Psychiatrists in Placer County, CA

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Photo of Maria Steiner-Renoir, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Maria Steiner-Renoir
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95603
I am an integrative psychiatric provider who helps adults facing anxiety, depression, grief, mood disorders, life role transitions and trauma/PTSD related issues to regain their vitality and centeredness, create better understanding of self, and achieve closer relationships with others by using a holistic approach of care. I also have a special interest in working with individuals who are going through divorce, adoption, birth, moving, severe illness, or have experienced a death in their family.
I am an integrative psychiatric provider who helps adults facing anxiety, depression, grief, mood disorders, life role transitions and trauma/PTSD related issues to regain their vitality and centeredness, create better understanding of self, and achieve closer relationships with others by using a holistic approach of care. I also have a special interest in working with individuals who are going through divorce, adoption, birth, moving, severe illness, or have experienced a death in their family.
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Photo of Carrie Wilson Friedman, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Carrie Wilson Friedman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95678
Practice Focus: Functional & Integrative Psychiatry I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My ideal client seeks a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health care, where we address the root causes of mental illness—not just the symptoms. If you’ve experienced treatment failures, intolerable side effects, or feel your challenges are not fully addressed, I offer personalized, longer visits where I listen closely and provide compassionate, individualized care tailored to your unique needs. Additionally, I have specialized training and a strong interest in working with autistic individuals.
Practice Focus: Functional & Integrative Psychiatry I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My ideal client seeks a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health care, where we address the root causes of mental illness—not just the symptoms. If you’ve experienced treatment failures, intolerable side effects, or feel your challenges are not fully addressed, I offer personalized, longer visits where I listen closely and provide compassionate, individualized care tailored to your unique needs. Additionally, I have specialized training and a strong interest in working with autistic individuals.
(916) 299-7244 View (916) 299-7244
Photo of Jacquelyn Hamed, PHMNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jacquelyn Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95678
Hi! I am Jackie. I have been helping clients who are overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, panic episodes, trauma or PSTD, bipolar or personality disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Hi! I am Jackie. I have been helping clients who are overwhelmed with depression, anxiety, panic episodes, trauma or PSTD, bipolar or personality disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
(279) 240-3621 View (279) 240-3621
Photo of Katy Rose Waldorf, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Katy Rose Waldorf
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95661
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or life transitions? I’m Katy Rose Waldorf, PMHNP, here to help you feel balanced, focused, and empowered through personalized medication management and compassionate care
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or life transitions? I’m Katy Rose Waldorf, PMHNP, here to help you feel balanced, focused, and empowered through personalized medication management and compassionate care
(530) 424-2783 View (530) 424-2783
Photo of Anca Luminare, MD, Psychiatrist
Anca Luminare
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95678
Dr. Anca Luminare earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine Cluj Napoca, Romania. She completed General Adult Psychiatry training at UCLA-Kern. She is an active member of American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Luminare is a warm, empathetic, and compassionate doctor that is always available for her patients.
Dr. Anca Luminare earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine Cluj Napoca, Romania. She completed General Adult Psychiatry training at UCLA-Kern. She is an active member of American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Luminare is a warm, empathetic, and compassionate doctor that is always available for her patients.
(916) 818-0710 View (916) 818-0710
Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
(916) 659-7638 View (916) 659-7638
Photo of Jennifer Asican Evans, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Asican Evans
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Life can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, or other mental health challenges. I get it. As a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP/FNP), I’m here to help you find your way forward. My approach is simple: I listen without judgment, and together, we create a plan that works for you—whether that’s therapy, medication, coping tools, or a mix of all three. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to take control of your mental health.
Life can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, or other mental health challenges. I get it. As a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP/FNP), I’m here to help you find your way forward. My approach is simple: I listen without judgment, and together, we create a plan that works for you—whether that’s therapy, medication, coping tools, or a mix of all three. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to take control of your mental health.
(916) 579-6469 View (916) 579-6469
Photo of Heather Rosdail - Insights Psychiatric - Heather Rosdail, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Insights Psychiatric - Heather Rosdail
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95678
Hi, I'm Heather, an experienced mental health professional dedicated to your well-being and personal growth. With compassion and expertise, I create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we'll tailor evidence-based treatments to your unique needs. If you're ready to embark on this transformative path towards a healthier and happier life, I warmly invite you to connect with me. Let's work together to unlock your inner strengths and facilitate positive change.
Hi, I'm Heather, an experienced mental health professional dedicated to your well-being and personal growth. With compassion and expertise, I create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we'll tailor evidence-based treatments to your unique needs. If you're ready to embark on this transformative path towards a healthier and happier life, I warmly invite you to connect with me. Let's work together to unlock your inner strengths and facilitate positive change.
(916) 277-9010 View (916) 277-9010
Photo of Dr. Lorerky Ramirez Moya, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Lorerky Ramirez Moya
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661
Dr. Ramirez Moya is a board eligible child and adolescent psychiatrist. While pregnant with her son, she completed a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship in 2011 at the University of Mexico. She focused on learning developmental disabilities and autism at the Center of Developmental Disabilities, UNM. Two years later, her son was diagnosed with autism and a rare genetic disease. Since then, she has been working and advocating for the developmental disability community.
Dr. Ramirez Moya is a board eligible child and adolescent psychiatrist. While pregnant with her son, she completed a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship in 2011 at the University of Mexico. She focused on learning developmental disabilities and autism at the Center of Developmental Disabilities, UNM. Two years later, her son was diagnosed with autism and a rare genetic disease. Since then, she has been working and advocating for the developmental disability community.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Elena Rapoport, MD, Psychiatrist
Elena Rapoport
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95661
My training, experience, and broad interest in human behaviors, human interactions, the variety of human experiences have led me to treat a number of conditions. I truly care about my patients. I want to help you confront your anxieties, your fears, and your issues. I understand the discomfort you might be experiencing due to the overwhelming complexities you may be feeling. I want you to feel better, and I will draw upon my expertise to explore techniques and methods that will help you start feeling like yourself again. I specialize in helping people feel better using individualized medication management and TMS therapy.
My training, experience, and broad interest in human behaviors, human interactions, the variety of human experiences have led me to treat a number of conditions. I truly care about my patients. I want to help you confront your anxieties, your fears, and your issues. I understand the discomfort you might be experiencing due to the overwhelming complexities you may be feeling. I want you to feel better, and I will draw upon my expertise to explore techniques and methods that will help you start feeling like yourself again. I specialize in helping people feel better using individualized medication management and TMS therapy.
(916) 409-3615 View (916) 409-3615
Insights Psychiatric
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95678
At Insights Psychiatric, our team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that are tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of each patient. We take pride in offering professional services that prioritize mental health and well-being from the moment you walk through our doors. Our providers create a safe and non-judgmental space to freely express thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The ideal client is someone who actively seeks support for their mental health, while yearning for personal growth and a desire to regain a sense of control.
At Insights Psychiatric, our team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that are tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of each patient. We take pride in offering professional services that prioritize mental health and well-being from the moment you walk through our doors. Our providers create a safe and non-judgmental space to freely express thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The ideal client is someone who actively seeks support for their mental health, while yearning for personal growth and a desire to regain a sense of control.
(916) 277-9010 View (916) 277-9010
Photo of Jennifer Asican Evans, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Asican Evans
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Online Only
Life can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, or other mental health challenges. I get it. As a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP/FNP), I’m here to help you find your way forward. My approach is simple: I listen without judgment, and together, we create a plan that works for you—whether that’s therapy, medication, coping tools, or a mix of all three. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to take control of your mental health.
Life can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, or other mental health challenges. I get it. As a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP/FNP), I’m here to help you find your way forward. My approach is simple: I listen without judgment, and together, we create a plan that works for you—whether that’s therapy, medication, coping tools, or a mix of all three. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to take control of your mental health.
(279) 205-7601 View (279) 205-7601
Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khadija Hamisi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95747
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-bas medication treatment strategy, he 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-bas medication treatment strategy, he 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.
(949) 368-0778 View (949) 368-0778
Photo of Shanti Jampani - Shanti Jampani, MD | Mindful Health Solutions, MD, Psychiatrist
Shanti Jampani, MD | Mindful Health Solutions
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661
I'm happy to treat anyone who is struggling in some form in their day-to-day life and wants to get help, ranging from various mood disorders to psychosis.
I'm happy to treat anyone who is struggling in some form in their day-to-day life and wants to get help, ranging from various mood disorders to psychosis.
(530) 451-4408 View (530) 451-4408
Photo of Molly McKeen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Molly McKeen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Molly believes mental health requires a partnership between the patient and provider. They work together to come up with a plan, which may include medication, different types of therapies, mindfulness, meditation or prayer, exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutrition. Molly will also collaborate with the patient's other providers as needed.
Molly believes mental health requires a partnership between the patient and provider. They work together to come up with a plan, which may include medication, different types of therapies, mindfulness, meditation or prayer, exercise, sleep hygiene, and nutrition. Molly will also collaborate with the patient's other providers as needed.
(530) 429-8403 View (530) 429-8403
Photo of Dr. Jonathon Porter, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Jonathon Porter
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661
Dr. Jon Porter provides medication management tailored to meet the needs of patients from all walks of life. Dr. Porter aims to create a therapeutic relationship by treating each patient with respect and compassion. He has experience with psychiatric emergencies in an acute inpatient hospital at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Jon Porter provides medication management tailored to meet the needs of patients from all walks of life. Dr. Porter aims to create a therapeutic relationship by treating each patient with respect and compassion. He has experience with psychiatric emergencies in an acute inpatient hospital at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
(855) 743-2006 View (855) 743-2006
Photo of Amara Altman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Amara Altman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a high level of personal integrity who is compassionate and driven to provide culturally sensitive care to a diversified patient population across the lifespan. I am passionate about evidence-based practice and tailoring treatment plans to meet the individual needs of each patient.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a high level of personal integrity who is compassionate and driven to provide culturally sensitive care to a diversified patient population across the lifespan. I am passionate about evidence-based practice and tailoring treatment plans to meet the individual needs of each patient.
(916) 545-6752 View (916) 545-6752
Photo of Stephen Ramondino - Mindful Health Solutions - Stephen Ramondino, MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Mindful Health Solutions - Stephen Ramondino, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95661
I focus on patients with depression and those people who may be treatment-resistant, having not felt relief from their depressive symptoms with medication and therapy alone. I use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an effective treatment with relatively few risks and side effects, as an important tool to help my patients.
I focus on patients with depression and those people who may be treatment-resistant, having not felt relief from their depressive symptoms with medication and therapy alone. I use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), an effective treatment with relatively few risks and side effects, as an important tool to help my patients.
(916) 507-0515 View (916) 507-0515
Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
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.
(530) 507-7311 View (530) 507-7311
Photo of Dr. Jeffrey Caplan, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Jeffrey Caplan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello! I'm Dr. Caplan. Welcome to my concierge-style online private practice. It is considered "concierge-style" because I serve a limited number of clients, in order to be more available and responsive to your needs and provide more personalized care, but do not charge the enrollment fees of a typical concierge practice. I am a highly-trained, Board-Certified psychiatrist with 28 years of experience treating patients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. My philosophy of care is to form a partnership with each individual client so that together we can address your unique qualities and needs.
Hello! I'm Dr. Caplan. Welcome to my concierge-style online private practice. It is considered "concierge-style" because I serve a limited number of clients, in order to be more available and responsive to your needs and provide more personalized care, but do not charge the enrollment fees of a typical concierge practice. I am a highly-trained, Board-Certified psychiatrist with 28 years of experience treating patients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. My philosophy of care is to form a partnership with each individual client so that together we can address your unique qualities and needs.
(530) 561-5810 View (530) 561-5810
1

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How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Placer County, CA

60+

Average cost per session

$250

Psychiatrists in Placer County, CA who prioritize treating:

98% Anxiety
94% Depression
84% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
83% ADHD
81% Bipolar Disorder
78% Medication Management
75% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

89% Cigna and Evernorth
87% Aetna
87% Optum

How Psychiatrists in Placer County, CA see their clients

57% In Person and Online
43% Online Only

Gender breakdown

62% Female
38% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Placer County?

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.