Psychiatrists in Redlands, CA
Are you a busy professional woman in California, constantly juggling multiple roles and responsibilities? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed, experiencing anxiety or depression? Are stress and burnout taking a toll on your well-being? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you are exactly the person I'm here to help! Through Tele psychiatry services, I offer a holistic approach, focusing not only on medication management but also on lifestyle changes tailored to your needs. Let's embark on a journey towards not just surviving, but truly thriving in every aspect of your life!
Are you a busy professional woman in California, constantly juggling multiple roles and responsibilities? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed, experiencing anxiety or depression? Are stress and burnout taking a toll on your well-being? If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you are exactly the person I'm here to help! Through Tele psychiatry services, I offer a holistic approach, focusing not only on medication management but also on lifestyle changes tailored to your needs. Let's embark on a journey towards not just surviving, but truly thriving in every aspect of your life!
At C&C Center for Healing, we believe mental health care should be compassionate, responsive, and accessible. Our team of highly trained and licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) is here to support your journey toward emotional wellness and balance. We offer same-day and next-day psychiatry appointments for both urgent and non-urgent needs, ensuring that care is available when you need it most. We specialize in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric care for a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, and more. Whether you
At C&C Center for Healing, we believe mental health care should be compassionate, responsive, and accessible. Our team of highly trained and licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) is here to support your journey toward emotional wellness and balance. We offer same-day and next-day psychiatry appointments for both urgent and non-urgent needs, ensuring that care is available when you need it most. We specialize in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric care for a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, and more. Whether you
Welcoming New Patients! Rachel is a board certified physician assistant at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She is known for demonstrating genuine care for her clients and going above and beyond to support them in meeting mental health goals in whatever way suits them best. Rachel provides thorough evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment plans that integrate supportive therapy. Her warmth and collaborative approach help clients feel heard and empowered.
Welcoming New Patients! Rachel is a board certified physician assistant at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She is known for demonstrating genuine care for her clients and going above and beyond to support them in meeting mental health goals in whatever way suits them best. Rachel provides thorough evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment plans that integrate supportive therapy. Her warmth and collaborative approach help clients feel heard and empowered.
When you're struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, addiction, or trauma, even thinking about getting help can feel like too much. You might feel like no one understands, or that nothing will change. But here's the truth: you don’t have to feel this way forever.
When you're struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, addiction, or trauma, even thinking about getting help can feel like too much. You might feel like no one understands, or that nothing will change. But here's the truth: you don’t have to feel this way forever.
Norma Huayhua is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner known for her warm, attentive, and collaborative approach to care. She believes effective treatment starts with truly listening and creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and respected.
Norma works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and trauma-related concerns. She takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to medication management, partnering closely with clients to develop treatment plans that fit their lives—not just their symptoms.
Norma is bilingual in English and Spanish and values culturally responsive care.
Norma Huayhua is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner known for her warm, attentive, and collaborative approach to care. She believes effective treatment starts with truly listening and creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and respected.
Norma works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and trauma-related concerns. She takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to medication management, partnering closely with clients to develop treatment plans that fit their lives—not just their symptoms.
Norma is bilingual in English and Spanish and values culturally responsive care.
Many individuals are under a lot of pressure and have nobody to turn to for help without fear of it affecting their relationships and careers in a negative way. So they continue to suffer in silence. Untreated depression and anxiety can seriously impact your ability to function at work and at home. You didn’t work so hard to lose it all! Janae is able to provide timely and confidential treatment to help you feel like your normal self again. She takes into account the whole person and works collaboratively with patients to educate them about treatment options, ensuring that every individual's unique needs are part of the solution.
Many individuals are under a lot of pressure and have nobody to turn to for help without fear of it affecting their relationships and careers in a negative way. So they continue to suffer in silence. Untreated depression and anxiety can seriously impact your ability to function at work and at home. You didn’t work so hard to lose it all! Janae is able to provide timely and confidential treatment to help you feel like your normal self again. She takes into account the whole person and works collaboratively with patients to educate them about treatment options, ensuring that every individual's unique needs are part of the solution.
Welcome! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. Prioritizing mental health is essential for happiness and stability in life. Reaching out for support is a courageous step. I’m here to walk alongside you. I work with adults experiencing various mental health challenges, providing personalized care that combines evidence-based treatment with genuine connection.
Welcome! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. Prioritizing mental health is essential for happiness and stability in life. Reaching out for support is a courageous step. I’m here to walk alongside you. I work with adults experiencing various mental health challenges, providing personalized care that combines evidence-based treatment with genuine connection.
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!
At Moving Forward Mental Health Services, we are dedicated to providing personalized and effective mental health care to help you move forward and thrive. Our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs and empower you on your journey towards better mental well-being.
At Moving Forward Mental Health Services, we are dedicated to providing personalized and effective mental health care to help you move forward and thrive. Our approach is tailored to meet your unique needs and empower you on your journey towards better mental well-being.
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!
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!
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!
If you are looking to work on building your resilience for both physical and mental wellbeing, I think we will likely get along well. I do not mind taking the extra time to get to know you and the nuances to your life experience that shape how you interact with the world. I think the details are really what make up a truly healthy life experience.
If you are looking to work on building your resilience for both physical and mental wellbeing, I think we will likely get along well. I do not mind taking the extra time to get to know you and the nuances to your life experience that shape how you interact with the world. I think the details are really what make up a truly healthy life experience.
Welcoming New Patients! Carmela is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She has been working in mental health as a clinician, educator, and advocate for more than a decade and brings a robust understanding of the complex challenges involved in achieving sustainable mental wellness. Carmela values each patient’s unique experiences and works collaboratively to create supportive, personalized treatment plans.
Welcoming New Patients! Carmela is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. She has been working in mental health as a clinician, educator, and advocate for more than a decade and brings a robust understanding of the complex challenges involved in achieving sustainable mental wellness. Carmela values each patient’s unique experiences and works collaboratively to create supportive, personalized treatment plans.
I’m Khanh Vu, a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I'm the founder of Serenity Psychiatry Advanced Nursing Inc. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just numb—you’re not alone. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, addiction, or trauma can make even asking for help feel impossible. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to carry this forever. Small steps can lead to big changes. I am here to support when you’re ready.
I’m Khanh Vu, a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I'm the founder of Serenity Psychiatry Advanced Nursing Inc. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just numb—you’re not alone. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, addiction, or trauma can make even asking for help feel impossible. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to carry this forever. Small steps can lead to big changes. I am here to support when you’re ready.
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!
Eudora is board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 15 years in the field of nursing. Her experience ranges from intensive care, cardiovascular care, education to psychiatric mental health nursing. Eudora emphasizes compassionate, holistic and decisive care that is based on the principle of achieving our highest purpose one step at a time. Each client encounter focuses on the development of a comprehensive client-centered plan which is progressively revised with the aim of assisting the client develop a holistic approach to wellness.
Eudora is board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 15 years in the field of nursing. Her experience ranges from intensive care, cardiovascular care, education to psychiatric mental health nursing. Eudora emphasizes compassionate, holistic and decisive care that is based on the principle of achieving our highest purpose one step at a time. Each client encounter focuses on the development of a comprehensive client-centered plan which is progressively revised with the aim of assisting the client develop a holistic approach to wellness.
Many people I work with are doing their best to keep up with life while quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood swings, or sleep problems. They often feel exhausted, scattered, or not like themselves. Some have been pushing through for years, juggling work, school, or family, while wondering why things feel so hard. They’re not looking for perfection—just relief, clarity, and support. They want care that fits their life, answers without judgment, and a path toward feeling more balanced and in control. Most of all, they want to feel seen, heard, and supported in a way that helps them get back to who they truly are.
Many people I work with are doing their best to keep up with life while quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood swings, or sleep problems. They often feel exhausted, scattered, or not like themselves. Some have been pushing through for years, juggling work, school, or family, while wondering why things feel so hard. They’re not looking for perfection—just relief, clarity, and support. They want care that fits their life, answers without judgment, and a path toward feeling more balanced and in control. Most of all, they want to feel seen, heard, and supported in a way that helps them get back to who they truly are.
Chika Ugwu is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner based in Redlands and Hemet, California, known for her compassionate approach to mental health care. With a graduate degree in advanced practice nursing and certification in psychiatric care, she specializes in providing comprehensive mental health services, including medication management and psychotherapy, to patients across various settings. Her practice is affiliated with Inland Psychiatric Medical Group, with offices in Redlands and Hemet, CA, where she accepts new patients and offers telehealth services for accessibility. Expertise spans a wide range of diagnosis.
Chika Ugwu is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner based in Redlands and Hemet, California, known for her compassionate approach to mental health care. With a graduate degree in advanced practice nursing and certification in psychiatric care, she specializes in providing comprehensive mental health services, including medication management and psychotherapy, to patients across various settings. Her practice is affiliated with Inland Psychiatric Medical Group, with offices in Redlands and Hemet, CA, where she accepts new patients and offers telehealth services for accessibility. Expertise spans a wide range of diagnosis.
Welcoming New Patients! Jaspreet is board-certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. In addition to her PMHNP, she is licensed as an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and has extensive expertise in psychopharmacology. She is passionate about working with culturally diverse populations and strives to support her patients through well-balanced, conscientious medication management.
Welcoming New Patients! Jaspreet is board-certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at Bonmente, a full-service mental health clinic that offers online appointments, accepts insurance (Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna, United, and more), and has same-week appointments available. In addition to her PMHNP, she is licensed as an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and has extensive expertise in psychopharmacology. She is passionate about working with culturally diverse populations and strives to support her patients through well-balanced, conscientious medication management.
See more therapy options for Redlands
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Redlands, CA
30+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Redlands, CA who prioritize treating:
| 95% | Anxiety |
| 92% | Depression |
| 87% | ADHD |
| 79% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 79% | Medication Management |
| 74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
| 69% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 94% | Aetna |
| 92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 89% | Anthem |
How Psychiatrists in Redlands, CA see their clients
| 64% | In Person and Online | |
| 36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 67% | Female | |
| 33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Redlands?
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.


