Psychiatrists in Orange, CA
Even when everything looks “fine,” life can feel challenging. If you’re overwhelmed, stuck, burned out, or just not quite yourself lately, you’re not alone—and the right support can help you find balance. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I understand how culture, family, and personal experiences shape our views on mental health and healing. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I take a compassionate, practical, and collaborative approach. Our sessions will be conversational and focused on what’s happening now, helping you find manageable and meaningful ways forward.
Even when everything looks “fine,” life can feel challenging. If you’re overwhelmed, stuck, burned out, or just not quite yourself lately, you’re not alone—and the right support can help you find balance. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I understand how culture, family, and personal experiences shape our views on mental health and healing. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I take a compassionate, practical, and collaborative approach. Our sessions will be conversational and focused on what’s happening now, helping you find manageable and meaningful ways forward.
Abedallah is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health settings. With a specialized focus on pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, Abedallah has a proven track record of delivering empathetic and therapeutic care to patients of all ages.
Abedallah is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health settings. With a specialized focus on pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, Abedallah has a proven track record of delivering empathetic and therapeutic care to patients of all ages.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-based medication treatment strategy, she places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-based medication treatment strategy, she places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
May is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) serving patients of all ages and diagnoses. Her background in mental health services spans over 20 years starting with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2003. May currently practices as a PMHNP-BC providing medication management as well as psychotherapy.
May is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) serving patients of all ages and diagnoses. Her background in mental health services spans over 20 years starting with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2003. May currently practices as a PMHNP-BC providing medication management as well as psychotherapy.
Are you having difficulty with anxiety and you don't know how to go about it? You have reached the right place which is a place where your anxiety will be addressed and the different ways we can go about it with you feeling much better. Are you feeling depressed which is usually complicated with anxiety? Are you struggling with your job? Are you having problems coping with your daily activities? What is it that you have that is too difficult to handle at this time? I am glad that you're reaching out because you are at the right place where you will learn new coping skills and different ways to maneuver what is weighing down.
Are you having difficulty with anxiety and you don't know how to go about it? You have reached the right place which is a place where your anxiety will be addressed and the different ways we can go about it with you feeling much better. Are you feeling depressed which is usually complicated with anxiety? Are you struggling with your job? Are you having problems coping with your daily activities? What is it that you have that is too difficult to handle at this time? I am glad that you're reaching out because you are at the right place where you will learn new coping skills and different ways to maneuver what is weighing down.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, 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.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, 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.
I am a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Looking to end the stigma & disparity seen in the behavioral population Tameka Hawkins is a compassionate board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Tameka has a longstanding interest in precision (personalized) medicine for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. She is committed to delivering high-quality patient-centered care for the patients she serves. Mrs. Hawkins pays close attention to her clients and encourages them to speak up about their worries. She is invested in their well-being and wants the best for them.
I am a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Looking to end the stigma & disparity seen in the behavioral population Tameka Hawkins is a compassionate board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Tameka has a longstanding interest in precision (personalized) medicine for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. She is committed to delivering high-quality patient-centered care for the patients she serves. Mrs. Hawkins pays close attention to her clients and encourages them to speak up about their worries. She is invested in their well-being and wants the best for them.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Sara Lingscheid, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse
practitioner with a background in emergency medicine and a passion for delivering
accessible, compassionate care across the lifespan.
Sara Lingscheid, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse
practitioner with a background in emergency medicine and a passion for delivering
accessible, compassionate care across the lifespan.
Barbara Kenerson, PMHNP, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 35 years of experience in healthcare and a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered mental health care. Throughout her career, she has learned that meaningful healing begins with listening, trust, and genuine human connection. Her steady presence and thoughtful approach help patients feel supported, understood, and respected at every stage of care.
Barbara Kenerson, PMHNP, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 35 years of experience in healthcare and a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered mental health care. Throughout her career, she has learned that meaningful healing begins with listening, trust, and genuine human connection. Her steady presence and thoughtful approach help patients feel supported, understood, and respected at every stage of care.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
Dr Scarpino graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a BA in Psychology.
He graduated medical school from McGovern Medical School in Houston, Texas. He
completed his residency in Psychiatry at University of California, Irvine.
Dr Scarpino graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a BA in Psychology.
He graduated medical school from McGovern Medical School in Houston, Texas. He
completed his residency in Psychiatry at University of California, Irvine.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I strive to provide compassionate care to all of my patients, and will work diligently to develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. My goal is to help my patients build resilience and foster a sense of well-being through evidence-based interventions and strategies that are designed to address their personal challenges. I understand the importance of creating a safe and trusting relationship, and have strong communication skills that allow me to effectively collaborate with my patients in order to achieve successful outcomes.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I strive to provide compassionate care to all of my patients, and will work diligently to develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and goals. My goal is to help my patients build resilience and foster a sense of well-being through evidence-based interventions and strategies that are designed to address their personal challenges. I understand the importance of creating a safe and trusting relationship, and have strong communication skills that allow me to effectively collaborate with my patients in order to achieve successful outcomes.
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.
Welcoming new patients!
I am Dr. Mottsin Thomas, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Bonmente. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, or a complex mood disorder, feeling that past treatments haven't fully addressed your needs. My ideal client is seeking more than just a prescription; you want to feel truly heard, understood, and validated. Whether you are facing trauma, ADHD, or treatment resistant depression, my goal is to offer a safe, culturally sensitive space where we can find stability together.
Welcoming new patients!
I am Dr. Mottsin Thomas, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Bonmente. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, or a complex mood disorder, feeling that past treatments haven't fully addressed your needs. My ideal client is seeking more than just a prescription; you want to feel truly heard, understood, and validated. Whether you are facing trauma, ADHD, or treatment resistant depression, my goal is to offer a safe, culturally sensitive space where we can find stability together.
Charles Scribner, PMHNP-C, is a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience, committed to supporting patients and their families through challenging times. He earned his Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Azusa Pacific University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Charles Scribner, PMHNP-C, is a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience, committed to supporting patients and their families through challenging times. He earned his Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Azusa Pacific University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions find hope and healing. I’ve had the privilege of working with patients experiencing ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I understand how incredibly isolating it may feel and the challenges you face. But together, we can work to improve your quality of life and develop strategies that empower you.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions find hope and healing. I’ve had the privilege of working with patients experiencing ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I understand how incredibly isolating it may feel and the challenges you face. But together, we can work to improve your quality of life and develop strategies that empower you.
Eric is a doctorally-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his PMHNP Certificate in Nursing from the California State University, Los Angeles. Eric has gained well-rounded knowledge in outpatient, inpatient, and crisis stabilization for mental health. He offers evidence-based care while maintaining a supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free environment for his clients.
Eric is a doctorally-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his PMHNP Certificate in Nursing from the California State University, Los Angeles. Eric has gained well-rounded knowledge in outpatient, inpatient, and crisis stabilization for mental health. He offers evidence-based care while maintaining a supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free environment for his clients.
See more therapy options for Orange
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Orange, CA
80+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Orange, CA who prioritize treating:
| 95% | Anxiety |
| 94% | Depression |
| 79% | ADHD |
| 79% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 73% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 73% | Medication Management |
| 71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 97% | Aetna |
| 91% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Orange, CA see their clients
| 67% | In Person and Online | |
| 33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 63% | Female | |
| 37% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Orange?
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.


