Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an impressive 18-year career in Psychiatric nursing. Combining extensive clinical experience with a Master's degree in Public Health, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to mental health care. My diverse background allows me to approach clients holistically, addressing individual and community-wide mental health concerns. I work best with clients aged 6 and up who are seeking compassionate, stigma-free mental health care. My ideal clients may struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, SUD, PTSD, and insomnia, and other disorders.
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an impressive 18-year career in Psychiatric nursing. Combining extensive clinical experience with a Master's degree in Public Health, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to mental health care. My diverse background allows me to approach clients holistically, addressing individual and community-wide mental health concerns. I work best with clients aged 6 and up who are seeking compassionate, stigma-free mental health care. My ideal clients may struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, SUD, PTSD, and insomnia, and other disorders.
LifeSupport Skills Mental Health Group,
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MSN/MA, PMHNP
Raleigh, NC 27616
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) I am an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with an experience of over 22 years of healthcare experience, specialized in mental health to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions, providing therapy, prescribing medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. To mention but a few, I treat individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders and many more.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) I am an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with an experience of over 22 years of healthcare experience, specialized in mental health to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions, providing therapy, prescribing medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. To mention but a few, I treat individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders and many more.
My ideal client is anyone seeking support for their mental health at any stage of life—children, teens, adults, or older adults. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in mood, distracted, or not quite like yourself, and unsure where to turn. Some people are new to psychiatric care, while others are looking for a fresh perspective after past treatment. You want to feel listened to, respected, and involved in your care. My goal is to provide thoughtful evaluation, clear guidance, and personalized, evidence-based treatment so you can feel more stable, confident, and supported moving forward.
My ideal client is anyone seeking support for their mental health at any stage of life—children, teens, adults, or older adults. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in mood, distracted, or not quite like yourself, and unsure where to turn. Some people are new to psychiatric care, while others are looking for a fresh perspective after past treatment. You want to feel listened to, respected, and involved in your care. My goal is to provide thoughtful evaluation, clear guidance, and personalized, evidence-based treatment so you can feel more stable, confident, and supported moving forward.
Dr. Heg Nataraja has a holistic approach to mental health care, considering each patient’s psychological, biological, and cultural background. He combines insight-oriented psychotherapy with medication management and partners with patients to develop evidence-based treatment plans. Dr. Nataraja ensures patients actively participate in creating their treatment path, empowering them to take ownership of their healing.
Dr. Heg Nataraja has a holistic approach to mental health care, considering each patient’s psychological, biological, and cultural background. He combines insight-oriented psychotherapy with medication management and partners with patients to develop evidence-based treatment plans. Dr. Nataraja ensures patients actively participate in creating their treatment path, empowering them to take ownership of their healing.
LGBTQ+ friendly provider. Works with Adults and Teenagers. In-office or telehealth med management. - Our brains sometimes do things that don't make sense or feel fair. I work primarily in medication management, but I also really enjoy talking about how brains work and how to work with them to help people feel more satisfied with life. I have particular interest working with individuals around issues of ADHD, disordered eating, OCD, generalized and social anxiety.
LGBTQ+ friendly provider. Works with Adults and Teenagers. In-office or telehealth med management. - Our brains sometimes do things that don't make sense or feel fair. I work primarily in medication management, but I also really enjoy talking about how brains work and how to work with them to help people feel more satisfied with life. I have particular interest working with individuals around issues of ADHD, disordered eating, OCD, generalized and social anxiety.
Hi, I'm Crystal, nurse practitioner and founder of Restorative Mindset & Behavior Institute PLLC. At Restorative Mindset & Behavior Institute, we help you build resilience and achieve emotional well-being. Using personalized, evidence-based techniques, we support you in overcoming stress, anxiety, or relationship challenges. Our goal is to create a safe space for growth, empowering you with practical tools for lasting change. If you're ready to restore your mindset and live a more balanced, fulfilling life, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Serving clients in North Carolina, Virginia, & Texas.
Hi, I'm Crystal, nurse practitioner and founder of Restorative Mindset & Behavior Institute PLLC. At Restorative Mindset & Behavior Institute, we help you build resilience and achieve emotional well-being. Using personalized, evidence-based techniques, we support you in overcoming stress, anxiety, or relationship challenges. Our goal is to create a safe space for growth, empowering you with practical tools for lasting change. If you're ready to restore your mindset and live a more balanced, fulfilling life, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Serving clients in North Carolina, Virginia, & Texas.
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
I work best with individuals seeking a long-term, collaborative treatment relationship. You may be open to learning more about your mental health diagnoses and treatment options and want to be actively engaged in your care. You might benefit from both medication management and psychotherapy and are looking for a provider who can thoughtfully integrate both. Your mental health concerns may feel like barriers to reaching personal, academic, or professional goals, and you’re seeking support that helps you better understand yourself, clarify priorities, and move toward those goals with intention and compassionate support.
I work best with individuals seeking a long-term, collaborative treatment relationship. You may be open to learning more about your mental health diagnoses and treatment options and want to be actively engaged in your care. You might benefit from both medication management and psychotherapy and are looking for a provider who can thoughtfully integrate both. Your mental health concerns may feel like barriers to reaching personal, academic, or professional goals, and you’re seeking support that helps you better understand yourself, clarify priorities, and move toward those goals with intention and compassionate support.
As a psychiatric physician assistant, I believe healing begins with feeling truly heard and understood. I strive to create a welcoming and nonjudgemental environment where my patients can express themselves openly, about their challenges and goals.
As a psychiatric physician assistant, I believe healing begins with feeling truly heard and understood. I strive to create a welcoming and nonjudgemental environment where my patients can express themselves openly, about their challenges and goals.
The brain is an organ where specialized treatment and medications may be needed to help restore physiological balance and correct functioning. Keeping all aspects of each individual in mind, I prescribe medications when needed and work with the team of therapists at LifeCare so together, we can address the whole person. Therapy can be an effective tool in restoring the soul, which has a direct impact on the well-being of our mind, will, and emotional state. Therapy can also allow us to clearly map out a spiritual path and help us maintain an active relationship with God.
The brain is an organ where specialized treatment and medications may be needed to help restore physiological balance and correct functioning. Keeping all aspects of each individual in mind, I prescribe medications when needed and work with the team of therapists at LifeCare so together, we can address the whole person. Therapy can be an effective tool in restoring the soul, which has a direct impact on the well-being of our mind, will, and emotional state. Therapy can also allow us to clearly map out a spiritual path and help us maintain an active relationship with God.
Are you struggling to hold it all together while dealing with depression or anxiety? Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just surviving instead of thriving? You deserve to feel more balanced, in control, and like yourself again. Whether you're dealing with persistent sadness, worry, trauma, substance use challenges, or mood instability, you're not alone and lasting change is possible. I specialize in medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related disorders, and dual diagnosis, using evidence-based approaches designed to help you move from surviving to thriving.
Are you struggling to hold it all together while dealing with depression or anxiety? Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just surviving instead of thriving? You deserve to feel more balanced, in control, and like yourself again. Whether you're dealing with persistent sadness, worry, trauma, substance use challenges, or mood instability, you're not alone and lasting change is possible. I specialize in medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma-related disorders, and dual diagnosis, using evidence-based approaches designed to help you move from surviving to thriving.
Dr. Scott Griffies's interest in the relationship between the brain and body furthered his pursuit of a career in psychiatry. Dr. Griffies provides medication management, group mind-brain-body skills, and psychoeducation. He sees patients with psychological aspects of medical and surgical conditions in oncology, rheumatology, endocrine, neurology, physical medicine, and pain (non-opiate treatments).
Dr. Scott Griffies's interest in the relationship between the brain and body furthered his pursuit of a career in psychiatry. Dr. Griffies provides medication management, group mind-brain-body skills, and psychoeducation. He sees patients with psychological aspects of medical and surgical conditions in oncology, rheumatology, endocrine, neurology, physical medicine, and pain (non-opiate treatments).
Bravo Mental Wellness PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27615
Waitlist for new clients
Life is HARD. We are not naturally adapted to live the lives we are currently expected to live (think hours in front of the computer, limited time outside, isolation from others). Given this, it isn’t surprising that the CDC estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in any given year. However, there is help and hope! Research shows that individuals with mental health conditions do best when they receive a combination of medication and therapy. Let us help you with your psychiatric medication needs. You deserve to ENJOY life!
Life is HARD. We are not naturally adapted to live the lives we are currently expected to live (think hours in front of the computer, limited time outside, isolation from others). Given this, it isn’t surprising that the CDC estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in any given year. However, there is help and hope! Research shows that individuals with mental health conditions do best when they receive a combination of medication and therapy. Let us help you with your psychiatric medication needs. You deserve to ENJOY life!
I have a warm, accepting and inviting approach to individualized patient centered care. I am committed to working with my clients to help them recapture control over their lives. Every person is unique and requires personalized clinical management tailored specifically to their needs. The greatest success comes from working together harmonizing the best treatment plan to meet the identified goals. I don't focus on labels; I focus on the person sitting before me. My goal is to empower you to take back control of your physical and emotional health.
I have a warm, accepting and inviting approach to individualized patient centered care. I am committed to working with my clients to help them recapture control over their lives. Every person is unique and requires personalized clinical management tailored specifically to their needs. The greatest success comes from working together harmonizing the best treatment plan to meet the identified goals. I don't focus on labels; I focus on the person sitting before me. My goal is to empower you to take back control of your physical and emotional health.
Hello! I am a double board-certified psychiatrist (Child/Adolescent and General Psychiatry) with a Master's in Psychopharmacology from Harvard. I specialize in complex cases—difficult to treat Depression, OCD, Anxiety and OCD. I work hard to blend listening with medication management and thinking outside the box. I reject "assembly-line" psychiatry. Instead, I combine clinical precision with deep curiosity, utilizing advanced tools like GeneSight pharmacogenetics and TMS to tailor a plan to your unique biology. Whether you are a parent or an adult, I can help you finally find relief. (Plus, you'll meet Bear, my therapy Corgi!)
Hello! I am a double board-certified psychiatrist (Child/Adolescent and General Psychiatry) with a Master's in Psychopharmacology from Harvard. I specialize in complex cases—difficult to treat Depression, OCD, Anxiety and OCD. I work hard to blend listening with medication management and thinking outside the box. I reject "assembly-line" psychiatry. Instead, I combine clinical precision with deep curiosity, utilizing advanced tools like GeneSight pharmacogenetics and TMS to tailor a plan to your unique biology. Whether you are a parent or an adult, I can help you finally find relief. (Plus, you'll meet Bear, my therapy Corgi!)
Currently accepting patients! A graduate of UNC-CH, MUSC, and USC, Dr. Edelson is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who specializes in mood and anxiety disorders and takes a thoughtful, collaborative, and family-based approach to care. While especially trained to work with young people, he enjoys supporting patients of all ages.
Currently accepting patients! A graduate of UNC-CH, MUSC, and USC, Dr. Edelson is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who specializes in mood and anxiety disorders and takes a thoughtful, collaborative, and family-based approach to care. While especially trained to work with young people, he enjoys supporting patients of all ages.
Are you exhausted, but your brain simply won't let you sleep? My ideal clients are adults struggling with chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, burnout, or anxiety. When sleep suffers, frustration spills into every part of your day—worsening your mood and focus. You may feel stuck in a vicious cycle of daytime exhaustion and nighttime racing thoughts. You don't have to navigate this alone. As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help uncover the biological and emotional roots of your sleeplessness so you can truly rest, offering psychotherapy and medical care.
(Note: Please click the "Website" button to complete the pre-screening form).
Are you exhausted, but your brain simply won't let you sleep? My ideal clients are adults struggling with chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, burnout, or anxiety. When sleep suffers, frustration spills into every part of your day—worsening your mood and focus. You may feel stuck in a vicious cycle of daytime exhaustion and nighttime racing thoughts. You don't have to navigate this alone. As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help uncover the biological and emotional roots of your sleeplessness so you can truly rest, offering psychotherapy and medical care.
(Note: Please click the "Website" button to complete the pre-screening form).
I’m a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and improve their mental wellness. At Glow Mind Care, I provide compassionate, evidence-based medication management and support for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. My approach is collaborative and respectful, with a focus on personalized care that empowers you to thrive. In your first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and discuss what brings you in. I’ll ask questions about your mental health history, current concerns, and goals for treatment.
I’m a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and improve their mental wellness. At Glow Mind Care, I provide compassionate, evidence-based medication management and support for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. My approach is collaborative and respectful, with a focus on personalized care that empowers you to thrive. In your first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and discuss what brings you in. I’ll ask questions about your mental health history, current concerns, and goals for treatment.
I use a complete approach to patient care, with emphasis on providing psychoeducation to patients and their families on the mind-body connection. I encourage my patients to be active advocates and participants in their treatment planning and care, including the use of complementary and natural therapies. I am also a strong proponent of optimizing outcomes through the concurrent use of therapy and mindfulness training in addition to pharmacological and other treatments. I appreciate working with all types of individuals and their unique concerns.
I use a complete approach to patient care, with emphasis on providing psychoeducation to patients and their families on the mind-body connection. I encourage my patients to be active advocates and participants in their treatment planning and care, including the use of complementary and natural therapies. I am also a strong proponent of optimizing outcomes through the concurrent use of therapy and mindfulness training in addition to pharmacological and other treatments. I appreciate working with all types of individuals and their unique concerns.
I currently work with adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression who have not found adequate relief from medication or traditional therapy alone. You may feel stuck, discouraged, or exhausted after trying multiple approaches without lasting improvement. You’re seeking a science-backed option that targets depression at the brain level and offers hope for meaningful change. Your goal may be to reduce depressive symptoms, improve daily functioning, and regain motivation, clarity, and quality of life through a non-invasive treatment designed specifically for depression that has not responded to standard care.
I currently work with adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression who have not found adequate relief from medication or traditional therapy alone. You may feel stuck, discouraged, or exhausted after trying multiple approaches without lasting improvement. You’re seeking a science-backed option that targets depression at the brain level and offers hope for meaningful change. Your goal may be to reduce depressive symptoms, improve daily functioning, and regain motivation, clarity, and quality of life through a non-invasive treatment designed specifically for depression that has not responded to standard care.
See more therapy options for Raleigh
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC
300+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC who prioritize treating:
| 93% | Anxiety |
| 92% | Depression |
| 85% | ADHD |
| 80% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 75% | Medication Management |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 94% | Aetna |
| 89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 87% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC see their clients
| 62% | In Person and Online | |
| 38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 77% | Female | |
| 23% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Raleigh?
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.


