Psychiatrists in Solana Beach, CA

I'm a psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience who provides psychotherapy as well as medication when indicated. I have a special interest in helping individuals with anxiety disorders, difficulty with professional and personal relationships, and those going through life transitions. I have an open, integrative approach with experience working with a wide range of ages, disorders, and cultural backgrounds.
I'm a psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience who provides psychotherapy as well as medication when indicated. I have a special interest in helping individuals with anxiety disorders, difficulty with professional and personal relationships, and those going through life transitions. I have an open, integrative approach with experience working with a wide range of ages, disorders, and cultural backgrounds.

Accepting New Patients - Welcome to Bonmente! We accept all major insurances. We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!
Accepting New Patients - Welcome to Bonmente! We accept all major insurances. We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!

Welcome to Bonmente! We're now accepting new patients and accept all major insurances! We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!
Welcome to Bonmente! We're now accepting new patients and accept all major insurances! We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!

Welcome! My name is Emily Palacio. I am bilingual. I speak English and Spanish. I am dually board certified as a doctoral-prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner in California. I have been in the medical field for over 20 years. I have 4 years of medication management experience and 1 year of experience in therapy training. I was an emergency department nurse for 17 years and have been practicing as a family nurse practitioner at Kaiser Permanente in family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and dermatology specialties.
Welcome! My name is Emily Palacio. I am bilingual. I speak English and Spanish. I am dually board certified as a doctoral-prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner in California. I have been in the medical field for over 20 years. I have 4 years of medication management experience and 1 year of experience in therapy training. I was an emergency department nurse for 17 years and have been practicing as a family nurse practitioner at Kaiser Permanente in family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and dermatology specialties.

Hello everyone, I’m Jose. Mental health is a journey that may bring about multiple and complex behavioral situations to our lives. Thus, have you ever felt like giving up? Lack of enjoyment or motivation in your life? Have you noticed an aura of disengagement with your friends, family, or coworkers? Are you increasingly developing low frustration tolerance that keeps you from feeling accomplished in your daily life, whether is from symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood instability, substance use or psychosis? You are not alone! And we can form a caring team centered according to your individual situation.
Hello everyone, I’m Jose. Mental health is a journey that may bring about multiple and complex behavioral situations to our lives. Thus, have you ever felt like giving up? Lack of enjoyment or motivation in your life? Have you noticed an aura of disengagement with your friends, family, or coworkers? Are you increasingly developing low frustration tolerance that keeps you from feeling accomplished in your daily life, whether is from symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood instability, substance use or psychosis? You are not alone! And we can form a caring team centered according to your individual situation.

Now, Welcoming New Patients! We know that asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Now, Welcoming New Patients! We know that asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.

My goal is to work with each patient and each family as a team when identifying how I may be helpful, determining areas of concern or diagnoses, and developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Common diagnoses in those that I work with include ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, behavioral concerns, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance use, addiction, and emotional dysregulation.
My goal is to work with each patient and each family as a team when identifying how I may be helpful, determining areas of concern or diagnoses, and developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Common diagnoses in those that I work with include ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, behavioral concerns, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance use, addiction, and emotional dysregulation.

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!

Hi. How are you? I'm Katrina, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As you know, many people in this nation and around the world are experiencing psychological and mental discomfort. Our society is struggling because of inflation, strange new diseases, increase in crime and a multitude of other situations that impact out lives, thoughts relationships and overall ability to grow and live productive lives.
Hi. How are you? I'm Katrina, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As you know, many people in this nation and around the world are experiencing psychological and mental discomfort. Our society is struggling because of inflation, strange new diseases, increase in crime and a multitude of other situations that impact out lives, thoughts relationships and overall ability to grow and live productive lives.

Dr. Troy Kurz MD, MS is a board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist, specializing in psychopharmacology, ketamine treatment, integrative psychiatry and psychotherapy. He sees patients of all ages, but has a keen interest in children and adolescence. He cares for patients with a wide range of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and personality disorders. Pertaining to pediatrics and adolescents—he concentrates on autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ health, trauma, and mood disorders.
Dr. Troy Kurz MD, MS is a board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist, specializing in psychopharmacology, ketamine treatment, integrative psychiatry and psychotherapy. He sees patients of all ages, but has a keen interest in children and adolescence. He cares for patients with a wide range of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD and personality disorders. Pertaining to pediatrics and adolescents—he concentrates on autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ health, trauma, and mood disorders.

Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Arizona, California, Maryland, and Virginia. I work with people ages 13 to 64 across a wide spectrum of mental health needs, meeting each person where they are in their journey toward well-being. My approach to care is patient-centered and holistic, recognizing that mental health is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, biological, environmental, and social factors. Each person is unique, and I take the time to understand the whole person, beyond just their symptoms so we can work together to identify the most effective path forward.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in Arizona, California, Maryland, and Virginia. I work with people ages 13 to 64 across a wide spectrum of mental health needs, meeting each person where they are in their journey toward well-being. My approach to care is patient-centered and holistic, recognizing that mental health is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, biological, environmental, and social factors. Each person is unique, and I take the time to understand the whole person, beyond just their symptoms so we can work together to identify the most effective path forward.

I offer integrative psychiatric care that blends evidence-based medicine with holistic, trauma-informed approaches. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and healthcare-related burnout. Our work together will feel collaborative, grounded, and deeply respectful of your story. You can expect a therapeutic relationship rooted in listening, presence, and curiosity—where your values and goals shape the course of treatment. Treatment may include psychopharmacology, nutrition and lifestyle support, mindfulness practices, and spiritual care.
I offer integrative psychiatric care that blends evidence-based medicine with holistic, trauma-informed approaches. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and healthcare-related burnout. Our work together will feel collaborative, grounded, and deeply respectful of your story. You can expect a therapeutic relationship rooted in listening, presence, and curiosity—where your values and goals shape the course of treatment. Treatment may include psychopharmacology, nutrition and lifestyle support, mindfulness practices, and spiritual care.

My name is Jolanta Budnik, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and ADHD.
I help by providing comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatric care that blends medication management with supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and holistic strategies. My approach is collaborative, empowering clients to take an active role in their treatment and healing process.
My name is Jolanta Budnik, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and ADHD.
I help by providing comprehensive, evidence-based psychiatric care that blends medication management with supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and holistic strategies. My approach is collaborative, empowering clients to take an active role in their treatment and healing process.

Do you feel unfulfilled in your life? Struggling to find direction in certain areas including work, health, and relationships? Is it hard to be happy with yourself and your current state of life? With my experience I can help you manage this uncertainty to avoid further anxiety and distress. We can work together to identify what's not working in order to help you move forward.
Do you feel unfulfilled in your life? Struggling to find direction in certain areas including work, health, and relationships? Is it hard to be happy with yourself and your current state of life? With my experience I can help you manage this uncertainty to avoid further anxiety and distress. We can work together to identify what's not working in order to help you move forward.

Hi! I am a licenses Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in California.
Hi! I am a licenses Professional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in California.

Welcome to Bonmente! We're now accepting new patients and accept all major insurances! We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!
Welcome to Bonmente! We're now accepting new patients and accept all major insurances! We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy immediate comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine insurance-covered appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as possible. We’re here for you every step of the way!

I have been working as a psych mental health nurse practitioner for the past 6 years in a nonprofit organization, but I have been in healthcare for the past 25 years and out of those 14 years I have been working as a family nurse practitioner with patients from diverse backgrounds in the family practice as well as urgent care setting. I have diverse life experience which includes teaching high school, college and nursing students preparing them for their bachelor's and master's programs. I had the opportunity to live in East Africa (Tanzania), the Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan.
I have been working as a psych mental health nurse practitioner for the past 6 years in a nonprofit organization, but I have been in healthcare for the past 25 years and out of those 14 years I have been working as a family nurse practitioner with patients from diverse backgrounds in the family practice as well as urgent care setting. I have diverse life experience which includes teaching high school, college and nursing students preparing them for their bachelor's and master's programs. I had the opportunity to live in East Africa (Tanzania), the Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan.

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!
See more therapy options for Solana Beach
Nearby Searches for Solana Beach
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Vista
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Solana Beach, CA
70+
Average cost per session
$160
Psychiatrists in Solana Beach, CA who prioritize treating:
99% | Anxiety |
97% | Depression |
84% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
81% | ADHD |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
64% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | Aetna |
97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
71% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Solana Beach, CA see their clients
84% | Online Only | |
16% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Solana Beach?
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.