Psychiatrists in Fulton County, GA

Melveena Johnson-Bolden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My name is Melveena Johnson Bolden, and I am Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal with my patients is to meet their needs in a collaborative, comfortable, and conscientious manner, focusing on the whole patient and not the hole in the patient. My approach to mental healthcare is a little eclectic because each person requires something unique. I utilize the Humanistic approach because it focuses on person-centered care, which emphasizes empathy to facilitate personal growth.
My name is Melveena Johnson Bolden, and I am Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal with my patients is to meet their needs in a collaborative, comfortable, and conscientious manner, focusing on the whole patient and not the hole in the patient. My approach to mental healthcare is a little eclectic because each person requires something unique. I utilize the Humanistic approach because it focuses on person-centered care, which emphasizes empathy to facilitate personal growth.

Dr. Debrey is board-certified in adult psychiatry. Her approach is client-centered, individualized, and collaborative. She focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work towards achieving enhanced functioning and meaning in their lives. She works with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression and other mood concerns, bipolar spectrum illnesses, OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Debrey is board-certified in adult psychiatry. Her approach is client-centered, individualized, and collaborative. She focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work towards achieving enhanced functioning and meaning in their lives. She works with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression and other mood concerns, bipolar spectrum illnesses, OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.

My name is Celestin Ekokobe, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse practitioner (PMNHNP-BC). I received a master’s in nursing from Georgia College and State University. I am passionate about providing quality comprehensive and compassionate mental healthcare to adults as well as brief supportive solution-focused psychotherapy. I provide non-judgmental evidence-based care and will work with patients to ensure their needs.
My name is Celestin Ekokobe, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse practitioner (PMNHNP-BC). I received a master’s in nursing from Georgia College and State University. I am passionate about providing quality comprehensive and compassionate mental healthcare to adults as well as brief supportive solution-focused psychotherapy. I provide non-judgmental evidence-based care and will work with patients to ensure their needs.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to meet you and want you to know that I provide unbiased support and a sense of calm to whatever is going on in your life. I believe in providing a hybrid approach of evidenced-based theories and strategies of various methodologies. There is no one-size-fits-all approach because it will be catered to you, as you are unique.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am honored to meet you and want you to know that I provide unbiased support and a sense of calm to whatever is going on in your life. I believe in providing a hybrid approach of evidenced-based theories and strategies of various methodologies. There is no one-size-fits-all approach because it will be catered to you, as you are unique.

Psychiatry And Wellness of Georgia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARPN, , PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
Dorcas Mwangi is a dual certified mental health and family nurse practitioner . She graduated from Georgia State University. Has over 20 year experience in taking care of children, adult and families struggling with mental health. She has over 8 years experience in substance abuse treatment, management and counseling. She is through, kind, and takes time with her patient. Her initial assessment, and follow up appointments are through and comprehensive. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and family and takes time to know them. She tries to prescribe the least amount of medications possible.
Dorcas Mwangi is a dual certified mental health and family nurse practitioner . She graduated from Georgia State University. Has over 20 year experience in taking care of children, adult and families struggling with mental health. She has over 8 years experience in substance abuse treatment, management and counseling. She is through, kind, and takes time with her patient. Her initial assessment, and follow up appointments are through and comprehensive. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and family and takes time to know them. She tries to prescribe the least amount of medications possible.

I believe psychiatry should seek to examine the neurologic, genetic, and environmental conditions that contribute to child, adolescent and adult development. Be Strong Wellness Clinic was founded to incorporate the interaction of these components to provide comprehensive care, diagnostic clarity and individualized treatment to meet patient's needs.
I believe psychiatry should seek to examine the neurologic, genetic, and environmental conditions that contribute to child, adolescent and adult development. Be Strong Wellness Clinic was founded to incorporate the interaction of these components to provide comprehensive care, diagnostic clarity and individualized treatment to meet patient's needs.

Teresa Lane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MN, CNS, PMH, NP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milton, GA 30009
Teresa is a seasoned, consummate mental health professional who has dedicated her entire 40 year career to the care and treatment of mental health patients. She sees each encounter as sacred and seeks to honor the sacred stories of those entrusted to her care.
She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then went on to obtain a Master of Nursing in Gerontology/Mental Health. At 44, she entered the University of North Georgia to obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner post Master s certificate.
Teresa is a seasoned, consummate mental health professional who has dedicated her entire 40 year career to the care and treatment of mental health patients. She sees each encounter as sacred and seeks to honor the sacred stories of those entrusted to her care.
She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then went on to obtain a Master of Nursing in Gerontology/Mental Health. At 44, she entered the University of North Georgia to obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner post Master s certificate.

Dr. Joyln Ferrell is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in providing patient-centered care to treat depression and anxiety disorders. She enjoys working with patients to improve their quality of life and helping them reach their specific treatment goals. She received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, and completed her residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School with significant training experiences at McLean Hospital. She additionally completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.
Dr. Joyln Ferrell is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in providing patient-centered care to treat depression and anxiety disorders. She enjoys working with patients to improve their quality of life and helping them reach their specific treatment goals. She received her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, and completed her residency training in psychiatry at VA Boston/Harvard Medical School with significant training experiences at McLean Hospital. She additionally completed a fellowship in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.

As a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner, my approach to mental healthcare is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the creation of an autonomous and safe environment for my patients. I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered to take an active role in their own care. My focus areas of practice include the management of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and supporting individuals through life transitions such as navigating college, starting a new job, or adjusting to new personal roles.
As a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner, my approach to mental healthcare is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the creation of an autonomous and safe environment for my patients. I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships where patients feel heard, valued, and empowered to take an active role in their own care. My focus areas of practice include the management of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and supporting individuals through life transitions such as navigating college, starting a new job, or adjusting to new personal roles.

Hello! My name is Alyssa Taft. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Masters in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University in 2018 and have been practicing Internal Medicine since. I graduated with my Post-Masters PMHNP in 2024 from Valdosta State University. I decided to further my education because of my love for psychiatry. I have had the pleasure to treat adults and children of all ages for the past 6+ years with a variety of psychiatric disorders. While working with internal medicine, I have had the ability to understand the mind along with the physical body and
Hello! My name is Alyssa Taft. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Masters in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University in 2018 and have been practicing Internal Medicine since. I graduated with my Post-Masters PMHNP in 2024 from Valdosta State University. I decided to further my education because of my love for psychiatry. I have had the pleasure to treat adults and children of all ages for the past 6+ years with a variety of psychiatric disorders. While working with internal medicine, I have had the ability to understand the mind along with the physical body and

Dr. Thomas Oden, MD is an Atlanta-based Board Certified Psychiatrist specializing in Integrative Health, Medication Management, and Civil/Criminal Forensic Evaluations. Dr. Oden also offers treatment via Telemedicine to his patients in Georgia, California, New Hampshire, and Louisiana creating flexibility for those not available for traditional office visits. As a Psychiatrist, he is also able to recommend, prescribe, and monitor medications when needed to assist in various mental health disorders that impact his patient's well-being and ability to manage stress.
Dr. Thomas Oden, MD is an Atlanta-based Board Certified Psychiatrist specializing in Integrative Health, Medication Management, and Civil/Criminal Forensic Evaluations. Dr. Oden also offers treatment via Telemedicine to his patients in Georgia, California, New Hampshire, and Louisiana creating flexibility for those not available for traditional office visits. As a Psychiatrist, he is also able to recommend, prescribe, and monitor medications when needed to assist in various mental health disorders that impact his patient's well-being and ability to manage stress.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Valentina Asamaigor is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Georgia who has been practicing since 2021. She is a graduate of Walden University, South University, and Herzing University. She earned an MSN and specialized in Psychiatry. Valentina believes in providing care with a premier focus on safety. In her spare time, Valentina enjoys outdoor activities, especially gardening and hiking.
Valentina Asamaigor is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Georgia who has been practicing since 2021. She is a graduate of Walden University, South University, and Herzing University. She earned an MSN and specialized in Psychiatry. Valentina believes in providing care with a premier focus on safety. In her spare time, Valentina enjoys outdoor activities, especially gardening and hiking.

Whether you are a parent concerned about your child who is struggling, or an adult working on their own challenges, I am here to provided a safe space to explore these issues with you and find the solutions that work for you. I have worked across a wide variety of clinical settings, age groups, and cultures and I have extensive training in the fields of psychiatry and trauma. I am available for diagnostic consultations and psychotherapy. I do not accept insurance at this time. I can be flexible. Please click on the link to my website to see my fees.
Whether you are a parent concerned about your child who is struggling, or an adult working on their own challenges, I am here to provided a safe space to explore these issues with you and find the solutions that work for you. I have worked across a wide variety of clinical settings, age groups, and cultures and I have extensive training in the fields of psychiatry and trauma. I am available for diagnostic consultations and psychotherapy. I do not accept insurance at this time. I can be flexible. Please click on the link to my website to see my fees.

I am Caroline Lukano, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 9 years of experience treating patients with a range of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, postpartum, ADHD, grief/loss, stress and life transitions, insomnia/sleep disturbances, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, psychosis, PTSD, and substance use. I have worked in outpatient community mental health as well as with veterans and their dependents. I support patient-centered care without judgment and have long advocated for improving access to high-quality mental healthcare for all.
I am Caroline Lukano, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 9 years of experience treating patients with a range of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, postpartum, ADHD, grief/loss, stress and life transitions, insomnia/sleep disturbances, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, psychosis, PTSD, and substance use. I have worked in outpatient community mental health as well as with veterans and their dependents. I support patient-centered care without judgment and have long advocated for improving access to high-quality mental healthcare for all.

Now open and accepting patients!
Turnwell Mental Health provides comprehensive mental health services in Alpharetta and the greater Atlanta area. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every patient receives individualized treatment tailored to their unique needs, promoting overall well-being and resilience.
Now open and accepting patients!
Turnwell Mental Health provides comprehensive mental health services in Alpharetta and the greater Atlanta area. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every patient receives individualized treatment tailored to their unique needs, promoting overall well-being and resilience.

Balance Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
Balance Behavioral Health is the result of a vision to create a safe-space to help women, men, young adults, and adolescents with their goal of achieving mental wellness. As many people have experienced, it can be difficult to find a compassionate and empathetic provider that listens without judgement. Developing a therapeutic relationship with your provider is the most important part of any treatment. Open communication, respect, and accessibility to all clients is at the heart of each client-provider relationship at Balance.
Balance Behavioral Health is the result of a vision to create a safe-space to help women, men, young adults, and adolescents with their goal of achieving mental wellness. As many people have experienced, it can be difficult to find a compassionate and empathetic provider that listens without judgement. Developing a therapeutic relationship with your provider is the most important part of any treatment. Open communication, respect, and accessibility to all clients is at the heart of each client-provider relationship at Balance.

I am a physician with over 25 years of clinical experience working with patients and supervising trainees at a number of medical schools and universities. I am board certified in the treatment of children, adolescents, and general psychiatry, treating patients aged 2 - 65 years. I offer psychiatric assessment and management of psychotropic medications. However, medication in my practice is only a part of comprehensive mental health care. In my care of children and adolescents, I prioritize a partnership between myself, the child and parents. I value communication with therapeutic providers, teachers and physicians.
I am a physician with over 25 years of clinical experience working with patients and supervising trainees at a number of medical schools and universities. I am board certified in the treatment of children, adolescents, and general psychiatry, treating patients aged 2 - 65 years. I offer psychiatric assessment and management of psychotropic medications. However, medication in my practice is only a part of comprehensive mental health care. In my care of children and adolescents, I prioritize a partnership between myself, the child and parents. I value communication with therapeutic providers, teachers and physicians.

Shakera Kathleen Snelling
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
21 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308
Hello! You’re seeking help because it is needed. That’s huge! Many people don’t seek treatment or therapy but you’re already on this path. Some folks don’t find the path. You’ve got some idea of what you need and are ready for someone to be along with you on this journey. We both know humans succeed in a team not so much when we are alone. First, give yourself credit because it takes a lot of courage to not do things alone and to be willing to open up to someone you do not know. Your courage is where our journey together starts. It would be an honor to be a part of your team in life, for life!
Hello! You’re seeking help because it is needed. That’s huge! Many people don’t seek treatment or therapy but you’re already on this path. Some folks don’t find the path. You’ve got some idea of what you need and are ready for someone to be along with you on this journey. We both know humans succeed in a team not so much when we are alone. First, give yourself credit because it takes a lot of courage to not do things alone and to be willing to open up to someone you do not know. Your courage is where our journey together starts. It would be an honor to be a part of your team in life, for life!

Shanea McDaniel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Shanea is a highly motivated board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has 16+ years of clinical nursing experience. She specializes in treating adolescents and adults with mild to moderate mental health conditions. As a nurse practitioner she can diagnose and treat many mental health disorders in hopes of producing the best possible outcomes. Telehealth appointments are available in Florida, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Washington, Georgia, Hawaii, Arizona and Kansas. Make an appointment today.
Shanea is a highly motivated board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has 16+ years of clinical nursing experience. She specializes in treating adolescents and adults with mild to moderate mental health conditions. As a nurse practitioner she can diagnose and treat many mental health disorders in hopes of producing the best possible outcomes. Telehealth appointments are available in Florida, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Washington, Georgia, Hawaii, Arizona and Kansas. Make an appointment today.

Dr. Angelo Sambunaris, MD, CPI established Atlanta Institute for Medical Research in 1998, which transitioned into Institute for Advanced Medical Research. Based on his over two decades of experience in neuropharmacology, he expanded his services to include treating patients on a private practice basis. Dr. Sambunaris & Associates specializes in Depression and Anxiety; IV Ketamine & intranasal Ketamine; Substance dependence treatment; PTSD; and Insomnia. After over 20 years of groundbreaking research, Dr. Sambunaris expanded and opened a private practice in order to incorporate ketamine treatment for both depression and anxiety.
Dr. Angelo Sambunaris, MD, CPI established Atlanta Institute for Medical Research in 1998, which transitioned into Institute for Advanced Medical Research. Based on his over two decades of experience in neuropharmacology, he expanded his services to include treating patients on a private practice basis. Dr. Sambunaris & Associates specializes in Depression and Anxiety; IV Ketamine & intranasal Ketamine; Substance dependence treatment; PTSD; and Insomnia. After over 20 years of groundbreaking research, Dr. Sambunaris expanded and opened a private practice in order to incorporate ketamine treatment for both depression and anxiety.
See more therapy options for Fulton County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Fulton County, GA
500+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Fulton County, GA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | ADHD |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
81% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Fulton County, GA see their clients
51% | In Person and Online | |
49% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
19% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Fulton County?
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.