Psychiatrists in Avon, OH

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.

Jamie Bukuts has been practicing for more than 20 years in the Cleveland area. Jamie completed his adult psychiatry residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland plus recently completed a fellowship in public and community psychiatry through Case Western University in 2017. His specialty areas of interest include adult major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He joined LifeStance Health almost 4 years ago and enjoys their comprehensive services that are available to holistically help his patients.
Jamie Bukuts has been practicing for more than 20 years in the Cleveland area. Jamie completed his adult psychiatry residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland plus recently completed a fellowship in public and community psychiatry through Case Western University in 2017. His specialty areas of interest include adult major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He joined LifeStance Health almost 4 years ago and enjoys their comprehensive services that are available to holistically help his patients.
Specializing in childhood behavioral disorders, anxiety disorders, and chronic suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors, Meghan is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and young adults manage complex mental health challenges. She works with individuals experiencing ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis, PTSD, sleep disorders, and more.
Specializing in childhood behavioral disorders, anxiety disorders, and chronic suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors, Meghan is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and young adults manage complex mental health challenges. She works with individuals experiencing ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis, PTSD, sleep disorders, and more.

Danny E. Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Online Only
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.

I am excellent at what I do. I provide evidence based, state of the art, medication management for Psychiatric Disorders. I have practiced Psychiatry for 44 years in diverse settings. I specialize in services for treatment resistant patients. I also provide expert opinion for guardianship applications. We provide Cognitive Testing, Pharmacogenomic Counseling & Pre-Nuptial Counseling pre-paid cash payment basis. We also provide individual therapy in selected cases. Same day appointments are available on cash payment basis only. No-shows and cancellation fees apply.
I am excellent at what I do. I provide evidence based, state of the art, medication management for Psychiatric Disorders. I have practiced Psychiatry for 44 years in diverse settings. I specialize in services for treatment resistant patients. I also provide expert opinion for guardianship applications. We provide Cognitive Testing, Pharmacogenomic Counseling & Pre-Nuptial Counseling pre-paid cash payment basis. We also provide individual therapy in selected cases. Same day appointments are available on cash payment basis only. No-shows and cancellation fees apply.

Allowing me to walk along your journey is a privilige, I will listen, wonder and plan with you to reach your goals. Tailering the medication management with other solutions to integrate to reach further holistic way of life. Along with this approach we had offered through our clinical trial center many oppurtunities to try novel medications for many indications covering the spectrum of all ages for disorders like bipolar, generalized anxiety, autism spectrum, major depression to mention a few.
Allowing me to walk along your journey is a privilige, I will listen, wonder and plan with you to reach your goals. Tailering the medication management with other solutions to integrate to reach further holistic way of life. Along with this approach we had offered through our clinical trial center many oppurtunities to try novel medications for many indications covering the spectrum of all ages for disorders like bipolar, generalized anxiety, autism spectrum, major depression to mention a few.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.

Brandy S. Hill is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. Living in today's world can be difficult. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or ADHD? Cognitive behavior therapy and medication management are techniques that can be used to treat your symptoms. Brandy specializes in treating mental health needs and addiction. She is available for after-hour appointments to meet the needs of clients who work and attend school during the day. Brandy became a mental health provider to decrease the negative stigma associated with mental illness.
Brandy S. Hill is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2022. Living in today's world can be difficult. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or ADHD? Cognitive behavior therapy and medication management are techniques that can be used to treat your symptoms. Brandy specializes in treating mental health needs and addiction. She is available for after-hour appointments to meet the needs of clients who work and attend school during the day. Brandy became a mental health provider to decrease the negative stigma associated with mental illness.

Pamela D. Pardõn, is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and sole proprietor of Pearls of Wisdom Psychiatric Services LLC, established in August 2019, located in Lorain, Ohio. Pamela began her nursing career as an LPN, eventually earning a master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing across the life span at Case Western Reserve University in 2015. Pamela has been a nurse for over 40 years. Pamela has delivered psychiatric care to individuals on inpatient and outpatient behavioral health units; provided support to callers on the 24-hour Crisis Hotline Services; and served as a team member of a community mental.
Pamela D. Pardõn, is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and sole proprietor of Pearls of Wisdom Psychiatric Services LLC, established in August 2019, located in Lorain, Ohio. Pamela began her nursing career as an LPN, eventually earning a master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing across the life span at Case Western Reserve University in 2015. Pamela has been a nurse for over 40 years. Pamela has delivered psychiatric care to individuals on inpatient and outpatient behavioral health units; provided support to callers on the 24-hour Crisis Hotline Services; and served as a team member of a community mental.

Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.

David Kwon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Olmsted, OH 44070
David Kwon is a board-certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner. He master's and doctoral degrees in nursing from Case Western Reserve University. His previous experience includes providing psychiatric services to patients in both community and private practice settings. He currently provides medication management to adult patients ages 18 to 64. His treatment areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
David Kwon is a board-certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner. He master's and doctoral degrees in nursing from Case Western Reserve University. His previous experience includes providing psychiatric services to patients in both community and private practice settings. He currently provides medication management to adult patients ages 18 to 64. His treatment areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Linda Kimble
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a nurse practitioner with many years experience, I strive to provide collaborative care between my client and myself. I focus on listening to my clients and providing supportive care and empathy as well as quality medication management in an effort to help them set realistic goals, understand themselves, and to reach their full mental health potential. I have been a nurse in every level from LPN to MSN to Post Master MSN. I have a very broad educational base and have had experiences in nursing education, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics as well as several years of telehealth services.
As a nurse practitioner with many years experience, I strive to provide collaborative care between my client and myself. I focus on listening to my clients and providing supportive care and empathy as well as quality medication management in an effort to help them set realistic goals, understand themselves, and to reach their full mental health potential. I have been a nurse in every level from LPN to MSN to Post Master MSN. I have a very broad educational base and have had experiences in nursing education, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics as well as several years of telehealth services.

Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.

Jenna Bennett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elyria, OH 44035
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who takes an integrated approach in treatment. I offer treatment based on the need of the individual such as medication management, psychotherapy, collaboration and education on wellness. I review labs with my patients and discuss any imbalance that may be contributing to the symptoms. I believe vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalances and thyroid imbalances can be linked to many mental health symptoms. I am a strong believer a healthy mind exists in a healthy body.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who takes an integrated approach in treatment. I offer treatment based on the need of the individual such as medication management, psychotherapy, collaboration and education on wellness. I review labs with my patients and discuss any imbalance that may be contributing to the symptoms. I believe vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalances and thyroid imbalances can be linked to many mental health symptoms. I am a strong believer a healthy mind exists in a healthy body.

Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.
Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain (Matt Haig). Danny is, above all, fully engaged in optimizing your well-being. He believes it is crucial to be totally engaged in patient interactions to really connect with you and provide the best care possible. When you see Danny for medication management, you have his undivided attention. As a patient-centered prescriber, he emphasizes practical, positive medical outcomes.

Jennifer Mlady provides compassionate and evidence-based care to clients of all ages. With a client-centered approach, Jennifer focuses on realistic treatment goals, fostering a therapeutic environment that addresses the whole person. Jennifer specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, offering expertise in medical conditions/health psychology and post-partum depression/anxiety. Her passion lies in supporting individuals facing reproductive challenges and trauma-related conditions like PTSD.
Jennifer Mlady provides compassionate and evidence-based care to clients of all ages. With a client-centered approach, Jennifer focuses on realistic treatment goals, fostering a therapeutic environment that addresses the whole person. Jennifer specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, offering expertise in medical conditions/health psychology and post-partum depression/anxiety. Her passion lies in supporting individuals facing reproductive challenges and trauma-related conditions like PTSD.

An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.

Pearls of Wisdom Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Lorain, OH 44053
Pearls of Wisdom Psychiatric Services has partnered with SonderMind, a Denver-based digital behavioral health company, to provide quality behavioral health care services to those seeking to improve their mental and emotional health care needs. We are currently accepting new patients for medication management services. Brief, goal oriented and solution focused psychotherapy services provided upon request. Symptoms of ADHD and anxiety treated holistically, without prescribed scheduled medications, (e.g., stimulants/benzos). Make an appointment to discover, recover and live your best life. Give us a call today!
Pearls of Wisdom Psychiatric Services has partnered with SonderMind, a Denver-based digital behavioral health company, to provide quality behavioral health care services to those seeking to improve their mental and emotional health care needs. We are currently accepting new patients for medication management services. Brief, goal oriented and solution focused psychotherapy services provided upon request. Symptoms of ADHD and anxiety treated holistically, without prescribed scheduled medications, (e.g., stimulants/benzos). Make an appointment to discover, recover and live your best life. Give us a call today!

VirtualPsych allows for telepsych healthcare remotely from your cell or computer. Our physicians specialize in the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder and have over 30 years of experience in psychiatry and mental health. We accept a variety of insurance plans from providers including Aetna, CareSource and United Healthcare. We also cover most Medicaid and Medicare plans as well. We have appointments available on a daily basis and the time to see a physician is typically less than a few days. Please call us at (216) 238-3555 if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment.
VirtualPsych allows for telepsych healthcare remotely from your cell or computer. Our physicians specialize in the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder and have over 30 years of experience in psychiatry and mental health. We accept a variety of insurance plans from providers including Aetna, CareSource and United Healthcare. We also cover most Medicaid and Medicare plans as well. We have appointments available on a daily basis and the time to see a physician is typically less than a few days. Please call us at (216) 238-3555 if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment.

Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or life’s challenges? You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m Melissa Fox, specializing in adult mental health care, offering medication management with therapeutic support for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and more. Here, you will find someone who will truly listen, utilize a whole-person approach, and ensure we create a personalized plan tailored to your needs and goals. New clients are welcome and can often be seen within one week. If you’re unsure where to turn, turn here. We can work together to find your way forward, to feeling better, and to living well.
Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, depression, or life’s challenges? You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m Melissa Fox, specializing in adult mental health care, offering medication management with therapeutic support for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and more. Here, you will find someone who will truly listen, utilize a whole-person approach, and ensure we create a personalized plan tailored to your needs and goals. New clients are welcome and can often be seen within one week. If you’re unsure where to turn, turn here. We can work together to find your way forward, to feeling better, and to living well.
See more therapy options for Avon
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Avon, OH
< 10
Psychiatrists in Avon, OH who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
83% | Medication Management |
67% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
24 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Avon, OH see their clients
84% | In Person and Online | |
16% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Male | |
20% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Avon?
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.