Psychiatrists in Amlin, OH

Anna Cherri is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ohio University. Anna comes from a very diverse background of caring for patients during periods of stability as well as crisis. She wants clients to know that their diagnosis is not as important as the whole person and their road to recovery and better living, however that may look. Anna never wants clients to feel as though there is a standard treatment protocol that she follows.
Anna Cherri is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ohio University. Anna comes from a very diverse background of caring for patients during periods of stability as well as crisis. She wants clients to know that their diagnosis is not as important as the whole person and their road to recovery and better living, however that may look. Anna never wants clients to feel as though there is a standard treatment protocol that she follows.

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.

Dr. Kyle Resnick completed his psychiatry residency at Cleveland Clinic Akron General / SummaHealth, where he served as chief resident and earned the Intern of the Year award. During residency, Dr. Resnick gained experience working with adults in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospital settings. He earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and undergraduate degrees from Miami University of Ohio in zoology, neuroscience, and classical antiquities. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Kyle Resnick completed his psychiatry residency at Cleveland Clinic Akron General / SummaHealth, where he served as chief resident and earned the Intern of the Year award. During residency, Dr. Resnick gained experience working with adults in outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospital settings. He earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and undergraduate degrees from Miami University of Ohio in zoology, neuroscience, and classical antiquities. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.

Michael Tichy is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing since 2007. He graduated from The Ohio State University, completing his master's degree after an undergraduate study in psychology and a subsequent career in social psychology research. Michael believes in personal autonomy above nearly all else and his focus on treatment is to collaborate with each patient to come up with a plan that suits them best. His areas of interest are primarily the management of anxiety and mood disorders and ADHD, as well as the impact of acute and complex trauma in the manifestation of psychiatric challenges.
Michael Tichy is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing since 2007. He graduated from The Ohio State University, completing his master's degree after an undergraduate study in psychology and a subsequent career in social psychology research. Michael believes in personal autonomy above nearly all else and his focus on treatment is to collaborate with each patient to come up with a plan that suits them best. His areas of interest are primarily the management of anxiety and mood disorders and ADHD, as well as the impact of acute and complex trauma in the manifestation of psychiatric challenges.

Michelle Kotte is a board certified mental health and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is certified from the American Nursing Credential Center. Michelle has 4 years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. Before working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Michelle worked for several years on an inpatient psychiatry unit. Michelle earned her doctorate in nursing from Duke University. She has two master's degrees in nursing from Capital University and The Ohio State University. She received two bachelor's degrees, one in education from Ohio University and one in nursing from Capital University.
Michelle Kotte is a board certified mental health and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is certified from the American Nursing Credential Center. Michelle has 4 years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. Before working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Michelle worked for several years on an inpatient psychiatry unit. Michelle earned her doctorate in nursing from Duke University. She has two master's degrees in nursing from Capital University and The Ohio State University. She received two bachelor's degrees, one in education from Ohio University and one in nursing from Capital University.

Brian Howard is a board certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner whose primary focus is mental health care of clients to promote optimal living within their environment. He received his post-masters as a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Washburn University, his master's in nursing and family nurse practitioner from Eastern Kentucky University, and bachelor's in nursing from McKendree College. He has worked in private practice, emergency medicine, and public health.
Brian Howard is a board certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner whose primary focus is mental health care of clients to promote optimal living within their environment. He received his post-masters as a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Washburn University, his master's in nursing and family nurse practitioner from Eastern Kentucky University, and bachelor's in nursing from McKendree College. He has worked in private practice, emergency medicine, and public health.

Kelli Ann Warrens, an Advanced Practice Nurse at LifeStance Health, is dedicated to helping patients in Ohio by providing personalized care and treatment plans for their mental health needs. Kelli collaborates closely with her patients, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met with patience, kindness, and a nonjudgmental attitude. Specializing in PTSD and trauma, Kelli has a deep passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of these challenging experiences. She employs evidencebased therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support her patients in their journey towards healing and recovery.
Kelli Ann Warrens, an Advanced Practice Nurse at LifeStance Health, is dedicated to helping patients in Ohio by providing personalized care and treatment plans for their mental health needs. Kelli collaborates closely with her patients, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met with patience, kindness, and a nonjudgmental attitude. Specializing in PTSD and trauma, Kelli has a deep passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of these challenging experiences. She employs evidencebased therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support her patients in their journey towards healing and recovery.

Dr. Michele Cash is a Doctorally-Prepared Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist And Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She earned a DNP at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Cash has more than two decades treating children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. She has extensive experience treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic conditions.
Dr. Michele Cash is a Doctorally-Prepared Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist And Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She earned a DNP at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Cash has more than two decades treating children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan in inpatient, outpatient, and private practice settings. She has extensive experience treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic conditions.

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Tiffany Seneff is a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Tiffany holds a Master of Science from Northern Kentucky University and Bachelor of Science from The University of Akron. She has over 15 years of Critical Care and Neuro-Interventional experience. Tiffany has a passion for mental health awareness and improving healthcare access to those in need.
Tiffany Seneff is a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Tiffany holds a Master of Science from Northern Kentucky University and Bachelor of Science from The University of Akron. She has over 15 years of Critical Care and Neuro-Interventional experience. Tiffany has a passion for mental health awareness and improving healthcare access to those in need.

At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.

Hello, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. My approach to mental health is person-centered care, empathic, and nonjudgmental. I have many years of experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various mental disorders, including Depression, Anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Insomnia, amongst other co-occurring disorders. Utilizing an integrated approach to provide empathetic, nonjudgmental, supportive, and respectful service to clients.
Hello, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. My approach to mental health is person-centered care, empathic, and nonjudgmental. I have many years of experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various mental disorders, including Depression, Anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Insomnia, amongst other co-occurring disorders. Utilizing an integrated approach to provide empathetic, nonjudgmental, supportive, and respectful service to clients.

Struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD? Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges and unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Mental health struggles can feel isolating, but healing is possible with the right support.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for individuals as young as 6 years old through adulthood. My goal is to help you take control of your mental health not be defined by a diagnosis. With a background as a licensed therapist, I take a holistic, patient-centered approach, blending my clinical therapy experience with psychiatric care
Struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD? Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges and unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Mental health struggles can feel isolating, but healing is possible with the right support.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for individuals as young as 6 years old through adulthood. My goal is to help you take control of your mental health not be defined by a diagnosis. With a background as a licensed therapist, I take a holistic, patient-centered approach, blending my clinical therapy experience with psychiatric care

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and five years of experience in treating addiction and alcohol dependence, and I am only licensed in Ohio. I specialize in providing mental health services for clients who have depression, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, social anxiety, post-partum depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, tourette's disorder, excoriation skin-picking disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmare disorder, night-tear disorder, eating disorders, etc.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and five years of experience in treating addiction and alcohol dependence, and I am only licensed in Ohio. I specialize in providing mental health services for clients who have depression, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, social anxiety, post-partum depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, tourette's disorder, excoriation skin-picking disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmare disorder, night-tear disorder, eating disorders, etc.

Hello! My name is Kate and I have been working in the mental health field for 9 years. I started off my undergraduate degree working alongside top psychiatrists at OSU in identifying and treatment manic symptoms in what is now published research. I obtained my bachelors degree in both psychology and nursing at OSU. I then went on to get my Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing. I started off working as a psychiatric nurse in adolescent inpatient units. I then went on to community mental health, where I worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with clients from age 4 +, adolescents, adults to geriatric clients.
Hello! My name is Kate and I have been working in the mental health field for 9 years. I started off my undergraduate degree working alongside top psychiatrists at OSU in identifying and treatment manic symptoms in what is now published research. I obtained my bachelors degree in both psychology and nursing at OSU. I then went on to get my Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing. I started off working as a psychiatric nurse in adolescent inpatient units. I then went on to community mental health, where I worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with clients from age 4 +, adolescents, adults to geriatric clients.

Are you seeking help to feel better? Have less anxiety? I am a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I perform psychiatric evaluations and prescribe medications as needed. I am also proficient as a wellness and health coach, and uniquely equipped to help you with your mental health concerns. I enjoy collaborating with my patients. Please note: I do not prescribed stimulants or benzodiazepines although I have non-addictive medication options for both ADD and anxiety disorders.
Are you seeking help to feel better? Have less anxiety? I am a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I perform psychiatric evaluations and prescribe medications as needed. I am also proficient as a wellness and health coach, and uniquely equipped to help you with your mental health concerns. I enjoy collaborating with my patients. Please note: I do not prescribed stimulants or benzodiazepines although I have non-addictive medication options for both ADD and anxiety disorders.

"There is no limit to what you can imagine. And with commitment, with effort, what you can imagine you can become. Put your mind to work for you. Believe that you can do it. The world will tell you that you can’t. Yet, in your belief you’ll find the strength, you’ll find the ability, to do it anyway”. ~Ralph Marston~ Kristin is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Specialties of Psychiatry and Family Practice. She has strong expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide array of medical, addiction, and mental health conditions for patients of all ages, within both inpatient and outpatient settings.
"There is no limit to what you can imagine. And with commitment, with effort, what you can imagine you can become. Put your mind to work for you. Believe that you can do it. The world will tell you that you can’t. Yet, in your belief you’ll find the strength, you’ll find the ability, to do it anyway”. ~Ralph Marston~ Kristin is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Specialties of Psychiatry and Family Practice. She has strong expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide array of medical, addiction, and mental health conditions for patients of all ages, within both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Do you feel invalidated or unheard about your needs? Are you looking for a provider to actually hear you regarding your symptoms and develop a plan with you, rather than around you? My goal with my clients is to provide the best possible options for your mental health needs and let you navigate your mental health. Let's get you scheduled so we can discuss the best way to work together to meet your needs. I believe the key to a therapeutic relationship resides in trust, open communication, and a good laugh. I don't believe in impersonal 15-minute check-ins every three months.
Do you feel invalidated or unheard about your needs? Are you looking for a provider to actually hear you regarding your symptoms and develop a plan with you, rather than around you? My goal with my clients is to provide the best possible options for your mental health needs and let you navigate your mental health. Let's get you scheduled so we can discuss the best way to work together to meet your needs. I believe the key to a therapeutic relationship resides in trust, open communication, and a good laugh. I don't believe in impersonal 15-minute check-ins every three months.

Elizabeth has practiced as a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio for 13 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Bronx, NY. She worked as a registered nurse for many years before returning to school to earn her masters from Kent State University. She then earned her doctorate from Ursuline College, focusing her work on the connections between childhood trauma and substance use disorders in women. She combines evidence-based practice with a holistic, patient-centered approach.
Elizabeth has practiced as a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio for 13 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Bronx, NY. She worked as a registered nurse for many years before returning to school to earn her masters from Kent State University. She then earned her doctorate from Ursuline College, focusing her work on the connections between childhood trauma and substance use disorders in women. She combines evidence-based practice with a holistic, patient-centered approach.

I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnoses and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnoses and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
See more therapy options for Amlin
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Amlin, OH
< 10
Psychiatrists in Amlin, OH who prioritize treating:
89% | Depression |
89% | Anxiety |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Child |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Medication Management |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Humana |
How Psychiatrists in Amlin, OH see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
58% | Female | |
42% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Amlin?
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.