Psychiatrists in Lynwood, CA

Photo of Eudora Osuala, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eudora Osuala
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
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!
(831) 576-5998 View (831) 576-5998
Photo of Sandy Hah, MD, Psychiatrist
Sandy Hah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
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!
(818) 412-6880 View (818) 412-6880
Photo of Zainob Jenmi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Zainob Jenmi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
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!
(415) 463-3215 View (415) 463-3215

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Ariane Djeussoung, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ariane Djeussoung
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Hello, I am a doctoral prepared and dual board-certified Psychiatry-Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of healthcare experience. I have dedicated the past 8 years to providing compassionate care to cancer patients and their families; a community close to my heart. I believe in addressing not just the symptoms but also the root causes of mental health issues. By integrating conventional psychiatric care to holistic approaches, I aim to promote your overall well-being and empower you on your journey to mental health recovery and resilience.
Hello, I am a doctoral prepared and dual board-certified Psychiatry-Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of healthcare experience. I have dedicated the past 8 years to providing compassionate care to cancer patients and their families; a community close to my heart. I believe in addressing not just the symptoms but also the root causes of mental health issues. By integrating conventional psychiatric care to holistic approaches, I aim to promote your overall well-being and empower you on your journey to mental health recovery and resilience.
(949) 785-2439 View (949) 785-2439
Photo of Parvathi Nanjundiah, MD, Psychiatrist
Parvathi Nanjundiah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Anaheim, CA 92801
Dr. Nanjundiah is an expert in the treatment of adult and geriatric psychiatric disorders. She is board-certified and acknowledged as a Diplomate by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Nanjundiah has extensive experience in treating major mental health disorders with compassion and evidence based treatment plans.
Dr. Nanjundiah is an expert in the treatment of adult and geriatric psychiatric disorders. She is board-certified and acknowledged as a Diplomate by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Nanjundiah has extensive experience in treating major mental health disorders with compassion and evidence based treatment plans.
(657) 837-0157 View (657) 837-0157
Photo of Kumbie Madiye, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kumbie Madiye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am multi-lingual and pride myself in giving culturally competent care personalized to each individual. I have extensive experience in child and adolescent psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, integration psychiatry in primary care and acute care settings. Highly competent at managing complex patients with co-occurring disorders / dual diagnoses, multiple medical comorbidities and trauma care.
I am multi-lingual and pride myself in giving culturally competent care personalized to each individual. I have extensive experience in child and adolescent psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, integration psychiatry in primary care and acute care settings. Highly competent at managing complex patients with co-occurring disorders / dual diagnoses, multiple medical comorbidities and trauma care.
(786) 244-7347 View (786) 244-7347
Photo of Keerthan Somanath, MD, Psychiatrist
Keerthan Somanath
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Somanath graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with honors, completing a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. He subsequently worked as a software engineer at National Instruments in Austin, Texas, where he developed an interest in neuroscience, and eventually medicine after working with one of the company's clients.
Dr. Somanath graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with honors, completing a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. He subsequently worked as a software engineer at National Instruments in Austin, Texas, where he developed an interest in neuroscience, and eventually medicine after working with one of the company's clients.
(424) 588-5350 View (424) 588-5350
Photo of Jessica Mormann, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jessica Mormann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Hello, I am Jessica, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner! I have worked in healthcare since 2003. I love helping people live their best lives! Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, and ADHD should not hold you back from being your best self! I have past work experience in the critical care setting for over 7 years, acquiring a vast knowledge of pathophysiology and medical treatments.
Hello, I am Jessica, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner! I have worked in healthcare since 2003. I love helping people live their best lives! Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, and ADHD should not hold you back from being your best self! I have past work experience in the critical care setting for over 7 years, acquiring a vast knowledge of pathophysiology and medical treatments.
(657) 385-8380 View (657) 385-8380
Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Pereira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
(949) 710-3459 View (949) 710-3459
Photo of Jordan Swiskow, PMHNPBC, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jordan Swiskow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy and currently offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). I often work in partnership with a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for KAP sessions. I also provide medical evaluation and ketamine prescription for utilization with your own therapist. I strongly believe in the importance of psychotherapeutic integration in conjunction with any psychedelic medicine. I also offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, assessment, and treatment including medication management.
I am trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy and currently offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). I often work in partnership with a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for KAP sessions. I also provide medical evaluation and ketamine prescription for utilization with your own therapist. I strongly believe in the importance of psychotherapeutic integration in conjunction with any psychedelic medicine. I also offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, assessment, and treatment including medication management.
(424) 378-5894 View (424) 378-5894
Photo of Joshua Freedman - healthPiper, MD, Psychiatrist
healthPiper
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Getting medication treatment for psychiatric symptoms used to require a blind leap, with no idea what treatment you would get, or how much time and money it would take. For over 6 years, healthPiper has made it so that anyone can get the same expertise as the top medical schools, delivered online, with our renowned welcoming service. All for less than clinicians usually charge. We were started by a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA, a graduate of Yale Medical School, and a perennial SuperDoctor and TopDoctor to create a service so that everyone can effortlessly get the best treatment available anywhere.
Getting medication treatment for psychiatric symptoms used to require a blind leap, with no idea what treatment you would get, or how much time and money it would take. For over 6 years, healthPiper has made it so that anyone can get the same expertise as the top medical schools, delivered online, with our renowned welcoming service. All for less than clinicians usually charge. We were started by a clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA, a graduate of Yale Medical School, and a perennial SuperDoctor and TopDoctor to create a service so that everyone can effortlessly get the best treatment available anywhere.
(424) 369-0257 View (424) 369-0257
Photo of Sabrina S Sandoval - Mind Care Services Incorporated, MD, Psychiatrist
Mind Care Services Incorporated
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Mind Care Services provides individualized psychiatric services in a caring, confidential and respectful environment. Our greatest joy comes from helping our clients realize their personal goals and achieve successful outcomes in their lives. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services from a diverse team of competent and compassionate providers. We are experienced in treating a wide array of cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders thru therapy, medication management and other treatment modalities including SpravatoTM (esketamine) for medication resistant depression. We are a certified Spravato treatment center.
Mind Care Services provides individualized psychiatric services in a caring, confidential and respectful environment. Our greatest joy comes from helping our clients realize their personal goals and achieve successful outcomes in their lives. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services from a diverse team of competent and compassionate providers. We are experienced in treating a wide array of cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders thru therapy, medication management and other treatment modalities including SpravatoTM (esketamine) for medication resistant depression. We are a certified Spravato treatment center.
(562) 471-4516 x2 View (562) 471-4516 x2
Photo of James Rounds, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
James Rounds
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Based in California, James takes a holistic approach, blending empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. He creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is particularly passionate about addressing bipolar disorder, PTSD, and trauma. He incorporates motivational interviewing into his practice to help patients explore and resolve ambivalence, fostering meaningful change.
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Based in California, James takes a holistic approach, blending empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. He creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is particularly passionate about addressing bipolar disorder, PTSD, and trauma. He incorporates motivational interviewing into his practice to help patients explore and resolve ambivalence, fostering meaningful change.
(424) 319-1315 View (424) 319-1315
Photo of Dr. Lydia Liu, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Lydia Liu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90024
I grew up in New York and studied Psychology and Economics at NYU. I stayed on for a MA in Economics and worked in finance before leaving the field to pursue my calling in Medicine. I finished my postbac at Columbia University and attended Stonybrook University School of Medicine for medical school. I completed my residency in Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Morningside/West and recently moved to California.
I grew up in New York and studied Psychology and Economics at NYU. I stayed on for a MA in Economics and worked in finance before leaving the field to pursue my calling in Medicine. I finished my postbac at Columbia University and attended Stonybrook University School of Medicine for medical school. I completed my residency in Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Morningside/West and recently moved to California.
(424) 346-9868 View (424) 346-9868
Photo of Sarah Blue, MD, Psychiatrist
Sarah Blue
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
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!
(415) 855-7718 View (415) 855-7718
Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD , Psychiatrist
Waqar Zuberi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(805) 624-3578 View (805) 624-3578
Photo of Sophie Feller, MD, Psychiatrist
Sophie Feller
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064
I'm a board-certified adult psychiatrist experienced in treating people with a range of mental health challenges. I see my work with each person as a partnership intended to foster individual strengths and respect individual preferences. The care I provide is collaborative and trauma-informed utilizing a holistic and evidence-based approach.
I'm a board-certified adult psychiatrist experienced in treating people with a range of mental health challenges. I see my work with each person as a partnership intended to foster individual strengths and respect individual preferences. The care I provide is collaborative and trauma-informed utilizing a holistic and evidence-based approach.
(424) 414-2192 View (424) 414-2192
Photo of Abel Tiony, PMHNP, BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Abel Tiony
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello! I'm Abel Tiony, a dedicated nurse with over 5 years of experience in healthcare. I'm currently a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Charles R. Drew University, with a strong focus on managing mental health disorders. My ideal client faces mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD and seeks a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach. They aim to build resilience, achieve emotional balance, and gain the tools to manage their well-being effectively.
Hello! I'm Abel Tiony, a dedicated nurse with over 5 years of experience in healthcare. I'm currently a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Charles R. Drew University, with a strong focus on managing mental health disorders. My ideal client faces mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD and seeks a compassionate, culturally sensitive approach. They aim to build resilience, achieve emotional balance, and gain the tools to manage their well-being effectively.
(626) 231-4129 View (626) 231-4129
Photo of Dr. Van Krasnov, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Van Krasnov
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Parenting a struggling child can feel overwhelming. Is their anxiety driving success, or has it become a burden? Is trouble focusing just a phase, or a sign of something deeper? My role isn’t to change what makes your child unique but to help them harness their strengths and heal from what’s holding them back.
Parenting a struggling child can feel overwhelming. Is their anxiety driving success, or has it become a burden? Is trouble focusing just a phase, or a sign of something deeper? My role isn’t to change what makes your child unique but to help them harness their strengths and heal from what’s holding them back.
(424) 282-1330 View (424) 282-1330
Photo of David Chang Min Ha, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Chang Min Ha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Anaheim, CA 92808
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
(949) 881-6553 View (949) 881-6553

See more therapy options for Lynwood

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Lynwood, CA

< 10

Psychiatrists in Lynwood, CA who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Anger Management
100% Bipolar Disorder
67% ADHD
67% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

5 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Carelon Health IPA of California (CHIPA)

How Psychiatrists in Lynwood, CA see their clients

66% Online Only
34% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Lynwood?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.