Psychiatrists in Brook Park, OH
Lydia Potoma
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN , PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brook Park, OH 44142 (Online Only)
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 4 years experience as an Inpatient Psych Hospitalist, Outpatient Provider and Nursing Home Consultant. Extensive experience in Inpatient/Outpatient Adult Psychiatry, Psychiatric Emergency Department, Long-Term Care, and Memory Care. Received Master's of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University.
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 4 years experience as an Inpatient Psych Hospitalist, Outpatient Provider and Nursing Home Consultant. Extensive experience in Inpatient/Outpatient Adult Psychiatry, Psychiatric Emergency Department, Long-Term Care, and Memory Care. Received Master's of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University.
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Kyle Guterba
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Kyle Guterba, and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 7 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about helping individuals who are struggling with mental health issues and providing them with the support and care they need to improve their quality of life. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and practicing yoga. I am excited to continue my work in the field of psychiatric mental health and to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.
Hello! My name is Kyle Guterba, and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 7 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about helping individuals who are struggling with mental health issues and providing them with the support and care they need to improve their quality of life. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and practicing yoga. I am excited to continue my work in the field of psychiatric mental health and to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.
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 inperson therapy and psychiatry services, covered by most 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 inperson therapy and psychiatry services, covered by most major insurance plans.
Danny Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Hello and welcome! My name is Danny Miller, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). My goal is to help people live their best lives through appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. My approach is holistic and patient-centered with a strong emphasis on diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. I enjoy learning about my patients and helping to shape a plan that improves their quality of life as soon as possible. I work with multiple populations and treat many conditions including ADHD, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Hello and welcome! My name is Danny Miller, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). My goal is to help people live their best lives through appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. My approach is holistic and patient-centered with a strong emphasis on diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. I enjoy learning about my patients and helping to shape a plan that improves their quality of life as soon as possible. I work with multiple populations and treat many conditions including ADHD, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Christina Redfern
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Christina is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. Christina possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She follows evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition. As a PMHNP, Christina’s role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and scientist. Christina values interdisciplinary education and inter-professional collaboration.
Christina is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. Christina possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She follows evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition. As a PMHNP, Christina’s role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and scientist. Christina values interdisciplinary education and inter-professional collaboration.
Stephen McAllister
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
My name is Stephen McAllister, and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My approach to mental healthcare is centered around compassion, communication, understanding, and individualized care. I believe that each person’s journey to mental wellness is unique, and I am committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where my clients feel heard and valued. My focus areas of practice include medication management and therapy services for a range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
My name is Stephen McAllister, and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My approach to mental healthcare is centered around compassion, communication, understanding, and individualized care. I believe that each person’s journey to mental wellness is unique, and I am committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where my clients feel heard and valued. My focus areas of practice include medication management and therapy services for a range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Steve Pessefall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44130
Steve is Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (CNP) with a focus on providing treatment for a broad-spectrum of mental health disorders. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing Degree from The University of Akron and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has experience in inpatient, outpatient, as well as community mental health settings as a Nurse Practitioner and over 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working in psychiatric / behavioral health hospitals. Steve has also earned his credential for Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) from The University of Maryland.
Steve is Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (CNP) with a focus on providing treatment for a broad-spectrum of mental health disorders. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing Degree from The University of Akron and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has experience in inpatient, outpatient, as well as community mental health settings as a Nurse Practitioner and over 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working in psychiatric / behavioral health hospitals. Steve has also earned his credential for Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) from The University of Maryland.
Judy Murua
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
My name is Judy Murua, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in mental health across the lifespan, my approach to mental health is rooted in a holistic, and patient-centered philosophy. I believe in integrating evidence-based practices with compassionate care, addressing the biological, psychological, and social factors that impact mental health. My primary focus is on treating individuals with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
My name is Judy Murua, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in mental health across the lifespan, my approach to mental health is rooted in a holistic, and patient-centered philosophy. I believe in integrating evidence-based practices with compassionate care, addressing the biological, psychological, and social factors that impact mental health. My primary focus is on treating individuals with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
Clara Pieh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
I am Clara Pieh, an Advance Practice Registered Nurse with board certifications as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Practice NP-BC. My approach to mental health care is individualized and based on the needs of each client seeking non-judgmental and supportive care. I prescribe medication and incorporate therapy when indicated for maximum benefit. We can work together to start building a safe and healthy mental health journey with life-long skills for productive living.
I am Clara Pieh, an Advance Practice Registered Nurse with board certifications as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Practice NP-BC. My approach to mental health care is individualized and based on the needs of each client seeking non-judgmental and supportive care. I prescribe medication and incorporate therapy when indicated for maximum benefit. We can work together to start building a safe and healthy mental health journey with life-long skills for productive living.
Kerri Pearch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, ENP, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
Kerri Pearch is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-BC) with over 25 years nursing experience, including with Cleveland Clinic. She also holds certifications as a nurse practitioner in both family and emergency medicine. She has served as an adjunct professor at Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences and as a preceptor for Chamberlain University’s nurse practitioner program. Kerri's medical training has equipped her to provide excellent care and support to patients with chronic mental illnesses, cognitive impairment, and functional loss due to mental health issues.
Kerri Pearch is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-BC) with over 25 years nursing experience, including with Cleveland Clinic. She also holds certifications as a nurse practitioner in both family and emergency medicine. She has served as an adjunct professor at Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences and as a preceptor for Chamberlain University’s nurse practitioner program. Kerri's medical training has equipped her to provide excellent care and support to patients with chronic mental illnesses, cognitive impairment, and functional loss due to mental health issues.
I practice through a holistic lens and fully believe in the mind-body-spirit connection. In addition to prescribing appropriate psychiatric medications, my style also incorporates alternative medicine. I seek to treat the whole, individual person rather than just a specific diagnosis.
I practice through a holistic lens and fully believe in the mind-body-spirit connection. In addition to prescribing appropriate psychiatric medications, my style also incorporates alternative medicine. I seek to treat the whole, individual person rather than just a specific diagnosis.
Courtney Brumfield
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-, APRN
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44130
Courtney Brumfield is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that approaches treatment holistically and compassionately. She has extensive experience in mental health and medication management having worked with children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric diagnosis, developmental disabilities, and varying levels of functioning. Her other areas of nursing experience include emergency medicine and medical/surgical inpatient. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Ohio Nurses Association.
Courtney Brumfield is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that approaches treatment holistically and compassionately. She has extensive experience in mental health and medication management having worked with children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric diagnosis, developmental disabilities, and varying levels of functioning. Her other areas of nursing experience include emergency medicine and medical/surgical inpatient. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Ohio Nurses Association.
Austin Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
I am board certified in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan and offer medication management, initial consultations, follow up visit, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health treatment.
I am board certified in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan and offer medication management, initial consultations, follow up visit, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health treatment.
Erica Stokes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
I am Erica Stokes, a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. My approach to mental health care is to collaborate with the patient to ensure goals are met. In providing mental healthcare, my approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a client-centered focus. I adapt to individual needs, using a variety of theoretical frameworks based on the client's situation and goals. I typically work with a diverse range of patients, including those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders. I’m also comfortable treating individuals with relationship issues, grief, and self-esteem challenges.
I am Erica Stokes, a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. My approach to mental health care is to collaborate with the patient to ensure goals are met. In providing mental healthcare, my approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a client-centered focus. I adapt to individual needs, using a variety of theoretical frameworks based on the client's situation and goals. I typically work with a diverse range of patients, including those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders. I’m also comfortable treating individuals with relationship issues, grief, and self-esteem challenges.
Kristen M. Miller is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. She has an MSN from Kent State University. Kristen is a dedicated provider with experience in the treatment of the lifespan for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, Panic DO, ADHD, Insomnia, Social Anxiety DO, ODD, Cyclothymic DO, Bipolar DO I and II, Schizoaffective DO, Schizophrenia, and more. Outside of work, Kristen is a mother a varsity softball coach, enjoys 4wheeling, bonfires, decorating, and is an animal lover (she has two Labradors and a cat).
Kristen M. Miller is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. She has an MSN from Kent State University. Kristen is a dedicated provider with experience in the treatment of the lifespan for mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, Panic DO, ADHD, Insomnia, Social Anxiety DO, ODD, Cyclothymic DO, Bipolar DO I and II, Schizoaffective DO, Schizophrenia, and more. Outside of work, Kristen is a mother a varsity softball coach, enjoys 4wheeling, bonfires, decorating, and is an animal lover (she has two Labradors and a cat).
TelaMD offers Mental Health Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a provider at your convenience. We have a waiting period of only a few days and are currently accepting patients. Please call us at (216) 238-3555 if you would like to set up an appointment.
TelaMD offers Mental Health Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a provider at your convenience. We have a waiting period of only a few days and are currently accepting patients. Please call us at (216) 238-3555 if you would like to set up an appointment.
Daniel Chandler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
My name is Daniel Chandler. I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. My focus is on those suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. I am comfortable treating all conditions within my specialty. My therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and compassion focused. I use motivational interviewing, with supportive care, to address all of your goals. I want to help you find the right medication regimen at the lowest dose that works for you.
My name is Daniel Chandler. I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in psychotherapy and medication management for those who want to improve their mental health and well-being. My focus is on those suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. I am comfortable treating all conditions within my specialty. My therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and compassion focused. I use motivational interviewing, with supportive care, to address all of your goals. I want to help you find the right medication regimen at the lowest dose that works for you.
Steven Reedy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (Online Only)
My name is Steven Reedy. As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring ideals from both the medical and nursing models of care in a holistic approach. In doing so, this allows me to care for you with compassion, as a whole person, and with the latest evidence-based practices. I use the latest evidence-based practice in my approach, along with modalities that include cognitive behavioral therapy, therapeutic communication, and motivational interviewing. I practice active listening and solution-based interventions.
My name is Steven Reedy. As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring ideals from both the medical and nursing models of care in a holistic approach. In doing so, this allows me to care for you with compassion, as a whole person, and with the latest evidence-based practices. I use the latest evidence-based practice in my approach, along with modalities that include cognitive behavioral therapy, therapeutic communication, and motivational interviewing. I practice active listening and solution-based interventions.
Chris Mccourt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Christopher likes to use his knowledge, empathy, and understanding to help formulate a plan with you to tackle your mental health condition. Christopher feels like he does more than just prescribe medications. He tries to tailor each session to meet the person’s needs by also incorporating some therapy into the session as well as discussing if medications are an option. His goal is to stabilize your mental health and continue working hard with you until that goal is obtained.
Christopher likes to use his knowledge, empathy, and understanding to help formulate a plan with you to tackle your mental health condition. Christopher feels like he does more than just prescribe medications. He tries to tailor each session to meet the person’s needs by also incorporating some therapy into the session as well as discussing if medications are an option. His goal is to stabilize your mental health and continue working hard with you until that goal is obtained.
Mark Tuvelle strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment and always wants to ensure that his clients feel they are “being listened to.” Mark believes a provider must truly listen to understand his client’s concerns, thus ensuring that their priorities are being addressed. He believes that communication lays the foundation for any effective partnership and that successful psychiatric care begins with open, honest, and genuine communication between provider and client, with an overall goal of helping the individual enhance all aspects of health and overall well-being using a holistic approach.
Mark Tuvelle strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment and always wants to ensure that his clients feel they are “being listened to.” Mark believes a provider must truly listen to understand his client’s concerns, thus ensuring that their priorities are being addressed. He believes that communication lays the foundation for any effective partnership and that successful psychiatric care begins with open, honest, and genuine communication between provider and client, with an overall goal of helping the individual enhance all aspects of health and overall well-being using a holistic approach.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brook Park, OH
< 10
Psychiatrists in Brook Park, OH who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Chronic Pain |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Oxford |
How Psychiatrists in Brook Park, OH see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brook Park?
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.