Psychiatrists in Indio, CA
Note: due to resent change in pharmacy practices, no new ADHD patients unless in person in Indio CA and using nearby pharmacy. Dr Connolly grew up in Connecticut and completed undergrad at the University of Connecticut where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Dr Connolly then moved to California for medical school at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr Connolly received his medical education and doctorate from there before heading to Southern California for residency training.
Note: due to resent change in pharmacy practices, no new ADHD patients unless in person in Indio CA and using nearby pharmacy. Dr Connolly grew up in Connecticut and completed undergrad at the University of Connecticut where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Dr Connolly then moved to California for medical school at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr Connolly received his medical education and doctorate from there before heading to Southern California for residency training.
Angelica Luciano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Indio, CA 92201 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Angelica Luciano. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I was licensed in 2017. I use a bio-psycho-social framework. Understanding that psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, the effects of certain medications, or genetic predisposition. I incorporate multiple modalities, including medication management, education, and brief supportive therapeutic interventions to treat you as a unique individual and not a textbook. I treat adults, typically between the ages of 18-60, for a broad range of psychiatric conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
Hello, my name is Angelica Luciano. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I was licensed in 2017. I use a bio-psycho-social framework. Understanding that psychiatric illnesses may have biological causes, the effects of certain medications, or genetic predisposition. I incorporate multiple modalities, including medication management, education, and brief supportive therapeutic interventions to treat you as a unique individual and not a textbook. I treat adults, typically between the ages of 18-60, for a broad range of psychiatric conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.
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.
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.
Living with bipolar disorder involves navigating a world of contrasting highs and lows, where emotional and energy levels can vary dramatically. One week your life couldn’t be better, and the next it’s tough to get out of bed. This condition not only affects mood but can also impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Understanding and managing these fluctuations is crucial for maintaining balance and well-being.
Living with bipolar disorder involves navigating a world of contrasting highs and lows, where emotional and energy levels can vary dramatically. One week your life couldn’t be better, and the next it’s tough to get out of bed. This condition not only affects mood but can also impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Understanding and managing these fluctuations is crucial for maintaining balance and well-being.
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.
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.
Andrea Carasquero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C, ANP-BC
Verified Verified
Indio, CA 92201 (Online Only)
Whole Hearts Clinic our providers specialize in the care of patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD assessment, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse including medication management with ketamine for treatment resistant depression, Suboxone for Opioid use disorder, Naltrexone for Alcohol use. These are uncertain times! You know you could use some support, you want to feel better, so you came to this website. Congratulations on taking the first step. However, you've been scrolling the pages on this site for a while and every clinician is beginning to look the same, and just know my focus is always on you and your health care needs.
Whole Hearts Clinic our providers specialize in the care of patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD assessment, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance abuse including medication management with ketamine for treatment resistant depression, Suboxone for Opioid use disorder, Naltrexone for Alcohol use. These are uncertain times! You know you could use some support, you want to feel better, so you came to this website. Congratulations on taking the first step. However, you've been scrolling the pages on this site for a while and every clinician is beginning to look the same, and just know my focus is always on you and your health care needs.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Michelle Brilee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Palm Desert, CA 92260
I focus on the whole person when working with both children and adolescents, evaluating, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric and mental health concerns. By working closely with my patients and/or their parents, I offer compassion and in-depth information to assist them in better understanding their diagnosis and what they will need to do to maximize the benefits of their treatment plans. These plans may include medication management, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy to improve their symptoms.
I focus on the whole person when working with both children and adolescents, evaluating, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric and mental health concerns. By working closely with my patients and/or their parents, I offer compassion and in-depth information to assist them in better understanding their diagnosis and what they will need to do to maximize the benefits of their treatment plans. These plans may include medication management, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy to improve their symptoms.
Erika Brenda Arias
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Coachella, CA 92236 (Online Only)
My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in the field. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I work with patients who struggle with depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine. My approach is supportive, compassion focused, and culturally sensitive while incorporating Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in the field. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I work with patients who struggle with depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine. My approach is supportive, compassion focused, and culturally sensitive while incorporating Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
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
Self-Booking Now Open online! LIFE can be harsh with work stress, relationship strain, and parenting demands. If you want to grow in your career, have healthier relationships, or perhaps be a more balanced person, you have options. At DWP we’ll help you gain insight, set goals, and grow into the best you. Growth. Resilience. Wellness. Contact us and we'll gladly check your out-of-network benefits before your first visit.
Self-Booking Now Open online! LIFE can be harsh with work stress, relationship strain, and parenting demands. If you want to grow in your career, have healthier relationships, or perhaps be a more balanced person, you have options. At DWP we’ll help you gain insight, set goals, and grow into the best you. Growth. Resilience. Wellness. Contact us and we'll gladly check your out-of-network benefits before your first visit.
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
Today you are one step closer to feeling better! As a psychiatrist I, Thomas B. Jackson, MD, understand the relationship between emotions, life satisfaction and mental illness. Genetics, physical illnesses, life experiences, trauma and significant life changes can all have an impact on how you feel emotionally and how you are feeling about life. My goal is to work with you to thoroughly assess your current emotional challenges and the symptoms you are experiencing. From there, we will formulate a treatment plan and work together so that you will feel better emotionally and feel more positive about your overall journey in life.
Today you are one step closer to feeling better! As a psychiatrist I, Thomas B. Jackson, MD, understand the relationship between emotions, life satisfaction and mental illness. Genetics, physical illnesses, life experiences, trauma and significant life changes can all have an impact on how you feel emotionally and how you are feeling about life. My goal is to work with you to thoroughly assess your current emotional challenges and the symptoms you are experiencing. From there, we will formulate a treatment plan and work together so that you will feel better emotionally and feel more positive about your overall journey in life.
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.
Jonathan Allotey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palm Desert, CA 92260 (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
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I completed my MSN at Azusa Pacific University and has been practicing since 2018. As a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring compassion and expertise to the realm of mental health care. With a focus on holistic wellness, I strive to provide personalized and evidence-based treatments to empower individuals facing psychiatric challenges. My commitment to fostering a therapeutic alliance and utilizing advanced clinical skills allows me to guide my patients on their journey toward mental health and well-being.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I completed my MSN at Azusa Pacific University and has been practicing since 2018. As a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring compassion and expertise to the realm of mental health care. With a focus on holistic wellness, I strive to provide personalized and evidence-based treatments to empower individuals facing psychiatric challenges. My commitment to fostering a therapeutic alliance and utilizing advanced clinical skills allows me to guide my patients on their journey toward mental health and well-being.
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
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
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.
Hi there, my name is Bettina Rodgers and I’m looking forward to connecting with you. I’m a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of California. My expertise is in working with patients ages 18 and up who need help using medication to manage their mental health. My main focus with patients is on life span. Mental health is a lifelong journey, not a sprint. The treatment plan that we come up with will focus on creating a sustained positive impact on your overall health.
Hi there, my name is Bettina Rodgers and I’m looking forward to connecting with you. I’m a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of California. My expertise is in working with patients ages 18 and up who need help using medication to manage their mental health. My main focus with patients is on life span. Mental health is a lifelong journey, not a sprint. The treatment plan that we come up with will focus on creating a sustained positive impact on your overall health.
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See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Indio, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Indio, CA who prioritize treating:
86% | Depression |
86% | Anxiety |
86% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | ADHD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | Medication Management |
57% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
86% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | Anthem |
How Psychiatrists in Indio, CA see their clients
71% | Online Only | |
29% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
57% | Male | |
43% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Indio?
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.