Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Do racing thoughts, restless nights, and constant self-doubt drain your energy and peace of mind? Are you overwhelmed by the need for certainty, struggling with poor concentration, or feeling burdened by your own hypersensitivity? Whether your challenges stem from brain chemistry, genetics, or hurtful parenting, you don’t have to face them alone. At Evolve Psychiatry, our compassionate team of medical experts and seasoned psychotherapists partners with you to explore and finally answer these questions. Together, we’ll cultivate the skills you need to feel more confident in yourself and more connected to the world around you.
Dr. Brown is a compassionate board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the comprehensive care of children, adolescents, and adults. With a commitment to promoting mental wellness, she offers a range of services including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy. Raised in the vibrant Bronx, New York, Dr. Brown's academic journey reflects her dedication to excellence. She graduated with honors in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and further pursued her MD and PhD at the prestigious Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
Dr. Brown is a compassionate board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the comprehensive care of children, adolescents, and adults. With a commitment to promoting mental wellness, she offers a range of services including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy. Raised in the vibrant Bronx, New York, Dr. Brown's academic journey reflects her dedication to excellence. She graduated with honors in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and further pursued her MD and PhD at the prestigious Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.
Welcoming New Patients! Erinn is a dedicated and compassionate physician assistant at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She earned a Master’s degree from Touro University Nevada and has a diverse clinical background, ranging from family medicine to emergency medicine. Erinn integrates medication management with CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy to treat a range of psychiatric conditions and promote resilience, self-awareness, growth, and long-term mental well-being.
Welcoming New Patients! Erinn is a dedicated and compassionate physician assistant at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She earned a Master’s degree from Touro University Nevada and has a diverse clinical background, ranging from family medicine to emergency medicine. Erinn integrates medication management with CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy to treat a range of psychiatric conditions and promote resilience, self-awareness, growth, and long-term mental well-being.
wide range of psychiatric disorders. Her practice philosophy includes evaluating the whole person in the context of their health, environment and relationships. She performs a thorough evaluation to make recommendations for treatment with an individualized balance of medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle/behavior interventions (such as exercise and nutrition) then works closely with you to follow through on your treatment in a way that optimizes your outcome and quality of life. She strongly believes in shared decision making in order to tailor your treatment to achieve optimal mental wellness.
wide range of psychiatric disorders. Her practice philosophy includes evaluating the whole person in the context of their health, environment and relationships. She performs a thorough evaluation to make recommendations for treatment with an individualized balance of medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle/behavior interventions (such as exercise and nutrition) then works closely with you to follow through on your treatment in a way that optimizes your outcome and quality of life. She strongly believes in shared decision making in order to tailor your treatment to achieve optimal mental wellness.
I specialize in treating various forms of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and other mood disorders, especially treatment-resistant cases. I provide innovative therapeutics, such as Ketamine Therapy, TMS Therapy, General Psychiatry, and more. It's important to me to involve clients in decision-making, tailoring treatment plans to align with individual goals and preferences.
I specialize in treating various forms of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and other mood disorders, especially treatment-resistant cases. I provide innovative therapeutics, such as Ketamine Therapy, TMS Therapy, General Psychiatry, and more. It's important to me to involve clients in decision-making, tailoring treatment plans to align with individual goals and preferences.
Hi! I've been a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 17 years and I love working with children, teens and adults to help them achieve and maintain excellent mental health and wellness. I specialize in tele-health services and, while I diagnose and treat most psychiatric conditions, I especially enjoy working with people with learning differences, ADHD, mood disorders, children with adjustment issues, and women who are experiencing fertility, pregnancy and postpartum related issues. I am a life long learner and educator and believe in a collaborative approach with each individual I work with.
Hi! I've been a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 17 years and I love working with children, teens and adults to help them achieve and maintain excellent mental health and wellness. I specialize in tele-health services and, while I diagnose and treat most psychiatric conditions, I especially enjoy working with people with learning differences, ADHD, mood disorders, children with adjustment issues, and women who are experiencing fertility, pregnancy and postpartum related issues. I am a life long learner and educator and believe in a collaborative approach with each individual I work with.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adults and adolescents.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adults and adolescents.
Finding hope is the first step in getting better. And there are reasons to be hopeful. Research has consistently demonstrated the benefit of multiple approaches in the treatment of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and OCD. It has also shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of psychotherapy and medication treatment. If you suspect you may be suffering from any of these disorders you should know you are not alone. Millions of people in the US and about half a billion people in the world have significant depression or anxiety alone.
Finding hope is the first step in getting better. And there are reasons to be hopeful. Research has consistently demonstrated the benefit of multiple approaches in the treatment of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, and OCD. It has also shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of psychotherapy and medication treatment. If you suspect you may be suffering from any of these disorders you should know you are not alone. Millions of people in the US and about half a billion people in the world have significant depression or anxiety alone.
I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry, and treat adult individuals of all ages and backgrounds. My areas of interest and experience include college mental health, integrating psychotherapy with medication, mood disorders, thought disorders, depression and anxiety, healthy aging and memory issues, as well as psychiatric issues in pregnancy and post partum. I strongly believe that understanding and knowing my patients well is crucial to forming a strong alliance and providing good care that is tailored to the whole person--whether through medication, therapy or both.
I am board certified in Adult Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry, and treat adult individuals of all ages and backgrounds. My areas of interest and experience include college mental health, integrating psychotherapy with medication, mood disorders, thought disorders, depression and anxiety, healthy aging and memory issues, as well as psychiatric issues in pregnancy and post partum. I strongly believe that understanding and knowing my patients well is crucial to forming a strong alliance and providing good care that is tailored to the whole person--whether through medication, therapy or both.
Hey UCLA Bruins! ADHD, depression & anxiety meds - online psychiatry.
Classes, papers, labs, job applications, social life… and your brain just won’t cooperate. You can’t start assignments until the night before, your mind races when you try to sleep, and campus counseling is booked out for weeks. It feels like you’re always behind, no matter how hard you try.
I provide online psychiatric care for college and grad students who are struggling with ADHD, anxiety, and depression while trying to keep up with school. You can meet with me by secure video from your dorm, apartment, or car between classes.
Hey UCLA Bruins! ADHD, depression & anxiety meds - online psychiatry.
Classes, papers, labs, job applications, social life… and your brain just won’t cooperate. You can’t start assignments until the night before, your mind races when you try to sleep, and campus counseling is booked out for weeks. It feels like you’re always behind, no matter how hard you try.
I provide online psychiatric care for college and grad students who are struggling with ADHD, anxiety, and depression while trying to keep up with school. You can meet with me by secure video from your dorm, apartment, or car between classes.
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
There are many reasons one seeks help. The fit between the person and the clinician is the first step in the process of working on one's problems. Trust yourself to seek for those factors in the therapist that are important to you. Keep in mind that the art of medicine can not be taught but that the knowledge base and experience of the therapist has to be a required fundamental factor in your decision. The helping profession is composed by good dedicated people. What I want you to know about me is this: I practice what I do.
There are many reasons one seeks help. The fit between the person and the clinician is the first step in the process of working on one's problems. Trust yourself to seek for those factors in the therapist that are important to you. Keep in mind that the art of medicine can not be taught but that the knowledge base and experience of the therapist has to be a required fundamental factor in your decision. The helping profession is composed by good dedicated people. What I want you to know about me is this: I practice what I do.
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
I am board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. I see clients of all ages and provide highly personalized, scientifically driven assessments and treatment plans to address mental health symptoms. The issues I most commonly treat are anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use/addiction, autism, and eating disorders. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative, considering emotional experiences, sensitivities, social environment, and biology.
I am board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. I see clients of all ages and provide highly personalized, scientifically driven assessments and treatment plans to address mental health symptoms. The issues I most commonly treat are anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use/addiction, autism, and eating disorders. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative, considering emotional experiences, sensitivities, social environment, and biology.
Dr. Sanchez, is bilingual in Spanish and English, embodies a rare combination of clinical expertise, cultural understanding, and compassionate care that sets her apart as a psychiatrist. She has extensive experience treating a broad range of mental health disorders. She pursued specialized training in adult psychiatry at the UCLA – Olive View Residency Training Program. Here, she honed her expertise in managing a spectrum of mental health concerns from conditions such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, and helped guide individuals through the intricate process of grief along with end of life transitions.
Dr. Sanchez, is bilingual in Spanish and English, embodies a rare combination of clinical expertise, cultural understanding, and compassionate care that sets her apart as a psychiatrist. She has extensive experience treating a broad range of mental health disorders. She pursued specialized training in adult psychiatry at the UCLA – Olive View Residency Training Program. Here, she honed her expertise in managing a spectrum of mental health concerns from conditions such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, and helped guide individuals through the intricate process of grief along with end of life transitions.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your psychological state affects every aspect of your life, including your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your psychological state affects every aspect of your life, including your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
Welcoming New Patients! Sarah is a board-certified physician assistant at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She is passionate about working with culturally diverse populations and strives to support her patients through well-balanced medication management. From diagnostic evaluation to treatment implementation and medication management, Sarah employs an empathetic approach that allows patients to feel understood, validated, and supported.
Welcoming New Patients! Sarah is a board-certified physician assistant at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She is passionate about working with culturally diverse populations and strives to support her patients through well-balanced medication management. From diagnostic evaluation to treatment implementation and medication management, Sarah employs an empathetic approach that allows patients to feel understood, validated, and supported.
As an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist trained at UCLA, I focus on psychoanalysis, dementia assessment, personality disorders, mood disorders, organic psychotic disorders, and forensic psychiatry. My practice combines psychoanalytic psychotherapy with medication management, creating a supportive environment for profound emotional insight and effective symptom management. I offer extensive forensic evaluation services, specializing in competency and capacity assessments. I provide long-term psychotherapy-focused treatment in addition to evaluations, rather than solely offering medication management.
As an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist trained at UCLA, I focus on psychoanalysis, dementia assessment, personality disorders, mood disorders, organic psychotic disorders, and forensic psychiatry. My practice combines psychoanalytic psychotherapy with medication management, creating a supportive environment for profound emotional insight and effective symptom management. I offer extensive forensic evaluation services, specializing in competency and capacity assessments. I provide long-term psychotherapy-focused treatment in addition to evaluations, rather than solely offering medication management.
I am board certified in psychiatry and treat a wide variety of conditions. I most recently worked at a state psychiatric hospital before moving to private practice. My residency training in general psychiatry and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry were completed at the University of Miami. During my time there, I saw a high volume of patients from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural contexts. My medical degree, M.D., is from the University of Louisville, my hometown, and my undergraduate degree is in Religious Studies.
I am board certified in psychiatry and treat a wide variety of conditions. I most recently worked at a state psychiatric hospital before moving to private practice. My residency training in general psychiatry and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry were completed at the University of Miami. During my time there, I saw a high volume of patients from a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural contexts. My medical degree, M.D., is from the University of Louisville, my hometown, and my undergraduate degree is in Religious Studies.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and interventional psychiatry. My background includes treating complex conditions such as treatment resistant depression and anxiety, overseeing administration of ketamine & Spravato (esketamine) therapies, and providing TMS services.
My path to advanced psychiatric care began in nursing, where I worked as an RN in emergency, trauma, and psychiatric emergency settings across New Jersey and California. These experiences fueled my commitment to helping others find relief even in the most challenging circumstances.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and interventional psychiatry. My background includes treating complex conditions such as treatment resistant depression and anxiety, overseeing administration of ketamine & Spravato (esketamine) therapies, and providing TMS services.
My path to advanced psychiatric care began in nursing, where I worked as an RN in emergency, trauma, and psychiatric emergency settings across New Jersey and California. These experiences fueled my commitment to helping others find relief even in the most challenging circumstances.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
1,000+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA who prioritize treating:
| 94% | Anxiety |
| 93% | Depression |
| 79% | ADHD |
| 79% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 76% | Medication Management |
| 74% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 95% | Aetna |
| 92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 75% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA see their clients
| 52% | In Person and Online | |
| 48% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 62% | Female | |
| 37% | Male | |
| 1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Los Angeles?
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.


