Psychiatrists in Johnson County, KS

I believe that psychiatric nurse practitioners have the unique opportunity to provide care that is built upon forming a relationship with the patient. Psychiatric illnesses are complex and require careful assessment that takes into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and developmental aspects of the patient's life.
I believe that psychiatric nurse practitioners have the unique opportunity to provide care that is built upon forming a relationship with the patient. Psychiatric illnesses are complex and require careful assessment that takes into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and developmental aspects of the patient's life.

Elizabeth grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas and lived there for most of her childhood. She completed her BS in nursing at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, and then her graduate studies to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Wilkes University. Fortunately for Elizabeth, she knew at a young age that she wanted to work in behavioral health. This awareness led her to pursue her experience and education in an early and deliberate manner.
Elizabeth grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas and lived there for most of her childhood. She completed her BS in nursing at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, and then her graduate studies to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Wilkes University. Fortunately for Elizabeth, she knew at a young age that she wanted to work in behavioral health. This awareness led her to pursue her experience and education in an early and deliberate manner.

Julie Marshall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Overland Park, KS 66221
Do you feel like you've been going in circles with your psychiatric medication? The team at KMHM can help you find and navigate new approaches. Julie Marshall, APRN, PMHNP-BC has gained her experience and passion for mental health by working in a variety of settings throughout her career. These include the acute hospital setting for children, adolescents, and adults, residential treatment facilities for youth, and outpatient community health centers.
Do you feel like you've been going in circles with your psychiatric medication? The team at KMHM can help you find and navigate new approaches. Julie Marshall, APRN, PMHNP-BC has gained her experience and passion for mental health by working in a variety of settings throughout her career. These include the acute hospital setting for children, adolescents, and adults, residential treatment facilities for youth, and outpatient community health centers.

Rebby Sang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Overland Park, KS 66223
Life can bring challenges, obstacles, and tragic events. I am a provider who is dedicated and can partner with you and your journey, helping you take charge of your mental Health. Every person is an individual and everyone deserves a mental health care that is tailored to them. At Deer creek Behavioral Health, our goal is to improve each client's mood and overall health. As your partner in Mental Health journey, I can help you achieve a more peaceful, productive and enjoyable life. I am currently accepting new patients in person and via Telehealth in the State of KS. Your steps of mental and emotional wellbeing are only a phone call
Life can bring challenges, obstacles, and tragic events. I am a provider who is dedicated and can partner with you and your journey, helping you take charge of your mental Health. Every person is an individual and everyone deserves a mental health care that is tailored to them. At Deer creek Behavioral Health, our goal is to improve each client's mood and overall health. As your partner in Mental Health journey, I can help you achieve a more peaceful, productive and enjoyable life. I am currently accepting new patients in person and via Telehealth in the State of KS. Your steps of mental and emotional wellbeing are only a phone call

Hi! Do you need Medication for Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Anger, PTSD? A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and research-proven treatment options could put you back on the right path.
Hi! Do you need Medication for Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Anger, PTSD? A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and research-proven treatment options could put you back on the right path.

Samantha Russell Bereit
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Olathe, KS 66061
Samantha is a board certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications, and develop personalized treatment plans based on the latest evidence and therapeutic techniques.
Samantha is a board certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications, and develop personalized treatment plans based on the latest evidence and therapeutic techniques.

Dr. Matt Brown is a double board certified psychiatrist and treats children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Brown is an expert in the treatment of OCD. He will also work with clients regarding issues with PTSD, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, and Depression. Dr. Brown focuses largely on using supplements and other natural treatments such as a behavioral change to find a path forward. However, he does prescribe medications as well when needed. The goal of treatment is the less medication overall the better as long as the person is doing ok.
Dr. Matt Brown is a double board certified psychiatrist and treats children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Brown is an expert in the treatment of OCD. He will also work with clients regarding issues with PTSD, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, and Depression. Dr. Brown focuses largely on using supplements and other natural treatments such as a behavioral change to find a path forward. However, he does prescribe medications as well when needed. The goal of treatment is the less medication overall the better as long as the person is doing ok.

Board-certified nurse practitioner, PMHNP-BC, provides holistic, patient-centered psychiatric services to patients of all ages. I use secure, convenient telehealth to care for people across Kansas who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ADHD, insomnia and other mental health conditions. I use an integrative approach, combining evidence-based practices along with years of experience to better understand each patient’s individualities and unique needs.
Board-certified nurse practitioner, PMHNP-BC, provides holistic, patient-centered psychiatric services to patients of all ages. I use secure, convenient telehealth to care for people across Kansas who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ADHD, insomnia and other mental health conditions. I use an integrative approach, combining evidence-based practices along with years of experience to better understand each patient’s individualities and unique needs.

Brent Menninger is a Medical Doctor who has been practicing since 1993. He graduated from The University of Kansas in Lawrence KS and completed his residency at the Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry in Topeka, KS. Dr. Menninger has been a Staff Psychiatrist at multiple hospitals in the state, along with being Chairman for the Department of Psychiatry at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Menninger believes in a holistic approach to psychiatric care, which includes treating the body and the mind, by using the basics of good health.
Brent Menninger is a Medical Doctor who has been practicing since 1993. He graduated from The University of Kansas in Lawrence KS and completed his residency at the Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry in Topeka, KS. Dr. Menninger has been a Staff Psychiatrist at multiple hospitals in the state, along with being Chairman for the Department of Psychiatry at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Menninger believes in a holistic approach to psychiatric care, which includes treating the body and the mind, by using the basics of good health.

The Mind Clinic Of Kansas City
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Overland Park, KS 66210
Our ideal client battles adjustment, acute or chronic anxiety and depression, impacting daily life due to intrusive thoughts and low mood. Yearns for stability and relief from emotional turmoil. Requires personalized medication management for symptom control. Aspires to emotional balance, enhanced daily life, renewed motivation. Seeks effective meds with minimal side effects for better quality of life and emotional well-being. Aims to regain control, build relationships, find purpose.
Our ideal client battles adjustment, acute or chronic anxiety and depression, impacting daily life due to intrusive thoughts and low mood. Yearns for stability and relief from emotional turmoil. Requires personalized medication management for symptom control. Aspires to emotional balance, enhanced daily life, renewed motivation. Seeks effective meds with minimal side effects for better quality of life and emotional well-being. Aims to regain control, build relationships, find purpose.

Stock Health for Mental Balance
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, AGNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Overland Park, KS 66223
I am a dual-certified nurse practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice who has been delivering comprehensive healthcare services since 2002. With a commitment to excellence, specializing in evidence-based practice methods with down to earth personality. My diverse experience spans various settings, including primary care, community health at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), correctional health, and hospitals. I firmly believe in a Maslow approach to healthcare, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
I am a dual-certified nurse practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice who has been delivering comprehensive healthcare services since 2002. With a commitment to excellence, specializing in evidence-based practice methods with down to earth personality. My diverse experience spans various settings, including primary care, community health at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), correctional health, and hospitals. I firmly believe in a Maslow approach to healthcare, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Nancy Pierce is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Family Mental Health for child, adolescent, and adults. Ms. Pierce received her MSN degree in 2001 from the University of Kansas and completed both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner programs. Ms. Pierce has worked in almost all areas of nursing, including school nursing. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, treatment plans and ongoing medication management, if needed. She works with ages 560. Her special interests are in the areas of Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, and Attention Deficit Disorder.
Nancy Pierce is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Family Mental Health for child, adolescent, and adults. Ms. Pierce received her MSN degree in 2001 from the University of Kansas and completed both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner programs. Ms. Pierce has worked in almost all areas of nursing, including school nursing. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, treatment plans and ongoing medication management, if needed. She works with ages 560. Her special interests are in the areas of Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, and Attention Deficit Disorder.

I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and longtime healthcare professional in the Kansas city community, it is my passion to help you succeed in your mental health journey with empathy and understanding. I use evidence based approaches to help people to find their unique path forward. Everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life and if you are struggling, am here to help you in your journey. When providing care, I maintain an attitude of acceptance of the client and work to encourage growth towards wellness.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and longtime healthcare professional in the Kansas city community, it is my passion to help you succeed in your mental health journey with empathy and understanding. I use evidence based approaches to help people to find their unique path forward. Everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life and if you are struggling, am here to help you in your journey. When providing care, I maintain an attitude of acceptance of the client and work to encourage growth towards wellness.

I enjoy caring for moms, especially new moms. One of the things that pushed me into seeking more information about being a mental health provider was the great need for improved care during the peripartum period. I want to focus on caring for pregnant and post-partum parents. With my experience as a NICU nurse and a mom, I have a lot to offer in this area. I am also trained in Perinatal Mood Disorders by Postpartum Support International.
I enjoy caring for moms, especially new moms. One of the things that pushed me into seeking more information about being a mental health provider was the great need for improved care during the peripartum period. I want to focus on caring for pregnant and post-partum parents. With my experience as a NICU nurse and a mom, I have a lot to offer in this area. I am also trained in Perinatal Mood Disorders by Postpartum Support International.

Laura Young
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, NP
Verified Verified
Overland Park, KS 66210
Laura Young is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, practicing since 2021 and is accepting new patients. Laura was born and raised in the Kansas City area. Her post high school education began at Kansas City Kansas Community College, obtaining her Associates of Science in Nursing in 2009 at the young age of 20 years old on a presidential scholarship awarded from high school. She then went on to working as a bedside nurse for over 12 years. Laura went back to college, obtaining her Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2018 while continuing to work at the bedside.
Laura Young is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, practicing since 2021 and is accepting new patients. Laura was born and raised in the Kansas City area. Her post high school education began at Kansas City Kansas Community College, obtaining her Associates of Science in Nursing in 2009 at the young age of 20 years old on a presidential scholarship awarded from high school. She then went on to working as a bedside nurse for over 12 years. Laura went back to college, obtaining her Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2018 while continuing to work at the bedside.

Yesenia Olmedo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, NP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Overland Park, KS 66223
Waitlist for new clients
I am currently not accepting new clients due to my upcoming maternity leave in January. I will resume seeing clients in March. If interested, please visit my webpage in February to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to be seen at that time frame.
Do you feel like your medication visits feel rushed? Are you tired of not being considered as a WHOLE person? I provide a holistic approach to care and take a collaborative approach with you to maximize your health outcomes. I am passionate about caring for the whole person, considering each person’s individual life experiences and cultural backgrounds.
I am currently not accepting new clients due to my upcoming maternity leave in January. I will resume seeing clients in March. If interested, please visit my webpage in February to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to be seen at that time frame.
Do you feel like your medication visits feel rushed? Are you tired of not being considered as a WHOLE person? I provide a holistic approach to care and take a collaborative approach with you to maximize your health outcomes. I am passionate about caring for the whole person, considering each person’s individual life experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Calm KC Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Lenexa, KS 66215
Hello! I am glad you made it here. Mental Health can make it challenging to seek help. I am happy you are trying to improve your mental health by looking for a psychiatric provider. Reaching out is the first step to recovery. I have made it easy for you to book an appointment with me through online scheduling. Feel free to call me or email me as well. I look forward to getting to know you as your psychiatric provider and working together to meet your needs and goals.
Hello! I am glad you made it here. Mental Health can make it challenging to seek help. I am happy you are trying to improve your mental health by looking for a psychiatric provider. Reaching out is the first step to recovery. I have made it easy for you to book an appointment with me through online scheduling. Feel free to call me or email me as well. I look forward to getting to know you as your psychiatric provider and working together to meet your needs and goals.

Hi there, I'm Amanda! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about providing mental health care to improve the lives of individuals.
Hi there, I'm Amanda! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about providing mental health care to improve the lives of individuals.

Mental health issues vary widely from anxiety and depression to complex mood and developmental disorders, each carrying unique challenges and needs. The overarching goal in psychiatric care is to alleviate distress and enhance functioning through individualized treatment plans. This typically involves a combination of medication management to address biological aspects and therapeutic interventions to tackle behavioral and emotional facets. Patients' needs also include understanding their conditions, reducing stigma, and integrating coping strategies into daily life.
Mental health issues vary widely from anxiety and depression to complex mood and developmental disorders, each carrying unique challenges and needs. The overarching goal in psychiatric care is to alleviate distress and enhance functioning through individualized treatment plans. This typically involves a combination of medication management to address biological aspects and therapeutic interventions to tackle behavioral and emotional facets. Patients' needs also include understanding their conditions, reducing stigma, and integrating coping strategies into daily life.

Steven Rains NP LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Prairie Village, KS 66208
My patient care is built on empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices. I believe that every person has a unique story which deserves individualized care. I became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to treat emotional pain, assist clients and their families adapt to mental health changes, and to normalize mental health in our community. I use a team-based approach to mental health where the client’s experience and the provider’s skills meet to create the greatest results.
My patient care is built on empathy, compassion, and evidence-based practices. I believe that every person has a unique story which deserves individualized care. I became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to treat emotional pain, assist clients and their families adapt to mental health changes, and to normalize mental health in our community. I use a team-based approach to mental health where the client’s experience and the provider’s skills meet to create the greatest results.
See more therapy options for Johnson County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Johnson County, KS
90+
Average cost per session
$155
Psychiatrists in Johnson County, KS who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
78% | Medication Management |
77% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | ADHD |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Aetna |
82% | Cigna and Evernorth |
75% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Johnson County, KS see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
26% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Johnson 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.