Psychiatrists in Huntington Beach, CA
Dexter Jones MSN, PMHN - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHN, BC
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Dexter has more than 16 years of dedicated experience in the medical field, including three years as a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in California. Throughout his career, he has cultivated a strong foundation in primary psychiatric care, including acute, inpatient, and outpatient mental health. His many years of experience have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare to patients of diverse backgrounds and needs. Dexter uses a combination of medication management and supportive therapy to work towards the goals of decreasing suffering and improving quality of life.
Dexter has more than 16 years of dedicated experience in the medical field, including three years as a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in California. Throughout his career, he has cultivated a strong foundation in primary psychiatric care, including acute, inpatient, and outpatient mental health. His many years of experience have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare to patients of diverse backgrounds and needs. Dexter uses a combination of medication management and supportive therapy to work towards the goals of decreasing suffering and improving quality of life.
Sylvia Guthrie is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Born in Brazil and thriving in the United States since 2012, Sylvia brings a wealth of multicultural understanding to her practice. Fluent in both English and Portuguese (Brazilian), with Spanish proficiency, Sylvia welcomes patients from diverse backgrounds and all stages of life.
Sylvia Guthrie is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Born in Brazil and thriving in the United States since 2012, Sylvia brings a wealth of multicultural understanding to her practice. Fluent in both English and Portuguese (Brazilian), with Spanish proficiency, Sylvia welcomes patients from diverse backgrounds and all stages of life.
Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
Dr. Stablein uses an integrative approach to help you achieve improved mental health and well being. He works with individuals who have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, unresolved traumas, concentration difficulties, and impairments with academic and professional performance. His treatment approach is to build an emotionally safe setting, understand you, and work with you to build on your strengths. He uses a combination of health and wellness principles, psychodynamic techniques, mindfulness, and if indicated, medication management. Collaboratively, he will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.
Dr. Stablein uses an integrative approach to help you achieve improved mental health and well being. He works with individuals who have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, unresolved traumas, concentration difficulties, and impairments with academic and professional performance. His treatment approach is to build an emotionally safe setting, understand you, and work with you to build on your strengths. He uses a combination of health and wellness principles, psychodynamic techniques, mindfulness, and if indicated, medication management. Collaboratively, he will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.
Hello! I'm an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed provider specializing in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. With a sense of warmth, I offer empathetic and evidence-based practices in the diagnosis and treatment of many mental health conditions for individuals of all ages across the lifespan. My specialties include psychiatric treatments of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions. I'm committed to empowering patients through education to assist them in making the best decisions regarding their care.
Hello! I'm an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed provider specializing in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. With a sense of warmth, I offer empathetic and evidence-based practices in the diagnosis and treatment of many mental health conditions for individuals of all ages across the lifespan. My specialties include psychiatric treatments of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions. I'm committed to empowering patients through education to assist them in making the best decisions regarding their care.
Eric Nghe - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Eric Nghe is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He has over 4 years of experience caring for patients in primary and urgent care settings as a nurse practitioner and over 8 years of experience working as a registered nurse in an emergency room setting. He graduated from Brandman University (part of the Chapman University system) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C).
Eric Nghe is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He has over 4 years of experience caring for patients in primary and urgent care settings as a nurse practitioner and over 8 years of experience working as a registered nurse in an emergency room setting. He graduated from Brandman University (part of the Chapman University system) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C).
Dr Priti Bhardwaj - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Dr. Priti Bhardwaj knows how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you’re taking a step closer to where you want to be. Struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity interfere with our emotional and physical well-being as well as our ability to connect with others. Her goal with patients and families is to provide a warm, safe, and accepting environment for them to communicate the difficulties and challenges they face and work on finding solutions that nourish them toward becoming the healthiest and best version of themselves.
Dr. Priti Bhardwaj knows how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you’re taking a step closer to where you want to be. Struggles with anxiety, depression, attention, and insecurity interfere with our emotional and physical well-being as well as our ability to connect with others. Her goal with patients and families is to provide a warm, safe, and accepting environment for them to communicate the difficulties and challenges they face and work on finding solutions that nourish them toward becoming the healthiest and best version of themselves.
Hello, I'm Elena Urbiztondo, a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. My approach is compassionate and integrative, combining medication management and psychotherapy, focusing on collaboration and tailored care to support your mental health and help you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
Hello, I'm Elena Urbiztondo, a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. My approach is compassionate and integrative, combining medication management and psychotherapy, focusing on collaboration and tailored care to support your mental health and help you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
Jennifer Knisely is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to both geriatric and adult populations. Jennifer obtains strong clinical skills, with an intuitive ability to build patient rapport while providing evidence-based care. Jennifer provides collaborative, holistic, and patient-centered care focusing on what matters most to you. I want you to leave your session feeling better than you did. I want you to be the best version of you!
Jennifer Knisely is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to both geriatric and adult populations. Jennifer obtains strong clinical skills, with an intuitive ability to build patient rapport while providing evidence-based care. Jennifer provides collaborative, holistic, and patient-centered care focusing on what matters most to you. I want you to leave your session feeling better than you did. I want you to be the best version of you!
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health treats mental health disorders using a variety of treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We strive to help create a treatment plan which will help guide you on a path to wellness. Our goal is to provide thorough diagnostic evaluations which will inform treatment choices and increase the likelihood the treatment will be successful. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
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Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
John Diya - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** John Anthony Diya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health NP, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. He graduated from Charles R. Drew University. He has over 9 years of experience in providing psychiatric care to patients of all ages. He began his career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** John Anthony Diya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health NP, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. He graduated from Charles R. Drew University. He has over 9 years of experience in providing psychiatric care to patients of all ages. He began his career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over ten years experience in health care field, my heart is fully committed to delivering empathetic and comprehensive mental health care. It is my solemn duty to evaluate, diagnose, and address a myriad of mental health conditions : such as anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD, and insomnia ,all while emphasizing the importance of promoting holistic well-being.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over ten years experience in health care field, my heart is fully committed to delivering empathetic and comprehensive mental health care. It is my solemn duty to evaluate, diagnose, and address a myriad of mental health conditions : such as anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD, and insomnia ,all while emphasizing the importance of promoting holistic well-being.
Dr. Heather Mak - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified Psychiatric Physician Associate (PA) with extensive training in Family Practice, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. My journey has taken me from rural to urban communities, equipping me with a diverse skill set to better serve my patients. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and empathy, I strive to provide the highest quality of care.
Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
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
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!
Dr. Terry Eagan - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** Suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can be debilitating and hold you back from leading a happy and balanced life. We invite you to learn more about your treatment options to recover. Call for a Free Confidential assessment and schedule an appointment today.
*** ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS WITH A WAIT TIME OF 1 WEEK OR LESS *** Suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can be debilitating and hold you back from leading a happy and balanced life. We invite you to learn more about your treatment options to recover. Call for a Free Confidential assessment and schedule an appointment today.
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!
See more therapy options for Huntington Beach
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Huntington Beach, CA
90+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Huntington Beach, CA who prioritize treating:
98% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
85% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | ADHD |
79% | Trauma and PTSD |
78% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Huntington Beach, CA see their clients
61% | In Person and Online | |
39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
57% | Female | |
43% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Huntington Beach?
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.