Psychiatrists in Daviess County, KY

Dr. Shah is more than your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.
Dr. Shah is more than your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.

Dr. Reisha Lynn Caudill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN , FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Online Only
My specialties include depressive disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and ADHD. I treat clients ages 5 and up with a wide range of psychiatric and mental health issues. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and offer Behavioral/Mental Health services and medication management through Telehealth across all of Kentucky.
My specialties include depressive disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and ADHD. I treat clients ages 5 and up with a wide range of psychiatric and mental health issues. I am LGBTQ+ friendly and offer Behavioral/Mental Health services and medication management through Telehealth across all of Kentucky.

Autumn Shutt is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and offers medication management for adults and adolescents ages 14 and older. Her areas of interest include women's mental health, perinatal mood disorders, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She has specialized training including Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychopharmacology through Postpartum Support International and is a certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider.
Autumn Shutt is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and offers medication management for adults and adolescents ages 14 and older. Her areas of interest include women's mental health, perinatal mood disorders, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She has specialized training including Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychopharmacology through Postpartum Support International and is a certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider.

Donna Joy Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Do you need help with your energy, focus, mood, or sleep? Do you feel overly tired, anxious, overwhelmed, withdrawn, or stressed out ? Donna's mission is to help you feel your best, mentally and physically. Donna is a Psychiatric NP (PMHNP) licensed in Kentucky. Her experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner has especially prepared her to consider underlying medical issues that may affect your mental health. She takes an integrative holistic approach to care, offering medication management, supplement recommendations, and brief supportive psychotherapy.
Do you need help with your energy, focus, mood, or sleep? Do you feel overly tired, anxious, overwhelmed, withdrawn, or stressed out ? Donna's mission is to help you feel your best, mentally and physically. Donna is a Psychiatric NP (PMHNP) licensed in Kentucky. Her experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner has especially prepared her to consider underlying medical issues that may affect your mental health. She takes an integrative holistic approach to care, offering medication management, supplement recommendations, and brief supportive psychotherapy.

Laura Pohl @ Women's Mental Health Specialists
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I’m committed to helping women thrive through life’s challenges with compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs. Specializing in anxiety, depression, and ADHD, I provide support that empowers you to feel your best. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, I’m passionate about guiding women through all stages of mental health, including breastfeeding. Many women receive incorrect information about medication options during this time—I’m here to provide accurate, supportive guidance to ensure your well-being and peace of mind.
I’m committed to helping women thrive through life’s challenges with compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs. Specializing in anxiety, depression, and ADHD, I provide support that empowers you to feel your best. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, I’m passionate about guiding women through all stages of mental health, including breastfeeding. Many women receive incorrect information about medication options during this time—I’m here to provide accurate, supportive guidance to ensure your well-being and peace of mind.

VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Kentucky state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $85-109 Accepting some insurances.
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Kentucky state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $85-109 Accepting some insurances.

Katie Berghausen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, MHA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
*NOW TAKING NEW PATIENTS* Telehealth and Inpatient Appointments* I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with training and experience assessing and treating adults and children focusing on a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, ADHD and addiction recovery. As part of a multidisciplinary team, I work in collaboration with other treatment providers to ensure proper medication management for all patients.
*NOW TAKING NEW PATIENTS* Telehealth and Inpatient Appointments* I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with training and experience assessing and treating adults and children focusing on a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, ADHD and addiction recovery. As part of a multidisciplinary team, I work in collaboration with other treatment providers to ensure proper medication management for all patients.

Generally speaking, and before we talk about you, just let me say that I am here to help. It can be intimidating to think about meeting a psychiatrist for the first time, and I understand that. In fact, I know that some people might find me intimidating, particularly after reading my bio, but I really want to be seen as that kind and gracious doctor who wants to help you. My style as a psychiatrist is to inform you and discuss options while respecting your right to make the decisions that are best for you. Nothing is decided about treatment without your full agreement. Sometimes I will tell a patient that “you are the captain
Generally speaking, and before we talk about you, just let me say that I am here to help. It can be intimidating to think about meeting a psychiatrist for the first time, and I understand that. In fact, I know that some people might find me intimidating, particularly after reading my bio, but I really want to be seen as that kind and gracious doctor who wants to help you. My style as a psychiatrist is to inform you and discuss options while respecting your right to make the decisions that are best for you. Nothing is decided about treatment without your full agreement. Sometimes I will tell a patient that “you are the captain
Online Psychiatrists

Shakaola is an Intuitive Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience in mental health and 11 years of experience as a Provider treating adults. She received her Masters from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Shakaola takes a holistic approach in caring for her clients.
Shakaola is an Intuitive Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience in mental health and 11 years of experience as a Provider treating adults. She received her Masters from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Shakaola takes a holistic approach in caring for her clients.

Hello there, I'm Markquetta! Do you every feel overwhelmed, stressed and drained from daily life and the situations that may arise in it? Are you overthinking, worried, scattered brain, and have racing thoughts? Do you feel sad, moody, and want to isolate yourself from other people? I can help you achieve that sense of calm and mental wellbeing you are searching for.
Hello there, I'm Markquetta! Do you every feel overwhelmed, stressed and drained from daily life and the situations that may arise in it? Are you overthinking, worried, scattered brain, and have racing thoughts? Do you feel sad, moody, and want to isolate yourself from other people? I can help you achieve that sense of calm and mental wellbeing you are searching for.

Cheryl Gore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Bowling Green, KY 42103
Shortly after becoming a nurse in the early 90s, I began working with clients in need of Mental Health Services. Over the years I have held various positions; Staff Nurse to Administrative roles. I have found that I prefer patient care. I have a passion for helping those struggling with mental health issues. I have been a psychiatric nurse for over 25 years; have been practicing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2014. During that time I have worked in a variety of settings: inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, telepsychiatry and currently in private practice.
Shortly after becoming a nurse in the early 90s, I began working with clients in need of Mental Health Services. Over the years I have held various positions; Staff Nurse to Administrative roles. I have found that I prefer patient care. I have a passion for helping those struggling with mental health issues. I have been a psychiatric nurse for over 25 years; have been practicing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2014. During that time I have worked in a variety of settings: inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, telepsychiatry and currently in private practice.

Hello - I am Sarah Parsons DO – a Kentucky based, Christian, triple boarded psychiatrist dedicated to helping others. I offer in-person and tele-psychiatry appointments for patients in KY, IN, and AL. I was born and raised in Lexington, Ky and attended Centre College and Pikeville University School of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed residency in Psychiatry & Neurology at ETSU, in Johnson City, TN. I then completed fellowship in Consult Liaison Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH, specializing in women’s mental health, transplant psychiatry, HIV psychiatry, psychodermatology, psychooncology, and ICU psychiatry.
Hello - I am Sarah Parsons DO – a Kentucky based, Christian, triple boarded psychiatrist dedicated to helping others. I offer in-person and tele-psychiatry appointments for patients in KY, IN, and AL. I was born and raised in Lexington, Ky and attended Centre College and Pikeville University School of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed residency in Psychiatry & Neurology at ETSU, in Johnson City, TN. I then completed fellowship in Consult Liaison Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH, specializing in women’s mental health, transplant psychiatry, HIV psychiatry, psychodermatology, psychooncology, and ICU psychiatry.

At Kentucky Psychiatry we believe YOU ARE IMPORTANT. We are a dynamic office of 5 providers, including Psychiatrist, Psychiatric NPs & Therapists. If you are a senior, a child or an adult we have the ability to understand what you are going through, and we have the professionals with the ability to treat what ails you. You are important. If you are in need of therapy, someone to talk to, someone who can help lead you through the dark times, we can help. If medication is needed, our talented staff of psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioners can help you find your balance. You are important. You deserve to feel good.
At Kentucky Psychiatry we believe YOU ARE IMPORTANT. We are a dynamic office of 5 providers, including Psychiatrist, Psychiatric NPs & Therapists. If you are a senior, a child or an adult we have the ability to understand what you are going through, and we have the professionals with the ability to treat what ails you. You are important. If you are in need of therapy, someone to talk to, someone who can help lead you through the dark times, we can help. If medication is needed, our talented staff of psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioners can help you find your balance. You are important. You deserve to feel good.

Brittney McKendrick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have psychiatry experience in helping in-patient, outpatient, and substance abuse clients. This includes those with; anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I am trained to provide medication management for psychiatric problems throughout the lifespan. I strive to ensure that my clients are educated on their condition, medication, and that they are an active participant in their care-making decisions.
I have psychiatry experience in helping in-patient, outpatient, and substance abuse clients. This includes those with; anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I am trained to provide medication management for psychiatric problems throughout the lifespan. I strive to ensure that my clients are educated on their condition, medication, and that they are an active participant in their care-making decisions.

Cindy Petzke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40204
Hello! I am a caring, knowledgeable healthcare professional with over 28 years of nursing experience. I have been a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 8 years and am experienced with all mental health populations. I am an Air Force Nurse Corp Veteran. I understand military and civilian problems. I understand trauma, individual, and family issues. I enjoy helping all age groups of people.
Hello! I am a caring, knowledgeable healthcare professional with over 28 years of nursing experience. I have been a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 8 years and am experienced with all mental health populations. I am an Air Force Nurse Corp Veteran. I understand military and civilian problems. I understand trauma, individual, and family issues. I enjoy helping all age groups of people.

Chimdiya Osisioma - Now Taking New Patients
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40218
Hello, I'm Chimdiya, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a robust history of assisting adults in managing mood disorders and various mental health challenges. Are you feeling fatigued from pursuing numerous treatments that have failed to provide enduring relief? Do you find yourself grappling with a diminished sense of control over your mental well-being? I invite you to collaborate with me in breaking these recurrent patterns and seeking sustainable solutions. Together, we will delve into the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms, assess any co-occurring conditions, and formulate comprehensive treatments.
Hello, I'm Chimdiya, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a robust history of assisting adults in managing mood disorders and various mental health challenges. Are you feeling fatigued from pursuing numerous treatments that have failed to provide enduring relief? Do you find yourself grappling with a diminished sense of control over your mental well-being? I invite you to collaborate with me in breaking these recurrent patterns and seeking sustainable solutions. Together, we will delve into the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms, assess any co-occurring conditions, and formulate comprehensive treatments.

Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.
Providing appointments 100% online. Accepting new patients with insurance from anywhere in the state of New York or Kentucky! Cash payment is also available. Do you feel lost in a room full of darkness? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? Have you lost joy in what used to be important to you? Are you suffering from anxiety that is preventing you from living your life to the fullest? We can help! At Sunrise Mental Health & Wellness we want to help you find the light in the darkness and bring hope and healing.

I’m Nick. My approach with clients begins with the understanding that every individual is a unique expression of the divine. Using a blend of powerful therapeutic approaches and tools, I guide clients toward profound and meaningful transformation. Ketamine Assisted Therapy is one of these tools, offering a pathway to deep inner healing and rapid growth. This beautiful medicine can align you with your highest potential, fostering shifts that open doors to new possibilities. Together we will address the root cause of distress, reduce reliance on medications, and create space for deep healing and lasting growth.
I’m Nick. My approach with clients begins with the understanding that every individual is a unique expression of the divine. Using a blend of powerful therapeutic approaches and tools, I guide clients toward profound and meaningful transformation. Ketamine Assisted Therapy is one of these tools, offering a pathway to deep inner healing and rapid growth. This beautiful medicine can align you with your highest potential, fostering shifts that open doors to new possibilities. Together we will address the root cause of distress, reduce reliance on medications, and create space for deep healing and lasting growth.

Hello, I'm Sandra Edwards APRN, PMHNP-BC. I began my career in nursing in 1991 and obtained my MSN with a focus on Psychiatry in 2020. I have been practicing since that time seeing patients across the lifespan. I practice a Holistic approach to mental healthcare. I believe it is important to understand the impact whether negative or positive each patient's physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing and challenges impact their mental health. I work with individuals across the lifespan. I have experience with mood disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorder.
Hello, I'm Sandra Edwards APRN, PMHNP-BC. I began my career in nursing in 1991 and obtained my MSN with a focus on Psychiatry in 2020. I have been practicing since that time seeing patients across the lifespan. I practice a Holistic approach to mental healthcare. I believe it is important to understand the impact whether negative or positive each patient's physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing and challenges impact their mental health. I work with individuals across the lifespan. I have experience with mood disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorder.
See more therapy options for Daviess County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Daviess County, KY
< 10
Psychiatrists in Daviess County, KY who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Medication Management |
89% | ADHD |
89% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
89% | Trauma and PTSD |
89% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
75% | Aetna |
75% | Cigna and Evernorth |
75% | TRICARE |
How Psychiatrists in Daviess County, KY see their clients
55% | Online Only | |
45% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Daviess 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.