Psychiatrists in Lincolnshire, IL

Photo of Sarita Sharma, MD, Psychiatrist
Sarita Sharma
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Sarita Sharma is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized psychiatric treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit for optimized health and healing. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, she earned her medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine in Curacao and completed her residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sharma has extensive experience working with underserved patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying severities of psychiatric disorders. She has a genuine interest in treating mood and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Sarita Sharma is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized psychiatric treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit for optimized health and healing. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, she earned her medical degree from Avalon University School of Medicine in Curacao and completed her residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Sharma has extensive experience working with underserved patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying severities of psychiatric disorders. She has a genuine interest in treating mood and anxiety disorders.
(708) 960-9616 View (708) 960-9616
Photo of Chelsea Karson, MD, Psychiatrist
Chelsea Karson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Chelsea Karson is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her residency training at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital where she was Chief Resident of her program. Dr. Karson is passionate about patient care, believing in caring for the whole person. While completing her residency training, she led an interprofessional team to bring miniature-therapy horses to the inpatient psychiatry unit and thereby forge a relationship between the organization and all of Advocate Aurora Healthcare.
Dr. Chelsea Karson is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed her residency training at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital where she was Chief Resident of her program. Dr. Karson is passionate about patient care, believing in caring for the whole person. While completing her residency training, she led an interprofessional team to bring miniature-therapy horses to the inpatient psychiatry unit and thereby forge a relationship between the organization and all of Advocate Aurora Healthcare.
(708) 726-3156 View (708) 726-3156
Photo of Maralys Colon Betancourt, MD, Psychiatrist
Maralys Colon Betancourt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Maralys Colón is a board-certified psychiatrist. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and she completed a subspecialty in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Tulane. Dr. Colón is keen in involving and guiding her patients in their treatment; she believes that patients benefit from taking an active role in their care. Dr. Colón specializes in psychopharmacology, tailoring the medication to your needs and preferences. She has experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar and psychotic disorders.
Dr. Maralys Colón is a board-certified psychiatrist. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and she completed a subspecialty in Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Tulane. Dr. Colón is keen in involving and guiding her patients in their treatment; she believes that patients benefit from taking an active role in their care. Dr. Colón specializes in psychopharmacology, tailoring the medication to your needs and preferences. She has experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar and psychotic disorders.
(708) 726-6794 View (708) 726-6794
Photo of Carmen Orellana Martinez, MD, Psychiatrist
Carmen Orellana Martinez
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Carmen Orellana is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry who has been in practice for over 6 years, both in the U.S. and abroad. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Dr. Orellana’s clinical interest include mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and ADHD-related disorders. She strives to provide exceptional medical care and has extensive experience in treating persons with diverse behavioral disorders and backgrounds. Dr. Orellana involves her patients in all decisions about their health, and provides care that is respectful of patient preferences, needs and values.
Dr. Carmen Orellana is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry who has been in practice for over 6 years, both in the U.S. and abroad. She is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Dr. Orellana’s clinical interest include mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and ADHD-related disorders. She strives to provide exceptional medical care and has extensive experience in treating persons with diverse behavioral disorders and backgrounds. Dr. Orellana involves her patients in all decisions about their health, and provides care that is respectful of patient preferences, needs and values.
(708) 294-7520 View (708) 294-7520
Photo of Pamela Shay, DO, Psychiatrist
Pamela Shay
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Shay is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing adult general psychiatry since 2014, most recently in the outpatient clinic at VA St. Louis Healthcare System. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Iowa and worked for years in the insurance industry managing medicolegal issues before deciding to pursue medicine as a second career. Embracing principles of holistic medicine, Dr. Shay completed her medical degree at Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and her residency in general psychiatry at Loyola University Medical Center in the bio-psycho-social model of care.
Dr. Shay is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing adult general psychiatry since 2014, most recently in the outpatient clinic at VA St. Louis Healthcare System. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Iowa and worked for years in the insurance industry managing medicolegal issues before deciding to pursue medicine as a second career. Embracing principles of holistic medicine, Dr. Shay completed her medical degree at Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and her residency in general psychiatry at Loyola University Medical Center in the bio-psycho-social model of care.
(708) 564-4185 View (708) 564-4185
Photo of Surinderpal Kahlon, MD, Psychiatrist
Surinderpal Kahlon
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Kahlon has been a psychiatrist trained in the USA. He has been with the Veteran's Affairs for the past 24 years. He was employed as a staff psychiatrist and worked with a wide variety of challenging patients in the VA system. Dr. Kahlon provides medication management along with supportive therapy. In case needed further referral is made to a counselor or therapist.
Dr. Kahlon has been a psychiatrist trained in the USA. He has been with the Veteran's Affairs for the past 24 years. He was employed as a staff psychiatrist and worked with a wide variety of challenging patients in the VA system. Dr. Kahlon provides medication management along with supportive therapy. In case needed further referral is made to a counselor or therapist.
(708) 578-8080 View (708) 578-8080
Photo of Stephen Byrd, MD, Psychiatrist
Stephen Byrd
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Stephen Byrd is a clinical psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. He has been practicing for over 31 years in a wide variety of settings including work with inpatients and outpatients in private practice, community mental health, geriatric, VA, and community hospital/medical center settings. Dr. Byrd's practice focuses on evidence-based medication management usually provided in conjunction with 30- minute supportive psychotherapy informed by cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and motivational enhancement.
Dr. Stephen Byrd is a clinical psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. He has been practicing for over 31 years in a wide variety of settings including work with inpatients and outpatients in private practice, community mental health, geriatric, VA, and community hospital/medical center settings. Dr. Byrd's practice focuses on evidence-based medication management usually provided in conjunction with 30- minute supportive psychotherapy informed by cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and motivational enhancement.
(708) 726-4320 View (708) 726-4320
Photo of Janeen Paul, MD, Psychiatrist
Janeen Paul
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Paul has worked in outpatient private practice psychiatry for nearly 20 years. Throughout her career, she has combined medication management with talk therapy, to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Dr. Paul received her MD from The University of Iowa. She completed an intern year in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Illinois, Chicago, and went on to psychiatry residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. Dr. Janeen Paul is board certified in Adult Psychiatry.
Dr. Paul has worked in outpatient private practice psychiatry for nearly 20 years. Throughout her career, she has combined medication management with talk therapy, to provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs. Dr. Paul received her MD from The University of Iowa. She completed an intern year in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Illinois, Chicago, and went on to psychiatry residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. Dr. Janeen Paul is board certified in Adult Psychiatry.
(708) 734-2898 View (708) 734-2898
Photo of Sumaiyah Qureshi, MD, Psychiatrist
Sumaiyah Qureshi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Qureshi is a Board-Certified General Psychiatrist. She was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She underwent her medical training at Mamata Medical College, India and completed residency at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Qureshi has gained extensive training in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings and has worked with diverse populations. She has practiced Telepsychiatry since her graduation including working at community mental health centers serving the serious mentally ill in underserved areas.
Dr. Qureshi is a Board-Certified General Psychiatrist. She was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She underwent her medical training at Mamata Medical College, India and completed residency at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Qureshi has gained extensive training in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings and has worked with diverse populations. She has practiced Telepsychiatry since her graduation including working at community mental health centers serving the serious mentally ill in underserved areas.
(708) 742-6493 View (708) 742-6493
Photo of Steve Paschos, MD, Psychiatrist
Steve Paschos
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Steve Paschos is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He attended Loyola University Chicago on the Lake Shore campus completing a bachelor’s degree in science and a Degree in Classical Studies. He then attended Medical School at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed a 5-year combined Internal Medicine & Psychiatry residency in 2011. Dr. Paschos subsequently completed a 1-year fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Rush University Medical Center.
Dr. Steve Paschos is a board-certified Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He attended Loyola University Chicago on the Lake Shore campus completing a bachelor’s degree in science and a Degree in Classical Studies. He then attended Medical School at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed a 5-year combined Internal Medicine & Psychiatry residency in 2011. Dr. Paschos subsequently completed a 1-year fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at Rush University Medical Center.
(708) 398-9131 View (708) 398-9131
Photo of Danielle Gelfond, MD, Psychiatrist
Danielle Gelfond
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Danielle Gelfond is an Adult Psychiatrist and a graduate from Loyola University Medical Center;s residency program in Chicago, IL. Prior to attending residency, Dr. Gelfond graduated from Rush Medical College at Rush University. Throughout residency, Dr. Gelfond spent time focusing on her clinical interests which include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and women's mental health.
Dr. Danielle Gelfond is an Adult Psychiatrist and a graduate from Loyola University Medical Center;s residency program in Chicago, IL. Prior to attending residency, Dr. Gelfond graduated from Rush Medical College at Rush University. Throughout residency, Dr. Gelfond spent time focusing on her clinical interests which include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and women's mental health.
(708) 729-9295 View (708) 729-9295
Photo of Wendy You, MD, Psychiatrist
Wendy You
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Wendy You (they/them/their) is a Board Eligible adult psychiatrist. Dr. You focuses on medication management in the setting of 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with psychoeducation and therapeutic techniques. They believe that a collaborative approach with the patient yields better outcomes and like to work with patients to assess their personal preferences and goals for treatment.
Dr. Wendy You (they/them/their) is a Board Eligible adult psychiatrist. Dr. You focuses on medication management in the setting of 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with psychoeducation and therapeutic techniques. They believe that a collaborative approach with the patient yields better outcomes and like to work with patients to assess their personal preferences and goals for treatment.
(708) 627-9523 View (708) 627-9523
Photo of Sarah Mennella, MD, Psychiatrist
Sarah Mennella
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Mennella is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Dr. Mennella's practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. Treatment emphasizes patient education and autonomy. Dr. Mennella is a proponent of shared decision-making and believes this facilitates a strong therapeutic relationship, greater satisfaction with care, and improved clinical outcomes.
Dr. Mennella is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. Dr. Mennella's practice focuses on medication management and supportive therapy. Treatment emphasizes patient education and autonomy. Dr. Mennella is a proponent of shared decision-making and believes this facilitates a strong therapeutic relationship, greater satisfaction with care, and improved clinical outcomes.
(708) 616-1626 View (708) 616-1626
Photo of Boski Patel, MD, Psychiatrist
Boski Patel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Boski Patel holds the position of psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in geriatric and adult psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 3 years. Dr. Patel's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Patel may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Boski Patel holds the position of psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is double board-certified in geriatric and adult psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 3 years. Dr. Patel's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, she offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Patel may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
(708) 381-1980 View (708) 381-1980
Photo of Valerie King-Ernst, DO, Psychiatrist
Valerie King-Ernst
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Valerie King-Ernst is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences and completed psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center.
Dr. Valerie King-Ernst is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences and completed psychiatry residency training at Loyola University Medical Center.
(708) 853-6714 View (708) 853-6714
Photo of Rayal Gorrepati, MD, Psychiatrist
Rayal Gorrepati
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Rayal Gorrepati is double board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 12 years. Dr. Gorrepati's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Gorrepati may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best possible outcome.
Dr. Rayal Gorrepati is double board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry. He has been practicing for over 12 years. Dr. Gorrepati's practice focuses on medication management. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Gorrepati may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best possible outcome.
(708) 578-2309 View (708) 578-2309
Photo of Ana Wagener-Sobrero, MD, Psychiatrist
Ana Wagener-Sobrero
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Ana Wagener-Sobrero is a board-eligible psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree at Rush Medical College and completed psychiatry residency training at University of Chicago Medical Center in IL.
Dr. Ana Wagener-Sobrero is a board-eligible psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree at Rush Medical College and completed psychiatry residency training at University of Chicago Medical Center in IL.
(708) 729-5971 View (708) 729-5971
Photo of Sally Hess, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sally Hess
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Sally and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Illinois. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, and Depression. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Sally and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Illinois. I specialize in Anxiety, Bipolar, and Depression. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(708) 578-7508 View (708) 578-7508
Photo of Laura Rosas, MD, Psychiatrist
Laura Rosas
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Laura Rosas is an adult psychiatrist at Talkiatry who practices compassionate, patient-centered care. As a multiracial psychiatrist, she serves diverse communities and focuses on treatment plans that respect each patient’s background. She treats various diagnoses, including trauma, mood, personality, and eating disorders, with a particular interest in the student and LGBTQ+ communities.
Dr. Laura Rosas is an adult psychiatrist at Talkiatry who practices compassionate, patient-centered care. As a multiracial psychiatrist, she serves diverse communities and focuses on treatment plans that respect each patient’s background. She treats various diagnoses, including trauma, mood, personality, and eating disorders, with a particular interest in the student and LGBTQ+ communities.
(708) 726-6788 View (708) 726-6788
Photo of Karelis Sierra-Cintron, MD, Psychiatrist
Karelis Sierra-Cintron
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Sierra-Cintron is board-certified in adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has been in practice for 12 years. Dr. Sierra-Cintron focuses her practice on medication management. She also engages in supportive therapy in a comprehensive way, focusing on the patient as a whole and not just the symptoms. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a comprehensive approach to treatment, and might consider the addition of therapy, either by referral or collaborating with an existing therapist for a more rounded approach and improved outcome.
Dr. Sierra-Cintron is board-certified in adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has been in practice for 12 years. Dr. Sierra-Cintron focuses her practice on medication management. She also engages in supportive therapy in a comprehensive way, focusing on the patient as a whole and not just the symptoms. Dr. Sierra-Cintron has a comprehensive approach to treatment, and might consider the addition of therapy, either by referral or collaborating with an existing therapist for a more rounded approach and improved outcome.
(708) 435-2326 View (708) 435-2326
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See more therapy options for Lincolnshire

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Lincolnshire, IL

30+

Psychiatrists in Lincolnshire, IL who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Bipolar Disorder
90% Trauma and PTSD
87% Medication Management
80% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
63% ADHD

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

95% BlueCross and BlueShield
95% Cigna and Evernorth
90% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in Lincolnshire, IL see their clients

86% Online Only
14% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Lincolnshire?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.