Psychiatrists in Suttons Bay, MI
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Dr. Riegel strives to provide a safe and welcoming space to begin your journey of healing. He values the patient experience. He is always impressed with patient’s insights, determination and internal resilience to overcome the issues that they are faced with. He recognizes that beginning this journey can be a very difficult process. He tries to make this as comfortable as possible with a safe and welcoming approach. He values the individuality of each patient’s journey. To schedule an appointment or for questions please visit my website at https://andrewriegel.com. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Dr. Riegel strives to provide a safe and welcoming space to begin your journey of healing. He values the patient experience. He is always impressed with patient’s insights, determination and internal resilience to overcome the issues that they are faced with. He recognizes that beginning this journey can be a very difficult process. He tries to make this as comfortable as possible with a safe and welcoming approach. He values the individuality of each patient’s journey. To schedule an appointment or for questions please visit my website at https://andrewriegel.com. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Online Psychiatrists
Marie Stevens
Physician Assistant, DPA, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petoskey, MI 49770 (Online Only)
Hi! I am a PA in psychiatry and am accepting new clients remotely. Remote visits are convenient and allow you to take the appointment from your phone or home according to your schedule. Have you been diagnosed with or suspect that you have anxiety, depression, insomnia? Do you desire wellness and peace, but find that there are obstacles that are difficult to navigate. Obstacles such as ADHD, OCD, or mood swings. Have you felt unheard or misunderstood by doctors and therapists? Or do you want to figure out what's going on with your thoughts and/or behaviors? Here is where you'll find support for change!
Hi! I am a PA in psychiatry and am accepting new clients remotely. Remote visits are convenient and allow you to take the appointment from your phone or home according to your schedule. Have you been diagnosed with or suspect that you have anxiety, depression, insomnia? Do you desire wellness and peace, but find that there are obstacles that are difficult to navigate. Obstacles such as ADHD, OCD, or mood swings. Have you felt unheard or misunderstood by doctors and therapists? Or do you want to figure out what's going on with your thoughts and/or behaviors? Here is where you'll find support for change!
Chris Cummings
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petoskey, MI 49770 (Online Only)
Hi, I am a PA-C that specializes in psychiatry. I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve optimal well-being and am currently accepting new clients for remote appointments, offering convenient access to mental healthcare from the comfort of your own home. My area of expertise focuses on treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. I believe in a holistic approach, incorporating various modalities to create a personalized treatment plan for each client. This may include medication management, therapy techniques, and lifestyle recommendations.
Hi, I am a PA-C that specializes in psychiatry. I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve optimal well-being and am currently accepting new clients for remote appointments, offering convenient access to mental healthcare from the comfort of your own home. My area of expertise focuses on treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. I believe in a holistic approach, incorporating various modalities to create a personalized treatment plan for each client. This may include medication management, therapy techniques, and lifestyle recommendations.
Devan Stevens
Physician Assistant, PA-C, OTR/L
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Petoskey, MI 49770 (Online Only)
Hi, I am a PA in psychiatry and am accepting new clients remotely. Remote visits are convenient and allow you to take the appointment from your phone or home according to your schedule. Have you been diagnosed with or suspect that you have anxiety, depression, or insomnia? Do you desire wellness and peace, but find that there are obstacles that are difficult to navigate. Obstacles such as ADHD, OCD, or mood swings. Have you felt unheard or misunderstood by doctors and therapists? Or do you want to figure out what's going on with your thoughts and/or behaviors.
Hi, I am a PA in psychiatry and am accepting new clients remotely. Remote visits are convenient and allow you to take the appointment from your phone or home according to your schedule. Have you been diagnosed with or suspect that you have anxiety, depression, or insomnia? Do you desire wellness and peace, but find that there are obstacles that are difficult to navigate. Obstacles such as ADHD, OCD, or mood swings. Have you felt unheard or misunderstood by doctors and therapists? Or do you want to figure out what's going on with your thoughts and/or behaviors.
Greg Waltz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
Connecting with each client is a vital part of my practice, knowing each person is valuable, not “just a number“. I find checking in regularly about goals and current satisfaction helps develop a trusting relationship focused on growth. I prioritize working to identify barriers that could hinder progress. Personal mental health, both positive and negative, is multifaceted, which is why I use a holistic approach to treat the whole person, not just symptoms.
Connecting with each client is a vital part of my practice, knowing each person is valuable, not “just a number“. I find checking in regularly about goals and current satisfaction helps develop a trusting relationship focused on growth. I prioritize working to identify barriers that could hinder progress. Personal mental health, both positive and negative, is multifaceted, which is why I use a holistic approach to treat the whole person, not just symptoms.
Rebecca Triana
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MSPAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petoskey, MI 49770 (Online Only)
Hello, I am a PA in psychiatry currently accepting new patients remotely. I am looking forward to helping you to find peace as you grow towards optimal mental health. I have over 25 years of diverse experience. I am very well versed in all seasons of women's issues including parenting/relationship conflict resolution, anxiety depression, OCD, Post Partum issues, adjustment disorders, domestic violence, PTSD, childhood trauma, adult survivors of childhood incest/rape. I offer a holistic approach with individualized medication management, some light focused therapy to help guide you towards becoming your best version of yourself.
Hello, I am a PA in psychiatry currently accepting new patients remotely. I am looking forward to helping you to find peace as you grow towards optimal mental health. I have over 25 years of diverse experience. I am very well versed in all seasons of women's issues including parenting/relationship conflict resolution, anxiety depression, OCD, Post Partum issues, adjustment disorders, domestic violence, PTSD, childhood trauma, adult survivors of childhood incest/rape. I offer a holistic approach with individualized medication management, some light focused therapy to help guide you towards becoming your best version of yourself.
I am a graduate from the Wayne State University/DMC General Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I focus on comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individualized treatment of a variety of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, trauma disorder. My treatment modalities include medication management and supportive therapy. Our sessions will be held over video visits.
I am a graduate from the Wayne State University/DMC General Adult Psychiatry Residency Program. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I focus on comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individualized treatment of a variety of psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, trauma disorder. My treatment modalities include medication management and supportive therapy. Our sessions will be held over video visits.
I take an approach that is comprehensive and holistic, integrating all aspects of wellness and functionality. I am compassionate and listen to my patients, spending time figuring out core challenges they face and how this has contributed to what they are experiencing as well as how we can identify strengths and provide tangible tools to get them better. I utilize personalized medicine to guide treatment recommendations and partner with my patients to develop individualized care plans. Sustainable life changes occur with decision making that is informed and purposeful, guided by an individuals' unique values and goals.
I take an approach that is comprehensive and holistic, integrating all aspects of wellness and functionality. I am compassionate and listen to my patients, spending time figuring out core challenges they face and how this has contributed to what they are experiencing as well as how we can identify strengths and provide tangible tools to get them better. I utilize personalized medicine to guide treatment recommendations and partner with my patients to develop individualized care plans. Sustainable life changes occur with decision making that is informed and purposeful, guided by an individuals' unique values and goals.
Natalie Jones-Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
My practice is deeply rooted in the extensive work I’ve done with typically underserved populations throughout Metro Detroit; people who are HIV positive, LGBTQ+ individuals, victims of sexual assault/trafficking, and those struggling with gender dysphoria. Years of experience, both personally and professionally, have driven me to orient my work around the intersectionalities between mental health and identity. Having worked in both traditional and non-traditional settings, I’m able to adapt my approach and style to unique patients and situations.
My practice is deeply rooted in the extensive work I’ve done with typically underserved populations throughout Metro Detroit; people who are HIV positive, LGBTQ+ individuals, victims of sexual assault/trafficking, and those struggling with gender dysphoria. Years of experience, both personally and professionally, have driven me to orient my work around the intersectionalities between mental health and identity. Having worked in both traditional and non-traditional settings, I’m able to adapt my approach and style to unique patients and situations.
Amanda Tanner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
Medication management is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to overall mental health. Educating patients regarding diet, exercise, and sleep routines is part of every visit. This approach is used to enhance a client's overall well being, not just one component. I take a patient-centered approach to treatment and regularly ask for feedback. Common questions I ask are: How is the treatment going? Are we addressing issues you care about? Do you feel you are making measurable progress?
Medication management is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to overall mental health. Educating patients regarding diet, exercise, and sleep routines is part of every visit. This approach is used to enhance a client's overall well being, not just one component. I take a patient-centered approach to treatment and regularly ask for feedback. Common questions I ask are: How is the treatment going? Are we addressing issues you care about? Do you feel you are making measurable progress?
Alicia J. Lane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Reed City, MI 49677 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My experience includes treating patients with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. I use the most current DSM diagnostic guidelines and evidence-based treatment to help my patients get back to feeling their best. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and my goal is to remove the stigma of mental illness and teach others to make their mental health a priority.
Hello! I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My experience includes treating patients with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. I use the most current DSM diagnostic guidelines and evidence-based treatment to help my patients get back to feeling their best. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and my goal is to remove the stigma of mental illness and teach others to make their mental health a priority.
Angela Schutte
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Petoskey, MI 49770
Angela is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who works collaboratively with patients and families to develop an individualized treatment plan that targets each patient's unique needs. She strongly believes that the best psychiatric treatment combines therapy, lifestyle alterations, and medication when necessary. She offers a holistic approach to mental healthcare, looking at lifestyle choices including exercise, nutrition, and sleep. In addition, she is able to conduct Genesight genetic testing to assess how genes affect the body's ability to benefit from certain medications.
Angela is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who works collaboratively with patients and families to develop an individualized treatment plan that targets each patient's unique needs. She strongly believes that the best psychiatric treatment combines therapy, lifestyle alterations, and medication when necessary. She offers a holistic approach to mental healthcare, looking at lifestyle choices including exercise, nutrition, and sleep. In addition, she is able to conduct Genesight genetic testing to assess how genes affect the body's ability to benefit from certain medications.
Kelly Ryan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRNCNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
Kelly takes a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of adults with medication management in the outpatient setting. She examines root causes, co-existing medical conditions and medications, as well as each individual’s social, emotional and environmental circumstances, to develop an individualized psychiatric-mental health treatment approach that considers the whole person. She is dual board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Family Practice by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Kelly takes a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of adults with medication management in the outpatient setting. She examines root causes, co-existing medical conditions and medications, as well as each individual’s social, emotional and environmental circumstances, to develop an individualized psychiatric-mental health treatment approach that considers the whole person. She is dual board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Family Practice by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Tami Trea
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684 (Online Only)
Do you suffer from Anxiety, Depression, or ADHD? Do you sometimes wonder if what you're feeling is normal? Do you wonder why you are so forgetful, why it's so hard to concentrate, or why you easily get distracted? Or maybe it's hard to get out of bed in the morning, you lack the motivation to participate in life anymore, and you can sometimes be tearful for no reason? Is it hard to fall asleep at night or do you wake up multiple times which leaves you feeling exhausted the next day? Have you experienced trauma that has left you feeling anxious and on edge? You do not have to go through these challenges alone! I would like to help.
Do you suffer from Anxiety, Depression, or ADHD? Do you sometimes wonder if what you're feeling is normal? Do you wonder why you are so forgetful, why it's so hard to concentrate, or why you easily get distracted? Or maybe it's hard to get out of bed in the morning, you lack the motivation to participate in life anymore, and you can sometimes be tearful for no reason? Is it hard to fall asleep at night or do you wake up multiple times which leaves you feeling exhausted the next day? Have you experienced trauma that has left you feeling anxious and on edge? You do not have to go through these challenges alone! I would like to help.
Welcome, I am dedicated to improving access and affordability for mental health services Up North. Weekly, I set aside time for one new in-person appointment in Traverse City to ensure you do not have to wait. Have you been worried, anxious, finding you can't concentrate, sleeping too much or too little, losing pleasure in most activities, or just feeling distressed all of the time? These are often symptoms of anxiety and/or depression that are highly treatable. Did you know since COVID, anxiety and depression have skyrocketed and in 2023, it was estimated that 1 out of 3 adults suffer with mental health challenges.
Welcome, I am dedicated to improving access and affordability for mental health services Up North. Weekly, I set aside time for one new in-person appointment in Traverse City to ensure you do not have to wait. Have you been worried, anxious, finding you can't concentrate, sleeping too much or too little, losing pleasure in most activities, or just feeling distressed all of the time? These are often symptoms of anxiety and/or depression that are highly treatable. Did you know since COVID, anxiety and depression have skyrocketed and in 2023, it was estimated that 1 out of 3 adults suffer with mental health challenges.
Susan McCloskey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Petoskey, MI 49770
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for taking the time to look at my page! I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that specializes in medication management for children, adolescents and young adults. I have worked as a nurse for many years both in a school based setting and in a pediatrics office, and I really enjoy working with this age group. I feel strongly that by partnering with children and their families to address mental health needs at a young age we can make a difference that can affect their development, education, and social growth, as well as help to foster a peaceful family life.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my page! I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that specializes in medication management for children, adolescents and young adults. I have worked as a nurse for many years both in a school based setting and in a pediatrics office, and I really enjoy working with this age group. I feel strongly that by partnering with children and their families to address mental health needs at a young age we can make a difference that can affect their development, education, and social growth, as well as help to foster a peaceful family life.
Laila Marashi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
I specialize in pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatry across diverse diagnoses. I work closely with my patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans specific to their medical and psychiatric needs. My treatment approach is holistic, and patient centered. When appropriate, I believe that medication treatment in mental health is just one piece in the puzzle of achieving optimal wellbeing.
I specialize in pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatry across diverse diagnoses. I work closely with my patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans specific to their medical and psychiatric needs. My treatment approach is holistic, and patient centered. When appropriate, I believe that medication treatment in mental health is just one piece in the puzzle of achieving optimal wellbeing.
Amy Fox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
I strongly believe in treating you as a whole person and taking a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your personal treatment goals. My goal is to truly understand what matters to you and assist you in reaching a state of well-being and wholeness. I place great importance on addressing all aspects of your well-being, including your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, to promote maximum healing. I am committed to empowering you to grow and thrive, using a strength-based approach. I see our relationship as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals.
I strongly believe in treating you as a whole person and taking a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your personal treatment goals. My goal is to truly understand what matters to you and assist you in reaching a state of well-being and wholeness. I place great importance on addressing all aspects of your well-being, including your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, to promote maximum healing. I am committed to empowering you to grow and thrive, using a strength-based approach. I see our relationship as a collaborative partnership, where we work together to achieve your goals.
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Number of Psychiatrists in Suttons Bay, MI
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Psychiatrists in Suttons Bay, MI who prioritize treating:
How Psychiatrists in Suttons Bay, MI see their clients
2% | Online Only | |
1% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Suttons Bay?
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.