Psychiatrists in Howard County, IN

Shani Berrios
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Kokomo, IN 46902
Hi! As someone who has personal experience related to mental health difficulty and trauma, I am hoping to provide empathetic care to help individuals achieve and maintain a better quality of life. My goal is to treat individuals holistically, working collaboratively with clients to tailor personalized treatment plans.
Hi! As someone who has personal experience related to mental health difficulty and trauma, I am hoping to provide empathetic care to help individuals achieve and maintain a better quality of life. My goal is to treat individuals holistically, working collaboratively with clients to tailor personalized treatment plans.

Hello! My name is Lindsay,. I take pride in being on YOUR team. I will work with you to create the best treatment plan to meet your needs. YOU are in charge of your treatment. I am only your "helper" to get you where you want to be. We will work together to ensure you are confident in our treatment decisions while achieving desired outcomes safely. My ideal patient is someone who is seeking personal growth and healing. Everyone deserves to wake up looking forward to starting their day by identifying the positives in their lives, changing controllable negatives, and coping with uncontrollable negatives that impede happiness!
Hello! My name is Lindsay,. I take pride in being on YOUR team. I will work with you to create the best treatment plan to meet your needs. YOU are in charge of your treatment. I am only your "helper" to get you where you want to be. We will work together to ensure you are confident in our treatment decisions while achieving desired outcomes safely. My ideal patient is someone who is seeking personal growth and healing. Everyone deserves to wake up looking forward to starting their day by identifying the positives in their lives, changing controllable negatives, and coping with uncontrollable negatives that impede happiness!

Lindsay M Pringle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Kokomo, IN 46902
I am passionate about patient care dedicated to my profession in nursing as well as helping my patients/clients with their mental and physical healthcare needs.
I have 25 + years experience in Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing; educated as both a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
I am committed to my patients, my career and providing the best most individualized, compassionate and holistic care possible. I look forward to working with you as a team to meet your needs.
I am passionate about patient care dedicated to my profession in nursing as well as helping my patients/clients with their mental and physical healthcare needs.
I have 25 + years experience in Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing; educated as both a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
I am committed to my patients, my career and providing the best most individualized, compassionate and holistic care possible. I look forward to working with you as a team to meet your needs.

My goal is to help the client get to their goals with their mental health. Any way i can help a client feel better with their mental health and overall health and well being is something I always strive for with my patients. If you’re having some anxiety or depression I want to be able to help decrease this. I also am certified in Botox and filler for cosmetic purposes if you are interested in aesthetics as well. I always feel awesome when I can make someone feel better about something they disliked before.
My goal is to help the client get to their goals with their mental health. Any way i can help a client feel better with their mental health and overall health and well being is something I always strive for with my patients. If you’re having some anxiety or depression I want to be able to help decrease this. I also am certified in Botox and filler for cosmetic purposes if you are interested in aesthetics as well. I always feel awesome when I can make someone feel better about something they disliked before.

Mental illness comes in many forms. And making your mental health a priority isn't always easy. So, if you are reading this, then you have already made the first step in getting the help you need to be the best YOU that you can be and I'm proud of you. Together, we can come up with the best treatment plan to help you reach your goals. Your input matters, so I aim to make you feel seen and heard during the process.
Mental illness comes in many forms. And making your mental health a priority isn't always easy. So, if you are reading this, then you have already made the first step in getting the help you need to be the best YOU that you can be and I'm proud of you. Together, we can come up with the best treatment plan to help you reach your goals. Your input matters, so I aim to make you feel seen and heard during the process.

Hello! My name is Nick and I specialize in ADHD, mood disorders, and addiction. I believe it's my duty to legitimize/de-stigmatize mental health. I am YOUR ally. It's important to me that you feel heard. Be proud of yourself for taking a risk and reaching out to a stranger. Our discussions are confidential. Many of my patients have suffered with ADHD, anxiety, or depression their whole lives but haven't been given the time or resources they need to thrive. We will discuss medication management, but also discuss lifestyle and behavior modification. I often give homework, and real world tips to work on between our visits.
Hello! My name is Nick and I specialize in ADHD, mood disorders, and addiction. I believe it's my duty to legitimize/de-stigmatize mental health. I am YOUR ally. It's important to me that you feel heard. Be proud of yourself for taking a risk and reaching out to a stranger. Our discussions are confidential. Many of my patients have suffered with ADHD, anxiety, or depression their whole lives but haven't been given the time or resources they need to thrive. We will discuss medication management, but also discuss lifestyle and behavior modification. I often give homework, and real world tips to work on between our visits.

Hello! My name is Lindsey, and I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I am so glad you are here and about to take the first step by asking for help. People often come into our lives for a reason, so I aim to make every interaction meaningful. Helping others reach their true potential through growth and recovery is something I'm passionate about. This starts with listening to understand who you are, what you've been through, and your goals for treatment. Together, we will develop a personalized plan to help guide you toward healing and overall wellness.
Hello! My name is Lindsey, and I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I am so glad you are here and about to take the first step by asking for help. People often come into our lives for a reason, so I aim to make every interaction meaningful. Helping others reach their true potential through growth and recovery is something I'm passionate about. This starts with listening to understand who you are, what you've been through, and your goals for treatment. Together, we will develop a personalized plan to help guide you toward healing and overall wellness.

Brittany Bullard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My name is Brittany Bullard and I am dually board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of practice experience. My goal with every client is to treat from a holistic perspective and work together for you to be the best version of yourself. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. We are also a Spravato treatment center and have current opening for patients seeking Spravato treatment for depression. I am located in Carmel, IN at MindFit Counseling and Wellness Center and am able to see clients in person and virtually.
My name is Brittany Bullard and I am dually board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of practice experience. My goal with every client is to treat from a holistic perspective and work together for you to be the best version of yourself. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. We are also a Spravato treatment center and have current opening for patients seeking Spravato treatment for depression. I am located in Carmel, IN at MindFit Counseling and Wellness Center and am able to see clients in person and virtually.

Hello, I am Zacia. I am here to help you with your mental health needs. I am here to listen to your concerns and come up with a treatment plan that best suits you. I am a goal-oriented provider. I like to help my patients set realistic and achievable goals and help them overcome obstacles. I strive to be a provider that is approachable, and someone my patients will find comfort in confiding in. I have flexible hours and evening/weekend appointments if needed. I look forward to meeting you and helping you though whatever it is that may be preventing you from obtaining that level of serenity that you desire.
Hello, I am Zacia. I am here to help you with your mental health needs. I am here to listen to your concerns and come up with a treatment plan that best suits you. I am a goal-oriented provider. I like to help my patients set realistic and achievable goals and help them overcome obstacles. I strive to be a provider that is approachable, and someone my patients will find comfort in confiding in. I have flexible hours and evening/weekend appointments if needed. I look forward to meeting you and helping you though whatever it is that may be preventing you from obtaining that level of serenity that you desire.

Hi all! I would like to help people better understand their mental health and navigate their mental health conditions. I strive to provide compassionate care to my patients with effective listening and understanding while utilizing evidence-based care and treatment..
Hi all! I would like to help people better understand their mental health and navigate their mental health conditions. I strive to provide compassionate care to my patients with effective listening and understanding while utilizing evidence-based care and treatment..

At The Serene Sanctuary, I help women take back control of their mental wellness through holistic coaching and personalized medication management. As a board-certified PMHNP with 10+ years of experience, I combine lifestyle strategies with compassionate care to support lasting transformation. Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, or ADHD, we’ll create a plan that empowers you to feel clear, grounded, and in charge of your life. Now accepting new clients via telehealth—book your free consultation today.
At The Serene Sanctuary, I help women take back control of their mental wellness through holistic coaching and personalized medication management. As a board-certified PMHNP with 10+ years of experience, I combine lifestyle strategies with compassionate care to support lasting transformation. Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, or ADHD, we’ll create a plan that empowers you to feel clear, grounded, and in charge of your life. Now accepting new clients via telehealth—book your free consultation today.

Dr. Tonya Butler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you often feel stuck and wish your life was different, maybe happier or more fulfilling but you’re unsure where to start? Seeking mental health treatment from a qualified professional is a good first step. My practice aims to empower patients to harness their strengths and resources to overcome life’s challenges and develop sustainable and meaningful life changes. I place a strong emphasis on collaboration. It's important to me to understand your symptoms in context, to learn about your story, who you are, and what has shaped you to become who you are today.
Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you often feel stuck and wish your life was different, maybe happier or more fulfilling but you’re unsure where to start? Seeking mental health treatment from a qualified professional is a good first step. My practice aims to empower patients to harness their strengths and resources to overcome life’s challenges and develop sustainable and meaningful life changes. I place a strong emphasis on collaboration. It's important to me to understand your symptoms in context, to learn about your story, who you are, and what has shaped you to become who you are today.
Online Psychiatrists

We believe it should be easy to access the care you need, when you need it. We are an online mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive through high-quality, affordable care. At Brave Health, your well-being is our priority. Whether you’re managing conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, or dealing with challenges such as anxiety, grief, addiction, anger, or life transitions, we’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Whether you are starting your mental health journey or seeking additional support, you can count on us to support you at every step.
We believe it should be easy to access the care you need, when you need it. We are an online mental health provider dedicated to helping people thrive through high-quality, affordable care. At Brave Health, your well-being is our priority. Whether you’re managing conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, or dealing with challenges such as anxiety, grief, addiction, anger, or life transitions, we’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Whether you are starting your mental health journey or seeking additional support, you can count on us to support you at every step.

Greater Lakes Behavioral Health Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portage, IN 46368
Roshanda Grayson-Thomas is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult chronic mental illness including anxiety, depression mood disorders, and addictions Roshanda’s clinical experience includes psychiatric evaluation and assessment, as well as medication management and talk therapy, using the latest evidence-based interventions and treatment modalities. Roshanda has experience working in longterm care, inpatient and outpatient settings.
Roshanda Grayson-Thomas is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult chronic mental illness including anxiety, depression mood disorders, and addictions Roshanda’s clinical experience includes psychiatric evaluation and assessment, as well as medication management and talk therapy, using the latest evidence-based interventions and treatment modalities. Roshanda has experience working in longterm care, inpatient and outpatient settings.

My clients come to me seeking help with various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and many others. My goal is to work with my clients to help them find the right treatments and medications for them. You will leave my sessions feeling heard, cared for, and more hopeful.
My clients come to me seeking help with various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and many others. My goal is to work with my clients to help them find the right treatments and medications for them. You will leave my sessions feeling heard, cared for, and more hopeful.

Jessica Walsh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IN 47406
Welcome to a highly personalized, accessible, compassionate, and affordable psychiatric practice. My priority is to ensure you feel heard and listened to. It is my intent to understand your priorities and collaborate with you in an effort to find a medication that is beneficial with minimal or no side effects. Using a comprehensive and collaborative approach, we will partner, to develop a personalized plan and an optimized medication management strategy to achieve maximal symptom relief. Treatment goals most often met include emotional healing, maximal symptom relief, and improvement in daily functioning.
Welcome to a highly personalized, accessible, compassionate, and affordable psychiatric practice. My priority is to ensure you feel heard and listened to. It is my intent to understand your priorities and collaborate with you in an effort to find a medication that is beneficial with minimal or no side effects. Using a comprehensive and collaborative approach, we will partner, to develop a personalized plan and an optimized medication management strategy to achieve maximal symptom relief. Treatment goals most often met include emotional healing, maximal symptom relief, and improvement in daily functioning.

Julie works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Julie believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully. You can connect using the lowing link: https:/www.valant.io/prospecti
Julie works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Julie believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully. You can connect using the lowing link: https:/www.valant.io/prospecti

The primary goal of Central Indiana Mental Health Partners is to provide high quality psychotropic medication management to those within the community. Are you currently in therapy, but feel as though you may benefit from medication as well? Do you feel like you could use specialty care to help make sense of your mental health? Let's connect and discuss what Central Indiana Mental Health Partners can offer. Services are currently conducted through a combination of in person and telehealth visits.
The primary goal of Central Indiana Mental Health Partners is to provide high quality psychotropic medication management to those within the community. Are you currently in therapy, but feel as though you may benefit from medication as well? Do you feel like you could use specialty care to help make sense of your mental health? Let's connect and discuss what Central Indiana Mental Health Partners can offer. Services are currently conducted through a combination of in person and telehealth visits.

Delaney Baumann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Motherhood is a special journey where many of life's greatest joys and challenges are experienced. If you have experienced a change in your mental health during pregnancy or postpartum, you're not alone. One in five women experience anxiety, depression, OCD, or mood disorders during or after pregnancy. Are you feeling overwhelmed with motherhood, struggling with constant worry, or having a hard time finding joy in your new role as a mom? We'd love the opportunity to support you in this season. I am a trauma and eating disorder informed provider & have experience working with clients experiencing PTSD and eating disorders.
Motherhood is a special journey where many of life's greatest joys and challenges are experienced. If you have experienced a change in your mental health during pregnancy or postpartum, you're not alone. One in five women experience anxiety, depression, OCD, or mood disorders during or after pregnancy. Are you feeling overwhelmed with motherhood, struggling with constant worry, or having a hard time finding joy in your new role as a mom? We'd love the opportunity to support you in this season. I am a trauma and eating disorder informed provider & have experience working with clients experiencing PTSD and eating disorders.

Lauren Alcorn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Are you ready to explore a holistic approach to mental health that focuses on the connection between your mind, body, and lifestyle? As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in integrating evidence-based psychiatric care with functional and nutritional strategies to support your overall well-being. My practice is rooted in the belief that mental health is not one-size-fits-all—it’s deeply personal and influenced by various factors, including nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and genetics. I work collaboratively with my clients to uncover the root causes of mental health challenges.
Are you ready to explore a holistic approach to mental health that focuses on the connection between your mind, body, and lifestyle? As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in integrating evidence-based psychiatric care with functional and nutritional strategies to support your overall well-being. My practice is rooted in the belief that mental health is not one-size-fits-all—it’s deeply personal and influenced by various factors, including nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and genetics. I work collaboratively with my clients to uncover the root causes of mental health challenges.
See more therapy options for Howard County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Howard County, IN
10+
Average cost per session
$137
Psychiatrists in Howard County, IN who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
92% | ADHD |
83% | Medication Management |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
90% | Aetna |
90% | Anthem |
How Psychiatrists in Howard County, IN see their clients
92% | In Person and Online | |
8% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
91% | Female | |
9% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Howard County?
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.