Psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA

Psychiatry Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50313
With over a decade of experience in psychiatry and mental health, I proudly support diverse patients across their lifespan. My expertise in managing complex conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance abuse allows me to provide compassionate, personalized care. I focus on medication management and effective counseling to help you navigate your mental health journey and reclaim your well-being.
Your mental health is my priority, and together, we can find the path to healing. Call our office today at 515-585-0008 to schedule an appointment.
With over a decade of experience in psychiatry and mental health, I proudly support diverse patients across their lifespan. My expertise in managing complex conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance abuse allows me to provide compassionate, personalized care. I focus on medication management and effective counseling to help you navigate your mental health journey and reclaim your well-being.
Your mental health is my priority, and together, we can find the path to healing. Call our office today at 515-585-0008 to schedule an appointment.

Charlotte Toms
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50319
Your strength has led you here in this moment to take the next step in embracing a new path, a different future. I’m here to help guide you - through psychiatric evaluation/diagnosis and medication management. You don't need to keep self-medicating with technology, social media, food, and alcohol to feel happy, dull your emotional pain or shame, or escape your feelings. Wake up feeling rested, worthy, and motivated. Reconnect with others and find joy in the simple things again. Experience peace in your life by making healthier choices and building healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Your strength has led you here in this moment to take the next step in embracing a new path, a different future. I’m here to help guide you - through psychiatric evaluation/diagnosis and medication management. You don't need to keep self-medicating with technology, social media, food, and alcohol to feel happy, dull your emotional pain or shame, or escape your feelings. Wake up feeling rested, worthy, and motivated. Reconnect with others and find joy in the simple things again. Experience peace in your life by making healthier choices and building healthier relationships with yourself and others.

Justin Janss
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50311
I am dedicated to exploring every possible avenue that contributes to your personal journey towards health and wellness. My approach focuses on viewing and treating each individual holistically, recognizing that healing comes from within. With this understanding, I acknowledge that there are numerous paths to achieving the health and happiness you seek. Within my private practice, we have the flexibility and capacity to thoroughly address all aspects influencing your overall well-being. Mental health is interconnected with physical, spiritual, relational, and energetic well-being.
I am dedicated to exploring every possible avenue that contributes to your personal journey towards health and wellness. My approach focuses on viewing and treating each individual holistically, recognizing that healing comes from within. With this understanding, I acknowledge that there are numerous paths to achieving the health and happiness you seek. Within my private practice, we have the flexibility and capacity to thoroughly address all aspects influencing your overall well-being. Mental health is interconnected with physical, spiritual, relational, and energetic well-being.

Hi, if you are dealing with issues from lack of focus, ability to pay attention. If you are dealing with a form of substance abuse or anxiety. I am here to help. I don't just give you medicine. I work with you to determine if you even need medication. Maybe it's certain vitamins that are missing in your system, we will discover and treat it together. If you are looking for someone who will be attentive to your concerns, I am the right provider for you.
Hi, if you are dealing with issues from lack of focus, ability to pay attention. If you are dealing with a form of substance abuse or anxiety. I am here to help. I don't just give you medicine. I work with you to determine if you even need medication. Maybe it's certain vitamins that are missing in your system, we will discover and treat it together. If you are looking for someone who will be attentive to your concerns, I am the right provider for you.

From the go, my priority is to establish a patient relationship of trust, feeling at ease with open expression, as if conversing with someone they trust. It is a profound honor that they have entrusted me with guiding them through a vulnerable period in their life. My patients have a central role in shaping their treatment plans, catering to their needs. Navigating the unknown has required the development of numerous strategies to find the root cause(s) of their concerns. Meticulous attention to the nuances and patterns can profoundly impact outcomes, and it is incredible to witness the rekindling of hope where it was once lost.
From the go, my priority is to establish a patient relationship of trust, feeling at ease with open expression, as if conversing with someone they trust. It is a profound honor that they have entrusted me with guiding them through a vulnerable period in their life. My patients have a central role in shaping their treatment plans, catering to their needs. Navigating the unknown has required the development of numerous strategies to find the root cause(s) of their concerns. Meticulous attention to the nuances and patterns can profoundly impact outcomes, and it is incredible to witness the rekindling of hope where it was once lost.

Alpha Allied Treatment Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am an independent, full practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. I have spent the past 18yrs getting to know patients with Bipolar, Anxiety, ADD, Addiction and integrative psychiatry care. I find this group fascinating. I am interested in patients who are vested in their own mental health. If this is you, give me a call. Ask about our non-narcotics opiates withdrawal system, called "The Bridge" device. Almost 90% success rate. We are ready to help you.
I am an independent, full practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. I have spent the past 18yrs getting to know patients with Bipolar, Anxiety, ADD, Addiction and integrative psychiatry care. I find this group fascinating. I am interested in patients who are vested in their own mental health. If this is you, give me a call. Ask about our non-narcotics opiates withdrawal system, called "The Bridge" device. Almost 90% success rate. We are ready to help you.

Accepting NEW patients, can get new patients in within a week! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
Accepting NEW patients, can get new patients in within a week! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.

Do you wake up each day feeling overwhelmed, drained before the day even begins? Struggling to trust, seeking constant reassurance, or hindered by perfectionism? Are you afraid to take risks due to fear of failure, struggling with relationships and boundaries, or feeling unworthy? If you are nodding your head to any of this, know you are not alone, and there is a clear path forward to healing! My approach is ideal for adults ready to break free from old ways of thinking and behaving. Together we will address patterns created by trauma, low self-esteem, abandonment, neglect, victim wounds, and more.
Do you wake up each day feeling overwhelmed, drained before the day even begins? Struggling to trust, seeking constant reassurance, or hindered by perfectionism? Are you afraid to take risks due to fear of failure, struggling with relationships and boundaries, or feeling unworthy? If you are nodding your head to any of this, know you are not alone, and there is a clear path forward to healing! My approach is ideal for adults ready to break free from old ways of thinking and behaving. Together we will address patterns created by trauma, low self-esteem, abandonment, neglect, victim wounds, and more.

Fees are negotiable! As a psychiatrist I have a unique practice where I offer combined talk work (psychotherapy) along with conservative use of medication, where helpful. I work with individuals, couples, and families from a family systems perspective, having trained extensively in Bowen Family Systems Theory. A Colorado native, I live in Des Moines, Iowa and provide televideo psychiatry throughout both Iowa and Colorado. I negotiate fees with my patients. I am able to see folks on Medicare if they sign a waiver that allows me to bill them on a self-pay basis. Call me and let's talk.
Fees are negotiable! As a psychiatrist I have a unique practice where I offer combined talk work (psychotherapy) along with conservative use of medication, where helpful. I work with individuals, couples, and families from a family systems perspective, having trained extensively in Bowen Family Systems Theory. A Colorado native, I live in Des Moines, Iowa and provide televideo psychiatry throughout both Iowa and Colorado. I negotiate fees with my patients. I am able to see folks on Medicare if they sign a waiver that allows me to bill them on a self-pay basis. Call me and let's talk.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS, CAN GET NEW PATIENTS IN WITHIN A WEEK! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS, CAN GET NEW PATIENTS IN WITHIN A WEEK! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.

Hello, and welcome! My name is Jen, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner committed to providing compassionate, thoughtful, and individualized care to those seeking support with their mental health. I understand that reaching out for help can sometimes feel like a daunting step, but I want to reassure you that you are not alone. I am here to listen, understand your unique needs, and work collaboratively with you to build a path forward that feels right for you!
Hello, and welcome! My name is Jen, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner committed to providing compassionate, thoughtful, and individualized care to those seeking support with their mental health. I understand that reaching out for help can sometimes feel like a daunting step, but I want to reassure you that you are not alone. I am here to listen, understand your unique needs, and work collaboratively with you to build a path forward that feels right for you!
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Mind Connection Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309
We are Accepting New Patients in Texas and Iowa- Welcome to Mind Connection Behavioral Health where your mental health is our priority. We are committed to providing you with exceptional mental health and psychiatric services, and delivering high quality care to patients of all ages. Our goal is to make you feel valued and not numbered.
We are Accepting New Patients in Texas and Iowa- Welcome to Mind Connection Behavioral Health where your mental health is our priority. We are committed to providing you with exceptional mental health and psychiatric services, and delivering high quality care to patients of all ages. Our goal is to make you feel valued and not numbered.

Accepting NEW Patients! Click our website link to self schedule today. We can get most patients in within a week. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality telemedicine services, with a focus on personalized ADHD treatment and addressing conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, OCD, and some substance use disorders.
Accepting NEW Patients! Click our website link to self schedule today. We can get most patients in within a week. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality telemedicine services, with a focus on personalized ADHD treatment and addressing conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, OCD, and some substance use disorders.

Holistic medication management for neurodivergent folx and the LQBTQ+ community. As a Vanderbilt-trained PMHNP-BC and Autistic and ADHD human myself, working with neurodivergent folx and the LGBTQ+ community is my jam. In addition, I offer collaborative, trauma-aware, and non-pathologizing assessments for Autism and ADHD for individuals aged 12 and up. My expertise lies in supporting high-masking individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members, those with a PDA profile, teens, and those who have been overlooked by traditional assessment methods.
Holistic medication management for neurodivergent folx and the LQBTQ+ community. As a Vanderbilt-trained PMHNP-BC and Autistic and ADHD human myself, working with neurodivergent folx and the LGBTQ+ community is my jam. In addition, I offer collaborative, trauma-aware, and non-pathologizing assessments for Autism and ADHD for individuals aged 12 and up. My expertise lies in supporting high-masking individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members, those with a PDA profile, teens, and those who have been overlooked by traditional assessment methods.

Tricia Gabriel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50311
I’m so glad you’re here. As a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am committed to providing personalized, holistic care tailored to your unique mental health needs. My approach is rooted in understanding and supporting individuals through life’s most challenging moments. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions. Together, we’ll work on fostering resilience, enhancing well-being, and building a path toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Your journey to improved mental health starts with collaboration, and I’m here to help.
I’m so glad you’re here. As a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am committed to providing personalized, holistic care tailored to your unique mental health needs. My approach is rooted in understanding and supporting individuals through life’s most challenging moments. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions. Together, we’ll work on fostering resilience, enhancing well-being, and building a path toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Your journey to improved mental health starts with collaboration, and I’m here to help.

Accepting new patients, we can get new patients in within a week!
Click our Website Link to Self Schedule Today!
Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse!
Accepting new patients, we can get new patients in within a week!
Click our Website Link to Self Schedule Today!
Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse!

Breanna Millsap
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Breanna Millsap (MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC) has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Same-day appointments are often available, and patients report that they're glad she prioritizes availability. Patients who have worked with her say she's relatable, easy to talk to, and sincere. She believes in treating the whole person and recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Initial visits typically last 1 hour, and follow-ups are generally 20-30 minutes. Book directly at Helloalma.com. Search for a psychiatrist. Type in Breanna Millsap. Schedule your consultation today.
Breanna Millsap (MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC) has over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Same-day appointments are often available, and patients report that they're glad she prioritizes availability. Patients who have worked with her say she's relatable, easy to talk to, and sincere. She believes in treating the whole person and recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Initial visits typically last 1 hour, and follow-ups are generally 20-30 minutes. Book directly at Helloalma.com. Search for a psychiatrist. Type in Breanna Millsap. Schedule your consultation today.

Martina Taina Barshall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, APN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
At Oasis Psychiatry and Counseling, we excel in providing effective treatment, support, crisis intervention, continuous monitoring, and holistic care to achieve symptom management, emotional stability, improved functioning, self-efficacy, and relapse prevention. Our clients seek empathy, respect, clear communication, accessible care, and a holistic approach for a better quality of life. We offer integrated care, personalized treatment, advanced training, and a patient-centered focus, employing strategies like comprehensive assessments, personalized plans, psychoeducation, therapeutic interventions, medication management, etc.....
At Oasis Psychiatry and Counseling, we excel in providing effective treatment, support, crisis intervention, continuous monitoring, and holistic care to achieve symptom management, emotional stability, improved functioning, self-efficacy, and relapse prevention. Our clients seek empathy, respect, clear communication, accessible care, and a holistic approach for a better quality of life. We offer integrated care, personalized treatment, advanced training, and a patient-centered focus, employing strategies like comprehensive assessments, personalized plans, psychoeducation, therapeutic interventions, medication management, etc.....

Tami Halbersma
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50322
Accepting NEW Patients! Appointments within 1-2 WEEKS! All of us experience ups and downs on life's journey. Resilient Health Services wants to support you wherever you are on that path. We want to help pave the way for your journey to wellness through assessment & diagnosis, lifestyle management, and medication management. We are nurse practitioners dedicated to delivering evidence-based, personalized care in a supportive environment that fosters healing and empowers you to achieve your highest level of mental health while supporting resilience. In-person and telehealth options are available.
Accepting NEW Patients! Appointments within 1-2 WEEKS! All of us experience ups and downs on life's journey. Resilient Health Services wants to support you wherever you are on that path. We want to help pave the way for your journey to wellness through assessment & diagnosis, lifestyle management, and medication management. We are nurse practitioners dedicated to delivering evidence-based, personalized care in a supportive environment that fosters healing and empowers you to achieve your highest level of mental health while supporting resilience. In-person and telehealth options are available.

My focus areas for mental health treatment include psychotherapeutic treatment and medication management for the following: anxiety, depression, PTSD, attention deficit disorder, and substance use disorder. I use evidence-based strategies to support issues such as trauma focused care. Motivational interviewing, strength-based care, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral strategies. My goal is to provide improvement in your overall health.
My focus areas for mental health treatment include psychotherapeutic treatment and medication management for the following: anxiety, depression, PTSD, attention deficit disorder, and substance use disorder. I use evidence-based strategies to support issues such as trauma focused care. Motivational interviewing, strength-based care, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral strategies. My goal is to provide improvement in your overall health.
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Nearby Searches for Des Moines
See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA
70+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA who prioritize treating:
90% | Depression |
89% | Anxiety |
76% | ADHD |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Medication Management |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
62% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
83% | Cigna and Evernorth |
79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
76% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Des Moines, IA see their clients
51% | In Person and Online | |
49% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
74% | Female | |
26% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Des Moines?
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.