Psychiatrists in Rogers County, OK
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner holding a doctorate in Psychiatric Mental Health. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. I have a partnership with Megen Rhine Consulting therapy group that is in-house and ready to assist with all your therapy needs. I believe in building synergistic relationships with my patients. I recognize the significance of involving individuals in their care, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership over their mental health journey.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner holding a doctorate in Psychiatric Mental Health. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. I have a partnership with Megen Rhine Consulting therapy group that is in-house and ready to assist with all your therapy needs. I believe in building synergistic relationships with my patients. I recognize the significance of involving individuals in their care, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership over their mental health journey.
Our ideal client is an adult in Oklahoma with SoonerCare/SoonerSelect coverage who is seeking accessible, evidence-based psychiatric care. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, insomnia, or other mental health conditions and want reliable, compassionate treatment. They’re ready for practical medication management that helps them feel more stable, focused, and emotionally balanced—without long waits or unnecessary barriers.
Our ideal client is an adult in Oklahoma with SoonerCare/SoonerSelect coverage who is seeking accessible, evidence-based psychiatric care. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, insomnia, or other mental health conditions and want reliable, compassionate treatment. They’re ready for practical medication management that helps them feel more stable, focused, and emotionally balanced—without long waits or unnecessary barriers.
Online Psychiatrists
Greetings, I'm Judith, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. I specialize in medication management. My expertise spans a range of conditions including adult ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and others. Listening is at the core of my approach. I will make sure you feel heard and understood. Collaboratively, we will identify the medication regimen best suited to your specific needs and current situation. See my website: www.calmingcreekcare.com.
Greetings, I'm Judith, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. I specialize in medication management. My expertise spans a range of conditions including adult ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and others. Listening is at the core of my approach. I will make sure you feel heard and understood. Collaboratively, we will identify the medication regimen best suited to your specific needs and current situation. See my website: www.calmingcreekcare.com.
Rachael Touma is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including 6 years in advanced clinical practice. Her background includes hands-on experience in acute and residential inpatient psychiatric care, where she has worked with individuals of all ages. Today, her passion and clinical focus center on supporting adult women—especially those between the ages of 25 and 50—who are navigating the often invisible weight of motherhood, marriage, and identity. Rachael understands that motherhood can be both meaningful and mentally exhausting.
Rachael Touma is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including 6 years in advanced clinical practice. Her background includes hands-on experience in acute and residential inpatient psychiatric care, where she has worked with individuals of all ages. Today, her passion and clinical focus center on supporting adult women—especially those between the ages of 25 and 50—who are navigating the often invisible weight of motherhood, marriage, and identity. Rachael understands that motherhood can be both meaningful and mentally exhausting.
Hi, I am Fernanda Cooley. I have a doctoral degree in nursing practice, dually certified as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner, and have a master's degree in Christian Counseling and a master's of Divinity with Biblical languages. I am fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and have basic knowledge of ASL. My approach to mental healthcare is holistic. I love to integrate the care of the spirit, the mind and the body, as my training mentioned above shows.
Hi, I am Fernanda Cooley. I have a doctoral degree in nursing practice, dually certified as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner, and have a master's degree in Christian Counseling and a master's of Divinity with Biblical languages. I am fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and have basic knowledge of ASL. My approach to mental healthcare is holistic. I love to integrate the care of the spirit, the mind and the body, as my training mentioned above shows.
Rebecca believes in a collaborative, interdisciplinary care approach for the best practice outcomes for her patients. Her training is in mental health across the life span and includes pediatric mental health; treating patients at least 5 years old to the geriatric population. She has several years of experience in treating veterans and those with schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, anxiety, PTSD and ADHD.
In her spare time Rebecca enjoys botany, books, and family. She has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau International since 2008 and continues to participate in precepting other Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioners.
Rebecca believes in a collaborative, interdisciplinary care approach for the best practice outcomes for her patients. Her training is in mental health across the life span and includes pediatric mental health; treating patients at least 5 years old to the geriatric population. She has several years of experience in treating veterans and those with schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, anxiety, PTSD and ADHD.
In her spare time Rebecca enjoys botany, books, and family. She has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau International since 2008 and continues to participate in precepting other Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioners.
Jordan is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She whole-heartedly believes in treating each patient with a holistic approach, realizing that mental health influences physical health and overall well-being. Her goal with each patient is to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care in a supportive and trusting environment.
Jordan recognizes that comprehensive care goes beyond treating the symptoms. Detailed assessments, individualized treatment plans (including medication management), and appropriate therapeutic strategies are utilized to help foster an environment of healing and progression.
Jordan is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She whole-heartedly believes in treating each patient with a holistic approach, realizing that mental health influences physical health and overall well-being. Her goal with each patient is to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care in a supportive and trusting environment.
Jordan recognizes that comprehensive care goes beyond treating the symptoms. Detailed assessments, individualized treatment plans (including medication management), and appropriate therapeutic strategies are utilized to help foster an environment of healing and progression.
Casee Collins, NP, RN, is a dedicated prescriber serving individuals across Oklahoma with a compassionate and patient-centered approach to care. Specializing in medication management, Casee helps adults and seniors navigate mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Her goal is to empower patients to achieve balance and stability by creating personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs. With a passion for supporting individuals during life’s most significant transitions, Casee works closely with those experiencing grief, trauma, and post-partum mental health concerns.
Casee Collins, NP, RN, is a dedicated prescriber serving individuals across Oklahoma with a compassionate and patient-centered approach to care. Specializing in medication management, Casee helps adults and seniors navigate mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Her goal is to empower patients to achieve balance and stability by creating personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs. With a passion for supporting individuals during life’s most significant transitions, Casee works closely with those experiencing grief, trauma, and post-partum mental health concerns.
I am a board-certified, psychiatric nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents and adults. I love to help patients reach their goals and become the best versions of themselves. I believe in a supportive environment for each of my patients. I enjoy hearing out my patients needs and offering a individual treatment plan that best supports each of my patients.
I am a board-certified, psychiatric nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents and adults. I love to help patients reach their goals and become the best versions of themselves. I believe in a supportive environment for each of my patients. I enjoy hearing out my patients needs and offering a individual treatment plan that best supports each of my patients.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
I provide psychiatric med management and brief psychotherapy to clients with multiple psychiatric conditions. My specialty areas include eating disorders, ADHD, neurodivergence/ autism, severe depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
I am a certified inclusive eating disorder specialist (IEDS).
We offer Spravato (esketamine) for treatment resistant depression. I have availability for virtual and in-person appointments.
We are closed during federal holidays. Please call or email to schedule an appointment.
I provide psychiatric med management and brief psychotherapy to clients with multiple psychiatric conditions. My specialty areas include eating disorders, ADHD, neurodivergence/ autism, severe depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
I am a certified inclusive eating disorder specialist (IEDS).
We offer Spravato (esketamine) for treatment resistant depression. I have availability for virtual and in-person appointments.
We are closed during federal holidays. Please call or email to schedule an appointment.
At the office of Peteryne D. Miller, MD LLC, you will be greeted by an approachable, empathic and friendly staff that works together as a team to provide the patient with a more personal experience. In addition to specialized treatment our office provides compassionate, individualized care tailored to meet the needs of each unique individual. All aspects of our patients' lives are important to us, and we strive to familiarize ourselves with every patient by listening and going the extra mile to make their time here enjoyable. We aspire to provide holistic care which we believe plays an important part in every treatment.
At the office of Peteryne D. Miller, MD LLC, you will be greeted by an approachable, empathic and friendly staff that works together as a team to provide the patient with a more personal experience. In addition to specialized treatment our office provides compassionate, individualized care tailored to meet the needs of each unique individual. All aspects of our patients' lives are important to us, and we strive to familiarize ourselves with every patient by listening and going the extra mile to make their time here enjoyable. We aspire to provide holistic care which we believe plays an important part in every treatment.
I have always been passionate and eager to learn more about mental health even as a young adult and working as healthcare provider in a facility managing medical patients. Having experienced trauma, depression and anxiety first-hand, I understand the importance of seeking professional help. I believe in utilizing evidence-based practices to help individuals to cope with mental health challenges through therapy and med management. When I was in a crisis, I received appropriate care which changed my life and I desire to do the same for others.
I have always been passionate and eager to learn more about mental health even as a young adult and working as healthcare provider in a facility managing medical patients. Having experienced trauma, depression and anxiety first-hand, I understand the importance of seeking professional help. I believe in utilizing evidence-based practices to help individuals to cope with mental health challenges through therapy and med management. When I was in a crisis, I received appropriate care which changed my life and I desire to do the same for others.
Psychiatric Wellness APRN-CNP PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, CNP, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Tulsa, OK 74114
Psychiatric Wellness provides integrative psychiatric care, a method that is a whole-body, approach that utilizes nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, supplements and medications as needed to ensure your well-being and optimize outcomes for each patient. Psychiatric Wellness provides therapeutic treatments using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and ImTT (Image transformation therapy) to help patients reduce anxiety and heal from trauma. We have multiple providers including board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioners and Licensed professional counselors.
Psychiatric Wellness provides integrative psychiatric care, a method that is a whole-body, approach that utilizes nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, supplements and medications as needed to ensure your well-being and optimize outcomes for each patient. Psychiatric Wellness provides therapeutic treatments using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), hypnotherapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and ImTT (Image transformation therapy) to help patients reduce anxiety and heal from trauma. We have multiple providers including board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioners and Licensed professional counselors.
Accepting New Patients from Oklahoma!
Welcome! ...As an experienced Psychiatrist in private practice, inpatient and telehealth settings, I'm here to offer authentic, compassionate care. Time is precious, especially for busy students, parents, and working professionals. I look forward to collaborate to reach your goals ASAP! ... Same week Video appointments are available. Text 469-770-7750 for quick booking assist.
Accepting New Patients from Oklahoma!
Welcome! ...As an experienced Psychiatrist in private practice, inpatient and telehealth settings, I'm here to offer authentic, compassionate care. Time is precious, especially for busy students, parents, and working professionals. I look forward to collaborate to reach your goals ASAP! ... Same week Video appointments are available. Text 469-770-7750 for quick booking assist.
Greetings, I'm Judith Armstrong, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. I provide medication management. My expertise spans a range of conditions including adult ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and insomnia, among others. Listening is at the core of my approach, ensuring that your unique challenges and aspirations are heard and understood. Collaboratively, we will identify the medication regimen best suited to your specific needs and current situation.
Greetings, I'm Judith Armstrong, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. I provide medication management. My expertise spans a range of conditions including adult ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and insomnia, among others. Listening is at the core of my approach, ensuring that your unique challenges and aspirations are heard and understood. Collaboratively, we will identify the medication regimen best suited to your specific needs and current situation.
Accepting new patients. Brenda is an Adult Geriatric (Primary Care) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated summa cum laude from Regis College and Oral Roberts University with her MSN and BSN, respectively. Brenda approaches each patient as a unique, extraordinary individual facilitating a whole-person, patient-centered approach. Although medication interventions are discussed, Brenda also encourages other appropriate modalities for optimal mental health, including a healthy lifestyle. She is happily married and enjoys visiting the ocean, snorkeling, cycling, and music.
Accepting new patients. Brenda is an Adult Geriatric (Primary Care) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated summa cum laude from Regis College and Oral Roberts University with her MSN and BSN, respectively. Brenda approaches each patient as a unique, extraordinary individual facilitating a whole-person, patient-centered approach. Although medication interventions are discussed, Brenda also encourages other appropriate modalities for optimal mental health, including a healthy lifestyle. She is happily married and enjoys visiting the ocean, snorkeling, cycling, and music.
I am a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in mental health, dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care. My approach focuses on truly listening to each patient’s story, building trust, and creating individualized treatment plans that address both immediate needs and long-term well-being.
I am a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in mental health, dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care. My approach focuses on truly listening to each patient’s story, building trust, and creating individualized treatment plans that address both immediate needs and long-term well-being.
La Maria Folks, NP, is a compassionate and experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who supports adolescents, adults, and seniors across Oklahoma. At LifeStance Health, she provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management, helping patients navigate complex mental health concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Whether working with teens managing school-related stress or adults experiencing life transitions, La Maria creates a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can feel heard, understood, and empowered to take charge of their mental well-being.
La Maria Folks, NP, is a compassionate and experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who supports adolescents, adults, and seniors across Oklahoma. At LifeStance Health, she provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management, helping patients navigate complex mental health concerns such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Whether working with teens managing school-related stress or adults experiencing life transitions, La Maria creates a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can feel heard, understood, and empowered to take charge of their mental well-being.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30 years of nursing experience and have been a mental health provider for over 4 years. My passion to help others began when a family member struggled with depression and anxiety. I soon realized so many others dealt with depression, anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD from either the stresses of life, childhood, trauma, or chemical imbalance. Listening and providing options ideal for you is my goal. I offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental setting.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30 years of nursing experience and have been a mental health provider for over 4 years. My passion to help others began when a family member struggled with depression and anxiety. I soon realized so many others dealt with depression, anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD from either the stresses of life, childhood, trauma, or chemical imbalance. Listening and providing options ideal for you is my goal. I offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental setting.
See more therapy options for Rogers County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Rogers County, OK
< 10
Psychiatrists in Rogers County, OK who prioritize treating:
| 100% | Depression |
| 100% | Anxiety |
| 100% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 100% | Medication Management |
| 50% | Geriatric and Seniors |
| 50% | Relationship Issues |
| 50% | Child |
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 50% | Aetna |
| 50% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 50% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Rogers County, OK 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 Rogers County?
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.

