Psychiatrists in Beaverton, OR

My ideal client is someone facing challenges such as opioid use, depression, anxiety, or panic attacks. They may struggle with mood fluctuations, attention issues, or have a history of bipolar disorder, feeling overwhelmed by life transitions or behavioral problems. They seek relief from their symptoms and a better understanding of their mental health. Their goals include regaining stability, building coping strategies, and finding empowerment in their journey. Ultimately, they want to live a fulfilling life, free from the weight of their struggles, and are ready to embrace change with compassionate support and guidance.
My ideal client is someone facing challenges such as opioid use, depression, anxiety, or panic attacks. They may struggle with mood fluctuations, attention issues, or have a history of bipolar disorder, feeling overwhelmed by life transitions or behavioral problems. They seek relief from their symptoms and a better understanding of their mental health. Their goals include regaining stability, building coping strategies, and finding empowerment in their journey. Ultimately, they want to live a fulfilling life, free from the weight of their struggles, and are ready to embrace change with compassionate support and guidance.

Jesse Morris is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in Portland, Oregon. Jesse uses an integrative approach to care, recognizing that mental health is multifaceted and complex. She blends conventional medicine with exercise, nutrition, psychotherapy, and a range of complementary and alternative treatment modalities. During her mental health career, she has primarily worked in settings offering innovative and non-traditional treatment options. Her experience has given ger a profound understanding that healing extends far beyond pharmaceuticals - it encompasses every facet of our lives.
Jesse Morris is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in Portland, Oregon. Jesse uses an integrative approach to care, recognizing that mental health is multifaceted and complex. She blends conventional medicine with exercise, nutrition, psychotherapy, and a range of complementary and alternative treatment modalities. During her mental health career, she has primarily worked in settings offering innovative and non-traditional treatment options. Her experience has given ger a profound understanding that healing extends far beyond pharmaceuticals - it encompasses every facet of our lives.

I built Women’s Mental Health Specialists because I know what it feels like to be unheard, misdiagnosed, or stuck in a treatment that just isn’t working. Women’s mental health is complex, and too often, it’s treated with guesswork. I refuse to let that happen here. My mission is to get the diagnosis right, build a team that actually supports you, and create a plan that gets real results. Whether you’re struggling with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, or the impact of hormonal shifts, I’m here to help you understand what’s happening, regain control, and move forward with confidence.
I built Women’s Mental Health Specialists because I know what it feels like to be unheard, misdiagnosed, or stuck in a treatment that just isn’t working. Women’s mental health is complex, and too often, it’s treated with guesswork. I refuse to let that happen here. My mission is to get the diagnosis right, build a team that actually supports you, and create a plan that gets real results. Whether you’re struggling with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, or the impact of hormonal shifts, I’m here to help you understand what’s happening, regain control, and move forward with confidence.

My primary focus is to help you better understand your life experiences, improve your day-to-day functioning, and help you develop lifelong skills to achieve your personal goals. I adopt a holistic approach, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence your mental health in an empathic and supportive environment. I can help address your anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relational challenges. My goal is to help you develop skills and routines that you will continue to use even after our work ends.
My primary focus is to help you better understand your life experiences, improve your day-to-day functioning, and help you develop lifelong skills to achieve your personal goals. I adopt a holistic approach, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence your mental health in an empathic and supportive environment. I can help address your anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relational challenges. My goal is to help you develop skills and routines that you will continue to use even after our work ends.

Accepting new patients as of 1/7/2025. Please contact the office directly by calling the number listed. Ms. Weston is a board-certified lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in all ages, including children and adolescents, the LGBTQ+ population, as well as prenatal/postnatal mental healthcare. She also specializes in telehealth having been online since 2018. She currently offers medication management in Oregon (self pay and insurance) and Washington (self pay only at this time). Will be expanding to Alaska.
Accepting new patients as of 1/7/2025. Please contact the office directly by calling the number listed. Ms. Weston is a board-certified lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in all ages, including children and adolescents, the LGBTQ+ population, as well as prenatal/postnatal mental healthcare. She also specializes in telehealth having been online since 2018. She currently offers medication management in Oregon (self pay and insurance) and Washington (self pay only at this time). Will be expanding to Alaska.

I have over 10 years of experience working with the geriatric population. My background includes extensive experience with Alzheimer’s dementia. My love of assisting memory care residents quickly led to her curiosity of overall mental health improvement and paved the way for me to obtain a masters degree as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. When I am not working to improve her patients mental health she enjoys spending time with her family, homeschooling her son, cooking, and frequent family vacations to the Oregon coast.
I have over 10 years of experience working with the geriatric population. My background includes extensive experience with Alzheimer’s dementia. My love of assisting memory care residents quickly led to her curiosity of overall mental health improvement and paved the way for me to obtain a masters degree as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. When I am not working to improve her patients mental health she enjoys spending time with her family, homeschooling her son, cooking, and frequent family vacations to the Oregon coast.

I believe that all things exist on a spectrum, and the intensity will vary. Due to this, diagnosis is an ever-evolving process that won’t happen with one session, but several and with rapport and trust. Information gathered in the initial evaluation is thoroughly reviewed to establish a diagnosis.
I believe that all things exist on a spectrum, and the intensity will vary. Due to this, diagnosis is an ever-evolving process that won’t happen with one session, but several and with rapport and trust. Information gathered in the initial evaluation is thoroughly reviewed to establish a diagnosis.

Immediate Openings Howard Rosenbaum, MD is a skilled psychiatrist who specializes in the medication management of a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder in adults.. Based in Beaverton, Oregon for over 25 years, Dr Rosenbaums is deeply committed to working collaboratively with his patients in order to achieve the best possible outcome. He works closely with therapists and other care providers in order to coordinate care. His practice includes telemedicine and in person sessions. His dog Finnegan occasionally attends sessions with him.
Immediate Openings Howard Rosenbaum, MD is a skilled psychiatrist who specializes in the medication management of a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder in adults.. Based in Beaverton, Oregon for over 25 years, Dr Rosenbaums is deeply committed to working collaboratively with his patients in order to achieve the best possible outcome. He works closely with therapists and other care providers in order to coordinate care. His practice includes telemedicine and in person sessions. His dog Finnegan occasionally attends sessions with him.

At Northstar Psychiatry we treat adults and adolescents across the spectrum of psychiatric needs while specializing in treating depression. We bring a multimodal approach to treating depression and we understand that medication is not always the answer to addressing a person's needs. Sometimes it's therapy, sometimes it's a combination. For some, an interventional approach using a non-pharmacological treatment like transcranial magnetic stimulation is the right answer. Our goal is to work with each individual to create a treatment plan that meets their individual needs using cutting edge science alongside tried and true methods
At Northstar Psychiatry we treat adults and adolescents across the spectrum of psychiatric needs while specializing in treating depression. We bring a multimodal approach to treating depression and we understand that medication is not always the answer to addressing a person's needs. Sometimes it's therapy, sometimes it's a combination. For some, an interventional approach using a non-pharmacological treatment like transcranial magnetic stimulation is the right answer. Our goal is to work with each individual to create a treatment plan that meets their individual needs using cutting edge science alongside tried and true methods

Neupathway (Nicole Mutnansky)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, MSN, BSN
Beaverton, OR 97005
Imagine a clinic where patients feel genuinely seen and supported—where care is personalized, evidence-based, and grounded in empathy. This clinic serves individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, including adolescence, pregnancy, and postpartum. Their goal is to partner with a provider who brings not only clinical expertise but also compassion and holistic insight. They’re seeking someone who honors each patient’s unique journey and can support them through change and healing.
Imagine a clinic where patients feel genuinely seen and supported—where care is personalized, evidence-based, and grounded in empathy. This clinic serves individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, including adolescence, pregnancy, and postpartum. Their goal is to partner with a provider who brings not only clinical expertise but also compassion and holistic insight. They’re seeking someone who honors each patient’s unique journey and can support them through change and healing.

Assisting you with medication management and therapy for better mental health. I pride myself in listening to your concerns. Asking specific questions to narrow down your symptoms. Holistic approach- look at your relationships, environment, and upbringing along with providing solutions and a treatment plan for your current concerns. Collaborative approach- we work as a team, I don't ignore your concerns. If I dont know an answer, I redirect you to someone who does.
Assisting you with medication management and therapy for better mental health. I pride myself in listening to your concerns. Asking specific questions to narrow down your symptoms. Holistic approach- look at your relationships, environment, and upbringing along with providing solutions and a treatment plan for your current concerns. Collaborative approach- we work as a team, I don't ignore your concerns. If I dont know an answer, I redirect you to someone who does.

Current Availability for NEW Clients in-person or virtually. I value individualizing care for each person, utilizing your input and preferences to inform treatment decisions. I’m thankful to work with diverse individuals and strive to honor each person’s unique background and experiences. I have significant expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and how these symptoms frequently overlap. I am very experienced in building new and effective treatment plans when past therapies or medications have not worked. My goal is to find a balance of therapy, self-care and/or medication that best meets the needs for each person.
Current Availability for NEW Clients in-person or virtually. I value individualizing care for each person, utilizing your input and preferences to inform treatment decisions. I’m thankful to work with diverse individuals and strive to honor each person’s unique background and experiences. I have significant expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and how these symptoms frequently overlap. I am very experienced in building new and effective treatment plans when past therapies or medications have not worked. My goal is to find a balance of therapy, self-care and/or medication that best meets the needs for each person.

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, unfocused, or dealing with LGBTQ+ issues, I can provide a safe, affirming space to feel heard and understood. Together, we can work to build self-trust, find relief, and move forward—at your pace.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, unfocused, or dealing with LGBTQ+ issues, I can provide a safe, affirming space to feel heard and understood. Together, we can work to build self-trust, find relief, and move forward—at your pace.

Neupathway (Sharlynn Van Tassel)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, MSN, BSN
Beaverton, OR 97005
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Many arrive overwhelmed—struggling with multiple diagnoses, ineffective treatments, or mental health concerns that have gone unnoticed or misunderstood. Their goals are clear: accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and a compassionate provider who truly listens. They want to understand why they feel the way they do and what real, lasting healing can look like—not just symptom management, but a path to balanced, fulfilling lives. Their hope is to partner with someone who values mental health as much as physical well-being.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Many arrive overwhelmed—struggling with multiple diagnoses, ineffective treatments, or mental health concerns that have gone unnoticed or misunderstood. Their goals are clear: accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and a compassionate provider who truly listens. They want to understand why they feel the way they do and what real, lasting healing can look like—not just symptom management, but a path to balanced, fulfilling lives. Their hope is to partner with someone who values mental health as much as physical well-being.

Immediate Availability! In network with most commercial insurance plans! Pursuit Mental Health & Recovery is here for you! Our ideal client is looking for a provider to team with and create a unique plan of care just for them. If you are suffering from Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol, or Sleep Disorders please reach out and let us see how we can help. We support and offer Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT Suboxone). We take the following Insurances in Washington State: Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, and Optum/ United Healthcare. We also now take Medicare, Medicaid, and Kaiser!
Immediate Availability! In network with most commercial insurance plans! Pursuit Mental Health & Recovery is here for you! Our ideal client is looking for a provider to team with and create a unique plan of care just for them. If you are suffering from Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol, or Sleep Disorders please reach out and let us see how we can help. We support and offer Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT Suboxone). We take the following Insurances in Washington State: Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, and Optum/ United Healthcare. We also now take Medicare, Medicaid, and Kaiser!

I’m Brittney Gillyard. I am a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My approach to providing care is to first create a positive environment so that my clients are comfortable sharing what they need to share. I then let my client know that we are a team and will be working together to achieve the best outcome for them. I work with all patients with disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD and more. We will speak and determine appropriate diagnosis and treat accordingly.
I’m Brittney Gillyard. I am a certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My approach to providing care is to first create a positive environment so that my clients are comfortable sharing what they need to share. I then let my client know that we are a team and will be working together to achieve the best outcome for them. I work with all patients with disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD and more. We will speak and determine appropriate diagnosis and treat accordingly.

I have immediate openings for visits. I have returned to Center of Excellence! See address and number to the right. I see patients ages 18 years and older. My ideal client would be one that desires the help offered, who places importance in themselves and fights for their happiness and their life. I truly enjoy sharing in goal-setting and ultimately goal-achieving with my clients, and find my greatest joy in hearing of their successes and personal growth. I personally enjoy getting to know my clients on an equal footing as fellow human beings. I do not accept patients currently on benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin).
I have immediate openings for visits. I have returned to Center of Excellence! See address and number to the right. I see patients ages 18 years and older. My ideal client would be one that desires the help offered, who places importance in themselves and fights for their happiness and their life. I truly enjoy sharing in goal-setting and ultimately goal-achieving with my clients, and find my greatest joy in hearing of their successes and personal growth. I personally enjoy getting to know my clients on an equal footing as fellow human beings. I do not accept patients currently on benzodiazepines (Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin).

Madeline Jacobs is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and has been working in the psychiatric field since 2015. She has worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the largest LGBT Center in the country, and would love the opportunity to broaden the reach of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care through telepsychiatry. She is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an evidence-based trauma therapy. She takes a trauma-informed perspective on mental health care.
Madeline Jacobs is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and has been working in the psychiatric field since 2015. She has worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the largest LGBT Center in the country, and would love the opportunity to broaden the reach of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care through telepsychiatry. She is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an evidence-based trauma therapy. She takes a trauma-informed perspective on mental health care.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been in the medical profession for over 20 years and have worked in almost every area of nursing. I provide compassionate, judgment-free mental health care services to all ages. My approach to providing mental healthcare is one of compassion, warmth, understanding, and free of judgment. I often use CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused care. I typically work with individuals battling depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, and other disorders.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been in the medical profession for over 20 years and have worked in almost every area of nursing. I provide compassionate, judgment-free mental health care services to all ages. My approach to providing mental healthcare is one of compassion, warmth, understanding, and free of judgment. I often use CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused care. I typically work with individuals battling depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD, and other disorders.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I provide psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, counseling, and medication management. I treat a variety of mental health conditions including ADHD, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. Providing prompt appointments and accessibility is of the utmost importance in my practice. In most cases, clients can be scheduled for an initial evaluation within one to two weeks of speaking with our office.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I provide psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, counseling, and medication management. I treat a variety of mental health conditions including ADHD, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. Providing prompt appointments and accessibility is of the utmost importance in my practice. In most cases, clients can be scheduled for an initial evaluation within one to two weeks of speaking with our office.
See more therapy options for Beaverton
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Beaverton, OR
100+
Average cost per session
$195
Psychiatrists in Beaverton, OR who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
77% | ADHD |
77% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Medication Management |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
82% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
81% | Aetna |
77% | Regence |
How Psychiatrists in Beaverton, OR see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
27% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Beaverton?
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.