Psychiatrists in Melrose Park, IL

Mental Health Group, located at 9933 Franklin Suite 2B, Franklin Park, IL 60131, offers a compassionate and professional environment for those seeking mental health support. Our clinic specializes in a wide range of psychiatric services aimed at providing personalized care for our clients. With a team of experienced professionals, we are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues, ensuring that each individual receives the attention and care they need to achieve mental well-being.
Mental Health Group, located at 9933 Franklin Suite 2B, Franklin Park, IL 60131, offers a compassionate and professional environment for those seeking mental health support. Our clinic specializes in a wide range of psychiatric services aimed at providing personalized care for our clients. With a team of experienced professionals, we are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues, ensuring that each individual receives the attention and care they need to achieve mental well-being.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Mindful Beginnings Center of Healing, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Chicago, IL 60601
Hello, my name is Janine Watters and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in the psychiatric field, serving individuals across all age groups, from pediatric to geriatric. I completed my studies at Walden University and subsequently undertook my internship with Beal Wellness in Atlanta, GA under the guidance of Dr. Eddie Beal. I have 3 years of experience as a PMHNP and 18 years of experience in Critical Care nursing. I have honed a holistic approach to patient care, focusing not only on their physical well-being but also their mental health.
Hello, my name is Janine Watters and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in the psychiatric field, serving individuals across all age groups, from pediatric to geriatric. I completed my studies at Walden University and subsequently undertook my internship with Beal Wellness in Atlanta, GA under the guidance of Dr. Eddie Beal. I have 3 years of experience as a PMHNP and 18 years of experience in Critical Care nursing. I have honed a holistic approach to patient care, focusing not only on their physical well-being but also their mental health.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, fluent in both English and Chinese (Mandarin). I have 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, fluent in both English and Chinese (Mandarin). I have 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.

Dr. Lozano is the Medical Director of the Joliet Center for Clinical Research, founded in 2003. Dr. Lozano received his M.D. from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and completed his residency in Psychiatry at Loyola University of Chicago. Dr Lozano completed his Geriatric Fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center before starting his clinical practice in Joliet in 1994. Dr. Lozano is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Lozano sees patients from ages to 18 and older and with all disorders from the surrounding Intermediate Care Facilities, Hospitals and office.
Dr. Lozano is the Medical Director of the Joliet Center for Clinical Research, founded in 2003. Dr. Lozano received his M.D. from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and completed his residency in Psychiatry at Loyola University of Chicago. Dr Lozano completed his Geriatric Fellowship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center before starting his clinical practice in Joliet in 1994. Dr. Lozano is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Lozano sees patients from ages to 18 and older and with all disorders from the surrounding Intermediate Care Facilities, Hospitals and office.

Now Accepting New Patients – Compassionate Psychiatric Care for Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, or other mental health challenges? I’m Devika Patel, PMHNP, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I am here to help.
With years of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care, I specialize in psychiatric evaluations and medication management for individuals ages 5 and up. I believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs and goals.
Now Accepting New Patients – Compassionate Psychiatric Care for Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, or other mental health challenges? I’m Devika Patel, PMHNP, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I am here to help.
With years of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care, I specialize in psychiatric evaluations and medication management for individuals ages 5 and up. I believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs and goals.

Integrative Primary Care and Mental Health Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a dual broad-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and mental well-being of my patients. In my role as a PMHNP, I strive to offer compassionate support and evidence-based treatments to individuals facing mental health challenges. Through therapeutic interventions and medication management, I aim to empower my patients to navigate their emotions, overcome obstacles, and achieve optimal mental wellness. Simultaneously, as an FNP, I am committed to promoting overall health.
As a dual broad-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and mental well-being of my patients. In my role as a PMHNP, I strive to offer compassionate support and evidence-based treatments to individuals facing mental health challenges. Through therapeutic interventions and medication management, I aim to empower my patients to navigate their emotions, overcome obstacles, and achieve optimal mental wellness. Simultaneously, as an FNP, I am committed to promoting overall health.

I started my career working in the emergency department which is where I developed a true compassion for the mental health needs of patients and family in crisis. I decided to follow my calling of working with patients with mental health needs and worked several more years on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. I have experience and training to treat patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. My philosophy focuses on the combination of mind and body working together with a humanistic approach to meet the holistic needs of our patients while committed to individual and personalized care.
I started my career working in the emergency department which is where I developed a true compassion for the mental health needs of patients and family in crisis. I decided to follow my calling of working with patients with mental health needs and worked several more years on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit. I have experience and training to treat patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. My philosophy focuses on the combination of mind and body working together with a humanistic approach to meet the holistic needs of our patients while committed to individual and personalized care.

Joseph Spagnola III, delivers extensive and holistic psychiatric care for those who are 16 years old and older. Joseph works carefully with each of his clients to ensure that they are meeting their unique health and wellness goals. Joseph pioneers the increasing of awareness for behavioral and mental health disorders. Joseph is a clinical preceptor supervising nurse practitioner PMHNP students at universities such as NKU, EKU, Walden University, and Herzing University. Joseph treats ADHD-Did you know that uncontrolled ADHD can look like anxiety, depression, hypersexuality, relationship/performance/legal problems? Gives us a call.
Joseph Spagnola III, delivers extensive and holistic psychiatric care for those who are 16 years old and older. Joseph works carefully with each of his clients to ensure that they are meeting their unique health and wellness goals. Joseph pioneers the increasing of awareness for behavioral and mental health disorders. Joseph is a clinical preceptor supervising nurse practitioner PMHNP students at universities such as NKU, EKU, Walden University, and Herzing University. Joseph treats ADHD-Did you know that uncontrolled ADHD can look like anxiety, depression, hypersexuality, relationship/performance/legal problems? Gives us a call.

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.

Bradley Pechter, MD is a psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience. He has attended school at Stanford University, Northwestern Medical School, and the Universities of Illinois and Colorado. He has been board-certified in adult, child & adolescent and addiction psychiatry over the course of his career. Dr. Pechter has also been on the faculty at Northwestern, Rush and the University of Illinois. He has been in private practice for the past 10 years and has a special interest in Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry.
Bradley Pechter, MD is a psychiatrist with over 25 years of clinical experience. He has attended school at Stanford University, Northwestern Medical School, and the Universities of Illinois and Colorado. He has been board-certified in adult, child & adolescent and addiction psychiatry over the course of his career. Dr. Pechter has also been on the faculty at Northwestern, Rush and the University of Illinois. He has been in private practice for the past 10 years and has a special interest in Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry.

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.

I’m a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental wellness through holistic, evidence-based care. I began practicing in 2023 after completing psychiatry residency, and I collaborate with each patient to develop tailored treatment plans that address mental health from biological, psychological, and social perspectives. I incorporate techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy to meet each person’s unique needs.
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental wellness through holistic, evidence-based care. I began practicing in 2023 after completing psychiatry residency, and I collaborate with each patient to develop tailored treatment plans that address mental health from biological, psychological, and social perspectives. I incorporate techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy to meet each person’s unique needs.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in psychiatric care, beginning in 2012 across inpatient units, crisis stabilization, and community-based services. My work is shaped by lived experience and a commitment to advocating for individuals, especially those in underserved communities, facing mental health challenges. I now practice outpatient care, supporting clients age 15 and up through balanced treatment plans that combine supportive therapy and evidence-based medication management.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in psychiatric care, beginning in 2012 across inpatient units, crisis stabilization, and community-based services. My work is shaped by lived experience and a commitment to advocating for individuals, especially those in underserved communities, facing mental health challenges. I now practice outpatient care, supporting clients age 15 and up through balanced treatment plans that combine supportive therapy and evidence-based medication management.

Dr. Long is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience treating adult and older adult patients from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Long's practice focuses primarily on medication management, in addition to supportive and cognitive and behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Sometimes Dr. Long will suggest additional therapy be included in your treatment plan in order to provide the best outcome. Dr. Long received her B.A. from Yale University, graduating cum laude with a double major in Biology and Literature.
Dr. Long is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience treating adult and older adult patients from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Long's practice focuses primarily on medication management, in addition to supportive and cognitive and behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Sometimes Dr. Long will suggest additional therapy be included in your treatment plan in order to provide the best outcome. Dr. Long received her B.A. from Yale University, graduating cum laude with a double major in Biology and Literature.

Are you concerned your psychiatrist might diagnose & prescribe medication ("match the pill to the ill") without addressing root causes of your problem? Most psychiatrists don't look at the brain as part of the body & don't think about underlying conditions such as inflammation, an unhealthy gut, high toxin load, food sensitivities, or "out-of-whack" hormones (to name just a few). These conditions don't just affect your body, but also affect your brain, resulting in depression, anxiety, insomnia, "brain fog" & other psychological symptoms. Medication can work spectacularly well, but often doesn't, if the body is too imbalanced.
Are you concerned your psychiatrist might diagnose & prescribe medication ("match the pill to the ill") without addressing root causes of your problem? Most psychiatrists don't look at the brain as part of the body & don't think about underlying conditions such as inflammation, an unhealthy gut, high toxin load, food sensitivities, or "out-of-whack" hormones (to name just a few). These conditions don't just affect your body, but also affect your brain, resulting in depression, anxiety, insomnia, "brain fog" & other psychological symptoms. Medication can work spectacularly well, but often doesn't, if the body is too imbalanced.

Peace of Serenity Psychiatry ADHD Autism
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN CNP, APRN , PMHNP, GERO-BC
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Life is HARD. We get it. We care. At Peace of Serenity Psychiatry, we have over 15 years of experience specializing in helping children and families ages 3-85+ with Autism, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Mood Disorders. We can also assist families with children with Depression and anxiety-related disorders. We aim to restore peace in your home and understand that jobs today are part of the problem. We work with schools, teachers, support providers, employers, and other liaisons to "Restore Calm." We also help parents navigate IEPs and 504 Plans through school advocacy and consulting support.
Life is HARD. We get it. We care. At Peace of Serenity Psychiatry, we have over 15 years of experience specializing in helping children and families ages 3-85+ with Autism, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Mood Disorders. We can also assist families with children with Depression and anxiety-related disorders. We aim to restore peace in your home and understand that jobs today are part of the problem. We work with schools, teachers, support providers, employers, and other liaisons to "Restore Calm." We also help parents navigate IEPs and 504 Plans through school advocacy and consulting support.

Annabel Punsalan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. Annabel is very compassionate, caring, understanding, nonjudgmental, detail oriented, and a wellrounded provider. Her goal is to provide the highest quality of care for every patient encounter. Outside of work, Annabel enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching, traveling, and eating out. She is passionate about people who need attention and support in their mental health.
Annabel Punsalan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2018. Annabel is very compassionate, caring, understanding, nonjudgmental, detail oriented, and a wellrounded provider. Her goal is to provide the highest quality of care for every patient encounter. Outside of work, Annabel enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching, traveling, and eating out. She is passionate about people who need attention and support in their mental health.

My ideal client is someone living with bipolar disorder who seeks clarity, stability, and a sense of control in their life. They may feel overwhelmed by mood swings, struggles with medication, or difficulty balancing relationships and responsibilities. They want to feel heard and understood while working with a provider who values their unique experience. Their goals are to achieve emotional balance, improve daily functioning, and regain confidence. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan to help them thrive and reach their personal goals.
My ideal client is someone living with bipolar disorder who seeks clarity, stability, and a sense of control in their life. They may feel overwhelmed by mood swings, struggles with medication, or difficulty balancing relationships and responsibilities. They want to feel heard and understood while working with a provider who values their unique experience. Their goals are to achieve emotional balance, improve daily functioning, and regain confidence. Together, we’ll create a tailored plan to help them thrive and reach their personal goals.
Adrienne Driscoll has been practicing as a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner since 2022 and has been practicing as a nurse for almost 30 years. She graduated from Valparaiso University in 1995 with a bachelor of science in nursing. In 2012, she graduated from the University of Phoenix with an MSN/MBA. She returned to school and then graduated from Lewis University in 2022 for a post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health. Adrienne provides comprehensive mental health care to patients across Illinois.
Adrienne Driscoll has been practicing as a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner since 2022 and has been practicing as a nurse for almost 30 years. She graduated from Valparaiso University in 1995 with a bachelor of science in nursing. In 2012, she graduated from the University of Phoenix with an MSN/MBA. She returned to school and then graduated from Lewis University in 2022 for a post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health. Adrienne provides comprehensive mental health care to patients across Illinois.

Everyone is a mosaic of experiences, relationships, goals, and values across their lifespan - no one is defined by one single thing. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, and understand how core developmental aspects connect us all.
Everyone is a mosaic of experiences, relationships, goals, and values across their lifespan - no one is defined by one single thing. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, and understand how core developmental aspects connect us all.
See more therapy options for Melrose Park
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Melrose Park, IL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Melrose Park, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Grief |
100% | Dissociative Disorders (DID) |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Beech Street |
100% | BHS | Behavioral Health Systems |
How Psychiatrists in Melrose Park, IL see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Melrose Park?
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.