Psychiatrists in 98043

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I can help you understand how your brain works and provide support and guidance on how to use your strengths to navigate your life as a neurodivergent person.
I provide psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, medication management, health education and brief counseling/coaching to adults. I specialize in ADHD and OCD as well as Women’s Health across the lifespan and Transgender Health.
I have a holistic approach, psychiatric medications combined with counseling, education and lifestyle changes can lead to positive outcomes in overall health .
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I can help you understand how your brain works and provide support and guidance on how to use your strengths to navigate your life as a neurodivergent person.
I provide psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, medication management, health education and brief counseling/coaching to adults. I specialize in ADHD and OCD as well as Women’s Health across the lifespan and Transgender Health.
I have a holistic approach, psychiatric medications combined with counseling, education and lifestyle changes can lead to positive outcomes in overall health .

Kristine Burns is a doctorally prepared, licensed, and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC). She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from University of Missouri, Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from University of Illinois, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University. Kristine has worked in mental health, which has always been her focus and passion, since 1998.
Kristine Burns is a doctorally prepared, licensed, and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC). She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from University of Missouri, Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from University of Illinois, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University. Kristine has worked in mental health, which has always been her focus and passion, since 1998.

Neupathway (Tanja Quarles)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-B, MSN
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Imagine your ideal clinic: a welcoming space where patients feel safe, understood, and valued. Their challenges include fragmented care, long wait times, and limited access to tailored treatment. They need a provider who listens deeply, integrates evidence-based therapies, and designs personalized plans. Their goal is to improve mental wellness, foster resilience, and achieve lasting balance. They want compassionate expertise that guides them toward meaningful, sustainable change.
Imagine your ideal clinic: a welcoming space where patients feel safe, understood, and valued. Their challenges include fragmented care, long wait times, and limited access to tailored treatment. They need a provider who listens deeply, integrates evidence-based therapies, and designs personalized plans. Their goal is to improve mental wellness, foster resilience, and achieve lasting balance. They want compassionate expertise that guides them toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Have you been feeling down, sad or depressed, maybe even having a hard time getting out of bed? Worrying about everything like relationships, work, school and finances? Or maybe you are suffering from a lack of focus or an inability to complete tasks at home, work or school. Reaching out when you are fighting with mental health issues takes courage and you have taken an important first step by reviewing my profile. Don't suffer alone or one more day - call my office and set up a new client evaluation and together we can create a plan to help you feel more happiness, focus and less anxiety on your path to better mental health.
Have you been feeling down, sad or depressed, maybe even having a hard time getting out of bed? Worrying about everything like relationships, work, school and finances? Or maybe you are suffering from a lack of focus or an inability to complete tasks at home, work or school. Reaching out when you are fighting with mental health issues takes courage and you have taken an important first step by reviewing my profile. Don't suffer alone or one more day - call my office and set up a new client evaluation and together we can create a plan to help you feel more happiness, focus and less anxiety on your path to better mental health.

Are you experiencing depression? Be aware that innovative treatment options are now available, promising relief from depressive symptoms within weeks. These are not SSRI's or SNRI's, but they are covered by insurance and do not require significant out-of-pocket expenses. There is help and hope available for you. No Waitlist. Appointments are within 24-48 hours. My treatment philosophy is rooted in a holistic, integrative, and collaborative approach to achieving my patient holistic goals.
Are you experiencing depression? Be aware that innovative treatment options are now available, promising relief from depressive symptoms within weeks. These are not SSRI's or SNRI's, but they are covered by insurance and do not require significant out-of-pocket expenses. There is help and hope available for you. No Waitlist. Appointments are within 24-48 hours. My treatment philosophy is rooted in a holistic, integrative, and collaborative approach to achieving my patient holistic goals.

Neupathway (Molly Monsees)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP, BSN, MSN
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Imagine a clinic where patients of all backgrounds feel safe, respected, and supported. A place where compassionate, individualized care is the norm—whether treating mild anxiety or managing complex psychiatric crises. Your ideal clinic values diversity, cultural competence, and holistic healing. You're seeking a provider who aligns with these goals, someone experienced in both acute and long-term care who can connect meaningfully with each patient and contribute to your clinic’s mission of delivering equitable, high-quality mental health services.
Imagine a clinic where patients of all backgrounds feel safe, respected, and supported. A place where compassionate, individualized care is the norm—whether treating mild anxiety or managing complex psychiatric crises. Your ideal clinic values diversity, cultural competence, and holistic healing. You're seeking a provider who aligns with these goals, someone experienced in both acute and long-term care who can connect meaningfully with each patient and contribute to your clinic’s mission of delivering equitable, high-quality mental health services.

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

As a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I’m here to help you with all your mental health needs, be they a lack of focus, pervading sadness, crippling anxiety, mood fluctuations, or what have you. As we know, in the context of nature and a lifetime of conditioning our very thoughts affect our feelings and in turn our behaviors. Thus sometimes we need to change our outlook to improve our lives. Medicines are evidenced based and do help, yet sometimes more is required to get to the source of our sorrow so we can heal. It can be helpful to simply have someone listen and offer reflection. I'm here for you.
As a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I’m here to help you with all your mental health needs, be they a lack of focus, pervading sadness, crippling anxiety, mood fluctuations, or what have you. As we know, in the context of nature and a lifetime of conditioning our very thoughts affect our feelings and in turn our behaviors. Thus sometimes we need to change our outlook to improve our lives. Medicines are evidenced based and do help, yet sometimes more is required to get to the source of our sorrow so we can heal. It can be helpful to simply have someone listen and offer reflection. I'm here for you.

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience in healthcare and knowledge of mental health disorders.
Mental health affect individuals of every age, every status and race, whether it is depression, anxiety, mood disorder, low focus or relationship issues, I know you desire to feel calm, clear and to function at your best.
As a partner to your healing, I am here to help you to rediscover your confidence and move towards healing to live your best quality of life.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience in healthcare and knowledge of mental health disorders.
Mental health affect individuals of every age, every status and race, whether it is depression, anxiety, mood disorder, low focus or relationship issues, I know you desire to feel calm, clear and to function at your best.
As a partner to your healing, I am here to help you to rediscover your confidence and move towards healing to live your best quality of life.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have approximately 13 years of experience in mental health nursing, caring for hundreds of patients with a diverse range of mental health diagnoses. Additionally, I am the founder of Iris Behavioral Health and Wellness. I chose nursing as my profession because I truly feel drawn to helping those in need. I believe in providing non-judgmental, empathetic, safe, and effective care to those in need regardless of race, lifestyle choices, financial status, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, or disability.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have approximately 13 years of experience in mental health nursing, caring for hundreds of patients with a diverse range of mental health diagnoses. Additionally, I am the founder of Iris Behavioral Health and Wellness. I chose nursing as my profession because I truly feel drawn to helping those in need. I believe in providing non-judgmental, empathetic, safe, and effective care to those in need regardless of race, lifestyle choices, financial status, sexual orientation, spiritual beliefs, or disability.

As a first-generation individual, I am passionate to assist in bridging the gap in mental healthcare. Whether this is your first time or not, in pursuing mental health services, please feel welcome to ask me questions that may arise.
As a first-generation individual, I am passionate to assist in bridging the gap in mental healthcare. Whether this is your first time or not, in pursuing mental health services, please feel welcome to ask me questions that may arise.

Hello, my name is Josh. I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and have been in practice since 2016. Since then, I have worked in a variety of psychiatric settings including outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health. Prior to my certification as a PMHNP-BC, I worked as a Registered Nurse providing behavioral health care to residential, child and adolescent clients. During my years in practice, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of mental health challenges and bring that wealth of experience into each visit.
Hello, my name is Josh. I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and have been in practice since 2016. Since then, I have worked in a variety of psychiatric settings including outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health. Prior to my certification as a PMHNP-BC, I worked as a Registered Nurse providing behavioral health care to residential, child and adolescent clients. During my years in practice, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of mental health challenges and bring that wealth of experience into each visit.

Dr. Tirhas Zerahaimanot is a doctoral-prepared, licensed, and board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned her clinical Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Washington, Seattle. She has 14 plus years experience in healthcare and of those 13 years, she specialized in mental health.
Dr. Tirhas Zerahaimanot is a doctoral-prepared, licensed, and board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned her clinical Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Washington, Seattle. She has 14 plus years experience in healthcare and of those 13 years, she specialized in mental health.

My practice centers around the concept of mind body connection. As a ARNP I have trained in both primary care and psychiatry and believe in an all-inclusive, as well as holistic approach to wellbeing. I treat most psychiatric disorders and provide both medication management and psychotherapy. I believe psychotherapy is an essential part of mental well-being. I have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology and Motivational interviewing.
My practice centers around the concept of mind body connection. As a ARNP I have trained in both primary care and psychiatry and believe in an all-inclusive, as well as holistic approach to wellbeing. I treat most psychiatric disorders and provide both medication management and psychotherapy. I believe psychotherapy is an essential part of mental well-being. I have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology and Motivational interviewing.

At JM Hope Wellness Services, I understand the unique challenges and aspirations of individuals seeking to unlock their full potential and lead more fulfilling lives. My ideal clients are driven to make a positive change in their personal lives, striving to overcome obstacles and embrace growth. If you want to enhance your mental well-being, develop effective strategies for success, and cultivate resilience, you've come to the right place.
At JM Hope Wellness Services, I understand the unique challenges and aspirations of individuals seeking to unlock their full potential and lead more fulfilling lives. My ideal clients are driven to make a positive change in their personal lives, striving to overcome obstacles and embrace growth. If you want to enhance your mental well-being, develop effective strategies for success, and cultivate resilience, you've come to the right place.

During your first visit with Jennifer, She will dive into the root of things and how they’ve led you here today. She will consider all factors when addressing your current conditions and prescribing medications. She will also ensure you are fully educated on how medications work and how to implement wellness into your everyday life. You will feel a sense of compassion and empathy when you meet with Jennifer. You’ll gain a partner who’ll listen to you and work with you to create a plan.
During your first visit with Jennifer, She will dive into the root of things and how they’ve led you here today. She will consider all factors when addressing your current conditions and prescribing medications. She will also ensure you are fully educated on how medications work and how to implement wellness into your everyday life. You will feel a sense of compassion and empathy when you meet with Jennifer. You’ll gain a partner who’ll listen to you and work with you to create a plan.

Have you been struggling to find balance within yourself or the ability to connect to others? Mental health challenges can make it hard to feel like you belong, are worthy, or have the energy to be around others. Such challenges can leave you feeling guilty and struggling to change the direction of your life. Everyone’s journey is uniquely theirs and accompanied by challenges and obstacles. Fortunately, through the combination of therapy and medication management you can stop surviving and start working towards your important goals.
Have you been struggling to find balance within yourself or the ability to connect to others? Mental health challenges can make it hard to feel like you belong, are worthy, or have the energy to be around others. Such challenges can leave you feeling guilty and struggling to change the direction of your life. Everyone’s journey is uniquely theirs and accompanied by challenges and obstacles. Fortunately, through the combination of therapy and medication management you can stop surviving and start working towards your important goals.

Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
3 Endorsed
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
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.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Washington. I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from Washington State University and Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Washington Seattle. Before focusing on private practice, I had clinical experiences in both acute inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals and correctional institutions working with inmates with severe mental health problems. I manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including but not limited to: Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive D
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Washington. I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from Washington State University and Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Washington Seattle. Before focusing on private practice, I had clinical experiences in both acute inpatient Psychiatric Hospitals and correctional institutions working with inmates with severe mental health problems. I manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns including but not limited to: Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive D

I believe you are the leading expert on yourself. I take the time to get to know you, providing individualized care guided by your values and goals. My practice offers medication management, supportive counseling and psychiatric evaluation drawing on my background in trauma and somatic therapy, mindfulness, and developmental psychology. I am attentive to the many elements that shape mental health, from neurobiology and nutrition to past and present experience. My approach is to go slow, emphasizing safety and acceptance, welcoming the many dimensions of human experience.
I believe you are the leading expert on yourself. I take the time to get to know you, providing individualized care guided by your values and goals. My practice offers medication management, supportive counseling and psychiatric evaluation drawing on my background in trauma and somatic therapy, mindfulness, and developmental psychology. I am attentive to the many elements that shape mental health, from neurobiology and nutrition to past and present experience. My approach is to go slow, emphasizing safety and acceptance, welcoming the many dimensions of human experience.
See more therapy options for 98043
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 98043
60+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in 98043 who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
84% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | ADHD |
78% | Sleep or Insomnia |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
84% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 98043 see their clients
57% | In Person and Online | |
43% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
22% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 98043?
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.