Psychiatrists in Westlake, FL
Sapna Rao
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake, FL 33470 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! Health mind is such an important part of health body and overall wellness. I am a passionate provider and I believe in maintaining healthy communities. My goal is to partner with you and create a plan to optimize your health. I am very committed to establish meaningful relationships with people and make them feel empowered to nurture their own health. I am eager to help people to select the options they feel are most appropriate for them. I serve teenagers, adults and elderly clients. I am licensed in FL. Telehealth appointment are available several days a week.
Accepting New Patients! Health mind is such an important part of health body and overall wellness. I am a passionate provider and I believe in maintaining healthy communities. My goal is to partner with you and create a plan to optimize your health. I am very committed to establish meaningful relationships with people and make them feel empowered to nurture their own health. I am eager to help people to select the options they feel are most appropriate for them. I serve teenagers, adults and elderly clients. I am licensed in FL. Telehealth appointment are available several days a week.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Leonor Francisco
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I started my nursing career in 2006 and have over 16 years of diverse nursing experience. I earn my patients’ trust by delivering quality and passionate care. The importance of helping a person heal, not only physically but emotionally, presented itself, and I moved on to pursue my graduate degree at Walden University to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
I started my nursing career in 2006 and have over 16 years of diverse nursing experience. I earn my patients’ trust by delivering quality and passionate care. The importance of helping a person heal, not only physically but emotionally, presented itself, and I moved on to pursue my graduate degree at Walden University to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Louise Aurélien Buie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Welcome to Elite Mindful Health as you embark on your healing journey! Our main provider, Dr. Aurélien-Buie is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of nursing experience. She is one of the most compassionate and caring persons that you will ever meet. She aims at providing holistic client-centered care.
Welcome to Elite Mindful Health as you embark on your healing journey! Our main provider, Dr. Aurélien-Buie is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of nursing experience. She is one of the most compassionate and caring persons that you will ever meet. She aims at providing holistic client-centered care.
Nearla Integrated Healthcare Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Palm Beach, FL 33411
At Nearla Integrated Healthcare Services, LLC your health is our priority!!! We can take care of your physical illness. Just dial our number and we will see you right away. Please visit our website: www.nearlaintegrated.com
At Nearla Integrated Healthcare Services, LLC your health is our priority!!! We can take care of your physical illness. Just dial our number and we will see you right away. Please visit our website: www.nearlaintegrated.com
Helen Lancy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Online Only)
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
A Brighter Day Telepsychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, AGNPC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Palm Beach, FL 33411
I understand that these are very trying times. I would like to provide a safe, all-inclusive environment for all of my patients in order to develop the provider/patient relationship all while improving mental health-related issues by goal-setting and medication management. My ideal patient would seek a provider that would look at medication as just one tool to manage their mental health. They would be open to really digging deep to explore what might be the root cause of why they are feeling the way they are, all while managing symptoms with medication and therapy. My ideal patient takes an active approach in their treatment plan.
I understand that these are very trying times. I would like to provide a safe, all-inclusive environment for all of my patients in order to develop the provider/patient relationship all while improving mental health-related issues by goal-setting and medication management. My ideal patient would seek a provider that would look at medication as just one tool to manage their mental health. They would be open to really digging deep to explore what might be the root cause of why they are feeling the way they are, all while managing symptoms with medication and therapy. My ideal patient takes an active approach in their treatment plan.
Dr. Carol Milliken
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, CFTP, CCRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Online Only)
At Mae Mental Wellness, my goal is to work collaboratively with my patients to develop a treatment plan that will result in improved mental wellness. I am a highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with diverse expertise. I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and am board certified in psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing, family trauma therapy, emergency, and critical care nursing. I am also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who stands at the forefront of advanced nursing practice and quality improvement in mental health care.
At Mae Mental Wellness, my goal is to work collaboratively with my patients to develop a treatment plan that will result in improved mental wellness. I am a highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with diverse expertise. I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and am board certified in psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing, family trauma therapy, emergency, and critical care nursing. I am also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who stands at the forefront of advanced nursing practice and quality improvement in mental health care.
I am a bilingual Child and Adolescent /Adult Psychiatrist who enjoys listening to people and trying to find out what is the best way to help them. In the office you will find a familiar setting where you can feel comfortable , understood and treated with dignity and respect at all times.
I am a bilingual Child and Adolescent /Adult Psychiatrist who enjoys listening to people and trying to find out what is the best way to help them. In the office you will find a familiar setting where you can feel comfortable , understood and treated with dignity and respect at all times.
Bernadine C Anderson -Clarke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellington, FL 33414 (Online Only)
Mental health is indeed a problem in our society. The stigmatized of mental health has been around for centuries.Today, my goal is to hip away at the stigma and birth awareness. I want people to have access to mental health care free from judgments.
Mental health is indeed a problem in our society. The stigmatized of mental health has been around for centuries.Today, my goal is to hip away at the stigma and birth awareness. I want people to have access to mental health care free from judgments.
Resolutions is an organization committed to providing empathetic, compassionate mental health treatment. We 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 Resolutions, you will get comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances. Our mission is to revolutionize mental health services and offer sound, evidence-based care to all clients, regardless of socio-economic status. There is no wait list and appointments are available immediately.
Resolutions is an organization committed to providing empathetic, compassionate mental health treatment. We 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 Resolutions, you will get comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances. Our mission is to revolutionize mental health services and offer sound, evidence-based care to all clients, regardless of socio-economic status. There is no wait list and appointments are available immediately.
Sheila Barthelemy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, APRN, MPH
Verified Verified
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Do you seek to understand your emotions, manage stress, and build resilience? Do you face anxiety or depression, seeking tools to navigate life's challenges? You crave a safe space to express yourself, fostering self-awareness and empowerment. Your goal is holistic well-being, aiming for inner peace and a fulfilling life. You want to thrive, not just survive, embracing your journey with courage and compassion.
Do you seek to understand your emotions, manage stress, and build resilience? Do you face anxiety or depression, seeking tools to navigate life's challenges? You crave a safe space to express yourself, fostering self-awareness and empowerment. Your goal is holistic well-being, aiming for inner peace and a fulfilling life. You want to thrive, not just survive, embracing your journey with courage and compassion.
The mission of our practice is to provide Person-Centered Care and empower our clients with the knowledge and skills to achieve their desirable goals. We strive to provide the highest quality evidence-based, compassionate care through a combination of medication management and customized psychotherapy to help patients/families overcome their most difficult challenges and achieve their greatest goals to lead their most joyful, fulfilling lives.
The mission of our practice is to provide Person-Centered Care and empower our clients with the knowledge and skills to achieve their desirable goals. We strive to provide the highest quality evidence-based, compassionate care through a combination of medication management and customized psychotherapy to help patients/families overcome their most difficult challenges and achieve their greatest goals to lead their most joyful, fulfilling lives.
Mary E. Stone-Duffy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Have your past experiences with mental health clinicians felt impersonal and hurried? Feeling safe and comfortable with your provider is very important to the success of your treatment. Mary Stone-Duffy takes the time to get to know you in a comfortable, private office. You will be asked about your treatment preferences and she will collaborate with you on solutions. Mary Stone-Duffy's practice is grounded in caring and compassion and she takes a genuine interest in your health and well-being.
Have your past experiences with mental health clinicians felt impersonal and hurried? Feeling safe and comfortable with your provider is very important to the success of your treatment. Mary Stone-Duffy takes the time to get to know you in a comfortable, private office. You will be asked about your treatment preferences and she will collaborate with you on solutions. Mary Stone-Duffy's practice is grounded in caring and compassion and she takes a genuine interest in your health and well-being.
Dr. Roberto Enrique Gimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Dr. Roberto Gimenez, DNP. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). I am an experienced PMHNP dedicated to helping those with mental health needs achieve optimal mental health status. I have worked in health care since 1997. I have a wide range of medication management experience across the lifespan, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, ADHD, OCD, Mood disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorder, as well as Veteran-centric care.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Dr. Roberto Gimenez, DNP. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). I am an experienced PMHNP dedicated to helping those with mental health needs achieve optimal mental health status. I have worked in health care since 1997. I have a wide range of medication management experience across the lifespan, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, ADHD, OCD, Mood disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorder, as well as Veteran-centric care.
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.
Sara Lewis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, LMHC, PNP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Wellington, FL 33414 (Online Only)
I provide TELEHEALTH PSYCHIATRIC medication management. My Psychiatric practice is based on a personal relationship and up-to-date, full-service care. If you want personalized care and someone who will listen to you we may be a good fit. My Priority is Relationship First: I believe that a healthy, caring relationship with a medical professional that knows you as a person is the most important aspect of care. As such, I make our relationship a priority in your treatment, and pride myself on having a “first-name practice”. I know all my patients, schedule our appointments myself, and will recognize you when you call.
I provide TELEHEALTH PSYCHIATRIC medication management. My Psychiatric practice is based on a personal relationship and up-to-date, full-service care. If you want personalized care and someone who will listen to you we may be a good fit. My Priority is Relationship First: I believe that a healthy, caring relationship with a medical professional that knows you as a person is the most important aspect of care. As such, I make our relationship a priority in your treatment, and pride myself on having a “first-name practice”. I know all my patients, schedule our appointments myself, and will recognize you when you call.
My WellnessJournee LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellington, FL 33411
My ideal client understands that mental health affects everyone, that there is no perfect human beings. They understand that we each have our own individual issues, its just that some people can deal them better than others
My ideal client understands that mental health affects everyone, that there is no perfect human beings. They understand that we each have our own individual issues, its just that some people can deal them better than others
Rachel Christian
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC); I bring over 20 years of quality care of nursing with the benefit of specialized education in psychiatry and medication management. I am non judgmental and treat all my patients with respect. I empower my patients to be able to manage their mental health, either through medication alone, with therapy or with different modalities, including diet and exercise. I feel it is essential to form a partnership based in trust and compassion and always with the patient’s wishes and goals in mind.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC); I bring over 20 years of quality care of nursing with the benefit of specialized education in psychiatry and medication management. I am non judgmental and treat all my patients with respect. I empower my patients to be able to manage their mental health, either through medication alone, with therapy or with different modalities, including diet and exercise. I feel it is essential to form a partnership based in trust and compassion and always with the patient’s wishes and goals in mind.
Rolande J Bellegarde
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loxahatchee, FL 33470 (Online Only)
My ideal client faces significant mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and trauma/PTSD. They require comprehensive mental health care, including accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, medication management, therapeutic support, holistic care, and regular monitoring. Their goals are to relieve symptoms, improve daily functioning, achieve emotional stability, enhance their quality of life, and maintain long-term wellness. They seek empathy, understanding, empowerment, trustworthy care, confidentiality, and holistic healing.
My ideal client faces significant mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and trauma/PTSD. They require comprehensive mental health care, including accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, medication management, therapeutic support, holistic care, and regular monitoring. Their goals are to relieve symptoms, improve daily functioning, achieve emotional stability, enhance their quality of life, and maintain long-term wellness. They seek empathy, understanding, empowerment, trustworthy care, confidentiality, and holistic healing.
TelepsychHealth Outpatient Programs
Psychiatrist, MD, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
TelepsychHealth consists of a compassionate psychiatrist, psych PAs, NP, and therapists.
TelepsychHealth consists of a compassionate psychiatrist, psych PAs, NP, and therapists.
See more therapy options for Westlake
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Westlake, FL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Westlake, FL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Grief |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Westlake, FL see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Westlake?
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.