Psychiatrists in Cathedral City, CA
A little bit about me: I have been practicing as a PMHNP for 3 years. I have been practicing as a FNP for 5 years. In the past, I had been operating my own restaurant for about 20 years. I am always passionate about helping people. I love what I am doing.
A little bit about me: I have been practicing as a PMHNP for 3 years. I have been practicing as a FNP for 5 years. In the past, I had been operating my own restaurant for about 20 years. I am always passionate about helping people. I love what I am doing.
ATS provides individual therapy, clinical assessments, and psychological evaluations for both adults and teens. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction or a mental health condition and is seeking help, call our team today for a free confidential assessment.
ATS provides individual therapy, clinical assessments, and psychological evaluations for both adults and teens. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction or a mental health condition and is seeking help, call our team today for a free confidential assessment.
I have built my practice over the years on the “3 Cs”, Compassionate, Conservative and Collaborative Care. I strive to deliver compassionate care to ensure that my patients feel and know that they are heard. I always practice conservatively to ensure the patient is comfortable, safe and to avoid creating any substance dependency. Lastly, I believe in collaborating with my patient to ensure that they are participating in their own treatment plan.
I have built my practice over the years on the “3 Cs”, Compassionate, Conservative and Collaborative Care. I strive to deliver compassionate care to ensure that my patients feel and know that they are heard. I always practice conservatively to ensure the patient is comfortable, safe and to avoid creating any substance dependency. Lastly, I believe in collaborating with my patient to ensure that they are participating in their own treatment plan.
Duke Nyarecha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cathedral City, CA 92234 (Online Only)
My name is Duke Nyarecha, a PMHNP-BC, with a doctorate in nursing practice. My approach to care: Collaborative and Person-Centered: We'd work together to define goals and build a plan that respects your unique needs and background. Informative and Evidence-Based: I'd provide you with up-to-date information and suggest approaches supported by research. Safe and Respectful: Our interactions would be confidential and free from judgment.
My name is Duke Nyarecha, a PMHNP-BC, with a doctorate in nursing practice. My approach to care: Collaborative and Person-Centered: We'd work together to define goals and build a plan that respects your unique needs and background. Informative and Evidence-Based: I'd provide you with up-to-date information and suggest approaches supported by research. Safe and Respectful: Our interactions would be confidential and free from judgment.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
I am a nurse practitioner offering medication management, and other treatments for mental health through Empowered Psychiatry. I am Johns Hopkins-educated, LGBTQ+ positive, sex-positive, poly-, body- and kink positive, and I am pretty calm, casual, and relaxed, with some dry humor sprinkled in. I prioritize mutual open communication in order to work with each individual's goals. I try to avoid stigma and shame, including about substances, neurodivergence, and unfortunate past events, and I aim to work together to define and pursue health and wellness goals.
I am a nurse practitioner offering medication management, and other treatments for mental health through Empowered Psychiatry. I am Johns Hopkins-educated, LGBTQ+ positive, sex-positive, poly-, body- and kink positive, and I am pretty calm, casual, and relaxed, with some dry humor sprinkled in. I prioritize mutual open communication in order to work with each individual's goals. I try to avoid stigma and shame, including about substances, neurodivergence, and unfortunate past events, and I aim to work together to define and pursue health and wellness goals.
Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Halee Fullerton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Palm Springs, CA 92262 (Online Only)
My name is Halee Fullerton. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that has worked in various settings. I specialize in medication management. I offer a personalized, holistic, evidence-based approach to the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. My specific interests are treating depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and addiction disorders in children/adolescents and young adults.
My name is Halee Fullerton. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner that has worked in various settings. I specialize in medication management. I offer a personalized, holistic, evidence-based approach to the treatment of mental health and addiction disorders. My specific interests are treating depression, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and addiction disorders in children/adolescents and young adults.
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Michelle Brilee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Desert, CA 92260
A graduate of California State University of San Marcos, I am dual board certified in Psychiatric/Mental Health and Family Medicine as a Nurse Practitioner. My client care philosophy focuses on the whole person when evaluating, diagnosing and treating psychiatric and mental health concerns to develop treatment plans for the clients that may include medication management and or counseling. I work closely with clients offering both compassion and in-depth information that help to increase understanding of treatment options and maximize benefits for both adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma.
A graduate of California State University of San Marcos, I am dual board certified in Psychiatric/Mental Health and Family Medicine as a Nurse Practitioner. My client care philosophy focuses on the whole person when evaluating, diagnosing and treating psychiatric and mental health concerns to develop treatment plans for the clients that may include medication management and or counseling. I work closely with clients offering both compassion and in-depth information that help to increase understanding of treatment options and maximize benefits for both adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma.
Naiga Dohnji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Palm Springs, CA 92264 (Online Only)
Dr. Naiga Dohnji (DNP) is a dedicated provider, who embodies the mission and values of being a positive influence in patients' lives, with a rich tapestry of professional experience. She brings a unique perspective to her practice, develops a complete wellness plan to help patients reach their goals. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be understood. I believe that mental health can affect anyone regardless of status and that every patient is unique in the challenges they face. Taking care of patients is both an honor and a privilege for me. My focus has always been caring for patients.
Dr. Naiga Dohnji (DNP) is a dedicated provider, who embodies the mission and values of being a positive influence in patients' lives, with a rich tapestry of professional experience. She brings a unique perspective to her practice, develops a complete wellness plan to help patients reach their goals. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to be understood. I believe that mental health can affect anyone regardless of status and that every patient is unique in the challenges they face. Taking care of patients is both an honor and a privilege for me. My focus has always been caring for patients.
Chidinma G Nwankwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Springs, CA 92264 (Online Only)
Chidinma is a dedicated and highly skilled psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in Los Angeles, California. She pursued her master's degree at Walden University with a specialization in psychiatric mental health. As a board psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner, she possess a unique set qualities that are crucial for providing comprehensive care to individuals with mental health issues.
Chidinma is a dedicated and highly skilled psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in Los Angeles, California. She pursued her master's degree at Walden University with a specialization in psychiatric mental health. As a board psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner, she possess a unique set qualities that are crucial for providing comprehensive care to individuals with mental health issues.
As a psychoanalyst my approach is grounded in a humble appreciation for how individuals work to create a way of life that is safe and enriching, based on an understanding that at times despite best efforts we can feel pain, sadness or anger or even wrestle with unwanted feelings or behaviors that we cannot quite name. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be helpful in that it allows one to incorporate a view of the past that can shed light on present struggles. It is based on the belief that we employ particular coping strategies to manage the challenges inherent in being a subject in the
As a psychoanalyst my approach is grounded in a humble appreciation for how individuals work to create a way of life that is safe and enriching, based on an understanding that at times despite best efforts we can feel pain, sadness or anger or even wrestle with unwanted feelings or behaviors that we cannot quite name. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be helpful in that it allows one to incorporate a view of the past that can shed light on present struggles. It is based on the belief that we employ particular coping strategies to manage the challenges inherent in being a subject in the
Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palm Springs, CA 92292
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD or postpartum? Have you tried antidepressants and therapy and still have not found relief? If so, then you may be the perfect candidate for TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), an FDA-cleared safe and effective treatment for depression. More than 80% of patients with depression feel a huge lift in their depression after TMS treatment. The best news is, it's covered by insurance.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD or postpartum? Have you tried antidepressants and therapy and still have not found relief? If so, then you may be the perfect candidate for TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), an FDA-cleared safe and effective treatment for depression. More than 80% of patients with depression feel a huge lift in their depression after TMS treatment. The best news is, it's covered by insurance.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
Jack Mkroyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
With clinical academic appointments in the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Specter has experience treating a wide range of mental health/behavioral issues, including mood dysregulation (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, thought disorders (psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder), and relationship or work difficulties. He's a former Professor of Nutrition and most recent Medical Director for the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hosp. Adult Eating Disorders Program -- work with eating behavior/body image issues is a practice specialty. For more information, go to www.psychiatry-nutrition.com.
With clinical academic appointments in the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Specter has experience treating a wide range of mental health/behavioral issues, including mood dysregulation (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, thought disorders (psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder), and relationship or work difficulties. He's a former Professor of Nutrition and most recent Medical Director for the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hosp. Adult Eating Disorders Program -- work with eating behavior/body image issues is a practice specialty. For more information, go to www.psychiatry-nutrition.com.
Jacqueline Constantino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as an adult/gerontology primary care NP and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have over 14 years of nursing experience and my goal is to provide compassionate, holistic care to help clients achieve optimal wellness. I am comfortable treating all conditions to include depression, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, binge-eating disorder, and weight management.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as an adult/gerontology primary care NP and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have over 14 years of nursing experience and my goal is to provide compassionate, holistic care to help clients achieve optimal wellness. I am comfortable treating all conditions to include depression, anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, binge-eating disorder, and weight management.
Jessica Vermeulen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palm Springs, CA 92292
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Jonathan Allotey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Palm Springs, CA 92264 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
See more therapy options for Cathedral City
Nearby Searches for Cathedral City
- Hemet
- Indian Wells
- Indio
- Menifee
- Moreno Valley
- Palm Desert
- Palm Springs
- Perris
- Rancho Mirage
- Redlands
- Temecula
- Winchester
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Cathedral City, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Cathedral City, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Anxiety |
75% | Addiction |
75% | Dissociative Disorders (DID) |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Cathedral City, CA see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Cathedral City?
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.