Psychiatrists in Citra, FL
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Monumental Health Partners is welcoming new clients for psychiatric care! Same-day appointments online are often available for individuals aged 18 & up for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, unable to concentrate or sleep, or stressed about relationship friction with friends, family, or loved ones, We are here to help you! We promise to listen to you without judgment and work with you to devise a personalized plan for your mental health care. We will work with you to arm you with the coping skills to help you achieve mental balance. Our providers also speak Spanish.
Monumental Health Partners is welcoming new clients for psychiatric care! Same-day appointments online are often available for individuals aged 18 & up for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, unable to concentrate or sleep, or stressed about relationship friction with friends, family, or loved ones, We are here to help you! We promise to listen to you without judgment and work with you to devise a personalized plan for your mental health care. We will work with you to arm you with the coping skills to help you achieve mental balance. Our providers also speak Spanish.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
The Psych Lounge
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, BSc, PMHNPBC, FNPC
Verified Verified
Ocala, FL 34479 (Online Only)
I am a doctoral prepared, licensed, and double board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner (DNP, FNP-C PMHNP-BC). I received my Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from Brandman University, Irvine California, Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University Minneapolis Minnesota, and Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information systems from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.
I am a doctoral prepared, licensed, and double board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner (DNP, FNP-C PMHNP-BC). I received my Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatric Mental Healthcare from Brandman University, Irvine California, Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University Minneapolis Minnesota, and Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information systems from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.
Online Psychiatrists
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
Anton Georgiev
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32256
NO WAIT TIME! APPOINTMENTS IN 24 HRS. WEEKENDS AVAILABILITY. SERVING FLORIDA AND OREGON ANTON is aware of the clients’ personal choice of treatment, cultural and spiritual believes, which have the potential to greatly affect the treatment and the therapeutic relationship between provider and patient. He invests the time to explain, educate, and provide the client with all of the needed information to make the best possible choice. Anton understands that a treatment is never static, it is an ongoing and highly dynamic process, involving honest communication and effort from both, provider and client.
NO WAIT TIME! APPOINTMENTS IN 24 HRS. WEEKENDS AVAILABILITY. SERVING FLORIDA AND OREGON ANTON is aware of the clients’ personal choice of treatment, cultural and spiritual believes, which have the potential to greatly affect the treatment and the therapeutic relationship between provider and patient. He invests the time to explain, educate, and provide the client with all of the needed information to make the best possible choice. Anton understands that a treatment is never static, it is an ongoing and highly dynamic process, involving honest communication and effort from both, provider and client.
Xiaoyin (Anne) Wang Ream
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orlando, FL 32817
Life isn’t always easy. Are you feeling depressed? Anxious? I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner esteemed for my warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication. I have over 9 years of experience as a nurse practitioner and over 7 years of psychiatric expertise providing care to both outpatient and nursing home populations. Emphasizing a holistic and collaborative approach, I go beyond medication management to ensure comprehensive care for my patients.
Life isn’t always easy. Are you feeling depressed? Anxious? I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner esteemed for my warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication. I have over 9 years of experience as a nurse practitioner and over 7 years of psychiatric expertise providing care to both outpatient and nursing home populations. Emphasizing a holistic and collaborative approach, I go beyond medication management to ensure comprehensive care for my patients.
Dr. Ahmed is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the University of South Florida. He completed his residency training at Temple University Hospital in psychiatry and then joined Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he completed a two-year fellowship in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology. He moved to Tampa in 2016 to start his private neuropsychiatry practice, Tampa Neuropsychiatry LLC. Dr. Ahmed specializes in the treatment of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and adult ADHD. He also has subspecialty training in dementia including Alzheimer's and brain injuries.
Dr. Ahmed is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the University of South Florida. He completed his residency training at Temple University Hospital in psychiatry and then joined Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he completed a two-year fellowship in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology. He moved to Tampa in 2016 to start his private neuropsychiatry practice, Tampa Neuropsychiatry LLC. Dr. Ahmed specializes in the treatment of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and adult ADHD. He also has subspecialty training in dementia including Alzheimer's and brain injuries.
Marie C. Joassaint
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Apopka, FL 32712 (Online Only)
Our ideal clients are patients who are seeking comprehensive care for their psychiatric disorder and are open to a patient-centered and holistic approach to their treatment. They want to achieve optimal mental health and are willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. They are looking for a provider who is dedicated to providing high-quality psychiatric treatment and medication management, and who can guide them towards recovery and an improved quality of life. Our ideal clients understands that seeking help is an act of courage and are looking for a provider who can support them with empathy and empowerment.
Our ideal clients are patients who are seeking comprehensive care for their psychiatric disorder and are open to a patient-centered and holistic approach to their treatment. They want to achieve optimal mental health and are willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. They are looking for a provider who is dedicated to providing high-quality psychiatric treatment and medication management, and who can guide them towards recovery and an improved quality of life. Our ideal clients understands that seeking help is an act of courage and are looking for a provider who can support them with empathy and empowerment.
Sublimity Care, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DrHA, MSN, AAPRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Tampa, FL 33637
Ingrid Maria Suazo, DrHA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in the field of mental health for over 25 years.
Ingrid Maria Suazo, DrHA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in the field of mental health for over 25 years.
Dr. Juliet Nichols has been a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2002 and has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. While an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Nichols has an integrative approach to treatment and she often incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques when appropriate, tailoring every treatment to each patient's individual needs. She completed her Psychiatry residency at Stony Brook-SUNY and Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine.
Dr. Juliet Nichols has been a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2002 and has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. While an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Nichols has an integrative approach to treatment and she often incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques when appropriate, tailoring every treatment to each patient's individual needs. She completed her Psychiatry residency at Stony Brook-SUNY and Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine.
Transformation Psychiatry and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Veteran
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orlando, FL 32803
Accepting new patients from anywhere in Florida! Are you feeling forgetful, unable to concentrate or easily distracted? Are you finding it hard to get out of bed, lack motivation, feel tearful or sad? Do you find it hard to fall asleep or wake up multiple times during the night making you feel uber tired the next day? Have you experienced trauma that sends your anxiety through the roof? Then it might be time to seek help. Remember, it's okay not to be okay. I will respond to your email within 48 hours. If you don't see an email from me, please don't forget to check your SPAM folder.
Accepting new patients from anywhere in Florida! Are you feeling forgetful, unable to concentrate or easily distracted? Are you finding it hard to get out of bed, lack motivation, feel tearful or sad? Do you find it hard to fall asleep or wake up multiple times during the night making you feel uber tired the next day? Have you experienced trauma that sends your anxiety through the roof? Then it might be time to seek help. Remember, it's okay not to be okay. I will respond to your email within 48 hours. If you don't see an email from me, please don't forget to check your SPAM folder.
Psych Mind Solutions
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Eustis, FL 32726
Meet Yvonka Williams! She is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She has several years of experience treating mental health conditions. She specializes in depression, anxiety, weight management, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. She can help you find the right medication that works for YOU! She provides medication management, emotional support, and interpersonal therapy. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health care.
Meet Yvonka Williams! She is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She has several years of experience treating mental health conditions. She specializes in depression, anxiety, weight management, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. She can help you find the right medication that works for YOU! She provides medication management, emotional support, and interpersonal therapy. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health care.
Are you feeling down or out of energy? Finding it hard to enjoy life? Always on edge or nervous? Maybe you’re overwhelmed to the point you can’t eat, sleep, or get things finished. Perhaps you’re feeling lonely and isolated? I can help. I’m Dr. Sidawi, and I’m a University of Florida trained, board certified psychiatrist who will spend the time necessary to make sure you feel your problems are understood. I provide my patients concierge levels of access by answering all calls and messages personally, and strive to maintain privacy by protecting your mental health information from automatically being shared with insurance bureaus.
Are you feeling down or out of energy? Finding it hard to enjoy life? Always on edge or nervous? Maybe you’re overwhelmed to the point you can’t eat, sleep, or get things finished. Perhaps you’re feeling lonely and isolated? I can help. I’m Dr. Sidawi, and I’m a University of Florida trained, board certified psychiatrist who will spend the time necessary to make sure you feel your problems are understood. I provide my patients concierge levels of access by answering all calls and messages personally, and strive to maintain privacy by protecting your mental health information from automatically being shared with insurance bureaus.
Dr. Anantharam Peesapati is an adult psychiatrist who graduated from General Psychiatry Residency training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. There, he honed his skills by treating a diverse patient population suffering from various diagnoses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Prior to residency, Dr. Peesapati earned his medical degree from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine & his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida.
Dr. Anantharam Peesapati is an adult psychiatrist who graduated from General Psychiatry Residency training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. There, he honed his skills by treating a diverse patient population suffering from various diagnoses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Prior to residency, Dr. Peesapati earned his medical degree from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine & his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
Our mission is to restore hope, promote well-being, and cultivate harmony in the lives of our patients. In the dynamic landscape of today's society, characterized by daily stress and constant challenges, we recognize the crucial demand for a tranquil and stable environment.
The Neurogarden Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, FL 32256 (Online Only)
Imagine feeling weighed down by sadness, overwhelmed by anxiety, and struggling to find joy or motivation in everyday life. You may find it hard to concentrate, sleep soundly, or engage in activities that once brought you happiness. If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. Through professional training and personal experiences, I understand the complexities and can relate to mental health challenges. My clients often come to me seeking more than just a prescription; they seek a compassionate partner in their journey toward healing.
Imagine feeling weighed down by sadness, overwhelmed by anxiety, and struggling to find joy or motivation in everyday life. You may find it hard to concentrate, sleep soundly, or engage in activities that once brought you happiness. If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. Through professional training and personal experiences, I understand the complexities and can relate to mental health challenges. My clients often come to me seeking more than just a prescription; they seek a compassionate partner in their journey toward healing.
Isabel C Zapata
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newberry, FL 32669 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward mental wellness. I provide psychiatric evaluations, screening and diagnoses, and medication management.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward mental wellness. I provide psychiatric evaluations, screening and diagnoses, and medication management.
Michael Lo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, AGPCNP
Verified Verified
Orlando, FL 32822 (Online Only)
My ideal client struggles with anxiety, depression, or ADHD and seeks tailored, compassionate care to manage their mental health. They need an empathetic listener who offers effective treatments and involves them in decision-making. Their goal is to improve their quality of life through personalized strategies that align with their unique needs.
My ideal client struggles with anxiety, depression, or ADHD and seeks tailored, compassionate care to manage their mental health. They need an empathetic listener who offers effective treatments and involves them in decision-making. Their goal is to improve their quality of life through personalized strategies that align with their unique needs.
Melinda Braswell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jacksonville, FL 32223
Are you feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or lost your zest for life? Do you feel alone with nowhere else to turn? Are your problems adversely affecting your personal relationships or job success? If this sounds like you, it’s time to get help. Let’s work together to recapture the joy and happiness you desire.
Are you feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or lost your zest for life? Do you feel alone with nowhere else to turn? Are your problems adversely affecting your personal relationships or job success? If this sounds like you, it’s time to get help. Let’s work together to recapture the joy and happiness you desire.
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Number of Psychiatrists in Citra, FL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Citra, FL who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Chronic Pain |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Wellpoint | Amerigroup |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Citra, FL see their clients
100% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Citra?
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.