Psychiatrists in Burlingame, CA

Photo of Mu Xu - Mu Xu, MD | Mindful Health Solutions, Psychiatrist, MD
My ideal client is someone open to exploring their mental health challenges, regardless of their background. They seek to understand the root of their struggles and are committed to the treatment process. Their needs often include managing anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, and their goal is to achieve emotional stability and improved quality of life. They want to build a trusting relationship with their psychiatrist and are willing to engage in a collaborative approach to find the best solutions for their unique situation.
My ideal client is someone open to exploring their mental health challenges, regardless of their background. They seek to understand the root of their struggles and are committed to the treatment process. Their needs often include managing anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, and their goal is to achieve emotional stability and improved quality of life. They want to build a trusting relationship with their psychiatrist and are willing to engage in a collaborative approach to find the best solutions for their unique situation.
(650) 383-1624 View (650) 383-1624
Photo of Benjamin Cheyette - Mindful Health Solutions - Benjamin Cheyette, Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Mindful Health Solutions - Benjamin Cheyette
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Online Only
Dr. Cheyette is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over twenty years of practice treating a wide variety of patients, including those with depression. He loves general psychiatry and has a clinical interest and expertise in adult ADHD. Dr. Cheyette is passionate about helping people overcome emotional challenges and is very interested in cutting-edge innovations, such as esketamine nasal spray and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help patients. He has a collaborative approach in which he shares his formal expertise and clinical experience to help patients make well-informed decisions.
Dr. Cheyette is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over twenty years of practice treating a wide variety of patients, including those with depression. He loves general psychiatry and has a clinical interest and expertise in adult ADHD. Dr. Cheyette is passionate about helping people overcome emotional challenges and is very interested in cutting-edge innovations, such as esketamine nasal spray and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help patients. He has a collaborative approach in which he shares his formal expertise and clinical experience to help patients make well-informed decisions.
(707) 657-5317 View (707) 657-5317
Photo of Ferhad Ahmad, Psychiatrist, MD
Ferhad Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Burlingame, CA 94010
I specialize in treating patients with anxiety or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I believe mental health is a vital aspect of any individual's well-being, and I work to have every patient with depression be as symptom-free as possible and enjoy life to the fullest. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to be an important treatment modality, as it allows me to work with my patients and tailor individual treatment modalities specific to their symptoms, and relieve their suffering from depression or another psychological disorder. I believe that TMS can be an alternative instrument or an addition to medications.
I specialize in treating patients with anxiety or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I believe mental health is a vital aspect of any individual's well-being, and I work to have every patient with depression be as symptom-free as possible and enjoy life to the fullest. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to be an important treatment modality, as it allows me to work with my patients and tailor individual treatment modalities specific to their symptoms, and relieve their suffering from depression or another psychological disorder. I believe that TMS can be an alternative instrument or an addition to medications.
(650) 889-7759 View (650) 889-7759
Photo of Elizabeth Qin, Psychiatrist, MD
Elizabeth Qin
Psychiatrist, MD
Burlingame, CA 94010
Dr. Elizabeth Qin is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2023. She has an MD, PhD, from Stanford University and completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Qin believes in a collaborative approach and prioritizes working together with patients to help them meet their goals for their mental health. In her spare time, Dr. Qin enjoys spending time outdoors, running, hiking, and going to the beach.
Dr. Elizabeth Qin is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2023. She has an MD, PhD, from Stanford University and completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Qin believes in a collaborative approach and prioritizes working together with patients to help them meet their goals for their mental health. In her spare time, Dr. Qin enjoys spending time outdoors, running, hiking, and going to the beach.
(650) 643-4749 View (650) 643-4749
Photo of Aura Mena, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Aura Mena
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Burlingame, CA 94010
Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner I worked for 12 years as an inpatient nurse at a local hospital, 8 of which were as an inpatient psychiatric nurse working with the adult population. I've spent the last 6 years working as a Community Mental Health Nurse with underserved communities in the county that suffer from severe mental illnesses. During that time, I also completed the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UCSF. My area of expertise are adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. From the start of my career, I realized that I have the responsibility to meet my clients where they are.
Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner I worked for 12 years as an inpatient nurse at a local hospital, 8 of which were as an inpatient psychiatric nurse working with the adult population. I've spent the last 6 years working as a Community Mental Health Nurse with underserved communities in the county that suffer from severe mental illnesses. During that time, I also completed the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UCSF. My area of expertise are adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. From the start of my career, I realized that I have the responsibility to meet my clients where they are.
(650) 610-2488 View (650) 610-2488
Photo of Dora-Linda Wang, Psychiatrist, MD
Dora-Linda Wang
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
Treatment Philosophy & Approach: Each individual is unique, and each person's treatment should be unique. Count on me to bring all my experience to your service. This includes my foundations as a Yale-educated physician who was then trained by some of the most expert psychopharmacologists and psychotherapists at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. I was born in Brazil, served as President of the APA Caucus of Asian American Psychiatrists, and I am of the Greek Orthodox faith. I will embrace your unique cultural identity. I have practiced for nearly 30 years.
Treatment Philosophy & Approach: Each individual is unique, and each person's treatment should be unique. Count on me to bring all my experience to your service. This includes my foundations as a Yale-educated physician who was then trained by some of the most expert psychopharmacologists and psychotherapists at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. I was born in Brazil, served as President of the APA Caucus of Asian American Psychiatrists, and I am of the Greek Orthodox faith. I will embrace your unique cultural identity. I have practiced for nearly 30 years.
(650) 663-2900 View (650) 663-2900
Photo of Cynthia Florin - Cynthia Florin, MD, Psychiatrist, MD
Cynthia Florin, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Burlingame, CA 94010
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problems with attention, are in a life transition, experiencing trauma and its consequences, or have wishes for a greater sense of authenticity, my 30 years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist and psychotherapist has convinced me that a good relationship with a mental health provider can help you understand, accept and value your unique story. I believe it is my passion for this work that has led me to be selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America" for 20 straight years.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problems with attention, are in a life transition, experiencing trauma and its consequences, or have wishes for a greater sense of authenticity, my 30 years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist and psychotherapist has convinced me that a good relationship with a mental health provider can help you understand, accept and value your unique story. I believe it is my passion for this work that has led me to be selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America" for 20 straight years.
(650) 409-2688 View (650) 409-2688
Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, Psychiatrist, DO, ABPN
Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO, ABPN
Online Only
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(650) 563-7624 View (650) 563-7624
Photo of Rama Dronamraju - Mindful Health Solutions - Rama Dronamraju, MD, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Dronamraju is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over thirty years of extensive experience. She treats patients with clinical depression, bipolar depression, treatment-resistant mood and psychotic disorders, and is particularly interested in helping patients with neuromodulation and brain stimulation therapies, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Dr. Rama Dronamraju works with patients as partners in treatment, helping them understand their symptoms, the nature of their illness, and the treatment itself.
Dr. Dronamraju is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over thirty years of extensive experience. She treats patients with clinical depression, bipolar depression, treatment-resistant mood and psychotic disorders, and is particularly interested in helping patients with neuromodulation and brain stimulation therapies, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Dr. Rama Dronamraju works with patients as partners in treatment, helping them understand their symptoms, the nature of their illness, and the treatment itself.
(707) 657-5317 View (707) 657-5317
Photo of Dr. Christopher Khoshoryan - LifeStance Health, Psychiatrist, MD
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Burlingame, CA 94010
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
(650) 719-7505 View (650) 719-7505
Photo of Susan Word - TeleHealthPsyCare, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, B-C
TeleHealthPsyCare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, B-C
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
What's bothering you the most today? Let's work on it. Sometimes meds help.
What's bothering you the most today? Let's work on it. Sometimes meds help.
(650) 675-3187 View (650) 675-3187
Photo of Srikanth Challagundla, Psychiatrist, MD
Srikanth Challagundla
Psychiatrist, MD
Online Only
I have worked in multiple settings including emergency room, inpatient acute care, detoxification center, drug rehabilitation, outpatient, as well as at a correctional facility. Working in these various settings have exposed me to various psychiatric illnesses in different settings with varying severity. I focused on patient-centric treatment and have realized the importance of patients understanding the illness and making treatment choices based on their complete understanding. I firmly believe that patient’s active participation in the treatment and having good understanding of the illness facilitates good outcomes.
I have worked in multiple settings including emergency room, inpatient acute care, detoxification center, drug rehabilitation, outpatient, as well as at a correctional facility. Working in these various settings have exposed me to various psychiatric illnesses in different settings with varying severity. I focused on patient-centric treatment and have realized the importance of patients understanding the illness and making treatment choices based on their complete understanding. I firmly believe that patient’s active participation in the treatment and having good understanding of the illness facilitates good outcomes.
(669) 238-2909 View (669) 238-2909
Photo of Kimberly Dow, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN, MSW
Kimberly Dow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN, MSW
Burlingame, CA 94010
Kimberly Dow is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who helps treat mood disorders at our Burlingame clinic. She practices general psychiatry and is able to help patients with a variety of cases. However, her specialties include working with mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders, and ADHD. She is passionate about understanding her patients on a personal level, and seeks to educate and empower them to help them make informed decisions about available treatment options.
Kimberly Dow is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who helps treat mood disorders at our Burlingame clinic. She practices general psychiatry and is able to help patients with a variety of cases. However, her specialties include working with mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders, and ADHD. She is passionate about understanding her patients on a personal level, and seeks to educate and empower them to help them make informed decisions about available treatment options.
(707) 657-5317 View (707) 657-5317
Photo of Neil Rajdev, Psychiatrist, MD
Neil Rajdev
Psychiatrist, MD
Burlingame, CA 94010
I am a general adult psychiatrist with experience treating a variety of conditions and a special interest in OCD, student-athlete mental health, mood and anxiety disorders. I employ a holistic view of mental health that first requires being curious about the unique dynamics that might be affecting your well-being. While medications are often important, I also believe in addressing aspects of one’s lifestyle (sleep, exercise, diet) and examining interpersonal, occupational, among other stressors in a judgement-free, supportive environment.
I am a general adult psychiatrist with experience treating a variety of conditions and a special interest in OCD, student-athlete mental health, mood and anxiety disorders. I employ a holistic view of mental health that first requires being curious about the unique dynamics that might be affecting your well-being. While medications are often important, I also believe in addressing aspects of one’s lifestyle (sleep, exercise, diet) and examining interpersonal, occupational, among other stressors in a judgement-free, supportive environment.
(669) 338-4216 View (669) 338-4216
Photo of Aarti Chhatlani - Mindful Health Solutions - Aarti Chhatlani, MD, Psychiatrist, MD
I treat patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. My individualized patient plans provide evidence-based treatment options, including medication management. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has a collaborative and empathetic approach based on mindfulness principles. For me, telepsychiatry is the modern equivalent to a home visit, where a patient can have their video appointment in a familiar environment such as their home or office. Our practice, founded in 2007, provides innovative, patient-centric care and accepts most major insurance plans.
I treat patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. My individualized patient plans provide evidence-based treatment options, including medication management. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who has a collaborative and empathetic approach based on mindfulness principles. For me, telepsychiatry is the modern equivalent to a home visit, where a patient can have their video appointment in a familiar environment such as their home or office. Our practice, founded in 2007, provides innovative, patient-centric care and accepts most major insurance plans.
(415) 908-1486 View (415) 908-1486
Photo of Christopher E Jones, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Christopher E Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Online Only
Over the past 20 years working in mental healthcare, I have enjoyed the great opportunity to serve patients and their families. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I worked first at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, through their post-graduate residency program, and then for the past several years, I worked with medically underserved populations throughout New Mexico, first in person and then via telehealth.
Over the past 20 years working in mental healthcare, I have enjoyed the great opportunity to serve patients and their families. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I worked first at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, through their post-graduate residency program, and then for the past several years, I worked with medically underserved populations throughout New Mexico, first in person and then via telehealth.
(669) 322-8228 View (669) 322-8228
Photo of Vivian Luong, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Vivian Luong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Burlingame, CA 94010
Vivian Luong is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor's of Nursing in Nursing and Nutrition Science and a Master's of Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Pennsylvania. Vivian uses a gentle, grounded approach to treating her clients. She is a patient advocate who demonstrates compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental care for all her clients. Vivian communicates proactively and thoroughly to ensure that she and her clients are working collaboratively in their treatment.
Vivian Luong is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor's of Nursing in Nursing and Nutrition Science and a Master's of Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Pennsylvania. Vivian uses a gentle, grounded approach to treating her clients. She is a patient advocate who demonstrates compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental care for all her clients. Vivian communicates proactively and thoroughly to ensure that she and her clients are working collaboratively in their treatment.
(628) 230-6909 View (628) 230-6909
Photo of Dave Auluck - The Focus Doc, Psychiatrist, MD
The Focus Doc
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
(415) 301-4583 View (415) 301-4583
Photo of Michelle Kwok, Psychiatrist, MD
Michelle Kwok
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
As a board certified psychiatrist, I treat psychiatric conditions using the bio-psycho-social framework. Psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, like thyroid problems, the effects of chemotherapy, strokes, or genetic predisposition. Psychiatric issues may also have psychological causes, such as the lack of coping skills, difficulty processing situations, or early life experiences. Finally, psychiatric disorders may have sociological explanations: overwhelming expectations of one's social setting, perhaps, or drastic changes in one's environment.
As a board certified psychiatrist, I treat psychiatric conditions using the bio-psycho-social framework. Psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, like thyroid problems, the effects of chemotherapy, strokes, or genetic predisposition. Psychiatric issues may also have psychological causes, such as the lack of coping skills, difficulty processing situations, or early life experiences. Finally, psychiatric disorders may have sociological explanations: overwhelming expectations of one's social setting, perhaps, or drastic changes in one's environment.
(408) 831-3274 View (408) 831-3274
Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, Psychiatrist, DO
Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Online Only
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(650) 881-4012 View (650) 881-4012

See more therapy options for Burlingame

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Burlingame, CA

30+

Average cost per session

$275

Psychiatrists in Burlingame, CA who prioritize treating:

97% Depression
97% Anxiety
90% Medication Management
68% Bipolar Disorder
61% ADHD
58% Trauma and PTSD
48% Stress

Average years in practice

18 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

95% Aetna
91% Magellan
91% Optum

How Psychiatrists in Burlingame, CA see their clients

65% In Person and Online
35% Online Only

Gender breakdown

58% Female
42% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Burlingame?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.