Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA

Nikki integrates empathy and compassion into her treatment philosophy, using both person-centered and holistic approaches. She combines mindfulness and wellness strategies with traditional psychiatric treatments to nurture both the mind and body, enhancing her patients' overall well-being. Motivated to positively impact others' lives, Nikki finds it both humbling and rewarding to support individuals during their toughest times and to witness their paths to recovery and resilience.
Nikki integrates empathy and compassion into her treatment philosophy, using both person-centered and holistic approaches. She combines mindfulness and wellness strategies with traditional psychiatric treatments to nurture both the mind and body, enhancing her patients' overall well-being. Motivated to positively impact others' lives, Nikki finds it both humbling and rewarding to support individuals during their toughest times and to witness their paths to recovery and resilience.

I am passionate about treating adult patients holistically with a variety of psychiatric disorders including mood and anxiety disorders, women’s reproductive mental health, OCD and ADHD. I offer a personalized yet integrative approach to patient care and wellness, including lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapy and pharmacologic based treatments.
I am passionate about treating adult patients holistically with a variety of psychiatric disorders including mood and anxiety disorders, women’s reproductive mental health, OCD and ADHD. I offer a personalized yet integrative approach to patient care and wellness, including lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapy and pharmacologic based treatments.

I have extensive experience providing medication-management to adults with psychiatric illness. Please visit my website moyermd.com for more detailed background.
I have extensive experience providing medication-management to adults with psychiatric illness. Please visit my website moyermd.com for more detailed background.

Katherine Lais
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Katie Lais is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) treating all people, from children and adolescents to adults and older adults. She primarily worked with patients in community/public health clinics before working with the dedicated team at Mind Bloom La Jolla. She has extensive experience in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction disorders. She has over 14 years of experience in the mental health field.
Katie Lais is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) treating all people, from children and adolescents to adults and older adults. She primarily worked with patients in community/public health clinics before working with the dedicated team at Mind Bloom La Jolla. She has extensive experience in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction disorders. She has over 14 years of experience in the mental health field.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in behavioral health nursing. I firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same quality of support. My areas of expertise include mood disorders like anxiety and depression, personality disorders, women's mental health, Geri-psych (geriatric psychiatry), and addiction medicine.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in behavioral health nursing. I firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same quality of support. My areas of expertise include mood disorders like anxiety and depression, personality disorders, women's mental health, Geri-psych (geriatric psychiatry), and addiction medicine.

Symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in a person’s brain. Medications can relieve these symptoms by changing brain chemicals that influence mood and thought patterns. Because every individual responds differently to every medication, a specialized neuropsychiatrist is the best equipped to prescribe and manage drug therapy. At Kaizen, our neuropsychiatrist considers the whole patient, including symptom and medication history. Dr. Ahmed also has a strong background with military, veteran, and active-duty patients suffering from PTSD, MDD, or Generalized Anxiety.
Symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in a person’s brain. Medications can relieve these symptoms by changing brain chemicals that influence mood and thought patterns. Because every individual responds differently to every medication, a specialized neuropsychiatrist is the best equipped to prescribe and manage drug therapy. At Kaizen, our neuropsychiatrist considers the whole patient, including symptom and medication history. Dr. Ahmed also has a strong background with military, veteran, and active-duty patients suffering from PTSD, MDD, or Generalized Anxiety.

Claudio Demb is a boardcertified psychiatrist with vast expertise in the field of mental health. Claudio was born in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, amidst the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and open lands. He attended medical school at the National University of La Plata, Argentina. Claudio subsequently pursued a rotating internship at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University in Israel, before relocating to the United States to complete his psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Claudio Demb is a boardcertified psychiatrist with vast expertise in the field of mental health. Claudio was born in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, amidst the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and open lands. He attended medical school at the National University of La Plata, Argentina. Claudio subsequently pursued a rotating internship at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University in Israel, before relocating to the United States to complete his psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Dr. Jennifer Rego Kearney is dual board-certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry.
Dr. Jennifer Rego Kearney is dual board-certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry.

Kristoffer A. Ancho is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He is a master’s prepared nurse practitioner with 10 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse. He has extensive experience caring for geriatrics, adults, adolescents, and children suffering from mental illness at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. He also provided care for veterans at the VA San Diego’s Neuromodulation Clinic. He is experienced with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Esketamine (Spravato), and IV Ketamine infusion.
Kristoffer A. Ancho is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He is a master’s prepared nurse practitioner with 10 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse. He has extensive experience caring for geriatrics, adults, adolescents, and children suffering from mental illness at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. He also provided care for veterans at the VA San Diego’s Neuromodulation Clinic. He is experienced with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Esketamine (Spravato), and IV Ketamine infusion.

Mary Ewing (Formerly Weiss)
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Ewing has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health conditions in outpatient, community, and hospital settings. In addition to expertise in psychopharmacology, she specializes in individuals with treatment resistant depression, utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for individuals who have had limited response to medications.
Dr. Ewing has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health conditions in outpatient, community, and hospital settings. In addition to expertise in psychopharmacology, she specializes in individuals with treatment resistant depression, utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for individuals who have had limited response to medications.

Azmeena Hashem (DNP, PMHNP-BC, NP-C, APRN, RN). Holistic and effective patient care and practice psychopharmacology. My skills include conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations, devising personalized treatment plans, and experience in psychiatric medication management. Also, provide ongoing psychoeducation to individuals and their families. Adult patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, dual diagnosis, bipolar, PTSD, and panic disorder. Active listening, working with the patient as a team, and discussing treatment plans with them.
Azmeena Hashem (DNP, PMHNP-BC, NP-C, APRN, RN). Holistic and effective patient care and practice psychopharmacology. My skills include conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations, devising personalized treatment plans, and experience in psychiatric medication management. Also, provide ongoing psychoeducation to individuals and their families. Adult patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, dual diagnosis, bipolar, PTSD, and panic disorder. Active listening, working with the patient as a team, and discussing treatment plans with them.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Kory Juckem, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner seeing adult patients in La Jolla, California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Kory has experience in working with adults with mental illness and her expertise includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mood, anxiety, and thought disorders.
Kory Juckem, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner seeing adult patients in La Jolla, California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Kory has experience in working with adults with mental illness and her expertise includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mood, anxiety, and thought disorders.

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.

Ana Lopez Hopkins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Welcome! Ana Lopez Hopkins is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate mental health care. She is accepting new patients via telehealth or in person at Mind Bloom La Jolla. She holds a Master's degree from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Arizona.
She specializes in teenagers and adults with an emphasis on mood disorders (depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders (panic attacks, OCD, intrusive thoughts), and ADHD.
Welcome! Ana Lopez Hopkins is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate mental health care. She is accepting new patients via telehealth or in person at Mind Bloom La Jolla. She holds a Master's degree from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Arizona.
She specializes in teenagers and adults with an emphasis on mood disorders (depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders (panic attacks, OCD, intrusive thoughts), and ADHD.

My name is Nicole Miller, and I am a double-board-certified nurse practitioner. I am certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have found that patients are more compliant with their treatment plan if they participate in their care. Each patient receives individualized treatment plans and participates in care decisions from the first visit. I also utilize a multi-disciplinary approach in my practice.
My name is Nicole Miller, and I am a double-board-certified nurse practitioner. I am certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have found that patients are more compliant with their treatment plan if they participate in their care. Each patient receives individualized treatment plans and participates in care decisions from the first visit. I also utilize a multi-disciplinary approach in my practice.

I specialize in treating patients with medications, therapy or both. I have particular interest in Family therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including Exposure Therapy), and Psychodynamic therapy. I commonly work with patients experiencing issues with mood, anxiety, stress, attention/concentration, school, work, family dynamics, or relationships. Originally from the midwest, I attended medical school at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. I completed my adult psychiatry residency training at the University of Chicago-Medicine and my child and adolescent psychiatry training at UCLA.
I specialize in treating patients with medications, therapy or both. I have particular interest in Family therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including Exposure Therapy), and Psychodynamic therapy. I commonly work with patients experiencing issues with mood, anxiety, stress, attention/concentration, school, work, family dynamics, or relationships. Originally from the midwest, I attended medical school at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. I completed my adult psychiatry residency training at the University of Chicago-Medicine and my child and adolescent psychiatry training at UCLA.

I am an adult psychiatrist seeing patients in CA, MA, & NY, trained in neuroscience, psychiatric genetics, and nutritional psychiatry with a vested interest in women’s and perinatal psychiatry. I am dedicated to helping women through difficult transitions like pregnancy, the impact of stressful work environments on health, developing healthy relationships, and managing mental health balance when life requires a different way of operating. I work with women looking to get through unforeseen roadblocks and get them on the path to operating well in their bodies and nervous systems so they can thrive.
I am an adult psychiatrist seeing patients in CA, MA, & NY, trained in neuroscience, psychiatric genetics, and nutritional psychiatry with a vested interest in women’s and perinatal psychiatry. I am dedicated to helping women through difficult transitions like pregnancy, the impact of stressful work environments on health, developing healthy relationships, and managing mental health balance when life requires a different way of operating. I work with women looking to get through unforeseen roadblocks and get them on the path to operating well in their bodies and nervous systems so they can thrive.

As a provider, Kirsten takes a holistic approach to mental health care and aims to use the least amount of medication possible. She sees great value in helping her clients access alternative treatments (development of executive functioning skills, focusing on nutrition and exercise, promoting talk therapy, acupuncture and energy healing, etc.) that are often overlooked by conventional psychiatric providers.
As a provider, Kirsten takes a holistic approach to mental health care and aims to use the least amount of medication possible. She sees great value in helping her clients access alternative treatments (development of executive functioning skills, focusing on nutrition and exercise, promoting talk therapy, acupuncture and energy healing, etc.) that are often overlooked by conventional psychiatric providers.

My practice is designed for individuals who have been struggling and frustrated by an inability to achieve their goals in life. Together, we will work on recovery, growth, and flourishing. I have advanced training in biological psychiatry and psychotherapy. My philosophy on psychopharmacology is a thoughtful and minimalistic approach. We will use medications to enhance your own mind and body’s own healing powers to reassert themselves.
My practice is designed for individuals who have been struggling and frustrated by an inability to achieve their goals in life. Together, we will work on recovery, growth, and flourishing. I have advanced training in biological psychiatry and psychotherapy. My philosophy on psychopharmacology is a thoughtful and minimalistic approach. We will use medications to enhance your own mind and body’s own healing powers to reassert themselves.

Welcome! I'm Stephanie Reed, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of California. My practice focuses on helping people through a combination of medication (if needed) and other lifestyle or behavioral interventions that may help recovery and reaching personal goals. I treat adults of all ages for a broad range of conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. I use an eclectic approach to helping people uncover and understand the nature of the struggles they are having and help us come to an effective treatment plan together.
Welcome! I'm Stephanie Reed, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of California. My practice focuses on helping people through a combination of medication (if needed) and other lifestyle or behavioral interventions that may help recovery and reaching personal goals. I treat adults of all ages for a broad range of conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. I use an eclectic approach to helping people uncover and understand the nature of the struggles they are having and help us come to an effective treatment plan together.
See more therapy options for La Jolla
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA who prioritize treating:
97% | Depression |
97% | Anxiety |
80% | ADHD |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
62% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
98% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
73% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Female | |
34% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in La Jolla?
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.