Psychiatrists in 98022

I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority in Washington State. I have 25 years of experience in the treatment of attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, behavioral/ impulse control disorders, and thought disorders. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Wright State University (WSU) in Dayton, OH, and my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from California State University Long Beach, CA (CSULB). I am board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide psychiatric-mental health treatment, for children, adolescents, and adults.
I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority in Washington State. I have 25 years of experience in the treatment of attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, behavioral/ impulse control disorders, and thought disorders. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Wright State University (WSU) in Dayton, OH, and my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from California State University Long Beach, CA (CSULB). I am board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide psychiatric-mental health treatment, for children, adolescents, and adults.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Jessie provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults. She primarily treats anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and mood disorders. In addition to prescribing she provides psychoeducation and brief supportive therapy including a strength-based focus on coping strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Jessie provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults. She primarily treats anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and mood disorders. In addition to prescribing she provides psychoeducation and brief supportive therapy including a strength-based focus on coping strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

Ada Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Lakeisha Love is dual certified in Family medicine and Family Psychiatry. She thrives on being her authentic self in order to build healthy positive relationships with her clients. Lakeisha demonstrates compassion, empathy, and honesty. Through building positive relationships, she helps individuals break their silence in mental health. Her goal is to help her clients get back to healing so they feel their best selves. As outlined in her core values, Lakeisha’s shared decision-making approach allows her to be a part of her client's journey.
Lakeisha Love is dual certified in Family medicine and Family Psychiatry. She thrives on being her authentic self in order to build healthy positive relationships with her clients. Lakeisha demonstrates compassion, empathy, and honesty. Through building positive relationships, she helps individuals break their silence in mental health. Her goal is to help her clients get back to healing so they feel their best selves. As outlined in her core values, Lakeisha’s shared decision-making approach allows her to be a part of her client's journey.

Transformational Psychiatry NW & TMS Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116
We are a very experienced mental health practice and have an extensive background in working with those with mood challenges, including those seeking help when medication and/or therapy may not be working. Our current focus is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.) TMS is FDA-approved and is an effective treatment with a high rate of response and remission. It can be helpful for mood challenges such as: Depression; Anxiety; OCD; Addiction; Bipolar/Depression; ADHD; PTSD; tinnitus; smoking cessation. We look forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals and optimal wellness.
We are a very experienced mental health practice and have an extensive background in working with those with mood challenges, including those seeking help when medication and/or therapy may not be working. Our current focus is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.) TMS is FDA-approved and is an effective treatment with a high rate of response and remission. It can be helpful for mood challenges such as: Depression; Anxiety; OCD; Addiction; Bipolar/Depression; ADHD; PTSD; tinnitus; smoking cessation. We look forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals and optimal wellness.

A Clear Me Suboxone Klinic (Cris Miranda)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98188
FREE 30-minute Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) evaluation! Trying to feel better? Trying to feel good? Unstable home, family, or job? You don't have to stay dependent on self-medicating yourself with opioids, stimulants, or other substances. If you need help with getting your life back on track, please schedule an appointment or a free, no obligation consultation through my Suboxone service with "Klinic" at aclearme.com. If you need help with other mental health services, please contact Mindful Therapy Group at (206) 708-7274 x 1 and ask for Cris Miranda.
FREE 30-minute Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) evaluation! Trying to feel better? Trying to feel good? Unstable home, family, or job? You don't have to stay dependent on self-medicating yourself with opioids, stimulants, or other substances. If you need help with getting your life back on track, please schedule an appointment or a free, no obligation consultation through my Suboxone service with "Klinic" at aclearme.com. If you need help with other mental health services, please contact Mindful Therapy Group at (206) 708-7274 x 1 and ask for Cris Miranda.

Kory Simonsen @prisma Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Renton, WA 98057
If you’re all too familiar with the relentless thought of ‘I can’t continue living like this,’ it’s a clear sign that you’re ready for change. I approach mental health as a transformative journey through a liminal space—an in-between space where one stands on the edge of old and new or growth and change, opening the door to new possibilities and personal transformations. Mental health extends far beyond a mere collection of symptoms or diagnoses; it’s a dynamic process that involves the intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that all contribute to your lived experience.
If you’re all too familiar with the relentless thought of ‘I can’t continue living like this,’ it’s a clear sign that you’re ready for change. I approach mental health as a transformative journey through a liminal space—an in-between space where one stands on the edge of old and new or growth and change, opening the door to new possibilities and personal transformations. Mental health extends far beyond a mere collection of symptoms or diagnoses; it’s a dynamic process that involves the intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that all contribute to your lived experience.

Freedom Psychiatry Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in a public place? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently accepting new clients and we accept most of commercial health insurance. We accept Kaiser Permanente Insurance. Check out what other people are saying about us: provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in a public place? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently accepting new clients and we accept most of commercial health insurance. We accept Kaiser Permanente Insurance. Check out what other people are saying about us: provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo

Sometimes we feel completely lost or overwhelmed navigating a maze of personal, social, family, romantic, educational or career decisions. This or that? Left or right? Now or then? Add in whatever additional stress you are going through and it can feel like you are wandering around, blindfolded, during a thunderstorm. How do you even start to figure this out? If you find yourself or your child feeling lost, stuck, and unsure where to go or what to do then seeking professional help may be best the first step.
Sometimes we feel completely lost or overwhelmed navigating a maze of personal, social, family, romantic, educational or career decisions. This or that? Left or right? Now or then? Add in whatever additional stress you are going through and it can feel like you are wandering around, blindfolded, during a thunderstorm. How do you even start to figure this out? If you find yourself or your child feeling lost, stuck, and unsure where to go or what to do then seeking professional help may be best the first step.

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.

Heramba Mental Healthcare, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We accept new clients every day throughout the year. We are opened Mondays through Saturdays. We accept all insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. We do have telepsychiatry, telemedicine, or telehealth availability. We are opened every day, include Saturdays and Sundays. Mental health disorders impact people from a broad spectrum of the population. We love to help and support people. We are passionate about our patients’ psychiatric health and wellbeing. We spend time listening to our clients. We take into considerations our clients’ preferences and complaints.
We accept new clients every day throughout the year. We are opened Mondays through Saturdays. We accept all insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. We do have telepsychiatry, telemedicine, or telehealth availability. We are opened every day, include Saturdays and Sundays. Mental health disorders impact people from a broad spectrum of the population. We love to help and support people. We are passionate about our patients’ psychiatric health and wellbeing. We spend time listening to our clients. We take into considerations our clients’ preferences and complaints.

A binnacle holds a ship's compass and keeps it stable and safe while the ship pitches and rolls. I know the world can be stormy, and strive to provide patients with the care and treatment they need to weather even the roughest patches and move towards calm waters. I chose to name my practice Binnacle Psychiatry because this represents my treatment philosophy: meet people where they are, assist them to identify their goals and provide a safe and steady harbor for them as they journey towards their goals. I offer medication management, therapy a combination of both and TMS.
A binnacle holds a ship's compass and keeps it stable and safe while the ship pitches and rolls. I know the world can be stormy, and strive to provide patients with the care and treatment they need to weather even the roughest patches and move towards calm waters. I chose to name my practice Binnacle Psychiatry because this represents my treatment philosophy: meet people where they are, assist them to identify their goals and provide a safe and steady harbor for them as they journey towards their goals. I offer medication management, therapy a combination of both and TMS.

Dr. Anthony DelosReyes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, CARN, ADHD-C
Verified Verified
Renton, WA 98057
I am Board Certified as an ADHD- Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and Addictions (CARN). Offering individualized and compassionate care in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health disorders. Treatment plans include Medication Management and Supportive Therapy. When indicated, our clinic offers genetic testing to optimize ideal medication(s) for you; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS); Spravato (Esketamine); Suboxone (Buprenorphine); Non-Suboxone Protocol; and Naltrexone treatment plans.
I am Board Certified as an ADHD- Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and Addictions (CARN). Offering individualized and compassionate care in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health disorders. Treatment plans include Medication Management and Supportive Therapy. When indicated, our clinic offers genetic testing to optimize ideal medication(s) for you; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS); Spravato (Esketamine); Suboxone (Buprenorphine); Non-Suboxone Protocol; and Naltrexone treatment plans.

Anna Amour Ross
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNS-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you looking for an experienced psych med provider with a conservative approach to prescription meds? Dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience, Anna has proven success in assisting patients (age 17+) w/ complex dual diagnosis. Licenses in AZ, CA, OR, MD & WA providing prompt access to mental health services for conditions that include ADHD (non-stimulants), Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Mood, PTSD. Woman Veteran Owned Private Practice serving 5 States via convenient virtual telehealth appointments. Accepting New Patients Now!
Are you looking for an experienced psych med provider with a conservative approach to prescription meds? Dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience, Anna has proven success in assisting patients (age 17+) w/ complex dual diagnosis. Licenses in AZ, CA, OR, MD & WA providing prompt access to mental health services for conditions that include ADHD (non-stimulants), Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Mood, PTSD. Woman Veteran Owned Private Practice serving 5 States via convenient virtual telehealth appointments. Accepting New Patients Now!

Latarsha Pittman is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to adults. She treats a full list of issues with specializations in ADHD, anxiety, behavioral disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, and mood disorders.
Latarsha Pittman is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to adults. She treats a full list of issues with specializations in ADHD, anxiety, behavioral disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, and mood disorders.

I truly believe in the power of collaborative therapeutic work and informed decision-making process when it comes to co- creating an individualized treatment plan that will yield personalized goals and treatment outcomes that are meaningful for the person. I have decades of experience using psychotherapy modalities as well as medications. I have enjoyed helping and supporting adults with concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder, women and LGBTQIA+ mental health, veterans, suicidal behaviors, anxiety, and mood disorders.
I truly believe in the power of collaborative therapeutic work and informed decision-making process when it comes to co- creating an individualized treatment plan that will yield personalized goals and treatment outcomes that are meaningful for the person. I have decades of experience using psychotherapy modalities as well as medications. I have enjoyed helping and supporting adults with concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder, women and LGBTQIA+ mental health, veterans, suicidal behaviors, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.

Willie Lemusu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 6+ years of experience in mental health. I have experience working in the Emergency Room, Psychiatric Hospital, Alcohol & Drug Rehab units, Geriatric Psych Units, Community Clinics, and Psychiatric Home Health allowing me to provide care that keeps into consideration what happens before, during, and after a mental health crisis.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 6+ years of experience in mental health. I have experience working in the Emergency Room, Psychiatric Hospital, Alcohol & Drug Rehab units, Geriatric Psych Units, Community Clinics, and Psychiatric Home Health allowing me to provide care that keeps into consideration what happens before, during, and after a mental health crisis.

Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402
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

My specialty is psychiatry and psychoanalysis. My expertise is the diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders. I help people understand the origins and find solutions to emotional feelings that have gotten in the way of a meaningful and satisfying life. I utilize a variety of techniques including psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and medication to help manage emotional distress.
My specialty is psychiatry and psychoanalysis. My expertise is the diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders. I help people understand the origins and find solutions to emotional feelings that have gotten in the way of a meaningful and satisfying life. I utilize a variety of techniques including psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and medication to help manage emotional distress.

I am a board certified psychiatrist with 20 years of experience. I treat a wide variety of conditions including life adjustment issues, relationship difficulties, anxiety, mood disorders, and other common psychiatric conditions. I specialize in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy, utilizing a strengths-based approach and medications when indicated.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with 20 years of experience. I treat a wide variety of conditions including life adjustment issues, relationship difficulties, anxiety, mood disorders, and other common psychiatric conditions. I specialize in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy, utilizing a strengths-based approach and medications when indicated.
See more therapy options for 98022
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 98022
< 10
Psychiatrists in 98022 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
20 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | First Choice Health | FCH |
100% | LifeWise |
How Psychiatrists in 98022 see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 98022?
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.