Psychiatrists in Bolingbrook, IL

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience treating adults struggling with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, and mental health nursing facilities.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience treating adults struggling with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, and mental health nursing facilities.

Coded Healthcare & Behavioral Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, OB, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
I am a kind practitioner and easy to talk to. I have unequaled passion for mental health which is evident in the way l communicate and interacts with patients. I welcome you to contact me and work together since l believe mental wellness is the foundation of healthy life. Dream are achievable where dreams can grow. An ability or opportunity to assist patients achieve their short and long term goals. I introduce the notions of empathy and compassion into the field of psychiatry.
I am a kind practitioner and easy to talk to. I have unequaled passion for mental health which is evident in the way l communicate and interacts with patients. I welcome you to contact me and work together since l believe mental wellness is the foundation of healthy life. Dream are achievable where dreams can grow. An ability or opportunity to assist patients achieve their short and long term goals. I introduce the notions of empathy and compassion into the field of psychiatry.
Coded Healthcare and Behavioral Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in delivering mental health care in an outpatient setting. I provide services to individuals ranging from 5 years old and above. My therapeutic approach is based on the belief that there is no universally applicable solution. My primary objective is to offer a pragmatic strategy while ensuring the preservation of safety and integrity. I strive to engage with individuals at their current level of understanding and actively support their personal growth and development. Collaborating on customized strategies ensures optimal results.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in delivering mental health care in an outpatient setting. I provide services to individuals ranging from 5 years old and above. My therapeutic approach is based on the belief that there is no universally applicable solution. My primary objective is to offer a pragmatic strategy while ensuring the preservation of safety and integrity. I strive to engage with individuals at their current level of understanding and actively support their personal growth and development. Collaborating on customized strategies ensures optimal results.

Senami E-Lukula
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Senami, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, brings over a decade of invaluable experience in healthcare to her practice. With a profound understanding of the human mind and a heartfelt dedication to helping others, she offers compassionate psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar and various mental health conditions, Senami is committed to guiding individuals towards wellness. Her approach encompasses evidence-based, holistic healthcare, integrating both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Recognizing the complexities of life's challenges,
Senami, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, brings over a decade of invaluable experience in healthcare to her practice. With a profound understanding of the human mind and a heartfelt dedication to helping others, she offers compassionate psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar and various mental health conditions, Senami is committed to guiding individuals towards wellness. Her approach encompasses evidence-based, holistic healthcare, integrating both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Recognizing the complexities of life's challenges,

Hi there, I'm Senami Do you feel like you are trying to juggle a million things at once? Are you finding it challenging to balance your relationships, career, and health? Is treating oneself kindly difficult for you? As a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with expertise in psychiatry, I provide anxiety disorder management and burnout prevention for high achievers. Together, we can figure out what is not working and restore balance to your life. I utilize a holistic and evidence-based model, in caring for your mind, body, and spirit's needs for you to have a better relationship with yourself and others.
Hi there, I'm Senami Do you feel like you are trying to juggle a million things at once? Are you finding it challenging to balance your relationships, career, and health? Is treating oneself kindly difficult for you? As a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with expertise in psychiatry, I provide anxiety disorder management and burnout prevention for high achievers. Together, we can figure out what is not working and restore balance to your life. I utilize a holistic and evidence-based model, in caring for your mind, body, and spirit's needs for you to have a better relationship with yourself and others.

Coded Healthcare and Behavioral Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
I hold a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) and am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I earned my MSN with a concentration in psychiatric mental health and a doctorate in nursing with the highest honors. I am an approachable and affable practitioner. I exhibit an exceptional passion for mental health, which is conspicuously manifested in my patient interactions and correspondence. I urge you to initiate communication and consider collaborating, as I firmly assert that psychological wellness serves as the foundational underpinning for a fulfilling life and achievable vision.
I hold a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) and am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I earned my MSN with a concentration in psychiatric mental health and a doctorate in nursing with the highest honors. I am an approachable and affable practitioner. I exhibit an exceptional passion for mental health, which is conspicuously manifested in my patient interactions and correspondence. I urge you to initiate communication and consider collaborating, as I firmly assert that psychological wellness serves as the foundational underpinning for a fulfilling life and achievable vision.

Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in Illinois. Prior to starting a residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.
Dr. Gundu Reddy is licensed in Illinois. Prior to starting a residency at Mount Sinai School of medicine, she pursued additional research in HIV Psychiatry. As well as residency training, she has also pursued further training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. She states that whether prescribing medication, family, or relationship therapy, understanding psychodynamic conflict and causes of symptoms will cause help to enhance the quality of care. As well as psychodynamic training Dr. Reddy also has a background in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance.

Balanced Psychiatric Solutions, Beata Janton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a double board-certified nurse practitioner in both family and psychiatric practice, I have dedicated my career to providing holistic care since 2015. Beginning my journey in family medicine, I spent several years at a community healthcare clinic, where I encountered patients from underserved populations. It became clear that many of patients faced not only complex medical issues but also severe mental health challenges that often went untreated. This realization motivated me to pursue a psychiatric specialty, enhancing my ability to serve my patients effectively. I earned my psychiatric degree from the University of St. Francis.
As a double board-certified nurse practitioner in both family and psychiatric practice, I have dedicated my career to providing holistic care since 2015. Beginning my journey in family medicine, I spent several years at a community healthcare clinic, where I encountered patients from underserved populations. It became clear that many of patients faced not only complex medical issues but also severe mental health challenges that often went untreated. This realization motivated me to pursue a psychiatric specialty, enhancing my ability to serve my patients effectively. I earned my psychiatric degree from the University of St. Francis.

Judith A Sheldon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Judith Sheldon is a board certified and licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 28 years of experience providing exceptional, compassionate, and evidence-based care to her patients. She obtained her Associates of Science degree in nursing in 1992 from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2001 and her Master of Science degree in nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2013 from Olivet Nazarene University, and later received certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from University of St. Francis.
Judith Sheldon is a board certified and licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 28 years of experience providing exceptional, compassionate, and evidence-based care to her patients. She obtained her Associates of Science degree in nursing in 1992 from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2001 and her Master of Science degree in nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2013 from Olivet Nazarene University, and later received certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from University of St. Francis.

I am board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I am committed in helping patients achieve a better understanding of their mental health issues, and to obtain help for a better outcome. I enjoy working with my patients so that I can listen to their individual problems and provide one on one care. I believe in providing confidentiality and trust to formulate unique treatment plans. I am a team player and value others opinion to achieve overall wellness. I provide evaluation and medication management for Depression, anxiety, ADHD,PTSD and other mental health disorders.
I am board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I am committed in helping patients achieve a better understanding of their mental health issues, and to obtain help for a better outcome. I enjoy working with my patients so that I can listen to their individual problems and provide one on one care. I believe in providing confidentiality and trust to formulate unique treatment plans. I am a team player and value others opinion to achieve overall wellness. I provide evaluation and medication management for Depression, anxiety, ADHD,PTSD and other mental health disorders.

As a Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for patients of all ages. My expertise is treating mood, behavioral disorders and other disorders in children and adults. I am passionate about helping my patients obtain stable mental health so that they may live their lives to the fullest. I work with each patient to ensure that they have the proper mental health counseling as well as the proper medication if medication is needed. I also encourage patients to engage in hobbies which will promote mental wellness. Self-care is so important for mental and physical well-being.
As a Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for patients of all ages. My expertise is treating mood, behavioral disorders and other disorders in children and adults. I am passionate about helping my patients obtain stable mental health so that they may live their lives to the fullest. I work with each patient to ensure that they have the proper mental health counseling as well as the proper medication if medication is needed. I also encourage patients to engage in hobbies which will promote mental wellness. Self-care is so important for mental and physical well-being.

My goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to help the patient get the best solutions that will make them feel their best. Whether that is psychiatric evaluations and/ or treatments for any mental health problem; my style of giving help is by doing it with lots of care and deep listening, and viewing each of my patients as unique individual people. This is very important because a successful treatment results from having an understanding on someone's needs, environment, and circumstance(s).
My goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to help the patient get the best solutions that will make them feel their best. Whether that is psychiatric evaluations and/ or treatments for any mental health problem; my style of giving help is by doing it with lots of care and deep listening, and viewing each of my patients as unique individual people. This is very important because a successful treatment results from having an understanding on someone's needs, environment, and circumstance(s).

Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol psychiatrist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol psychiatrist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with patients across the lifespan to address a wide range of mental health concerns. These include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, substance misuse/abuse, psychosocial stressors, interpersonal relationship challenges, and stress management. I use a collaborative and comprehensive approach to care, tailoring pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments to the individual needs of my clients, always guided by best practices.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with patients across the lifespan to address a wide range of mental health concerns. These include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, substance misuse/abuse, psychosocial stressors, interpersonal relationship challenges, and stress management. I use a collaborative and comprehensive approach to care, tailoring pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments to the individual needs of my clients, always guided by best practices.
I am a dual board certified psychiatric and family practice nurse practitioner who has worked in Primary Care, Psychiatry and Substance Abuse over the last several years. My areas of expertise are mood, depression and anxiety disorders. My extensive experience, knowledge and multicultural sensitivity, have shaped my approach to treatment as individualized and holistic. I am combining integrative methods with psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic modalities to address complex mental health difficulties and treat them successfully.
I am a dual board certified psychiatric and family practice nurse practitioner who has worked in Primary Care, Psychiatry and Substance Abuse over the last several years. My areas of expertise are mood, depression and anxiety disorders. My extensive experience, knowledge and multicultural sensitivity, have shaped my approach to treatment as individualized and holistic. I am combining integrative methods with psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic modalities to address complex mental health difficulties and treat them successfully.
Coded Healthcare & Behavioral Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Joyce Almacen is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. She has a double major in Psychology and Nursing (B.S. in Psychology and B.S. in Nursing) from Clarke University and an MSN - PMHNP from University of St. Francis. Joyce has a unique set of psychiatric work experiences coming from a background of being a psychiatric nurse for many years and now as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Joyce has dealt with various types of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse/addiction, and many more.
Joyce Almacen is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. She has a double major in Psychology and Nursing (B.S. in Psychology and B.S. in Nursing) from Clarke University and an MSN - PMHNP from University of St. Francis. Joyce has a unique set of psychiatric work experiences coming from a background of being a psychiatric nurse for many years and now as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Joyce has dealt with various types of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse/addiction, and many more.

Do you miss your old self? Do you still derive joy in the things that you once found very enjoyable? Are you struggling with keeping up with your work, daily tasks and social life? Are you overwhelmed by the general worries of life? My goal is to help you get back to your optimal mental health by bringing you back to a place where you can do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people without any difficulty.
Do you miss your old self? Do you still derive joy in the things that you once found very enjoyable? Are you struggling with keeping up with your work, daily tasks and social life? Are you overwhelmed by the general worries of life? My goal is to help you get back to your optimal mental health by bringing you back to a place where you can do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people without any difficulty.

Mind and Body Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
At Mind and Body Wellness, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care. What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering trusting relationships that empower and heal. We believe in tailoring each treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring you feel heard, supported, and equipped to achieve an improved quality of life.
We are currently welcoming new clients and look forward to partnering with you on your journey to improved health.
At Mind and Body Wellness, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care. What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering trusting relationships that empower and heal. We believe in tailoring each treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring you feel heard, supported, and equipped to achieve an improved quality of life.
We are currently welcoming new clients and look forward to partnering with you on your journey to improved health.

Owl Tree Therapy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, BSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Joliet, IL 60435
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I have worked with individuals from 13 through end of life, couples, families and groups. I am most comfortable working with college students, midlife through geriatric age. I work with individuals struggling with PTSD, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, addiction/chemical illness, chronic pain, eating disorders, sexual abuse/trauma, and sleep disturbances.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I have worked with individuals from 13 through end of life, couples, families and groups. I am most comfortable working with college students, midlife through geriatric age. I work with individuals struggling with PTSD, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, addiction/chemical illness, chronic pain, eating disorders, sexual abuse/trauma, and sleep disturbances.
See more therapy options for Bolingbrook
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bolingbrook, IL
10+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Bolingbrook, IL who prioritize treating:
88% | Anxiety |
88% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | Depression |
81% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Trauma and PTSD |
56% | Addiction |
Average years in practice
5 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
86% | Aetna |
79% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Bolingbrook, IL see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bolingbrook?
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.