Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA

Nafiha Islam, MD Nafiha Islam is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2018. Nafiha strives to establish a partnership with her patients based on trust and dependability. She listens to their concerns and works together with them to find a solution. In her spare time, Nafiha enjoys learning about other cultures especially through traveling and trying various cuisines.
Nafiha Islam, MD Nafiha Islam is a Psychiatrist in Georgia who has been practicing since 2018. Nafiha strives to establish a partnership with her patients based on trust and dependability. She listens to their concerns and works together with them to find a solution. In her spare time, Nafiha enjoys learning about other cultures especially through traveling and trying various cuisines.

Amarachi Edom
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN-RN, APRN, PMHNP -, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30032
"I am driven by a deep passion for psychiatric mental health nursing, rooted in my commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive care. My goal is to empower individuals struggling with mental health issues, fostering resilience, hope, and optimal well-being."
"I am driven by a deep passion for psychiatric mental health nursing, rooted in my commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive care. My goal is to empower individuals struggling with mental health issues, fostering resilience, hope, and optimal well-being."

I’m Nia Anderson, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping individuals achieve mental and emotional wellness. My passion is providing empathetic, patient-centered care that addresses the unique challenges of each person’s mental health journey. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tuskegee University and gained extensive experience in high-acuity settings, including surgical trauma/neuro ICU, cardiac ICU, and interventional radiology. These roles deepened my understanding of the vital connection between physical and mental health.
I’m Nia Anderson, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping individuals achieve mental and emotional wellness. My passion is providing empathetic, patient-centered care that addresses the unique challenges of each person’s mental health journey. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tuskegee University and gained extensive experience in high-acuity settings, including surgical trauma/neuro ICU, cardiac ICU, and interventional radiology. These roles deepened my understanding of the vital connection between physical and mental health.

Our brains are complex systems of competing parts, each part influencing the others and contributing to our larger personality. This interplay between competing systems allows us to respond to the infinite challenges we face in life, but it can also become imbalanced, with different brain regions exerting too much or too little influence over our larger psyche. Oftentimes, this imbalance is initially an adaptation to something in our environment – stress, trauma, grief – but over time, it can cause the symptoms of mental illness.
Our brains are complex systems of competing parts, each part influencing the others and contributing to our larger personality. This interplay between competing systems allows us to respond to the infinite challenges we face in life, but it can also become imbalanced, with different brain regions exerting too much or too little influence over our larger psyche. Oftentimes, this imbalance is initially an adaptation to something in our environment – stress, trauma, grief – but over time, it can cause the symptoms of mental illness.

Patrice Barnhill Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CPNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Patrice Barnhill is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals group in April 2018, and is currently seeing patients at our Decatur and Stockbridge locations. Prior to starting with GBHP, Patrice worked in a pediatric primary care setting, where she cared for patients with acute and chronic health conditions, as well as provided preventative care, mental health and developmental screenings. She has always been the most passionate in her care of children, adolescents and young adults with mental health concerns.
Patrice Barnhill is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who joined the Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals group in April 2018, and is currently seeing patients at our Decatur and Stockbridge locations. Prior to starting with GBHP, Patrice worked in a pediatric primary care setting, where she cared for patients with acute and chronic health conditions, as well as provided preventative care, mental health and developmental screenings. She has always been the most passionate in her care of children, adolescents and young adults with mental health concerns.

Dr. Judith Ngulefac Dnp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30033
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.

When it comes to treating mental health conditions, I offer telemedicine visits as a service. Marva is a psychiatric evaluation and medication management specialist who works with a variety of clients. She employs evidence-based practice regimens in her work, with a particular emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. According to Marva, a nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship is at the heart of a truly therapeutic interaction and is the most important factor in bringing about lasting positive change. She works with clients to help them become more involved in their own care.
When it comes to treating mental health conditions, I offer telemedicine visits as a service. Marva is a psychiatric evaluation and medication management specialist who works with a variety of clients. She employs evidence-based practice regimens in her work, with a particular emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. According to Marva, a nonjudgmental, collaborative relationship is at the heart of a truly therapeutic interaction and is the most important factor in bringing about lasting positive change. She works with clients to help them become more involved in their own care.

FirstStop Medical Clinic, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi! I am a Doctorally trained Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I'm dual board-certified in Psychiatry and Family medicine. I have a combined healthcare career of over 20 years. I work with individuals with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, and stress. I help older adults with new-onset forgetfulness, as well as young adults struggling with life stressors, responsibilities, and hopelessness, to navigate these obstacles and become the best version of themselves.
Hi! I am a Doctorally trained Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I'm dual board-certified in Psychiatry and Family medicine. I have a combined healthcare career of over 20 years. I work with individuals with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, and stress. I help older adults with new-onset forgetfulness, as well as young adults struggling with life stressors, responsibilities, and hopelessness, to navigate these obstacles and become the best version of themselves.

Dr. Dhingra is board certified in General Psychiatry. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry at the Emory University School of Medicine, and was chosen to serve as the Chief Resident for Emory University Hospital in her final year of adult psychiatry. Dr. Dhingra completed an additional year of training in Geriatric Psychiatry, graduating in 2020.
Dr. Dhingra is board certified in General Psychiatry. She completed her residency in adult psychiatry at the Emory University School of Medicine, and was chosen to serve as the Chief Resident for Emory University Hospital in her final year of adult psychiatry. Dr. Dhingra completed an additional year of training in Geriatric Psychiatry, graduating in 2020.

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I bring empathy, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with my patients and family members. Having worked both in crisis management centers, drug Rehabs, Adult psych hospitals and children’s psych hospitals, I decided to go back to school for my Master’s in Nursing 4 years ago to expand my knowledge and use my wealth of experience in good use. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to educate and empower patients and family members.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I bring empathy, an easygoing communication style, and a sweet sense of humor, making it easy to communicate with my patients and family members. Having worked both in crisis management centers, drug Rehabs, Adult psych hospitals and children’s psych hospitals, I decided to go back to school for my Master’s in Nursing 4 years ago to expand my knowledge and use my wealth of experience in good use. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to educate and empower patients and family members.

Katherine Gill is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30+ years of registered nurse experience and an expansive nursing background in psychiatry, public and school health. Katherine has practiced in a wide variety of settings caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. She uses a patient centered health care model encouraging patients to take part in their plan of care. Katherine has extensive experience in caring for children and adolescents and uses a compassionate, and holistic approach in patient care to obtain optimal mental wellness.
Katherine Gill is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30+ years of registered nurse experience and an expansive nursing background in psychiatry, public and school health. Katherine has practiced in a wide variety of settings caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. She uses a patient centered health care model encouraging patients to take part in their plan of care. Katherine has extensive experience in caring for children and adolescents and uses a compassionate, and holistic approach in patient care to obtain optimal mental wellness.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

I believe that a combination of skilled psychotherapy and proper medication management helps people recover faster. My goal is to get you back to living your life to its fullest as quickly as possible.
I believe that a combination of skilled psychotherapy and proper medication management helps people recover faster. My goal is to get you back to living your life to its fullest as quickly as possible.

I worked eight years as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in several settings before expanding my specialty to Psychiatry/Mental Health. It was the best career decision I could have made. I started practicing in Psychiatry seven years ago in a correctional setting treating adolescents and adults. It was there that I recognized the significance of early mental health promotion, screening and treatment. For the past four years I’ve worked in a private practice with a diverse patient population across the lifespan. My main role is assessing, diagnosing, education and medication management but I occasionally incorporate therapy.
I worked eight years as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in several settings before expanding my specialty to Psychiatry/Mental Health. It was the best career decision I could have made. I started practicing in Psychiatry seven years ago in a correctional setting treating adolescents and adults. It was there that I recognized the significance of early mental health promotion, screening and treatment. For the past four years I’ve worked in a private practice with a diverse patient population across the lifespan. My main role is assessing, diagnosing, education and medication management but I occasionally incorporate therapy.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30033
Our practice offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy – a non-drug, non-invasive option for treating Depression, PTSD, Depression with anxiety, and OCD. TMS therapy is providing a new possibility to those who have not found relief through traditional treatments.
Find Relief When Medications Haven't Worked: TMS Therapy.
Depression Treatment Breakthrough: Discover TMS.
A New Path Forward: Drug-Free Depression Treatment with TMS.
Reclaim Your Life from Depression with FDA-Approved Neurostar TMS.
Hope Restored: Innovative Depression Treatment Now Available.
Non-Invasive, Non-Drug Depression Therapy: Neurostar TMS
Our practice offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy – a non-drug, non-invasive option for treating Depression, PTSD, Depression with anxiety, and OCD. TMS therapy is providing a new possibility to those who have not found relief through traditional treatments.
Find Relief When Medications Haven't Worked: TMS Therapy.
Depression Treatment Breakthrough: Discover TMS.
A New Path Forward: Drug-Free Depression Treatment with TMS.
Reclaim Your Life from Depression with FDA-Approved Neurostar TMS.
Hope Restored: Innovative Depression Treatment Now Available.
Non-Invasive, Non-Drug Depression Therapy: Neurostar TMS

I am a child, adolescent, adult, and Forensic Psychiatrist with 10 years of post-graduate training in various environments. I have been working in the outpatient-sector for 7 years. I am inspired by knowing that mental wellness is possible and seeing that progress with my patients. I love being a part of a patient's support network to attain long-lasting mental stability. I use a biopsychosocial approach to review all aspects of life that can impact progress to mental wellness.
I am a child, adolescent, adult, and Forensic Psychiatrist with 10 years of post-graduate training in various environments. I have been working in the outpatient-sector for 7 years. I am inspired by knowing that mental wellness is possible and seeing that progress with my patients. I love being a part of a patient's support network to attain long-lasting mental stability. I use a biopsychosocial approach to review all aspects of life that can impact progress to mental wellness.

Mindbodysoul Mental Health & Family practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30030
Everyone’s journey is different. We work with everyone for a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Some struggles are harder to overcome than others and require the assistance of a highly trained and compassionate mental health provider. The first step to lasting recovery from alcohol and drug addiction or abuse is getting personalized substance use disorder treatment. Proper treatment for substance use disorder should address both the physical and medical ramifications of your addiction, as well as the lasting behavioral, psychological and lifestyle damage caused by prolonged and untreated substance
Everyone’s journey is different. We work with everyone for a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Some struggles are harder to overcome than others and require the assistance of a highly trained and compassionate mental health provider. The first step to lasting recovery from alcohol and drug addiction or abuse is getting personalized substance use disorder treatment. Proper treatment for substance use disorder should address both the physical and medical ramifications of your addiction, as well as the lasting behavioral, psychological and lifestyle damage caused by prolonged and untreated substance

Psych Care ATL is a small practice with a big heart. Woman-owned and founded in 2022 with a desire to offer holistic, customized mental health services where you feel seen and supported. Services are primarily offered via telehealth but Dr Laura Bowman also sees patients at our office in Decatur.
Psych Care ATL is a small practice with a big heart. Woman-owned and founded in 2022 with a desire to offer holistic, customized mental health services where you feel seen and supported. Services are primarily offered via telehealth but Dr Laura Bowman also sees patients at our office in Decatur.

I provide psychiatric mental health care treatment for adults, adolescents, and children, in both Spanish and English. I listen to my patients and try to understand who they are, what their problems are, and how they are suffering. I believe it is important to understand each patient's unique life including learning about their interpersonal relationships, work life, home life, and what their hopes and dreams are. Psychiatric treatment is a partnership between me and my patients. By working together we can decrease pain and suffering, and create happiness, peacefulness, and the ability to live and enjoy life.
I provide psychiatric mental health care treatment for adults, adolescents, and children, in both Spanish and English. I listen to my patients and try to understand who they are, what their problems are, and how they are suffering. I believe it is important to understand each patient's unique life including learning about their interpersonal relationships, work life, home life, and what their hopes and dreams are. Psychiatric treatment is a partnership between me and my patients. By working together we can decrease pain and suffering, and create happiness, peacefulness, and the ability to live and enjoy life.

Ornaldo Swift Healthcare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, AGPCNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30035
I am a dedicated professional with more than two decades of clinical experience practicing across various cultures. I am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Our practice, Ornaldo Swift Healthcare, specializes in treating teenagers, adults, the elderly and the underserved population, providing evidenced based psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapeutic counselling. We treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses . We treat everyone with compassion and care is individualized
I am a dedicated professional with more than two decades of clinical experience practicing across various cultures. I am board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Our practice, Ornaldo Swift Healthcare, specializes in treating teenagers, adults, the elderly and the underserved population, providing evidenced based psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapeutic counselling. We treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses . We treat everyone with compassion and care is individualized

Dr. Skoller is an Emory-trained board certified psychiatrist taking new patients in the Atlanta and adjacent areas. He has broad knowledge and experience treating various mental health conditions and see's patients both in-person and via telemedicine. Dr. Skoller offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Ketamine treatment services, available to patients either in-clinic or conveniently in your own home. Dr. Skoller is also board certified in internal medicine, offering a uniquely thorough approach to treating his patient's mental health concerns. He is a member of Melody Medical Group. www.MelodyMedicalGroup.com
Dr. Skoller is an Emory-trained board certified psychiatrist taking new patients in the Atlanta and adjacent areas. He has broad knowledge and experience treating various mental health conditions and see's patients both in-person and via telemedicine. Dr. Skoller offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Ketamine treatment services, available to patients either in-clinic or conveniently in your own home. Dr. Skoller is also board certified in internal medicine, offering a uniquely thorough approach to treating his patient's mental health concerns. He is a member of Melody Medical Group. www.MelodyMedicalGroup.com
See more therapy options for Decatur
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA
60+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA who prioritize treating:
97% | Anxiety |
95% | Depression |
84% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | ADHD |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
65% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
87% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Decatur, GA see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
86% | Female | |
14% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Decatur?
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.