Psychiatrists in Oberlin, OH

Photo of Danny E. Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Danny E. Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Serves Area
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.
(330) 919-6098 View (330) 919-6098

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Jenna Bennett, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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.
(440) 739-6646 View (440) 739-6646
Photo of Christopher Smith, PMHNP, FNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Christopher Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Lorain, OH 44053
I am a dual licensed and board certified Nurse Practitioner in both Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) and Family Medicine (FNP). Prior to my work in psychiatry, I spent over 10 years working in a mix of emergency medicine, trauma care, urgent care and covering for primary care providers.
I am a dual licensed and board certified Nurse Practitioner in both Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) and Family Medicine (FNP). Prior to my work in psychiatry, I spent over 10 years working in a mix of emergency medicine, trauma care, urgent care and covering for primary care providers.
(440) 597-5690 View (440) 597-5690
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Elyria, OH 44035
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from 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 diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from 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 diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(937) 862-0573 View (937) 862-0573
Photo of Sara Olson-Wiencek, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sara Olson-Wiencek
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44111
Hi, I’m Sara Olson-Wiencek, and I’m here to walk alongside you through whatever struggles you’re facing. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in creating a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges without judgment. I know that life’s difficulties can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to help you find relief, hope, and healing in ways that feel right for you.
Hi, I’m Sara Olson-Wiencek, and I’m here to walk alongside you through whatever struggles you’re facing. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in creating a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges without judgment. I know that life’s difficulties can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to help you find relief, hope, and healing in ways that feel right for you.
(216) 510-9212 View (216) 510-9212
Photo of Jennifer Mlady - LifeStance Health, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
LifeStance Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN (C
Verified Verified
North Olmsted, OH 44070
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.
(440) 588-3191 View (440) 588-3191
Photo of Danny E. Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Danny E. Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 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.
(440) 739-6099 View (440) 739-6099
Photo of Danny E. Miller, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Danny E. Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
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.
(234) 265-9757 View (234) 265-9757
Photo of James Bukuts, MD, Psychiatrist
James Bukuts
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Avon, OH 44011
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.
(440) 760-5623 View (440) 760-5623
Photo of Melissa Fox, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Melissa Fox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
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.
(419) 845-8504 View (419) 845-8504
Photo of Diab Almhana, Psychiatrist
Diab Almhana
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Avon Lake, OH 44012
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.
(440) 643-4439 View (440) 643-4439
Photo of Carly Hamaoui, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Carly Hamaoui
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
North Olmsted, OH 44070
Carly Hamaoui is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in psychology from Cleveland State University, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Walden University, and has her ACM Accreditation as an Accredited Case Manager-RN. Working in mental health has always been Carly's passion and she strives to normalize the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and self-care needs.
Carly Hamaoui is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in psychology from Cleveland State University, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Walden University, and has her ACM Accreditation as an Accredited Case Manager-RN. Working in mental health has always been Carly's passion and she strives to normalize the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and self-care needs.
(440) 797-4226 View (440) 797-4226
Photo of Michelle McCarthy, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Elyria, OH 44035
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
(937) 909-1330 View (937) 909-1330
Photo of Adit Adityanjee - Nirvana Health & Wellness, Inc., MD, MBBS, MRCPsy, DipAB, Psychiatrist
Nirvana Health & Wellness, Inc.
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS, MRCPsy, DipAB
Verified Verified
Westlake, OH 44145
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.
(440) 210-9479 View (440) 210-9479
Photo of Brandy Hill, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brandy Hill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Rocky River, OH 44116
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.
(440) 641-2151 View (440) 641-2151
Photo of Dr. Michael D Hottois - LifeStance Health, MD, Psychiatrist
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Avon, OH 44011
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.
(440) 689-2675 View (440) 689-2675
Photo of Mark Tuvelle, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mark Tuvelle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment and want to always ensure that my clients feel they are “being listened to”. I believe a provider must truly listen to understand their client’s concerns, thus ensuring that the patient's priorities are being addressed. I prioritize health promotion, patient education, and psychotherapy.
I strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment and want to always ensure that my clients feel they are “being listened to”. I believe a provider must truly listen to understand their client’s concerns, thus ensuring that the patient's priorities are being addressed. I prioritize health promotion, patient education, and psychotherapy.
(380) 207-1922 View (380) 207-1922
Photo of Michele Norman, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michele Norman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
North Olmsted, OH 44070
Michele Norman earned her Master's in Nursing and Masters of Science in Nursing degrees from Case Western Reserve University. Upon graduation, she was board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for 3 years at this point and her clinical practice has been based primarily in outpatient community settings, where she sees patients ranging in age from 6 to 90. Those skills are incorporated in her treatment plans and appointments. Her specializations include PTSD and other trauma related illness, ADHD, depression, anxiety and adjustment/transition issues.
Michele Norman earned her Master's in Nursing and Masters of Science in Nursing degrees from Case Western Reserve University. Upon graduation, she was board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for 3 years at this point and her clinical practice has been based primarily in outpatient community settings, where she sees patients ranging in age from 6 to 90. Those skills are incorporated in her treatment plans and appointments. Her specializations include PTSD and other trauma related illness, ADHD, depression, anxiety and adjustment/transition issues.
(440) 581-1220 View (440) 581-1220
Photo of Vinod Bhandari - VirtualPsych™, MD, Psychiatrist
VirtualPsych™
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Elyria, OH 44035
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.
(216) 238-3555 View (216) 238-3555
Photo of Theophilus Arthur-Mensah, MD, Psychiatrist
Theophilus Arthur-Mensah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
My focus is on making precise and accurate diagnoses that then drive my psychopharmacologic approaches. I also employ an eclectic psychotherapeutic approach that includes using biblical perspectives as well as psychodynamic and cognitive restructuring modalities. I place a strong emphasis on establishing rapport and using the most robust psychotherapeutic approaches in dealing with complicated and treatment-resistant cases. I also employ much flexibility in my time spent with patients to allow for maximum effectiveness.
My focus is on making precise and accurate diagnoses that then drive my psychopharmacologic approaches. I also employ an eclectic psychotherapeutic approach that includes using biblical perspectives as well as psychodynamic and cognitive restructuring modalities. I place a strong emphasis on establishing rapport and using the most robust psychotherapeutic approaches in dealing with complicated and treatment-resistant cases. I also employ much flexibility in my time spent with patients to allow for maximum effectiveness.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Oberlin, OH

< 10

Psychiatrists in Oberlin, OH who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Grief
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Psychosis
100% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Oberlin, OH see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Oberlin?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.