Psychiatrists in Venice, CA
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, want to resolve parenting issues or other relationship problems, as well as create more meaningful interactions and connections with the people you love, relief is available, and I'm here to help. My name is Dr. Michael Lowenstein, and I'm a board certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience providing a wide range of counseling, therapy, psychotherapy and medication treatments for individual adults living in the Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica and Los Angeles area, as well as online throughout the state of California.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or ADHD, want to resolve parenting issues or other relationship problems, as well as create more meaningful interactions and connections with the people you love, relief is available, and I'm here to help. My name is Dr. Michael Lowenstein, and I'm a board certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience providing a wide range of counseling, therapy, psychotherapy and medication treatments for individual adults living in the Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica and Los Angeles area, as well as online throughout the state of California.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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 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.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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 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.
Welcome to my psychiatry private practice, specializing in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychedelics consultations, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (for depression, substance use disorders, and other indications). I have extensive experience with addiction, dual diagnosis, as well as general psychiatric care, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I offer consultation, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy. Please note for insurance coverage, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Please visit my website for more information on how to establish care.
Welcome to my psychiatry private practice, specializing in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychedelics consultations, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (for depression, substance use disorders, and other indications). I have extensive experience with addiction, dual diagnosis, as well as general psychiatric care, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I offer consultation, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy. Please note for insurance coverage, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Please visit my website for more information on how to establish care.
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
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 Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is 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 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!
Sonoran Psychiatric Care offers expert Concierge Psychiatry in the comfort of your home or office. Dr. Carpinello specializes in complex cases and treats all patients, regardless of age or diagnosis. Whether you're in your golden years, seeking care for your child, or frustrated with providers who haven’t delivered results, you have finally found what you’re looking for. Experience the Sonoran difference today. Now serving patients in Arizona and California.
Sonoran Psychiatric Care offers expert Concierge Psychiatry in the comfort of your home or office. Dr. Carpinello specializes in complex cases and treats all patients, regardless of age or diagnosis. Whether you're in your golden years, seeking care for your child, or frustrated with providers who haven’t delivered results, you have finally found what you’re looking for. Experience the Sonoran difference today. Now serving patients in Arizona and California.
Is life becoming unmanageable? Looking for real answers? Seeking the best group of clinicians who accept your insurance? Welcome to WellPsyche Medical Group! WellPsyche providers are experts in Wellness and Mental Health. Our providers take a Thoughtful, Practical, and Caring approach to therapy and can help you balance your life. WellPsyche is also a leader in Telemedicine. Now you can visit with your provider from the privacy and convenience of your home or work.
Is life becoming unmanageable? Looking for real answers? Seeking the best group of clinicians who accept your insurance? Welcome to WellPsyche Medical Group! WellPsyche providers are experts in Wellness and Mental Health. Our providers take a Thoughtful, Practical, and Caring approach to therapy and can help you balance your life. WellPsyche is also a leader in Telemedicine. Now you can visit with your provider from the privacy and convenience of your home or work.
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
Dr. Alexa Hall was born and raised in New England. She obtained her B.S. in Biology from Providence College and her M.D. from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry residency at Harvard South Shore in Massachusetts with clinical training throughout many affiliated hospitals of Harvard Medical School and the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System.
Dr. Alexa Hall was born and raised in New England. She obtained her B.S. in Biology from Providence College and her M.D. from Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She then completed her general psychiatry residency at Harvard South Shore in Massachusetts with clinical training throughout many affiliated hospitals of Harvard Medical School and the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System.
I am trained and experienced in treating those experiencing with a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. I am particularly passionate about working with those navigating life transitions such as school graduations, marriage and having children. I focus on helping patients identify resilient qualities within themselves that can help live a more fulfilling life.
I am trained and experienced in treating those experiencing with a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. I am particularly passionate about working with those navigating life transitions such as school graduations, marriage and having children. I focus on helping patients identify resilient qualities within themselves that can help live a more fulfilling life.
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I am a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist, as well as Psychotherapist. I believe in taking the time to fully understand each person’s unique situation because one’s state of mind is inseparable from the family and social systems that surround us. Each patient is seen as an individual and encouraged to be an active participant and collaborator in their own treatment planning. For some, this will involve medications, after a thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and side effects. And for others the best course may be to start with psychotherapy or other supportive treatments before meds are considered.
I am a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist, as well as Psychotherapist. I believe in taking the time to fully understand each person’s unique situation because one’s state of mind is inseparable from the family and social systems that surround us. Each patient is seen as an individual and encouraged to be an active participant and collaborator in their own treatment planning. For some, this will involve medications, after a thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and side effects. And for others the best course may be to start with psychotherapy or other supportive treatments before meds are considered.
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 Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is 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 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!
Jaspreet Takhar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90293 (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 Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is 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 Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is 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 Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is 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 Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
I have been involved in medical research, medical activism and have held several leadership roles. Since graduation I have worked in settings with severe mental illness and patients who have treatment-resistant illness. These experiences have helped me to excel at Psychopharmacology as I have extensive knowledge using a variety of medications. I have training in working with diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings. I am warm, compassionate, understanding, and culturally sensitive. This helps guide me into forming an accurate diagnosis and medication plan for each individual patient.
I have been involved in medical research, medical activism and have held several leadership roles. Since graduation I have worked in settings with severe mental illness and patients who have treatment-resistant illness. These experiences have helped me to excel at Psychopharmacology as I have extensive knowledge using a variety of medications. I have training in working with diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings. I am warm, compassionate, understanding, and culturally sensitive. This helps guide me into forming an accurate diagnosis and medication plan for each individual patient.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
MindTree is an outpatient mental health and wellness clinic. Get comprehensive, convenient and personalized mental health care from the comfort of your own home, or come into the office if you prefer.
MindTree is an outpatient mental health and wellness clinic. Get comprehensive, convenient and personalized mental health care from the comfort of your own home, or come into the office if you prefer.
Do you want to wake up each day feeling inspired and excited for the day ahead? Are you tired of old feelings and patterns getting in the way of achieving your goals? Are you ready to work hard and make changes but not sure where to start, I can help. I work with adolescents and adults who want to take risks and live meaningful lives and are open to looking at past patterns that aren’t working anymore. Many of my clients are going through life transitions and all want to have more peace and joy in their lives. I will help you figure out where you want to get to, what is holding you back and how to get there.
Do you want to wake up each day feeling inspired and excited for the day ahead? Are you tired of old feelings and patterns getting in the way of achieving your goals? Are you ready to work hard and make changes but not sure where to start, I can help. I work with adolescents and adults who want to take risks and live meaningful lives and are open to looking at past patterns that aren’t working anymore. Many of my clients are going through life transitions and all want to have more peace and joy in their lives. I will help you figure out where you want to get to, what is holding you back and how to get there.
See more therapy options for Venice
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Venice, CA
20+
Average cost per session
$350
Psychiatrists in Venice, CA who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
90% | Trauma and PTSD |
81% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | Medication Management |
76% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
93% | Cigna and Evernorth |
93% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Venice, CA see their clients
52% | Online Only | |
48% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Venice?
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.