Psychiatrists in 98122

John Hinrichs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Online Only
If the thought of facing another day of constant worries and intrusive thoughts has you wound up like a rubber band ready to snap or keeps you up at night, I am here to help. Are you striving to meet your goals but feeling paralyzed by anxiety and overwhelmed with exhaustion? I hope you are well, and even if you aren’t right now, that’s okay. We all struggle at times, and sometimes reaching out for that extra bit of support makes all the difference. If we work together, I will be there to support and guide you along your journey towards health.
If the thought of facing another day of constant worries and intrusive thoughts has you wound up like a rubber band ready to snap or keeps you up at night, I am here to help. Are you striving to meet your goals but feeling paralyzed by anxiety and overwhelmed with exhaustion? I hope you are well, and even if you aren’t right now, that’s okay. We all struggle at times, and sometimes reaching out for that extra bit of support makes all the difference. If we work together, I will be there to support and guide you along your journey towards health.

Marlen Lukatsky
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed and practicing in the states of Colorado and Washington. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults (ages 10-64) with a passion for providing clients with the best possible comprehensive care while focusing on their mental health. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and psychotherapy. At this time, I am accepting new clients for medication management with supportive therapy.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed and practicing in the states of Colorado and Washington. I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults (ages 10-64) with a passion for providing clients with the best possible comprehensive care while focusing on their mental health. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and psychotherapy. At this time, I am accepting new clients for medication management with supportive therapy.

Trae Stewart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Accepting NEW patients! Make appointments directly at www.psychmatters.net Dr. Stewart is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority. He provides quality mental health care through assessment, diagnosis, and medication management via virtual appointments. Dr. Stewart focuses on medication management for adolescents and adults (13+ years old). He treats mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and sleep disorders.
Accepting NEW patients! Make appointments directly at www.psychmatters.net Dr. Stewart is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority. He provides quality mental health care through assessment, diagnosis, and medication management via virtual appointments. Dr. Stewart focuses on medication management for adolescents and adults (13+ years old). He treats mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and sleep disorders.

My ideal client seeks compassionate, immediate care for urgent health concerns, chronic conditions, or mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. They need accessible, patient-centered treatment that respects their unique experiences. Their goal is to feel heard, understood, and empowered in managing their health. They seek a provider who values holistic, culturally sensitive care and offers both medical and emotional support. They want to regain control over their well-being and make informed health decisions in a safe, respectful environment.
My ideal client seeks compassionate, immediate care for urgent health concerns, chronic conditions, or mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. They need accessible, patient-centered treatment that respects their unique experiences. Their goal is to feel heard, understood, and empowered in managing their health. They seek a provider who values holistic, culturally sensitive care and offers both medical and emotional support. They want to regain control over their well-being and make informed health decisions in a safe, respectful environment.

Adult and teen Autism and ADHD evaluation for ages 11+. My expertise lies in supporting high-masking individuals, LGBTQIA+ folx, those with a PDA profile, teens, and those who have been overlooked by traditional assessment methods. As a queer, Vanderbilt-trained PMHNP-BC, and Autistic and ADHD human myself, working with neurodivergent folx and the LGBTQ+ community my passion and offering a safe, affirming environment where clients feel heard and supported is the goal.
I am currently taking new clients for Autism and ADHD evaluations and currently DO NOT have a waitlist for evaluations :)
Adult and teen Autism and ADHD evaluation for ages 11+. My expertise lies in supporting high-masking individuals, LGBTQIA+ folx, those with a PDA profile, teens, and those who have been overlooked by traditional assessment methods. As a queer, Vanderbilt-trained PMHNP-BC, and Autistic and ADHD human myself, working with neurodivergent folx and the LGBTQ+ community my passion and offering a safe, affirming environment where clients feel heard and supported is the goal.
I am currently taking new clients for Autism and ADHD evaluations and currently DO NOT have a waitlist for evaluations :)

While I am positioned to offer a LGBTQ+ perspective in my practice, I support clients from all backgrounds in reaching their mental health goals through compassionate, patient-centered care. I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, sex-positive counseling, mood disorders, and substance use disorders for adults over 18 years old. I approach all clients with curiosity and an open mind, using psychotherapeutic modalities centered in mindfulness and current evidence-based treatment.
While I am positioned to offer a LGBTQ+ perspective in my practice, I support clients from all backgrounds in reaching their mental health goals through compassionate, patient-centered care. I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, sex-positive counseling, mood disorders, and substance use disorders for adults over 18 years old. I approach all clients with curiosity and an open mind, using psychotherapeutic modalities centered in mindfulness and current evidence-based treatment.

Accepting New Patients for ADHD Management via Telehealth/In-Person. Are you looking to work with a medical provider who can help evaluate and manage ADHD? Adults with ADHD may struggle with staying focused, paying attention, completing projects and may feel impulsive and restless. This can affect your work, personal lives and relationships. I provide comprehensive evaluations to discern if your symptoms may be due to ADHD or other conditions, and provide both prescription and non-prescription options for treatment. I believe that ADHD can become a strength if it is managed properly and responsibly.
Accepting New Patients for ADHD Management via Telehealth/In-Person. Are you looking to work with a medical provider who can help evaluate and manage ADHD? Adults with ADHD may struggle with staying focused, paying attention, completing projects and may feel impulsive and restless. This can affect your work, personal lives and relationships. I provide comprehensive evaluations to discern if your symptoms may be due to ADHD or other conditions, and provide both prescription and non-prescription options for treatment. I believe that ADHD can become a strength if it is managed properly and responsibly.

Ronke Arogundade
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
**NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** I offer medication management for mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar Disorders and so much more. I love working with children, teenagers and adults and I am passionate about what I do.
**NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** I offer medication management for mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar Disorders and so much more. I love working with children, teenagers and adults and I am passionate about what I do.

If you find yourself internet searching for a psychiatrist, you're probably asking questions like: why aren’t things (jobs/relationships/goals) working out for me? How do I balance what I want and what I need? Why do I fall into the same relationship patterns with family, friends, bosses, and intimate partners? Of course you feel overwhelmed, these are tough questions! Perhaps you’ve sought help for anxiety or depression, but haven't found medications to be helpful, or helpful enough.
If you find yourself internet searching for a psychiatrist, you're probably asking questions like: why aren’t things (jobs/relationships/goals) working out for me? How do I balance what I want and what I need? Why do I fall into the same relationship patterns with family, friends, bosses, and intimate partners? Of course you feel overwhelmed, these are tough questions! Perhaps you’ve sought help for anxiety or depression, but haven't found medications to be helpful, or helpful enough.

Dr. Michael Krausser is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner that earned his Medical degree from the University of Washington. A native Seattleite, he enjoys serving patients within the greater Seattle community and is qualified to treat a wide variety of mental health issues across the lifespan. Mike utilizes a holistic approach, to improving the mental health of his patients.
Dr. Michael Krausser is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner that earned his Medical degree from the University of Washington. A native Seattleite, he enjoys serving patients within the greater Seattle community and is qualified to treat a wide variety of mental health issues across the lifespan. Mike utilizes a holistic approach, to improving the mental health of his patients.

Ideal Mental Health and Wellness - Debbie Singh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, FNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Taking New Clients - Working with adults and children who have a variety of mental health conditions and symptoms, including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Autism, ODD, and poor concentration. I look forward to helping you on your journey to wellness. My name is Debbie Singh, FNP, PMHNP-BC. Are you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, irritable, unable to keep up with daily tasks, have poor concentration, feeling sad and anxious, are you experiencing frequent mood swings and anger? Don't let these symptoms define you; get help; often, these symptoms may be related to your mental health in many cases.
Taking New Clients - Working with adults and children who have a variety of mental health conditions and symptoms, including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Autism, ODD, and poor concentration. I look forward to helping you on your journey to wellness. My name is Debbie Singh, FNP, PMHNP-BC. Are you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, irritable, unable to keep up with daily tasks, have poor concentration, feeling sad and anxious, are you experiencing frequent mood swings and anger? Don't let these symptoms define you; get help; often, these symptoms may be related to your mental health in many cases.
Meet Our Psychiatrists
Divine Behavioral health Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We are accepting new clients of all ages for therapy, psychiatry evaluation, and medication management options. We offer a holistic approach to care, and the treatment plan is tailored toward the client's goal. Divine Behavioral Health Services LLC provides clients with the opportunity to feel safe to talk about mental health challenges without fear or shame. We discuss treatment plans and provide education that allows you to make an informed decision about the care that is right for you.
We are accepting new clients of all ages for therapy, psychiatry evaluation, and medication management options. We offer a holistic approach to care, and the treatment plan is tailored toward the client's goal. Divine Behavioral Health Services LLC provides clients with the opportunity to feel safe to talk about mental health challenges without fear or shame. We discuss treatment plans and provide education that allows you to make an informed decision about the care that is right for you.

Are you feeling disconnected from your life? Overwhelmed with tasks which lead to little satisfaction? Does it seem like you are not enjoying activities that were once fun? Do you cry more often, feel like nothing can be done to fix your life, or feel disappointed when you wake up in the morning? I come through for people when they have been trying and are close to giving up. My main tool is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a new alternative to traditional therapy and medication management. You could finally feel like yourself again. Stop hiding how you feel and free yourself to project who you really are. Call us today.
Are you feeling disconnected from your life? Overwhelmed with tasks which lead to little satisfaction? Does it seem like you are not enjoying activities that were once fun? Do you cry more often, feel like nothing can be done to fix your life, or feel disappointed when you wake up in the morning? I come through for people when they have been trying and are close to giving up. My main tool is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a new alternative to traditional therapy and medication management. You could finally feel like yourself again. Stop hiding how you feel and free yourself to project who you really are. Call us today.

Dr. Yunis is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate degree, practicing in Washington State. Her professional degrees were awarded from Seattle University. She is deeply committed to supporting clients and families in improving their mental health using their strengths and goals. Dr. Yunis believes that you are the expert in your life, and that collaborating with you to create a realistic and individualized treatment plan is essential to meeting your unique needs and reaching your goals. The foundation of her practice is a mindful, holistic and patient-centered approach to wellness.
Dr. Yunis is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate degree, practicing in Washington State. Her professional degrees were awarded from Seattle University. She is deeply committed to supporting clients and families in improving their mental health using their strengths and goals. Dr. Yunis believes that you are the expert in your life, and that collaborating with you to create a realistic and individualized treatment plan is essential to meeting your unique needs and reaching your goals. The foundation of her practice is a mindful, holistic and patient-centered approach to wellness.

We all live with problems: and they need not define us. I provide proven treatments to help you more easily access wellness and recovery. You have choices here. I recommend evidence-proven options, and work with you to choose the best fit for health, hope, and meaning your way.
We all live with problems: and they need not define us. I provide proven treatments to help you more easily access wellness and recovery. You have choices here. I recommend evidence-proven options, and work with you to choose the best fit for health, hope, and meaning your way.

My practice is dedicated to helping patients enhance and improve their functioning and satisfaction their relationship with themselves and others; at home, work and community. I am flexible in my approach, and let the circumstances and reality of the patient shape our work together. I can prescribe medications when appropriate for my psychotherapy patients, but my primary focus is psychotherapy. I am not available for medication management only. I prefer in-person sessions but depending upon circumstances, will consider online visits or a hybrid of both.
My practice is dedicated to helping patients enhance and improve their functioning and satisfaction their relationship with themselves and others; at home, work and community. I am flexible in my approach, and let the circumstances and reality of the patient shape our work together. I can prescribe medications when appropriate for my psychotherapy patients, but my primary focus is psychotherapy. I am not available for medication management only. I prefer in-person sessions but depending upon circumstances, will consider online visits or a hybrid of both.

Let's build Your Better Tomorrow! Whether you are seeking mental health care for the first time or looking for the perspective of a different provider, I am here first and foremost to listen and serve as your advocate and guide to healing. My approach incorporates: close, empathetic listening to you and your story, medication management, focused cognitive therapy, laboratory testing, neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric testing (if needed). If you are concerned you may have ADHD, I offer a comprehensive assessment process. If you have a complex or chronic illness, I can serve as the psychiatric leader of your care team.
Let's build Your Better Tomorrow! Whether you are seeking mental health care for the first time or looking for the perspective of a different provider, I am here first and foremost to listen and serve as your advocate and guide to healing. My approach incorporates: close, empathetic listening to you and your story, medication management, focused cognitive therapy, laboratory testing, neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric testing (if needed). If you are concerned you may have ADHD, I offer a comprehensive assessment process. If you have a complex or chronic illness, I can serve as the psychiatric leader of your care team.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Davonna (Dee) Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
Embarking on the journey of seeking support takes immense courage, and I appreciate the strength it takes to reach out. As a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer compassionate therapeutic support and Medication Management for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, OCD, and more. Specializing in adults, children, and teenagers, my integrative approach unravels persistent patterns, empowering you to confront life's challenges with resilience. Let's collaboratively navigate your journey towards healing and growth.
Embarking on the journey of seeking support takes immense courage, and I appreciate the strength it takes to reach out. As a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer compassionate therapeutic support and Medication Management for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, OCD, and more. Specializing in adults, children, and teenagers, my integrative approach unravels persistent patterns, empowering you to confront life's challenges with resilience. Let's collaboratively navigate your journey towards healing and growth.

Amity Tucker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98407
Not accepting new clients
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and committed to providing holistic, person-centered care. I graduated with my master’s degree from Gonzaga University and have a broad range of professional experience. I have a second board certification as an Advanced Practice Public Health Nurse and am committed to improving the health of communities.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and committed to providing holistic, person-centered care. I graduated with my master’s degree from Gonzaga University and have a broad range of professional experience. I have a second board certification as an Advanced Practice Public Health Nurse and am committed to improving the health of communities.

Precision Psychiatry - Dr. Marli W. Parobek
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Vashon, WA 98070
Hello. I am Dr. Marli W. Parobek, owner of Precision Psychiatry. My practice is focused on medication treatment that is tailored to meet your specific mental health needs. I am dedicated to delivering modern medical solutions with a practical application. Everyone has different needs and your care deserves to be individualized. When you are ready, I am here to help in your pursuit of wellness.
Hello. I am Dr. Marli W. Parobek, owner of Precision Psychiatry. My practice is focused on medication treatment that is tailored to meet your specific mental health needs. I am dedicated to delivering modern medical solutions with a practical application. Everyone has different needs and your care deserves to be individualized. When you are ready, I am here to help in your pursuit of wellness.
See more therapy options for 98122
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 98122
10+
Average cost per session
$262
Psychiatrists in 98122 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
94% | Medication Management |
76% | ADHD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | Bipolar Disorder |
59% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | Aetna |
67% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 98122 see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 98122?
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.