Psychiatrists in Longmont, CO

I'm Christine, a PA with many years of experience in psychiatry. I treat anxiety, depression, mood, and trauma disorders. I am happy to serve clients who are new to psychiatric care (seeking a diagnosis and guidance) or those coming from other practitioners (such as a referral from a PCP or transferring care from a previous psychiatrist). I like to align with our clients in the belief that all aspects of health are interconnected and that while medications are an aspect of treatment, they aren’t the sole answer.
I'm Christine, a PA with many years of experience in psychiatry. I treat anxiety, depression, mood, and trauma disorders. I am happy to serve clients who are new to psychiatric care (seeking a diagnosis and guidance) or those coming from other practitioners (such as a referral from a PCP or transferring care from a previous psychiatrist). I like to align with our clients in the belief that all aspects of health are interconnected and that while medications are an aspect of treatment, they aren’t the sole answer.

Looking for someone to talk to? Well, look no further! At Hecen Healthcare, we offer medication management, psychoeducation, and psychiatric evaluation. Our focus areas include anxiety, ADHD, depression, sleep problems, bipolar, PTSD, psychosis, and panic disorder. We provide patient-driven care and treat our patients with respect, honesty, and dignity. We are passionate and caring about our services and your utmost well-being is the goal, ensuring a non-judgmental approach.
Looking for someone to talk to? Well, look no further! At Hecen Healthcare, we offer medication management, psychoeducation, and psychiatric evaluation. Our focus areas include anxiety, ADHD, depression, sleep problems, bipolar, PTSD, psychosis, and panic disorder. We provide patient-driven care and treat our patients with respect, honesty, and dignity. We are passionate and caring about our services and your utmost well-being is the goal, ensuring a non-judgmental approach.

Welcome! I'm Bailey, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. With a passion for providing evidence-based psychiatric care, I am dedicated to supporting individuals in their mental health journeys. I believe in treating the whole person, reducing polypharmacy, and creating therapeutic relationships to empower clients toward their goals.
Welcome! I'm Bailey, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. With a passion for providing evidence-based psychiatric care, I am dedicated to supporting individuals in their mental health journeys. I believe in treating the whole person, reducing polypharmacy, and creating therapeutic relationships to empower clients toward their goals.

Dr. Jessica Tsourmas is a Psychiatrist in Colorado who has been practicing since 2006. She studied at Vanderbilt University and George Washington Medical. Dr. Tsourmas would describe her medical and psychiatric approach as holistic and patient centered. The joy in and passion in what she does comes from each patient striving for and achieving their own personal goals. There is something so meaningful in this work when a patient gets better and creates the life they want to live. Outside of work, Dr. Tsourmas enjoys spending time with family and friends, yoga, cooking, reading, being a lifelong student, and DIYing.
Dr. Jessica Tsourmas is a Psychiatrist in Colorado who has been practicing since 2006. She studied at Vanderbilt University and George Washington Medical. Dr. Tsourmas would describe her medical and psychiatric approach as holistic and patient centered. The joy in and passion in what she does comes from each patient striving for and achieving their own personal goals. There is something so meaningful in this work when a patient gets better and creates the life they want to live. Outside of work, Dr. Tsourmas enjoys spending time with family and friends, yoga, cooking, reading, being a lifelong student, and DIYing.

I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority in Colorado. I earned my advanced degree from Regis University in Denver and bring over 16 years of diverse healthcare experience, including pediatrics, communicable disease control, family practice, and outpatient psychiatry.
Specializing in psychiatric care for individuals aged 16 and older, I utilize the latest research to provide evidence-based treatment. My approach emphasizes a stigma-free, judgment-free environment, where I collaborate with other mental health and medical professionals as needed.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority in Colorado. I earned my advanced degree from Regis University in Denver and bring over 16 years of diverse healthcare experience, including pediatrics, communicable disease control, family practice, and outpatient psychiatry.
Specializing in psychiatric care for individuals aged 16 and older, I utilize the latest research to provide evidence-based treatment. My approach emphasizes a stigma-free, judgment-free environment, where I collaborate with other mental health and medical professionals as needed.

What does it mean to thrive? Using an integrative approach, I combine the benefits of traditional psychiatric treatments with alternative and complementary practices. We can discuss and explore your mental health needs through a refreshingly new lens; one that addresses all dimensions of health, values your belief system, and supports a collaborative relationship between you and your mental health provider.
What does it mean to thrive? Using an integrative approach, I combine the benefits of traditional psychiatric treatments with alternative and complementary practices. We can discuss and explore your mental health needs through a refreshingly new lens; one that addresses all dimensions of health, values your belief system, and supports a collaborative relationship between you and your mental health provider.

I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority in Colorado. I earned my advanced degree from Regis University in Denver and bring over 16 years of diverse healthcare experience, including pediatrics, communicable disease control, family practice, and outpatient psychiatry.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority in Colorado. I earned my advanced degree from Regis University in Denver and bring over 16 years of diverse healthcare experience, including pediatrics, communicable disease control, family practice, and outpatient psychiatry.

Accepting New Patients for medication management of adult Colorado residents! Immediate Availability! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health conditions. Please click on the “website” button to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you on your journey to optimal well-being!
Accepting New Patients for medication management of adult Colorado residents! Immediate Availability! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health conditions. Please click on the “website” button to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you on your journey to optimal well-being!

Vistas Pediatric and Family Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP-B
4 Endorsed
Longmont, CO 80503
It can be difficult to reach out for help, we are glad you are here!
If you ask any of our past or current patients about their treatment experiences with us, you'd hear that; we are "down-to-earth", easy to talk to, and reliable. We take the extra time to LISTEN, get to know you and your lived experiences, YOUR goals, so WE can develop the most appropriate treatment plan. Jen and Kari are fun, and most importantly like to establish a sincere connection as we believe trust and understanding are most valuable in the therapeutic relationship. We look forward to working with YOU on your journey of healing and mental wellness!
It can be difficult to reach out for help, we are glad you are here!
If you ask any of our past or current patients about their treatment experiences with us, you'd hear that; we are "down-to-earth", easy to talk to, and reliable. We take the extra time to LISTEN, get to know you and your lived experiences, YOUR goals, so WE can develop the most appropriate treatment plan. Jen and Kari are fun, and most importantly like to establish a sincere connection as we believe trust and understanding are most valuable in the therapeutic relationship. We look forward to working with YOU on your journey of healing and mental wellness!

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.

Dr. Ryan Brown is a Psychiatrist in Texas who has been practicing since 2020. Dr. Brown earned his Bachelor's degree in history from Southwestern University and his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed a residency in general psychiatry at the University of North Carolina Medical Center and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Texas Dell Medical School. Dr. Brown has experience and specialization in the treatment of acute mental illness, developmental disorders, and integrated whole person mental health care.
Dr. Ryan Brown is a Psychiatrist in Texas who has been practicing since 2020. Dr. Brown earned his Bachelor's degree in history from Southwestern University and his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed a residency in general psychiatry at the University of North Carolina Medical Center and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Texas Dell Medical School. Dr. Brown has experience and specialization in the treatment of acute mental illness, developmental disorders, and integrated whole person mental health care.

Kate Nicholas Hamzi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN-X, IBCLC
1 Endorsed
Longmont, CO 80503
Are you struggling with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, or navigating the challenges of mental health during major life transitions such as pre-pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause? I specialize in providing comprehensive psychiatric care for both men and women, from ages 10 and up.
As a clinician with expertise in women’s mental health, I understand how hormonal fluctuations can impact mental well-being. I work with clients to address the unique symptoms that can arise during menses, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. I take the time to thoroughly explain treatment options, including the risks and benefits of medications.
Are you struggling with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, or navigating the challenges of mental health during major life transitions such as pre-pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause? I specialize in providing comprehensive psychiatric care for both men and women, from ages 10 and up.
As a clinician with expertise in women’s mental health, I understand how hormonal fluctuations can impact mental well-being. I work with clients to address the unique symptoms that can arise during menses, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. I take the time to thoroughly explain treatment options, including the risks and benefits of medications.

I love working with clients in various stages of their life. I see children, teens, college students, and adults. Additionally, I provide care for expectant and postpartum mothers. I am experienced in the treatment of depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, and behavioral issues like oppositional defiant disorder.
I love working with clients in various stages of their life. I see children, teens, college students, and adults. Additionally, I provide care for expectant and postpartum mothers. I am experienced in the treatment of depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, and behavioral issues like oppositional defiant disorder.

My nursing career brought me the good fortune of traveling for work; I have lived in all four corners of the US (and in the middle, too!) and have enjoyed meeting and working with individuals of diverse backgrounds. As a nurse practitioner, curiosity and respect drive my practice; I join each person’s journey toward mental wellness with a collaborative treatment approach, taking time to “zoom out” and view symptoms through a holistic lens. I work closely with all my clients to make thoughtful, evidence-based, and safe decisions regarding treatment plans.
My nursing career brought me the good fortune of traveling for work; I have lived in all four corners of the US (and in the middle, too!) and have enjoyed meeting and working with individuals of diverse backgrounds. As a nurse practitioner, curiosity and respect drive my practice; I join each person’s journey toward mental wellness with a collaborative treatment approach, taking time to “zoom out” and view symptoms through a holistic lens. I work closely with all my clients to make thoughtful, evidence-based, and safe decisions regarding treatment plans.

Accepting New Patients, Book Online: www.larsonmentalhealth.com/scheduling-information. Treating ages 8 and up. One of my favorite aspects of being a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner includes getting to know the individual. I believe that we never forget the people that were there for us when we asked for help. Working in psychiatry, I appreciate this amazing opportunity to be remembered as that very person. I see it as an incredible honor when someone puts faith in me and my ability to support them, knowing how difficult initially sharing a vulnerability with a stranger can feel.
Accepting New Patients, Book Online: www.larsonmentalhealth.com/scheduling-information. Treating ages 8 and up. One of my favorite aspects of being a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner includes getting to know the individual. I believe that we never forget the people that were there for us when we asked for help. Working in psychiatry, I appreciate this amazing opportunity to be remembered as that very person. I see it as an incredible honor when someone puts faith in me and my ability to support them, knowing how difficult initially sharing a vulnerability with a stranger can feel.

My ideal client often feels their diagnosis doesn't quite fit or their meds aren’t helping enough. They may struggle with depression, irritability, racing thoughts, or mood swings that don’t show up clearly on a checklist—sometimes alongside executive dysfunction or undiagnosed ADHD. They want clarity—answers that make sense and a treatment plan that actually works. Their goal is to feel more like themselves again: focused, stable, and emotionally connected. They’re ready to move beyond “not bad” and toward feeling well.
My ideal client often feels their diagnosis doesn't quite fit or their meds aren’t helping enough. They may struggle with depression, irritability, racing thoughts, or mood swings that don’t show up clearly on a checklist—sometimes alongside executive dysfunction or undiagnosed ADHD. They want clarity—answers that make sense and a treatment plan that actually works. Their goal is to feel more like themselves again: focused, stable, and emotionally connected. They’re ready to move beyond “not bad” and toward feeling well.

Do you feel you're having hard time dealing with your daily life? Any decline in your level of functioning? I apply to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 6th Edition by American Psychiatric Association to evaluate if your signs and symptoms fit the criteria for any psychiatric disorders. Treatments are client-centered and follows the FDA guidelines and the most current and reliable scientific research. The treatment plan is co-designed by you and me; addressing your short and long term goals, prioritizing your most urgent concerns to improve your overall health and functioning.
Do you feel you're having hard time dealing with your daily life? Any decline in your level of functioning? I apply to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 6th Edition by American Psychiatric Association to evaluate if your signs and symptoms fit the criteria for any psychiatric disorders. Treatments are client-centered and follows the FDA guidelines and the most current and reliable scientific research. The treatment plan is co-designed by you and me; addressing your short and long term goals, prioritizing your most urgent concerns to improve your overall health and functioning.

Seeking mental health care can be overwhelming and my goal is to help make this experience easier. Having extensive experience in both psychotherapy and evidenced-based psychopharmacology, I provide guidance on the best treatment options and tailor them to your individual goals and values. People often have strong views and ideas about taking medication for mental health and I am here to help you find wellness regardless of your views about medications. I went to Medical School at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and stayed at UCSF for my psychiatry residency training. I am a board certified psychiatrist.
Seeking mental health care can be overwhelming and my goal is to help make this experience easier. Having extensive experience in both psychotherapy and evidenced-based psychopharmacology, I provide guidance on the best treatment options and tailor them to your individual goals and values. People often have strong views and ideas about taking medication for mental health and I am here to help you find wellness regardless of your views about medications. I went to Medical School at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and stayed at UCSF for my psychiatry residency training. I am a board certified psychiatrist.

Hi there, my name is Sarah. I was born in California but grew up in Northern Colorado. I have over 10 years of nursing experience in medical/surgical, post-partum/NICU care and pediatrics. I have also worked at an inpatient facility specializing in the treatment of eating disorders for adults and child/adolescents. I became a Nurse Practitioner because I love helping others and wanted to provide mental health services to my community. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on treating patients across the life span, providing mental health care to adolescents and adults.
Hi there, my name is Sarah. I was born in California but grew up in Northern Colorado. I have over 10 years of nursing experience in medical/surgical, post-partum/NICU care and pediatrics. I have also worked at an inpatient facility specializing in the treatment of eating disorders for adults and child/adolescents. I became a Nurse Practitioner because I love helping others and wanted to provide mental health services to my community. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who focuses on treating patients across the life span, providing mental health care to adolescents and adults.

Accepting New Patients! As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve their full potential and lead a fulfilling life. My goal is to take a comprehensive and holistic approach to care, considering all the factors that may impact a person's mental health and well-being. This includes working in collaboration with my patients, their families, and other healthcare providers to ensure that the care provided is safe, effective, patient-centered, and tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. To check my availability go to our website and my first available will be listed there.
Accepting New Patients! As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am dedicated to helping individuals achieve their full potential and lead a fulfilling life. My goal is to take a comprehensive and holistic approach to care, considering all the factors that may impact a person's mental health and well-being. This includes working in collaboration with my patients, their families, and other healthcare providers to ensure that the care provided is safe, effective, patient-centered, and tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. To check my availability go to our website and my first available will be listed there.
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See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Longmont, CO
40+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Longmont, CO who prioritize treating:
98% | Anxiety |
96% | Depression |
91% | ADHD |
91% | Medication Management |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
97% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Longmont, CO see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
37% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Longmont?
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.