Psychiatrists in 99217

I help people navigate transitions into young adulthood, parenthood, and through gender or sexual identities. These changes can be overwhelming. Together we can connect you to your own inner guide. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my hope is to create a space where you can share openly, find support for deep challenges, and share decision-making in your treatment. I use clinical diagnosis as a starting point, and together we will explore your individual story that cannot be written by anyone but you. My role is to help you move beyond diagnosis to relief, ease, and wellness.
I help people navigate transitions into young adulthood, parenthood, and through gender or sexual identities. These changes can be overwhelming. Together we can connect you to your own inner guide. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my hope is to create a space where you can share openly, find support for deep challenges, and share decision-making in your treatment. I use clinical diagnosis as a starting point, and together we will explore your individual story that cannot be written by anyone but you. My role is to help you move beyond diagnosis to relief, ease, and wellness.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

At Your Service Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD(c), PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
TO see availability and SCHEDULE, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com 100% Online Telepsychiatry Practice. No need to call or email an office. We send prescription medications right to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but now it takes months to get in. We created this online telepsychiatry practice for busy people. We are a group of compassionate, skilled, board-certified psychiatric mental health practitioners. We care for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar, and others. We have ONLINE ADHD treatment available.
TO see availability and SCHEDULE, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com 100% Online Telepsychiatry Practice. No need to call or email an office. We send prescription medications right to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but now it takes months to get in. We created this online telepsychiatry practice for busy people. We are a group of compassionate, skilled, board-certified psychiatric mental health practitioners. We care for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar, and others. We have ONLINE ADHD treatment available.

Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Anna and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, College & Graduate Student Mental Health, Depression, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, LGBTQIA+ Care, Life Transitions, Loss/Grief, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Sexual Health/Dysfuntion, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Stress Management and Women's Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Anna and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, College & Graduate Student Mental Health, Depression, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, LGBTQIA+ Care, Life Transitions, Loss/Grief, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Sexual Health/Dysfuntion, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Stress Management and Women's Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Our patient's want freedom. They want to reclaim their dignity and restore life balance. I am proficient in a variety of different approaches and my areas of practice include substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, major depressive disorder, trauma, anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar type 1 and 2, couples, PTSD, children, teens, and many LGBTQ related needs. I proudly offer medication management for our community members and strive for a positive outcome with all of our patients. Simply put, I want to help you make a triumphant return. Join us in going Beyond! at Beyond Behavioral Health
Our patient's want freedom. They want to reclaim their dignity and restore life balance. I am proficient in a variety of different approaches and my areas of practice include substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, major depressive disorder, trauma, anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar type 1 and 2, couples, PTSD, children, teens, and many LGBTQ related needs. I proudly offer medication management for our community members and strive for a positive outcome with all of our patients. Simply put, I want to help you make a triumphant return. Join us in going Beyond! at Beyond Behavioral Health

M Tobey Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
My name is Mary, I go by "Maria". I have been working in mental health nursing for the past 10 years, and nursing in general for the past 24 years. My greatest joy is connecting with my patients at a human level and helping them realize the strengths within themselves to achieving a more calm and peaceful life. My style of engaging with patients is holistic. I believe in meeting the needs of the mind, the body and soul, for a more fulfilled existence. My clients can expect to feel more hopeful, understood, and empowered after a session with me. I am accepting new patients from ID, OR and WA.
My name is Mary, I go by "Maria". I have been working in mental health nursing for the past 10 years, and nursing in general for the past 24 years. My greatest joy is connecting with my patients at a human level and helping them realize the strengths within themselves to achieving a more calm and peaceful life. My style of engaging with patients is holistic. I believe in meeting the needs of the mind, the body and soul, for a more fulfilled existence. My clients can expect to feel more hopeful, understood, and empowered after a session with me. I am accepting new patients from ID, OR and WA.

Veronica Sherwood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The services I provide include psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, psychoeducation, as well as an evidence-based practice of medication prescribing and management. I enjoy working with individuals throughout the lifespan from ages 5 and up and have experience in helping people with anxiety, ADD/ADHD, depression, panic, bipolar disorders, psychotic symptoms, and PTSD, among other diagnoses as well. I wouldn’t be where I am without those who've helped me along the way. That’s why I love using my passion and skills to make a difference.
I am a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The services I provide include psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, psychoeducation, as well as an evidence-based practice of medication prescribing and management. I enjoy working with individuals throughout the lifespan from ages 5 and up and have experience in helping people with anxiety, ADD/ADHD, depression, panic, bipolar disorders, psychotic symptoms, and PTSD, among other diagnoses as well. I wouldn’t be where I am without those who've helped me along the way. That’s why I love using my passion and skills to make a difference.

Jack Mkroyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99202
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide holistic online psychiatry services (telemedicine), so that you can conveniently be seen in the comfort of your home for appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as in-person visits and I will address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness beyond a standard psychiatry visit. My aim is for you to truly thrive at your best! You can conveniently self-schedule a holistic psychiatry video appointment right now at: pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide holistic online psychiatry services (telemedicine), so that you can conveniently be seen in the comfort of your home for appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as in-person visits and I will address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness beyond a standard psychiatry visit. My aim is for you to truly thrive at your best! You can conveniently self-schedule a holistic psychiatry video appointment right now at: pwpsychiatry.com/WA

At Bryan Werry Mental Health PLLC, I utilize a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating mind, body, and spirit. I offer medication management, supportive counseling, and short-term psychotherapy. My practice works in partnership with Mindful Therapy Group, a well-established company with over 1,500 providers in network. I strive to create a therapeutic alliance with my patients, to develop mutual respect and foundational trust. I also have a passion for providing care to our Veterans, as I come from a line of servicemen.
At Bryan Werry Mental Health PLLC, I utilize a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating mind, body, and spirit. I offer medication management, supportive counseling, and short-term psychotherapy. My practice works in partnership with Mindful Therapy Group, a well-established company with over 1,500 providers in network. I strive to create a therapeutic alliance with my patients, to develop mutual respect and foundational trust. I also have a passion for providing care to our Veterans, as I come from a line of servicemen.

Panoramic Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99204
We are current accepting new clients at our Spokane office. At Panoramic Psychiatry, we specialize in providing psychiatric evaluations and providing/managing psychiatric medications with compassion and care. We treat attention deficient/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders and eating disorders in children, adolescents and adults. With our team of six psychiatric nurse practitioners, we can help you get an appointment quickly with a provider who aligns with your treatment needs and communication style.
We are current accepting new clients at our Spokane office. At Panoramic Psychiatry, we specialize in providing psychiatric evaluations and providing/managing psychiatric medications with compassion and care. We treat attention deficient/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, thought disorders and eating disorders in children, adolescents and adults. With our team of six psychiatric nurse practitioners, we can help you get an appointment quickly with a provider who aligns with your treatment needs and communication style.

Ross A Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a Masters of Science and Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. For 15 years he worked in preventative cardiology and stroke neurology. He worked in social services at AIDS Services of Austin in Austin, TX providing case management to individuals with advanced HIV, then completed a postmaster certificate as a PMHNP at the University of New Mexico. He cares for patients ages sixteen and older with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders and specializes in LGBTQIA2S+ affirming mental health care.
Ross A Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a Masters of Science and Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. For 15 years he worked in preventative cardiology and stroke neurology. He worked in social services at AIDS Services of Austin in Austin, TX providing case management to individuals with advanced HIV, then completed a postmaster certificate as a PMHNP at the University of New Mexico. He cares for patients ages sixteen and older with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders and specializes in LGBTQIA2S+ affirming mental health care.

Dr. Udo Chukwuocha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Online Only
Accepting New Patients! Have you been feeling down, stressed, or worried lately? Do you sometimes wonder if what you're feeling is normal? You're doing your best, but you have a hard time keeping up with your daily tasks. You have intense emotions, trouble focusing, forgetful, or get easily distracted? Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, you lack motivation or have no interest in things you normally enjoy doing, and you can sometimes be tearful for no reason? Or is your sleep pattern consistently disrupted which leaves you feeling exhausted the next day? You ARE NOT alone! I would like to help.
Accepting New Patients! Have you been feeling down, stressed, or worried lately? Do you sometimes wonder if what you're feeling is normal? You're doing your best, but you have a hard time keeping up with your daily tasks. You have intense emotions, trouble focusing, forgetful, or get easily distracted? Do you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, you lack motivation or have no interest in things you normally enjoy doing, and you can sometimes be tearful for no reason? Or is your sleep pattern consistently disrupted which leaves you feeling exhausted the next day? You ARE NOT alone! I would like to help.

Schedule now with the link to the right! NO Medicaid or Medicare including Apple Health. Accepting new clients with Premera, Aetna, CIGNA, UHC/OPTUM, & Regence. To schedule, click the link to be redirected to our website. Appointments as soon as next week! Offering individualized, person-centered approach to treatment. Combined medication management with individual psychotherapy for the best outcome and evidence for recovery based care. Have worked in all modalities and treatment settings within the mental health system. Experience is across the lifespan and with all different mental health concerns.
Schedule now with the link to the right! NO Medicaid or Medicare including Apple Health. Accepting new clients with Premera, Aetna, CIGNA, UHC/OPTUM, & Regence. To schedule, click the link to be redirected to our website. Appointments as soon as next week! Offering individualized, person-centered approach to treatment. Combined medication management with individual psychotherapy for the best outcome and evidence for recovery based care. Have worked in all modalities and treatment settings within the mental health system. Experience is across the lifespan and with all different mental health concerns.

My patients are always my top priority. I use an evidence-based approach to help you find a treatment that meets your needs. My approach is holistic, which includes integrating your personal and cultural perspectives, and experiences. My care focuses on helping you discover a better quality of life.
My patients are always my top priority. I use an evidence-based approach to help you find a treatment that meets your needs. My approach is holistic, which includes integrating your personal and cultural perspectives, and experiences. My care focuses on helping you discover a better quality of life.

My goals are to build a therapeutic treatment relationship, to provide good care, and to foster personal growth. I believe strongly in patient autonomy. Treatment and life are based on choices. Finding the right provider fit for you is a key to victory. Oftentimes arriving at a correct diagnosis and effective treatment is more of an ongoing process than a single event. Our ability to work as a team is critical for success. My goal as your provider is to offer you choices, make recommendations, and explain the risks and benefits; and the pros and cons of various choices.
My goals are to build a therapeutic treatment relationship, to provide good care, and to foster personal growth. I believe strongly in patient autonomy. Treatment and life are based on choices. Finding the right provider fit for you is a key to victory. Oftentimes arriving at a correct diagnosis and effective treatment is more of an ongoing process than a single event. Our ability to work as a team is critical for success. My goal as your provider is to offer you choices, make recommendations, and explain the risks and benefits; and the pros and cons of various choices.

Jenny Shaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC, ARNP, MSN, BSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99204
Hi, my name is Jenny Shaw. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I enjoy collaborating with clients across the lifespan providing psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, and medication management. I look forward to working with you!
Hi, my name is Jenny Shaw. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience. I enjoy collaborating with clients across the lifespan providing psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, and medication management. I look forward to working with you!

Welcoming new clients! Are anxiety, depression, or mood struggles making it difficult to fully enjoy life? Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward? Perhaps you're a parent watching your child or teen struggle, seeking compassionate, professional support to help them navigate their challenges. Whatever your situation, you don’t have to face it alone—I’m here to help.
Welcoming new clients! Are anxiety, depression, or mood struggles making it difficult to fully enjoy life? Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward? Perhaps you're a parent watching your child or teen struggle, seeking compassionate, professional support to help them navigate their challenges. Whatever your situation, you don’t have to face it alone—I’m here to help.

Elizabeth Macshadiya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Liz! Are you suffering from challenges caused by depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, and more? Do you often wonder if what you are feeling or experiencing is “normal?” Let’s talk! I am an experienced, board-certified psychiatric provider who believes in treating you with respect and compassion, and encourages you to actively participate in your journey to wellness. My overall goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and have a greater overall understanding about your mental health. I focus on you as a whole person, and not just a diagnosis. I see patients ages 6+ in TX, CO, IA, MI, NM, and WA.
Hi, I’m Liz! Are you suffering from challenges caused by depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, and more? Do you often wonder if what you are feeling or experiencing is “normal?” Let’s talk! I am an experienced, board-certified psychiatric provider who believes in treating you with respect and compassion, and encourages you to actively participate in your journey to wellness. My overall goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and have a greater overall understanding about your mental health. I focus on you as a whole person, and not just a diagnosis. I see patients ages 6+ in TX, CO, IA, MI, NM, and WA.

Elle Cliniques HTC.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Spokane, WA 99201
I am board certified, patient-centered, quality-driven psychiatric provider with more than 15 years of experience in the medical profession. I strive to provide care to people of different demographic backgrounds and mental health conditions such as Depression, Bipolar disorders, Anxiety disorders, Insomnia, and more by helping them become active members of society. I understand the essentialness of my patients' ethical and social values and strive to provide care tailored to your belief and cultural systems.
I am board certified, patient-centered, quality-driven psychiatric provider with more than 15 years of experience in the medical profession. I strive to provide care to people of different demographic backgrounds and mental health conditions such as Depression, Bipolar disorders, Anxiety disorders, Insomnia, and more by helping them become active members of society. I understand the essentialness of my patients' ethical and social values and strive to provide care tailored to your belief and cultural systems.

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.

Tshaun Grant is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is licensed in the state of Georgia, with experience in treating children, adolescents, and adults in military facilities, inpatient crisis stabilization units, inpatient detox facilities, residential facilities, community mental health centers, and private practices.
Tshaun Grant is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is licensed in the state of Georgia, with experience in treating children, adolescents, and adults in military facilities, inpatient crisis stabilization units, inpatient detox facilities, residential facilities, community mental health centers, and private practices.
See more therapy options for 99217
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 99217
< 10
Psychiatrists in 99217 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Substance Use |
100% | Transgender |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | First Choice Health | FCH |
How Psychiatrists in 99217 see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 99217?
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.