Psychiatrists in Duluth, MN

Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.

Does it feel like nothing is working, and you're exhausted from trying? I get it! My patients love TMS, a gentle, non-invasive treatment that’s 7 times more effective than medication. It’s NOTHING like ECT — no sedation, no downtime, just a simple 15-minute session that fits into your day. TMS builds brain cells with small pulses, and helps with a variety of symptoms that co-occur with depression. I help patients who are ready for an alternative to the same-old treatments that aren't "really working anyway."
Does it feel like nothing is working, and you're exhausted from trying? I get it! My patients love TMS, a gentle, non-invasive treatment that’s 7 times more effective than medication. It’s NOTHING like ECT — no sedation, no downtime, just a simple 15-minute session that fits into your day. TMS builds brain cells with small pulses, and helps with a variety of symptoms that co-occur with depression. I help patients who are ready for an alternative to the same-old treatments that aren't "really working anyway."

As an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric medication evaluations and management, as well as Sexuality Counseling and Education Services to clients at Inner Fokus. My clinical foundation lies within my background as a psychiatric nurse practitioner providing psychiatric medication evaluation and management services. Medication with psychotherapy can provide many people with the highest standard of care. It is a big decision to incorporate medication into your psychological care, but the modalities are complementary, and usually lead to the most significant clinical improvement. Each medication appointment involves a complete assessment of symptoms, diagnosis, and collaborative discussion about treatment recommendations.
As an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric medication evaluations and management, as well as Sexuality Counseling and Education Services to clients at Inner Fokus. My clinical foundation lies within my background as a psychiatric nurse practitioner providing psychiatric medication evaluation and management services. Medication with psychotherapy can provide many people with the highest standard of care. It is a big decision to incorporate medication into your psychological care, but the modalities are complementary, and usually lead to the most significant clinical improvement. Each medication appointment involves a complete assessment of symptoms, diagnosis, and collaborative discussion about treatment recommendations.

Ample Grace Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Duluth, MN 55802
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.

What I love about psychiatry is helping you return to your True North. We work together to identify symptoms causing difficulty. We create a treatment plan that is based on your most deeply held beliefs, values, and principles. We celebrate when your symptoms lessen and you feel yourself moving back towards your True North.
What I love about psychiatry is helping you return to your True North. We work together to identify symptoms causing difficulty. We create a treatment plan that is based on your most deeply held beliefs, values, and principles. We celebrate when your symptoms lessen and you feel yourself moving back towards your True North.

Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.

We all tend to seek help when what we are doing is no longer working, or we feel stuck , dissatisfied or our life is out of control, or someone we care about says that we should get help. I view these pivotal moments as potential moments of alchemy, if we are willing to be mindful with what is, staying with our experience and working through it. Remaining mindFUL allows the experience to teach us what we are supposed to learn, if we are open to it. I am here to support you as you go through your journey, face your challenges, identify patterns with you that keep you feel stuck so that you can be more free to be your best self.
We all tend to seek help when what we are doing is no longer working, or we feel stuck , dissatisfied or our life is out of control, or someone we care about says that we should get help. I view these pivotal moments as potential moments of alchemy, if we are willing to be mindful with what is, staying with our experience and working through it. Remaining mindFUL allows the experience to teach us what we are supposed to learn, if we are open to it. I am here to support you as you go through your journey, face your challenges, identify patterns with you that keep you feel stuck so that you can be more free to be your best self.

I am accepting new patients in MN; I offer telehealth and in person appointments.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. With experience treating both children and adults, I am committed to delivering comprehensive, personalized care that fosters healing and long-term recovery.
I am accepting new patients in MN; I offer telehealth and in person appointments.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. With experience treating both children and adults, I am committed to delivering comprehensive, personalized care that fosters healing and long-term recovery.

Ample Grace Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Duluth, MN 55812
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.

Let’s talk about change - real, lasting change that starts from the ground up. I believe in a personalized, patient-centered approach where your concerns are heard, your experiences matter, and your treatment is tailored specifically to you. Together, we will work to find the most accurate diagnosis and the best medication or alternative treatments that fit your unique needs. Through a foundation of trust, respect, and open communication, I am committed to treating you as a whole person (not just a diagnosis) so you can feel supported, empowered, and on the path to better mental wellness.
Let’s talk about change - real, lasting change that starts from the ground up. I believe in a personalized, patient-centered approach where your concerns are heard, your experiences matter, and your treatment is tailored specifically to you. Together, we will work to find the most accurate diagnosis and the best medication or alternative treatments that fit your unique needs. Through a foundation of trust, respect, and open communication, I am committed to treating you as a whole person (not just a diagnosis) so you can feel supported, empowered, and on the path to better mental wellness.

VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Duluth, MN 55808
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Minnesota patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking for a holistic approach to proper diagnoses and treatment using the safest prescribing principles in addition to complementary and integrative offerings. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. Accepting most major insurances plans. Affordable out-of-pocket rates.
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Minnesota patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking for a holistic approach to proper diagnoses and treatment using the safest prescribing principles in addition to complementary and integrative offerings. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. Accepting most major insurances plans. Affordable out-of-pocket rates.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Tele-health only. Have you ever felt rushed through a mental health med visit? Have you ever felt like "just" a diagnosis or collection of symptoms? You are more than that: You are a complex and whole human being and you have a right to be seen. You also have a right to mental wellbeing - the ability to experience and move through all normal human emotions (happiness, anger, sadness, anxiety) with the energy and motivation to do the things you need and want to do.
Tele-health only. Have you ever felt rushed through a mental health med visit? Have you ever felt like "just" a diagnosis or collection of symptoms? You are more than that: You are a complex and whole human being and you have a right to be seen. You also have a right to mental wellbeing - the ability to experience and move through all normal human emotions (happiness, anger, sadness, anxiety) with the energy and motivation to do the things you need and want to do.

I believe that every individual and circumstance is unique, therefore a unique approach of care will result in the best possible outcome. Understanding the cultural, religious, psychological, and social characteristics of a patient and their family dynamic is of utmost importance when providing mental health care. I am accepting new patients ages 10+ for Medication management and Psychotherapy. Areas of focus include, but is not limited to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Psychosis and Adjustment Disorders.
I believe that every individual and circumstance is unique, therefore a unique approach of care will result in the best possible outcome. Understanding the cultural, religious, psychological, and social characteristics of a patient and their family dynamic is of utmost importance when providing mental health care. I am accepting new patients ages 10+ for Medication management and Psychotherapy. Areas of focus include, but is not limited to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Psychosis and Adjustment Disorders.

My website is mentalhealthmeds.org. You can self-schedule on the website. If you are considering medications, I can help with this decision. I know how badly mental health symptoms can feel. In 2010, I had a serious depressive episode; it so affected me that I changed my career path. The cause of mental illness is not yet fully understood. It is thought that both biology and stress can contribute to the development of mental illness symptoms. I have been told my greatest strength is my ability to listen and hear what is being said.
My website is mentalhealthmeds.org. You can self-schedule on the website. If you are considering medications, I can help with this decision. I know how badly mental health symptoms can feel. In 2010, I had a serious depressive episode; it so affected me that I changed my career path. The cause of mental illness is not yet fully understood. It is thought that both biology and stress can contribute to the development of mental illness symptoms. I have been told my greatest strength is my ability to listen and hear what is being said.

My ideal client is someone seeking holistic, personalized care to improve their mental and physical well-being. They may be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health challenges. Their needs include understanding their health, managing symptoms effectively, and achieving balance in their lives. Their goals often involve regaining control, enhancing their quality of life, and feeling empowered to take charge of their health journey. They want a provider who listens, collaborates, and offers clear guidance to help them reach their full potential.
My ideal client is someone seeking holistic, personalized care to improve their mental and physical well-being. They may be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health challenges. Their needs include understanding their health, managing symptoms effectively, and achieving balance in their lives. Their goals often involve regaining control, enhancing their quality of life, and feeling empowered to take charge of their health journey. They want a provider who listens, collaborates, and offers clear guidance to help them reach their full potential.

Christina is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in providing psychiatric evaluation and medication management and therapy services. She has specialty training in perinatal mental health and also cares for those with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, psychosis and all other mental health conditions.
Christina is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in providing psychiatric evaluation and medication management and therapy services. She has specialty training in perinatal mental health and also cares for those with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, psychosis and all other mental health conditions.

Our mental health plays a key role in maintaining balance in our daily lives. I can help you find balance in your mental health. My goal is to help you handle your interpretation and response to your daily stressors to help improve your overall wellbeing. I can assist you through psychotherapy or prescriptive medications. In my spare time I enjoy relaxing by watching the oceans and rivers. My interpretation of life is like the ocean waves coming to shore, it is always a different wave symbolic for our opportunity to make a difference daily.
Our mental health plays a key role in maintaining balance in our daily lives. I can help you find balance in your mental health. My goal is to help you handle your interpretation and response to your daily stressors to help improve your overall wellbeing. I can assist you through psychotherapy or prescriptive medications. In my spare time I enjoy relaxing by watching the oceans and rivers. My interpretation of life is like the ocean waves coming to shore, it is always a different wave symbolic for our opportunity to make a difference daily.

Jessica Denning
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CNP, PMHNP, PHN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I empower patients that are motivated for treatment who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and bipolar spectrum disorders learn how to regulate their emotions, find pleasure in the little things, and live their best life. I do this by taking the time to Truly Listen and offer a personalized integrative treatment plan including medications, supplements, and lifestyle coaching. I also specialize in working with healthcare workers who are struggling with burnout.
I empower patients that are motivated for treatment who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and bipolar spectrum disorders learn how to regulate their emotions, find pleasure in the little things, and live their best life. I do this by taking the time to Truly Listen and offer a personalized integrative treatment plan including medications, supplements, and lifestyle coaching. I also specialize in working with healthcare workers who are struggling with burnout.

At Maple Psychiatry, I help children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with self acceptance, worry, irritability, sadness and difficulty in relationships who crave change for themselves. If you are creative and open to trying new things in order to change and grow, we will work great together!
At Maple Psychiatry, I help children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with self acceptance, worry, irritability, sadness and difficulty in relationships who crave change for themselves. If you are creative and open to trying new things in order to change and grow, we will work great together!

Emerald Bridge Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a dual-certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, I am deeply committed to providing holistic and compassionate care to adults navigating the complexities of mental and physical health challenges. Mental well-being and physical health are deeply intertwined and I take pride in offering comprehensive treatment that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
As a dual-certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, I am deeply committed to providing holistic and compassionate care to adults navigating the complexities of mental and physical health challenges. Mental well-being and physical health are deeply intertwined and I take pride in offering comprehensive treatment that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
See more therapy options for Duluth
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Duluth, MN
20+
Average cost per session
$172
Psychiatrists in Duluth, MN who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
88% | Medication Management |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | Sleep or Insomnia |
64% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | Optum |
75% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Duluth, MN see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
91% | Female | |
9% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Duluth?
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.