Psychiatrists in Hawaii

I am Dana Monday, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I work with adults with a wide range of psychiatric concerns. Some areas where my experience and expertise shine brightest are in the peripartum period and with integrative and functional approaches to mental health.
I am Dana Monday, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I work with adults with a wide range of psychiatric concerns. Some areas where my experience and expertise shine brightest are in the peripartum period and with integrative and functional approaches to mental health.

I am Trenise Griffith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, a dually board-certified Nurse Practitioner. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I also hold a certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I practice using a holistic approach and firmly believe that developing healthy practices is essential for maintaining mental wellness.
I am Trenise Griffith, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, a dually board-certified Nurse Practitioner. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I also hold a certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I practice using a holistic approach and firmly believe that developing healthy practices is essential for maintaining mental wellness.

Making the decision to consider medication management can be challenging, which is why it's so important to find the right provider. I feel compassion and understanding are essential, and it's important you feel cared for and confident that I can help you improve your mental health. I offer compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and developmental challenges.
Making the decision to consider medication management can be challenging, which is why it's so important to find the right provider. I feel compassion and understanding are essential, and it's important you feel cared for and confident that I can help you improve your mental health. I offer compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and developmental challenges.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, I invite you to take the first step towards a brighter future! I specialize in helping professionals who are experiencing burnout in their careers due to depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I am a board-certified psychiatrist and have extensive experience working with professionals such as CEO’s, lawyers, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to find renewed balance and reconnect with purpose in their lives. I also have experience in working with the LGBTQ+ community who might be struggling with sexual identity and are ready to start experiencing their true authentic life.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, I invite you to take the first step towards a brighter future! I specialize in helping professionals who are experiencing burnout in their careers due to depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I am a board-certified psychiatrist and have extensive experience working with professionals such as CEO’s, lawyers, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to find renewed balance and reconnect with purpose in their lives. I also have experience in working with the LGBTQ+ community who might be struggling with sexual identity and are ready to start experiencing their true authentic life.

Do you struggle with persistent feelings of hopelessness, mood swings, or ruminating negative thoughts? Are you finding it hard to stay focused, manage irritability, or cope with increased stress? Do you feel like traditional treatments haven’t given you the relief you need? Many individuals are facing challenges with purpose, cognitive decline, sleep issues, and emotional regulation, leaving them feeling stuck. At RealCare Ketamine & Integrative Mental Health Services, we believe that mental wellness should be within reach, and there are effective solutions beyond conventional therapy.
Do you struggle with persistent feelings of hopelessness, mood swings, or ruminating negative thoughts? Are you finding it hard to stay focused, manage irritability, or cope with increased stress? Do you feel like traditional treatments haven’t given you the relief you need? Many individuals are facing challenges with purpose, cognitive decline, sleep issues, and emotional regulation, leaving them feeling stuck. At RealCare Ketamine & Integrative Mental Health Services, we believe that mental wellness should be within reach, and there are effective solutions beyond conventional therapy.

A strong mind and good mood are the foundation of all health. Whether it’s overwhelming anxiety, depression, insomnia, inattention, or trauma stemming from what life throws at you, I’m here to help you recover, recuperate, and reenergize to live the life you want. I am a military veteran and board certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion for healing and achieving wellness. After working in medical/surgical, labor and delivery, pediatrics, and trauma nursing, I chose to specialize in mental health because of its impact on the whole body.
A strong mind and good mood are the foundation of all health. Whether it’s overwhelming anxiety, depression, insomnia, inattention, or trauma stemming from what life throws at you, I’m here to help you recover, recuperate, and reenergize to live the life you want. I am a military veteran and board certified Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion for healing and achieving wellness. After working in medical/surgical, labor and delivery, pediatrics, and trauma nursing, I chose to specialize in mental health because of its impact on the whole body.

I am a board certified psychiatrist taking new patients in Honolulu. I specialize in the rapid treatment of depression, and in the transition to more effective alternatives, such as TMS, ketamine, medical cannabis, and more. Taking pills everyday is at times indicated, but often there are more sensible options. I sometimes prescribe books, and my style is upfront, down to earth, out of the box, and interactive. Please visit --> www.drcook.org.
I am a board certified psychiatrist taking new patients in Honolulu. I specialize in the rapid treatment of depression, and in the transition to more effective alternatives, such as TMS, ketamine, medical cannabis, and more. Taking pills everyday is at times indicated, but often there are more sensible options. I sometimes prescribe books, and my style is upfront, down to earth, out of the box, and interactive. Please visit --> www.drcook.org.

I am a fifth generation physician in the practice of Psychiatry on Maui Hawaii for >37 years. I come by my passion for psychiatry and the study of the mind via the tragedy of my older brothers unfortunate passage into schizophrenia which started at his age of 12 years old. Uniquely, this whole life challenge has prepared me to meet the full spectrum of adult mental health issues with a dedication and focus upon achieving recovery into fully functioning adults. The secret to our success is in the restoration of Meaning and Purpose to our lives despite how confusing life can become. As always, I look forward to your challenge.
I am a fifth generation physician in the practice of Psychiatry on Maui Hawaii for >37 years. I come by my passion for psychiatry and the study of the mind via the tragedy of my older brothers unfortunate passage into schizophrenia which started at his age of 12 years old. Uniquely, this whole life challenge has prepared me to meet the full spectrum of adult mental health issues with a dedication and focus upon achieving recovery into fully functioning adults. The secret to our success is in the restoration of Meaning and Purpose to our lives despite how confusing life can become. As always, I look forward to your challenge.

My primary goal is to help people achieve a state of wellness and the ability to live life to their full potential. I am licensed to see clients in Hawai'i, California and Texas. I worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai'i, Manoa and I volunteered with the Entertainment Industries Council which advocates for accurate portrayal of mental health and substance abuse issues in entertainment and media. I know what type of stigma can be associated with mental health issues and what barriers my clients face on their path to wellness.
My primary goal is to help people achieve a state of wellness and the ability to live life to their full potential. I am licensed to see clients in Hawai'i, California and Texas. I worked as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai'i, Manoa and I volunteered with the Entertainment Industries Council which advocates for accurate portrayal of mental health and substance abuse issues in entertainment and media. I know what type of stigma can be associated with mental health issues and what barriers my clients face on their path to wellness.

Aloha! I am a holistic and integrative Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I promote well-being through prevention and education, in addition to assessment, diagnosis, care, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. I provide medication management and supportive therapy throughout all of life’s stages. I take time to build the therapeutic relationship, becoming familiar with your story and challenges in order to better understand and support you. My focus is on helping patients who struggle with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorders, and postpartum depression.
Aloha! I am a holistic and integrative Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I promote well-being through prevention and education, in addition to assessment, diagnosis, care, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. I provide medication management and supportive therapy throughout all of life’s stages. I take time to build the therapeutic relationship, becoming familiar with your story and challenges in order to better understand and support you. My focus is on helping patients who struggle with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorders, and postpartum depression.

If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or carrying trauma from the past, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel this way and you are not alone in this - Reaching out for support can take a lot of courage but I am here to listen and support you in anyway I can.
If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or carrying trauma from the past, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel this way and you are not alone in this - Reaching out for support can take a lot of courage but I am here to listen and support you in anyway I can.

I am a board certified psychiatrist and beyond the MD degree I have had four years of full-time training in the total spectrum of treatments for mental health problems. If you have had mental health care before - or even if you haven't - you may have wondered if medications may be right for your condition, if they may be helpful in addition to counseling or psychotherapy. I specialize in offering people both, and for many people this is a more comfortable and convenient option than having a separate psychiatrist and psychotherapist providing care.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and beyond the MD degree I have had four years of full-time training in the total spectrum of treatments for mental health problems. If you have had mental health care before - or even if you haven't - you may have wondered if medications may be right for your condition, if they may be helpful in addition to counseling or psychotherapy. I specialize in offering people both, and for many people this is a more comfortable and convenient option than having a separate psychiatrist and psychotherapist providing care.

I have seen firsthand the profound effects of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Our program incorporates integrative psychiatry/ketamine administration with trauma healing psychotherapy, reiki and/or intention setting. It is designed to help individuals to heal the root of their pain, to create movement where their system feels “stuck” and to find the innate internal strength that each person holds. The Ketamine program helps individuals to work through their trauma, reduce depression and anxiety, to optimize personal/spiritual growth and relationships, and to widen their perspective, seeing life through a more expansive lens.
I have seen firsthand the profound effects of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Our program incorporates integrative psychiatry/ketamine administration with trauma healing psychotherapy, reiki and/or intention setting. It is designed to help individuals to heal the root of their pain, to create movement where their system feels “stuck” and to find the innate internal strength that each person holds. The Ketamine program helps individuals to work through their trauma, reduce depression and anxiety, to optimize personal/spiritual growth and relationships, and to widen their perspective, seeing life through a more expansive lens.

Marquita Granda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Aloha kākou. I am dually certified as a psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner. I see emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health as interdependent and while I emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and social connection, I understand that psychotropic medications can serve an important role in facilitating mental wellness and in treating chemical dependency.
Aloha kākou. I am dually certified as a psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner. I see emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health as interdependent and while I emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and social connection, I understand that psychotropic medications can serve an important role in facilitating mental wellness and in treating chemical dependency.

Ann Cox Orchid Isle Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Practicing in Colorado and Hawaii via Telehealth. Dr. Cox has over 40 years experience in healthcare and is dual board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has a vision to build a healthy community of individuals and families in Colorado and the Big Island of Hawaii. By providing compassionate patient-centered care to clients across the life span, her focus is a holistic approach to your treatment plan. Psychotherapy is also provided as part of our services with the primary focus on Medication Management.
Practicing in Colorado and Hawaii via Telehealth. Dr. Cox has over 40 years experience in healthcare and is dual board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has a vision to build a healthy community of individuals and families in Colorado and the Big Island of Hawaii. By providing compassionate patient-centered care to clients across the life span, her focus is a holistic approach to your treatment plan. Psychotherapy is also provided as part of our services with the primary focus on Medication Management.

Aloha! Welcome to Maui Mind Care, where we are pleased to bring the latest and most advanced psychiatric treatments to the Valley Isle. Whether you are struggling with mild anxieties, or profound mood or thought disorders, we are here to help. We are the first and only center on Maui to offer transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS therapy. We also offer expertise in psychopharmacology, both in person and via tele-medicine to other islands. Our staff is caring and well qualified, with years of experience in psychiatric treatment, research, and teaching. Contact us today. Let us bring you peace of mind.
Aloha! Welcome to Maui Mind Care, where we are pleased to bring the latest and most advanced psychiatric treatments to the Valley Isle. Whether you are struggling with mild anxieties, or profound mood or thought disorders, we are here to help. We are the first and only center on Maui to offer transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS therapy. We also offer expertise in psychopharmacology, both in person and via tele-medicine to other islands. Our staff is caring and well qualified, with years of experience in psychiatric treatment, research, and teaching. Contact us today. Let us bring you peace of mind.

Dr. Garrett Halweg began a quest for improving brain health at the completion of his residency from University of Hawaii, Queens Medical Center in 2003. He headed up a private practice in Southern California working on common disorders like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Dr. Halweg survived multi-system organ failure because of a Leptospirosis infection from a local waterfall in November 2013, which prompted a renewed interest in optimizing physical health and mental awareness. This experience taught him lessons that shaped his life and now wants to share his story with others.
Dr. Garrett Halweg began a quest for improving brain health at the completion of his residency from University of Hawaii, Queens Medical Center in 2003. He headed up a private practice in Southern California working on common disorders like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Dr. Halweg survived multi-system organ failure because of a Leptospirosis infection from a local waterfall in November 2013, which prompted a renewed interest in optimizing physical health and mental awareness. This experience taught him lessons that shaped his life and now wants to share his story with others.

Aloha,
I am a Doctorally-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner and provide both psychotherapy and medication management across the lifespan. Every session is tailored to each client's needs. I will meet you where you are and support you every step of the way. I could not have made it to where I am today without those who have helped me. I want to help you live life with more abundance and purpose. I am currently taking new patients for psychiatric medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Please note that we are a benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) free clinic.
Aloha,
I am a Doctorally-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner and provide both psychotherapy and medication management across the lifespan. Every session is tailored to each client's needs. I will meet you where you are and support you every step of the way. I could not have made it to where I am today without those who have helped me. I want to help you live life with more abundance and purpose. I am currently taking new patients for psychiatric medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Please note that we are a benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) free clinic.

I understand therapies - biological, psychological and mindfulness-based treatments - as ways to help you be more present in your life, face challenges in work and in love with confidence and feel secure enough to play. I understand feelings are not just symptoms but signals to be listened too and understood in their context. I also understand patients are people, not just victims of biology or inconvenient containers for medications. Our physical state is of great importance and still, it does not exist in a vacuum. It is intimately intertwined with our DNA, life circumstances, relationships, culture and past experiences.
I understand therapies - biological, psychological and mindfulness-based treatments - as ways to help you be more present in your life, face challenges in work and in love with confidence and feel secure enough to play. I understand feelings are not just symptoms but signals to be listened too and understood in their context. I also understand patients are people, not just victims of biology or inconvenient containers for medications. Our physical state is of great importance and still, it does not exist in a vacuum. It is intimately intertwined with our DNA, life circumstances, relationships, culture and past experiences.

Georgina Chamungwana is a mental health enthusiast certified as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and trained in crisis prevention and intervention. She is passionate about whole body wellness and dedicated to providing the best patient care. She began her health care career working in palliative and hospice care and after graduating from nursing school, she immersed herself in mental health and spent several years acquiring skills and knowledge in inpatient psychiatric/mental health care. When she is not watching documentaries in her free time, you will find her gardening, listening to varying genre of music or exploring new places.
Georgina Chamungwana is a mental health enthusiast certified as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and trained in crisis prevention and intervention. She is passionate about whole body wellness and dedicated to providing the best patient care. She began her health care career working in palliative and hospice care and after graduating from nursing school, she immersed herself in mental health and spent several years acquiring skills and knowledge in inpatient psychiatric/mental health care. When she is not watching documentaries in her free time, you will find her gardening, listening to varying genre of music or exploring new places.
See more therapy options for Hawaii
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Hawaii who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Medication Management |
72% | ADHD |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
73% | Hawaii Medical Services Association |
59% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
57% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Hawaii see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
30% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Hawaii?
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.