Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL

Chibogu Victoria Obianwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
I am a dedicated and board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience spanning both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. My expertise encompasses the treatment of a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD / ADHD), insomnia, and mood disorders. I approach each client with empathy and understanding, tailoring my treatment plans to meet their unique needs and goals.
I am a dedicated and board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience spanning both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. My expertise encompasses the treatment of a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD / ADHD), insomnia, and mood disorders. I approach each client with empathy and understanding, tailoring my treatment plans to meet their unique needs and goals.

Embrace Behavioral Health & Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, AGNP, FPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
Welcome to Embrace Behavioral Health and Integrative Psychiatry! We are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and integrative mental health care tailored to your unique needs. With expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and medication management, we specialize in treating anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, dementia, and more. Our approach combines evidence-based pharmacotherapy with lifestyle modifications and integrative psychiatry to promote holistic healing and lasting wellness.
Welcome to Embrace Behavioral Health and Integrative Psychiatry! We are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and integrative mental health care tailored to your unique needs. With expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and medication management, we specialize in treating anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, dementia, and more. Our approach combines evidence-based pharmacotherapy with lifestyle modifications and integrative psychiatry to promote holistic healing and lasting wellness.

Brianna Wicinski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, FPA, RN
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
Since the beginning of my career, I have gained knowledge and expertise as a healthcare provider in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I excel in providing care to a variety of individuals, including emergency, intensive care, medical-surgical, correctional, and psychiatric populations. While supporting my patients in overcoming their physical and emotional challenges, I developed a passion for working with individuals struggling with mental health disorders and and thoroughly enjoy educating & empowering my patients to strengthen their mental health throughout their healing journey.
Since the beginning of my career, I have gained knowledge and expertise as a healthcare provider in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I excel in providing care to a variety of individuals, including emergency, intensive care, medical-surgical, correctional, and psychiatric populations. While supporting my patients in overcoming their physical and emotional challenges, I developed a passion for working with individuals struggling with mental health disorders and and thoroughly enjoy educating & empowering my patients to strengthen their mental health throughout their healing journey.

Hello! I’m Brianne. I’m excited to share that I’ve been a licensed professional in Illinois for 21 years, and I absolutely love what I do! I’m board-certified in Family Medicine and also have an advanced certification in addiction medicine. On top of that, I enjoy teaching part-time at a medical university and helping licensed professionals with substance use evaluations.
Hello! I’m Brianne. I’m excited to share that I’ve been a licensed professional in Illinois for 21 years, and I absolutely love what I do! I’m board-certified in Family Medicine and also have an advanced certification in addiction medicine. On top of that, I enjoy teaching part-time at a medical university and helping licensed professionals with substance use evaluations.

Beata Kaczkowski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-FPA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
Hello and Welcome! My name is Betty and I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), dedicated to helping you find relief and renewed hope. My dual certification enables me to offer a unique, well-rounded approach to care, specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Hello and Welcome! My name is Betty and I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), dedicated to helping you find relief and renewed hope. My dual certification enables me to offer a unique, well-rounded approach to care, specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.

My focus is to give the best possible individualized care to my patients. I will combine evidence-based practice and compassionate care for better patient outcomes.
My focus is to give the best possible individualized care to my patients. I will combine evidence-based practice and compassionate care for better patient outcomes.

I am a double board certified psychiatrist (general psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry) with 23 years of experience providing psychiatric care in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I see adult patients to address a number of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and OCD.
I am a double board certified psychiatrist (general psychiatry and consultation-liaison psychiatry) with 23 years of experience providing psychiatric care in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I see adult patients to address a number of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and OCD.

Aleksandra Besterfeldt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, AGNP, FPA, RN
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
As a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Adult-Geriatric Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), I have years of experience helping people with conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorders, Insomnia, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. I'm skilled at assisting older adults facing challenges like dementia, mood changes, and sleep troubles.
As a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Adult-Geriatric Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), I have years of experience helping people with conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorders, Insomnia, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. I'm skilled at assisting older adults facing challenges like dementia, mood changes, and sleep troubles.

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.

Dr. Roy has a particular focus on trauma and autism spectrum disorders, bringing both clinical expertise and personal sensitivity to these areas. Her work with children and teens emphasizes helping them build resilience and overcome barriers to emotional and developmental wellbeing. She also specializes in addressing school avoidance, depression, and sleep disorders, ensuring that her approach is holistic and tailored to the unique needs of each patient. In addition to treating individuals, Dr. Roy provides family therapy and parenting skills training to support caregivers in fostering healthier dynamics within the home.
Dr. Roy has a particular focus on trauma and autism spectrum disorders, bringing both clinical expertise and personal sensitivity to these areas. Her work with children and teens emphasizes helping them build resilience and overcome barriers to emotional and developmental wellbeing. She also specializes in addressing school avoidance, depression, and sleep disorders, ensuring that her approach is holistic and tailored to the unique needs of each patient. In addition to treating individuals, Dr. Roy provides family therapy and parenting skills training to support caregivers in fostering healthier dynamics within the home.

Vanessa Wrobel, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and dedicated board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, committed to supporting individuals and families in their journey towards improved mental well-being. With over a decade of nursing experience and a master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, psychosis, and trauma. Vanessa takes a holistic and integrative approach to care, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Vanessa Wrobel, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and dedicated board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, committed to supporting individuals and families in their journey towards improved mental well-being. With over a decade of nursing experience and a master's degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University, Vanessa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, psychosis, and trauma. Vanessa takes a holistic and integrative approach to care, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Terri Gray, PMHNP-BC, is an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, offering compassionate mental health care to individuals across Illinois. She provides medication management and supportive therapy, using a culturally sensitive approach to ensure each patient feels seen and understood. Her empathetic, respectful approach creates a safe space where clients can explore their concerns and receive tailored support for their mental health needs. Terri specializes in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression.
Terri Gray, PMHNP-BC, is an experienced psychiatric nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, offering compassionate mental health care to individuals across Illinois. She provides medication management and supportive therapy, using a culturally sensitive approach to ensure each patient feels seen and understood. Her empathetic, respectful approach creates a safe space where clients can explore their concerns and receive tailored support for their mental health needs. Terri specializes in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression.

I offer the medical knowledge learned from a thirty year career in Neuropsychiatry. The brain and mind work in harmony seeking balance. The difficulty that you are experiencing, whether this affects your emotions, thinking or behavior, is something I may be able to help. Life is both complicated and simple. I would like to help.
I offer the medical knowledge learned from a thirty year career in Neuropsychiatry. The brain and mind work in harmony seeking balance. The difficulty that you are experiencing, whether this affects your emotions, thinking or behavior, is something I may be able to help. Life is both complicated and simple. I would like to help.

Thrive Psychiatric Services, Lisa Hengen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
At Thrive Psychiatric Services, I provide personalized, comprehensive and compassionate Psychiatric Care. I love what I do and never feel like it is work. I enjoy helping people to feel better, so they can have better quality of life. I strive to provide every patient with the best possible care. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to be part of my patient’s healthcare journey, and I am always mindful of the respect and trust that is needed to maintain a therapeutic relationship. I provide comprehensive mental health services, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, substance abuse/addiction treatment and psychotherapy.
At Thrive Psychiatric Services, I provide personalized, comprehensive and compassionate Psychiatric Care. I love what I do and never feel like it is work. I enjoy helping people to feel better, so they can have better quality of life. I strive to provide every patient with the best possible care. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to be part of my patient’s healthcare journey, and I am always mindful of the respect and trust that is needed to maintain a therapeutic relationship. I provide comprehensive mental health services, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, substance abuse/addiction treatment and psychotherapy.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Michael Ficaro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Michael Ficaro is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Illinois. Michael has been in the mental health field for ten years and has experience working with both adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Michael has worked with patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorders, spectrum disorders, personality disorders, and behavioral disorders. Michael also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Michael Ficaro is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Illinois. Michael has been in the mental health field for ten years and has experience working with both adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Michael has worked with patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorders, spectrum disorders, personality disorders, and behavioral disorders. Michael also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Inna Dilman is nationally certified and state licensed to practice medical and psychiatric care in the state of Illinois. She has over 10 years of experience including preventive, medical and mental health care. She has a special interest in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. She is a compassionate and empathetic provider that strives to understand and heal the whole patient. As a PA, she is skilled in providing individualized, judgement free and comprehensive care using both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches, as well as offering brief psychotherapy. For more information: www.psychwellnessgroup.com
Inna Dilman is nationally certified and state licensed to practice medical and psychiatric care in the state of Illinois. She has over 10 years of experience including preventive, medical and mental health care. She has a special interest in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. She is a compassionate and empathetic provider that strives to understand and heal the whole patient. As a PA, she is skilled in providing individualized, judgement free and comprehensive care using both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches, as well as offering brief psychotherapy. For more information: www.psychwellnessgroup.com

Hi and great to meet you, I'm Dr. Hayatghaib! I grew up in Northern California where I had my first exposure to mental health seeing my mother work as a clinical social worker growing up. I went to medical school at Drexel University in Philadelphia and completed my Psychiatric residency training at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL. During my residency I received the Chandra Gupta Award for Collegiality and Humanity for service to my fellow residents. I have also worked for the Amen Clinics and completed training on SPECT brain imaging clinical interpretation. I have experience using nutritional supplements as well.
Hi and great to meet you, I'm Dr. Hayatghaib! I grew up in Northern California where I had my first exposure to mental health seeing my mother work as a clinical social worker growing up. I went to medical school at Drexel University in Philadelphia and completed my Psychiatric residency training at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago, IL. During my residency I received the Chandra Gupta Award for Collegiality and Humanity for service to my fellow residents. I have also worked for the Amen Clinics and completed training on SPECT brain imaging clinical interpretation. I have experience using nutritional supplements as well.

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.

Hi there, I'm Ejaz! Hello, my name is Ejaz Jafri, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a clinical career in outpatient & inpatient settings. I specialize in managing the care of adolescents & adults with depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizoaffective disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorders. I provide extensive psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological treatment initiation, monitoring, and management.
Hi there, I'm Ejaz! Hello, my name is Ejaz Jafri, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a clinical career in outpatient & inpatient settings. I specialize in managing the care of adolescents & adults with depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizoaffective disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorders. I provide extensive psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological treatment initiation, monitoring, and management.

Dr. Kailee Lenczycki
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I'm so glad you're reaching out! Seeking help doesn't mean you're failing; it means you're taking an important step toward self-care and healing. You may be feeling burned out, on edge, and just going through the motions. It's affecting your life, relationships, and work. You’ve tried everything you can think of to feel better, but nothing's working. You're searching for a comprehensive approach to mental health care that considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Something that's more than just medications! You're ready for a change, to feel like yourself again. I want to help you get there!
I'm so glad you're reaching out! Seeking help doesn't mean you're failing; it means you're taking an important step toward self-care and healing. You may be feeling burned out, on edge, and just going through the motions. It's affecting your life, relationships, and work. You’ve tried everything you can think of to feel better, but nothing's working. You're searching for a comprehensive approach to mental health care that considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Something that's more than just medications! You're ready for a change, to feel like yourself again. I want to help you get there!
See more therapy options for Libertyville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL
10+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
86% | ADHD |
86% | Medication Management |
71% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
93% | Aetna |
93% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Libertyville, IL see their clients
86% | In Person and Online | |
14% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
20% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Libertyville?
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.