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95811
My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their mental health and overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, stress. They seek healthier coping strategies, self-understanding, and emotional well-being. Their goals include reducing symptoms, gaining insight into thoughts and behaviors, strengthening relationships, and building resilience. They want to feel in control, develop self-compassion, and find peace of mind. They also desire clarity on personal goals, improved self-esteem, and a better work-life balance. They seek a supportive, non-judgmental space to feel heard and gain practical tools to manage emotions.
My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their mental health and overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, stress. They seek healthier coping strategies, self-understanding, and emotional well-being. Their goals include reducing symptoms, gaining insight into thoughts and behaviors, strengthening relationships, and building resilience. They want to feel in control, develop self-compassion, and find peace of mind. They also desire clarity on personal goals, improved self-esteem, and a better work-life balance. They seek a supportive, non-judgmental space to feel heard and gain practical tools to manage emotions.
(916) 228-7548 View (916) 228-7548
Photo of Elio Pedroso Conroy, Psychiatrist, MD
Elio Pedroso Conroy
Psychiatrist, MD
Stockton, CA 95219
I am a board-certified psychiatrist. After graduating from medical school, I worked as a primary care physician in Brazil for few years gaining extra experience in general medicine. After that, I completed 4 years of Psychiatry residency training at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Washington DC. Treating patients with severe mental illness during my formal training gave me vast experience in medication management.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist. After graduating from medical school, I worked as a primary care physician in Brazil for few years gaining extra experience in general medicine. After that, I completed 4 years of Psychiatry residency training at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Washington DC. Treating patients with severe mental illness during my formal training gave me vast experience in medication management.
(209) 264-5197 View (209) 264-5197
Photo of Francis Okodogbe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Francis Okodogbe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Elk Grove, CA 95757
Francis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He completed his training at Walden University and earned a Master of Science in nursing with specialization in psychiatry. Francis has over 26 years of experience working with mental health patients at various level of their mental illness and wellness Journey.
Francis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He completed his training at Walden University and earned a Master of Science in nursing with specialization in psychiatry. Francis has over 26 years of experience working with mental health patients at various level of their mental illness and wellness Journey.
(916) 352-6021 View (916) 352-6021
Photo of Mottsin Thomas, Psychiatrist, MD
Mottsin Thomas
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
(833) 698-0279 View (833) 698-0279
Photo of Pegah Pajouhi - Mindpath Health Psychiatrists & Therapists, Psychiatrist, MD
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy. Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
Mindpath Health is a leading provider of high-quality outpatient mental health care, offering in-person and online visits. We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy. Mindpath Health helps patients of all ages with anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, life changes, OCD, postpartum depression, PTSD, and trauma.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, Psychiatrist, DO
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Online Only
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(916) 702-3658 View (916) 702-3658

See more therapy options for 96120

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 96120

< 10

Psychiatrists in 96120 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Addiction
100% ADHD
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Bipolar Disorder
67% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

3 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in 96120 see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 96120?

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.