Psychiatrists in Montgomery, AL

I am a private practice Psychiatrist along with Rachael Williams, a Nurse Practitioner. We
treat patients in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, California, and New York. This practice treat Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Opiate addiction with Suboxone, and Psychosis. We specialize in General Psychiatry. Please go to our website and complete an Intake form to be considered for an appointment.
I am a private practice Psychiatrist along with Rachael Williams, a Nurse Practitioner. We
treat patients in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, California, and New York. This practice treat Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Opiate addiction with Suboxone, and Psychosis. We specialize in General Psychiatry. Please go to our website and complete an Intake form to be considered for an appointment.

Grace Point Behavioral provides medication management & counseling services to Montgomery & its surrounding counties. We treat Anxiety, Panic, OCD, Depression, Bipolar & ADHD. Ready to try a new treatment option for anxiety after trauma as in PTSD? We offer Yoga somatic classes to guide you through gentle Yoga & Deep breathing exercises, using your body & mind for self healing. We see all age groups seen from age 4. Play Therapist available on site. We are on a mission to deliver compassionate, high quality, behavioral health care. We focus on your needs, we meet them & hope to exceed your expectations. We do it better.
Grace Point Behavioral provides medication management & counseling services to Montgomery & its surrounding counties. We treat Anxiety, Panic, OCD, Depression, Bipolar & ADHD. Ready to try a new treatment option for anxiety after trauma as in PTSD? We offer Yoga somatic classes to guide you through gentle Yoga & Deep breathing exercises, using your body & mind for self healing. We see all age groups seen from age 4. Play Therapist available on site. We are on a mission to deliver compassionate, high quality, behavioral health care. We focus on your needs, we meet them & hope to exceed your expectations. We do it better.

I am a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner specializing in medication management and supportive therapy for teens and adults navigating the challenges of depression, stress, and anxiety. With a passion for holistic care, I believe in treating the whole person–mind, body, and spirit–rather than just the symptom. With a background in nursing and advanced training in psychiatric care, I provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each individual's unique needs.
I am a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner specializing in medication management and supportive therapy for teens and adults navigating the challenges of depression, stress, and anxiety. With a passion for holistic care, I believe in treating the whole person–mind, body, and spirit–rather than just the symptom. With a background in nursing and advanced training in psychiatric care, I provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each individual's unique needs.

Have you been considering medications for OCD, depression or anxiety but not sure if this is the route for you? Do you have questions about what may be the best medication option for you? I understand, and I can help. Together, we can explore those questions and so much more. I focus on working with adults experiencing stressors, anxiety, depression, or life changes who want a collaborative approach to their mental healthcare. Together, we can create a welcoming and supportive relationship so that you can take an active role in your wellness.
Have you been considering medications for OCD, depression or anxiety but not sure if this is the route for you? Do you have questions about what may be the best medication option for you? I understand, and I can help. Together, we can explore those questions and so much more. I focus on working with adults experiencing stressors, anxiety, depression, or life changes who want a collaborative approach to their mental healthcare. Together, we can create a welcoming and supportive relationship so that you can take an active role in your wellness.

Jones-Rowell Telehealth Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Montgomery, AL 36116
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my expertise lies in delivering specialized medical care that combines psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I possess a strong command over the art and science of psychotherapy and physical assessment, enabling me to effectively assist vulnerable populations and promote mental well-being throughout their lives. Moreover, I have the capability to offer psychiatric services to individuals of all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, through telehealth guidance and my own independent practice.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my expertise lies in delivering specialized medical care that combines psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I possess a strong command over the art and science of psychotherapy and physical assessment, enabling me to effectively assist vulnerable populations and promote mental well-being throughout their lives. Moreover, I have the capability to offer psychiatric services to individuals of all age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, through telehealth guidance and my own independent practice.

I am a private practice Nurse Practitioner who works with Dr Clemmie Palmer, psychiatrist. We treat patients in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, California, and New York. This practice treats Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Opiate addiction with Suboxone, and Psychosis. We specialize in General Psychiatry. Please email the office to complete an Intake form to be considered for an appointment.
I am a private practice Nurse Practitioner who works with Dr Clemmie Palmer, psychiatrist. We treat patients in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, California, and New York. This practice treats Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Opiate addiction with Suboxone, and Psychosis. We specialize in General Psychiatry. Please email the office to complete an Intake form to be considered for an appointment.

I am LaKisha Knight- a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a master's in nursing Practice. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. I possess strong clinical skills enhanced by a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. I follow evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition.
I am LaKisha Knight- a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a master's in nursing Practice. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. I possess strong clinical skills enhanced by a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. I follow evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition.

We hear at Alabama Psychiatry welcome patients of all ages and treat most all mental health issues. We have a dynamic team of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers to help you find the best you. We believe YOU ARE IMPORTANT and we can help.
We hear at Alabama Psychiatry welcome patients of all ages and treat most all mental health issues. We have a dynamic team of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers to help you find the best you. We believe YOU ARE IMPORTANT and we can help.

I am a private practice Psychiatrist along with Rachael Williams, a Nurse Practitioner. We
treat patients in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, California, and New York. This practice treat Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Opiate addiction with Suboxone, and Psychosis. We specialize in General Psychiatry. Please go to our website and complete an Intake form to be considered for an appointment. This is a telehealth practice. Please see details of this practice under Psychology Today in the state of Alabama.
I am a private practice Psychiatrist along with Rachael Williams, a Nurse Practitioner. We
treat patients in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, California, and New York. This practice treat Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Opiate addiction with Suboxone, and Psychosis. We specialize in General Psychiatry. Please go to our website and complete an Intake form to be considered for an appointment. This is a telehealth practice. Please see details of this practice under Psychology Today in the state of Alabama.

I am currently an ANCC-board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I have over 20 years of psychiatric experience, ranging from inpatient psychiatric care to outpatient psychiatric care. My specialties include depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, sleep, OCD and more. My philosophy is focused on caring for patients in a holistic approach, which ensures their mental health needs are met. This helps patients and their families reach optimal mental health outcomes. I am licensed and currently accepting patients in Oregon , Colorado and Alabama.
I am currently an ANCC-board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I have over 20 years of psychiatric experience, ranging from inpatient psychiatric care to outpatient psychiatric care. My specialties include depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, sleep, OCD and more. My philosophy is focused on caring for patients in a holistic approach, which ensures their mental health needs are met. This helps patients and their families reach optimal mental health outcomes. I am licensed and currently accepting patients in Oregon , Colorado and Alabama.

Dr. Shah is more than your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.
Dr. Shah is more than your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.

Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.

Cicely Hooten - Complete Behavioral Health, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMNHP, ACNS
Verified Verified
Online Only
Welcome to Complete Behavioral Health, PLLC! My journey into the field of mental health began while working as a registered nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit over sixteen years ago. It was in this environment that I discovered a new passion, realizing the profound impact that kind, culturally sensitive care can have on individuals and their families. I work closely with each patient developing treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. The practice is designed to create an atmosphere that recognizes and appreciates shared experiences, ensuring that every individual feels valued and understood.
Welcome to Complete Behavioral Health, PLLC! My journey into the field of mental health began while working as a registered nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit over sixteen years ago. It was in this environment that I discovered a new passion, realizing the profound impact that kind, culturally sensitive care can have on individuals and their families. I work closely with each patient developing treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. The practice is designed to create an atmosphere that recognizes and appreciates shared experiences, ensuring that every individual feels valued and understood.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Anxiety, depression or OCD overwhelm are impacting your life, and you’re ready to get some help. You feel like meds might be an important piece of the puzzle, but traditional psychiatry doesn’t quite feel right. You’re not sure exactly what you need, but it’s definitely not inconvenient appointments, phone tags, or a provider who focuses on meds more than on you. You’re looking for a partner in your mental wellness and a process that feels good.
Anxiety, depression or OCD overwhelm are impacting your life, and you’re ready to get some help. You feel like meds might be an important piece of the puzzle, but traditional psychiatry doesn’t quite feel right. You’re not sure exactly what you need, but it’s definitely not inconvenient appointments, phone tags, or a provider who focuses on meds more than on you. You’re looking for a partner in your mental wellness and a process that feels good.
Online Psychiatrists

Leticia Ball
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Mental health care is important for individuals of all backgrounds and from all walks of life. Finding a compassionate provider who prioritizes your care by ensuring that you are heard and seen is necessary for your wellness journey. Whether it is focusing on your depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder - medication management and therapy are tools useful in enhancing your quality of life. I use evidence-based treatment approaches to help you reach your goals.
Mental health care is important for individuals of all backgrounds and from all walks of life. Finding a compassionate provider who prioritizes your care by ensuring that you are heard and seen is necessary for your wellness journey. Whether it is focusing on your depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder - medication management and therapy are tools useful in enhancing your quality of life. I use evidence-based treatment approaches to help you reach your goals.

Hi, my is Saydie Marshall and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I obtained my BSN from Jacksonville State University in 2020 and in 2023 obtained my MSN from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I have always been very intrigued and interested in psychiatry. My passion for mental health grew as I experienced how underserved the patients were while working as an RN with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients on various acute inpatient psychiatric units in Alabama.
Hi, my is Saydie Marshall and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I obtained my BSN from Jacksonville State University in 2020 and in 2023 obtained my MSN from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I have always been very intrigued and interested in psychiatry. My passion for mental health grew as I experienced how underserved the patients were while working as an RN with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients on various acute inpatient psychiatric units in Alabama.

Autumn Stanford
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, RN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35242
Hi! I am so happy you are here! I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I take a Functional + Integrative + Holistic + Evidence-Based approach to Mental Wellness. The mind & body are interconnected, therefore, I look at the whole-person, not just the symptoms. I specialize in women & adolescents (females, ages 14 and up). For ALL New Patient Appointment Inquiries - Please call my office at (205) 839-3942 and leave a message. I will return your call as soon as possible - within 48 hours. Thank you!
Hi! I am so happy you are here! I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I take a Functional + Integrative + Holistic + Evidence-Based approach to Mental Wellness. The mind & body are interconnected, therefore, I look at the whole-person, not just the symptoms. I specialize in women & adolescents (females, ages 14 and up). For ALL New Patient Appointment Inquiries - Please call my office at (205) 839-3942 and leave a message. I will return your call as soon as possible - within 48 hours. Thank you!

Ascend Psychiatry Wellness & Consulting Group
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35209
Dr. Montgomery-Barefield completed her Medical Degree Residency and Fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Tx. As a former Professor of Psychiatry and Training Director at UAB, she dedicated nearly 20 years of her career to training the next generation of psychiatrists. Dr. Montgomery-Barefield is an American Psychiatry Association Fellow and is board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry. She has been in practice for over 30 years and brings a wealth of expertise.
Dr. Montgomery-Barefield completed her Medical Degree Residency and Fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Tx. As a former Professor of Psychiatry and Training Director at UAB, she dedicated nearly 20 years of her career to training the next generation of psychiatrists. Dr. Montgomery-Barefield is an American Psychiatry Association Fellow and is board Certified in Adult and Child Psychiatry. She has been in practice for over 30 years and brings a wealth of expertise.

Jimel Gibbs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35243
As CEO and owner of Renewed Focus Health & Wellness Consulting, I am a doctorate-prepared practitioner with dual certifications as a psychiatric-mental health and family practitioner. My practice takes a holistic approach to health & wellness. I am a faith-based leader privileged to serve a diverse population with kindness, respect, and virtue. Not only am I extremely passionate about my practice, but I also provide clinical-based expertise and community-based education during conference presentations, workshops, health fairs, and podcasts.
As CEO and owner of Renewed Focus Health & Wellness Consulting, I am a doctorate-prepared practitioner with dual certifications as a psychiatric-mental health and family practitioner. My practice takes a holistic approach to health & wellness. I am a faith-based leader privileged to serve a diverse population with kindness, respect, and virtue. Not only am I extremely passionate about my practice, but I also provide clinical-based expertise and community-based education during conference presentations, workshops, health fairs, and podcasts.
See more therapy options for Montgomery
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Montgomery, AL
10+
Average cost per session
$122
Psychiatrists in Montgomery, AL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
79% | Trauma and PTSD |
79% | Medication Management |
64% | Grief |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
88% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Montgomery, AL see their clients
57% | Online Only | |
43% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Montgomery?
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.