Psychiatrists in 98005

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am highly patient-centered. I enjoy treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as depressive disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders, substance use disorders, and insomnia. I am enthusiastic about treating those struggling with substance use disorder and depression. Mutual respect and open communication are critical to the treatment journey; therefore, I respect my patients’ time and value their input regarding their treatment plans.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am highly patient-centered. I enjoy treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as depressive disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders, substance use disorders, and insomnia. I am enthusiastic about treating those struggling with substance use disorder and depression. Mutual respect and open communication are critical to the treatment journey; therefore, I respect my patients’ time and value their input regarding their treatment plans.
Accepting new clients same week availability................................... Neupathway is deeply passionate about delivering exceptional mental health care that makes a significant positive impact on her patients' well-being. Her unwavering commitment to the field is reflected in her dedication to addressing the complexities of mental health, with a particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.In an ever-evolving field, Eirin stays current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques to ensure that her patients receive the highest standard of care.
Accepting new clients same week availability................................... Neupathway is deeply passionate about delivering exceptional mental health care that makes a significant positive impact on her patients' well-being. Her unwavering commitment to the field is reflected in her dedication to addressing the complexities of mental health, with a particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.In an ever-evolving field, Eirin stays current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques to ensure that her patients receive the highest standard of care.

Jeanne Frances Nicholson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field. I began my career in 2007 as a registered nurse on the oncology floor and then moved on to working in the emergency room. My goal as a provider is to help my patients regain the functionality they once had in whatever environment they are struggling in. My education and training allows me to assess, diagnosis, and treat various mental health disorders. I try to foster a laid back stress free environment so my patients are comfortable discussing sensitive subjects while maintaining the utmost privacy.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field. I began my career in 2007 as a registered nurse on the oncology floor and then moved on to working in the emergency room. My goal as a provider is to help my patients regain the functionality they once had in whatever environment they are struggling in. My education and training allows me to assess, diagnosis, and treat various mental health disorders. I try to foster a laid back stress free environment so my patients are comfortable discussing sensitive subjects while maintaining the utmost privacy.

Katie Uhte-Strohbehn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
My ideal clients are individuals seeking holistic psychiatric care for a variety of mental health challenges, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They need a trusted partner to navigate their emotional well-being and work towards long-term recovery. Their goals may include managing symptoms, building resilience, and achieving a greater sense of balance in life.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking holistic psychiatric care for a variety of mental health challenges, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They need a trusted partner to navigate their emotional well-being and work towards long-term recovery. Their goals may include managing symptoms, building resilience, and achieving a greater sense of balance in life.
Carolyne Kiragu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
I work with adults ages 18-60 facing challenges like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, depression, and PTSD. My approach is holistic, focusing on more than just symptoms. I consider your entire lifestyle—sleep, diet, and social connections—because true mental wellness involves balance in all areas of life. By combining medication management with supportive psychotherapy, we’ll create a personalized plan that helps you regain control of your mental health and your life. I’m here to walk with you every step of the way, ensuring you feel comfortable, safe, and genuinely understood.
I work with adults ages 18-60 facing challenges like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, depression, and PTSD. My approach is holistic, focusing on more than just symptoms. I consider your entire lifestyle—sleep, diet, and social connections—because true mental wellness involves balance in all areas of life. By combining medication management with supportive psychotherapy, we’ll create a personalized plan that helps you regain control of your mental health and your life. I’m here to walk with you every step of the way, ensuring you feel comfortable, safe, and genuinely understood.

It should not be so difficult to get ADHD, ASD, Depression, or Anxiety diagnosed and treated. I founded Fox Fern ADHD Clinic because I was frustrated with how difficult it was to get good quality and convenient care for my own ADHD diagnosis. From intake to prescription delivery, my team and I set out to rethink what psychiatric care could be and improve the process from the ground up. We might be the only clinic with a patient-experience graphic designer on staff because we aim to relentlessly refine how we help our patients feel less overwhelmed and more capable. We work hard to make our treatment plans unique and data-driven.
It should not be so difficult to get ADHD, ASD, Depression, or Anxiety diagnosed and treated. I founded Fox Fern ADHD Clinic because I was frustrated with how difficult it was to get good quality and convenient care for my own ADHD diagnosis. From intake to prescription delivery, my team and I set out to rethink what psychiatric care could be and improve the process from the ground up. We might be the only clinic with a patient-experience graphic designer on staff because we aim to relentlessly refine how we help our patients feel less overwhelmed and more capable. We work hard to make our treatment plans unique and data-driven.

Seattle Psychiatric Clinic LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Diagnosed with ADHD himself, Dr. Patel is deeply passionate about helping both children and adults with ADHD as well as many other mental health illnesses. Dr. Patel received his doctorate of nursing practice in 2023 from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has also received his Masters in Nursing from the same university in 2021. His interest in psychiatry peaked while doing rotations as a nursing student in St. Louis, Missouri when he found out the struggles many individuals go through to get access to care and how difficult it was to get a psychiatric consult all across the United States.
Diagnosed with ADHD himself, Dr. Patel is deeply passionate about helping both children and adults with ADHD as well as many other mental health illnesses. Dr. Patel received his doctorate of nursing practice in 2023 from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has also received his Masters in Nursing from the same university in 2021. His interest in psychiatry peaked while doing rotations as a nursing student in St. Louis, Missouri when he found out the struggles many individuals go through to get access to care and how difficult it was to get a psychiatric consult all across the United States.

Marc Pellicciaro, MD
Psychiatrist, MD, ABPN, ABAM
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
Not accepting new clients
I provide adult psychiatry in a caring, personal, and professional manner at Magnolia Psychiatry in Bellevue, WA. Magnolia Psychiatry serves patients needing personalized psychiatric care for depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, panic disorder, and addiction recovery support.
I provide adult psychiatry in a caring, personal, and professional manner at Magnolia Psychiatry in Bellevue, WA. Magnolia Psychiatry serves patients needing personalized psychiatric care for depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, panic disorder, and addiction recovery support.

Jack Mkroyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide holistic online psychiatry services (telemedicine), so that you can conveniently be seen in the comfort of your home for appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as in-person visits and I will address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness beyond a standard psychiatry visit. My aim is for you to truly thrive at your best! You can conveniently self-schedule a holistic psychiatry video appointment right now at: pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide holistic online psychiatry services (telemedicine), so that you can conveniently be seen in the comfort of your home for appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as in-person visits and I will address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness beyond a standard psychiatry visit. My aim is for you to truly thrive at your best! You can conveniently self-schedule a holistic psychiatry video appointment right now at: pwpsychiatry.com/WA

2024 - Current openings! To get started, complete a new patient form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a psychiatric NP, I specialize in supporting people through life transitions. With a background as a Nurse Midwife, I have special interest in serving clients who are pregnant, postpartum, experiencing perinatal loss or fertility challenges, those affected by hormonal changes and/or chronic health conditions. I bring a comprehensive understanding of reproductive and physical health to assist clients in weighing options for care and building a treatment plan that is consistent with their goals and values.
2024 - Current openings! To get started, complete a new patient form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a psychiatric NP, I specialize in supporting people through life transitions. With a background as a Nurse Midwife, I have special interest in serving clients who are pregnant, postpartum, experiencing perinatal loss or fertility challenges, those affected by hormonal changes and/or chronic health conditions. I bring a comprehensive understanding of reproductive and physical health to assist clients in weighing options for care and building a treatment plan that is consistent with their goals and values.

James D Salazar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, ADHD, CCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental-health nurse practitioner. My primary practice goal is to treat adolescents and adults (13-59) with ADHD, mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders through medication management and a therapeutic partnership. I also work with with children (8-12) for ADHD
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental-health nurse practitioner. My primary practice goal is to treat adolescents and adults (13-59) with ADHD, mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders through medication management and a therapeutic partnership. I also work with with children (8-12) for ADHD
15 Second Videos

Hi, I am honored to be your future provider. I sincerely understand how mental and emotional struggles can negatively impact your life, and the lives of the ones you love. I am immensely passionate about improving the lives of others, therefore, my mission is to provide you with expert care that is compassionate, personalized, and effective. I provide Medication Management for Depression, Anxiety, ADHD/ADD, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. I also provide psychiatric evaluations that you may need for your school, job, medical provider, or other entities.
Hi, I am honored to be your future provider. I sincerely understand how mental and emotional struggles can negatively impact your life, and the lives of the ones you love. I am immensely passionate about improving the lives of others, therefore, my mission is to provide you with expert care that is compassionate, personalized, and effective. I provide Medication Management for Depression, Anxiety, ADHD/ADD, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. I also provide psychiatric evaluations that you may need for your school, job, medical provider, or other entities.

**TAKING NEW CLIENTS EITHER IN PERSON OR TELEHEALTH** My name is Melissa and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) that is here to help with any mental health needs that you or your family might have. I want to help find you answers for any concerns that you are facing by discussing them with you, performing psychiatric evaluations and prescribing and managing medications you might need.. Partnering with my clients to come up with a treatment plan that is evidenced based is a process that I feel strongly about because it is your mental health and life that we are treating.
**TAKING NEW CLIENTS EITHER IN PERSON OR TELEHEALTH** My name is Melissa and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) that is here to help with any mental health needs that you or your family might have. I want to help find you answers for any concerns that you are facing by discussing them with you, performing psychiatric evaluations and prescribing and managing medications you might need.. Partnering with my clients to come up with a treatment plan that is evidenced based is a process that I feel strongly about because it is your mental health and life that we are treating.

Zhendong Jeff Ma
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Ma is board-certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Ma graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and obtained Ph.D. in Neuroscience from University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, he finished residency training in Psychiatry at University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, and completed research and fellowship training at Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Dr. Ma is board-certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Ma graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and obtained Ph.D. in Neuroscience from University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, he finished residency training in Psychiatry at University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center, and completed research and fellowship training at Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA

Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA

Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.

My ideal client is an adolescent or adult managing ADHD, anxiety, or mood disorders, seeking compassionate, accessible care. They need guidance for symptom management, a personalized treatment plan, and tools to thrive beyond medication alone. Their goals include reducing mental health barriers, improving daily functioning, and achieving greater emotional balance. They want a provider who listens, understands their unique challenges, and empowers them to build resilience and live a more fulfilling life.
My ideal client is an adolescent or adult managing ADHD, anxiety, or mood disorders, seeking compassionate, accessible care. They need guidance for symptom management, a personalized treatment plan, and tools to thrive beyond medication alone. Their goals include reducing mental health barriers, improving daily functioning, and achieving greater emotional balance. They want a provider who listens, understands their unique challenges, and empowers them to build resilience and live a more fulfilling life.

Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA

Ashley Barbee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
Accepting new patients! I understand how anxiety, ADHD, depression, and the changing of the seasons can prevent individuals from living their best lives. I want to help. I have over 20 years of experience and expertise in helping people manage their mental health and well-being in adult and child/adolescent psychiatry. While providing medication management for all mental health-related issues, I specialize in Eating Disorders, OCD, ADHD, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. I recognize every person's unique needs and commit to supporting my patients every step of the way by ensuring their well-being and safety are always prioritized.
Accepting new patients! I understand how anxiety, ADHD, depression, and the changing of the seasons can prevent individuals from living their best lives. I want to help. I have over 20 years of experience and expertise in helping people manage their mental health and well-being in adult and child/adolescent psychiatry. While providing medication management for all mental health-related issues, I specialize in Eating Disorders, OCD, ADHD, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. I recognize every person's unique needs and commit to supporting my patients every step of the way by ensuring their well-being and safety are always prioritized.
See more therapy options for 98005
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 98005
50+
Average cost per session
$165
Psychiatrists in 98005 who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
88% | ADHD |
77% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Aetna |
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
84% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 98005 see their clients
63% | Online Only | |
37% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
68% | Female | |
32% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 98005?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.