Psychiatrists in Calabasas, CA

Photo of Dr. Christina Ni, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Christina Ni
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Dr. Christina Ni is a board-certified psychiatrist. She promotes a multifaceted approach toward achieving optimal health through improving mental and physical health, including diet, exercise, and self-care.
Dr. Christina Ni is a board-certified psychiatrist. She promotes a multifaceted approach toward achieving optimal health through improving mental and physical health, including diet, exercise, and self-care.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(747) 297-8964 View (747) 297-8964
Photo of Joseph Modestus, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Joseph Modestus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Joseph Modestus a licensed psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a focus on providing compassionate, evidence-based care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and trauma-related disorders, using a collaborative approach to develop personalized treatment plans. My goal is to support patients in achieving emotional well-being and a fulfilling life.
Hello, I'm Joseph Modestus a licensed psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a focus on providing compassionate, evidence-based care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and trauma-related disorders, using a collaborative approach to develop personalized treatment plans. My goal is to support patients in achieving emotional well-being and a fulfilling life.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist
Kailee Marin
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(747) 340-9672 View (747) 340-9672
Photo of Riz Ahmad, MD , Psychiatrist
Riz Ahmad
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(747) 269-6431 View (747) 269-6431
Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente , MD , Psychiatrist
Bonmente
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(747) 298-8259 View (747) 298-8259
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD, Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(747) 302-6844 View (747) 302-6844
Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD , Psychiatrist
Waqar Zuberi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(747) 302-3567 View (747) 302-3567
Photo of Ronald D Sager, MD, Psychiatrist
Ronald D Sager
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
Dr. Sager studied at UCLA in General Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry where he did research studies in child development and attachment disorders in infancy. He remains an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA. He started his private practice in 1967 in General and Child Psychiatry and after five years returned to the LA Psychoanalytic Institute to receive special training in intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Dr. Sager's practice branched out to inpatient work with adults, children and adolescents.
Dr. Sager studied at UCLA in General Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry where he did research studies in child development and attachment disorders in infancy. He remains an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA. He started his private practice in 1967 in General and Child Psychiatry and after five years returned to the LA Psychoanalytic Institute to receive special training in intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Dr. Sager's practice branched out to inpatient work with adults, children and adolescents.
(818) 296-0777 View (818) 296-0777
Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C , Physician Assistant
Sarah Raike
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(747) 269-1215 View (747) 269-1215
Photo of Dr. Matt Markis, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Matt Markis
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Dr. Markis is a board-certified Adult and Adolescent Psychiatrist, specializing in Traumatic Brain Injury, Sports-Related Concussions, ADHD, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. His treatment model includes Medication Management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Psychotherapy. Dr. Markis believes that everyone deserves a caring, competent psychiatrist regardless of their struggles, and helping those in difficult times is what led him to pursue a career in psychiatry.
Dr. Markis is a board-certified Adult and Adolescent Psychiatrist, specializing in Traumatic Brain Injury, Sports-Related Concussions, ADHD, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. His treatment model includes Medication Management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Psychotherapy. Dr. Markis believes that everyone deserves a caring, competent psychiatrist regardless of their struggles, and helping those in difficult times is what led him to pursue a career in psychiatry.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Nadia Malik
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Nadia is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep disorders.
Nadia is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep disorders.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Behrod Mohammad Alinejad, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Behrod Mohammad Alinejad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Behrod is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience helping adults and seniors.
Behrod is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience helping adults and seniors.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Marija Petrovic - Aeonic Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist
Aeonic Medicine
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
In my experience as a physician and psychiatrist all diseases, whether mental or physical, are a product of ancestral or generational trauma, which we have to resolve in this life. The symptoms and signs of disease tend to be entangled with our Unconscious Mind. We often times end up doing things, we are not aware of as a unresolved coping mechanism of trauma, like our family has done for ages. I am looking for clients who wish to address the deeper psychological conflicts that underlie their disease and who are ready to transform and let go of the past.
In my experience as a physician and psychiatrist all diseases, whether mental or physical, are a product of ancestral or generational trauma, which we have to resolve in this life. The symptoms and signs of disease tend to be entangled with our Unconscious Mind. We often times end up doing things, we are not aware of as a unresolved coping mechanism of trauma, like our family has done for ages. I am looking for clients who wish to address the deeper psychological conflicts that underlie their disease and who are ready to transform and let go of the past.
(786) 724-0143 View (786) 724-0143
Photo of Kristen Melnyk, MD, Psychiatrist
Kristen Melnyk
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
I am a board certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who has worked with adults in private practice for 25 years. In therapy we might discuss issues in your relationships or work that are difficult, painful, sensitive, or that you've never discussed with anyone else. The goal is that you rework old narratives and bring these insights into your lived experience outside the therapy relationship.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who has worked with adults in private practice for 25 years. In therapy we might discuss issues in your relationships or work that are difficult, painful, sensitive, or that you've never discussed with anyone else. The goal is that you rework old narratives and bring these insights into your lived experience outside the therapy relationship.
(310) 943-0822 View (310) 943-0822
Photo of Ani Behrouzi - Trauma Recovery Psychiatry Center , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Trauma Recovery Psychiatry Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Welcome to my psychiatry practice focused on trauma recovery, where the journey towards healing begins with empathy and understanding. I specialize in providing tailored care for individuals navigating the enduring impacts of trauma on their well-being. Central to my approach is a profound comprehension of how trauma affects the mind, body, and soul. I acknowledge the diverse ways trauma can manifest, ranging from anxiety and depression to insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, I adopt a holistic treatment strategy that delves into both the symptoms and root causes of distress.
Welcome to my psychiatry practice focused on trauma recovery, where the journey towards healing begins with empathy and understanding. I specialize in providing tailored care for individuals navigating the enduring impacts of trauma on their well-being. Central to my approach is a profound comprehension of how trauma affects the mind, body, and soul. I acknowledge the diverse ways trauma can manifest, ranging from anxiety and depression to insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, I adopt a holistic treatment strategy that delves into both the symptoms and root causes of distress.
(279) 465-0442 View (279) 465-0442
Photo of Sabira Saifuddin - Family Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Family Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
(805) 693-4104 View (805) 693-4104
Photo of Jacquelyn Zommick, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jacquelyn Zommick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
Even on a good day, life can be overwhelming. Buzzing phones, work obligations, relationships, family, to-do lists, email overload, expectations and illness. Feeling like you just can’t handle it all? With so many unknowns in life, we can often feel overwhelmed, stressed out, and scared. I believe that every individual has the right to feel seen and heard. I chose to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in California after being a patient myself. I made the decision to help others that were struggling with their mental health because of my own personal experience as a patient.
Even on a good day, life can be overwhelming. Buzzing phones, work obligations, relationships, family, to-do lists, email overload, expectations and illness. Feeling like you just can’t handle it all? With so many unknowns in life, we can often feel overwhelmed, stressed out, and scared. I believe that every individual has the right to feel seen and heard. I chose to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in California after being a patient myself. I made the decision to help others that were struggling with their mental health because of my own personal experience as a patient.
(661) 669-7973 View (661) 669-7973
Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist
Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 346-6311 View (424) 346-6311
Photo of Sahar Douek, MD, Psychiatrist
Sahar Douek
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
(818) 654-4989 View (818) 654-4989
1

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Calabasas, CA

40+

Average cost per session

$300

Psychiatrists in Calabasas, CA who prioritize treating:

98% Depression
98% Anxiety
93% Medication Management
90% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
88% Bipolar Disorder
86% ADHD
83% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

16 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
96% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Psychiatrists in Calabasas, CA see their clients

52% Online Only
48% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

71% Female
29% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Calabasas?

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.