Psychiatrists in Brookings, OR
Dr. Tomilola Adewolu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookings, OR 97415 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Dr. Tomilola Adewolu, but you can call me Dr. Tee with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health. I specialize in helping clients aged 12 and up manage mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Living in Illinois and licensed in Oregon, I offer flexible virtual appointments to make care accessible. My approach prioritizes empathy and building trust, creating a safe space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll work toward your mental wellness goals. Let’s take that first step toward a healthier, happier you!
Hi, I’m Dr. Tomilola Adewolu, but you can call me Dr. Tee with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health. I specialize in helping clients aged 12 and up manage mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Living in Illinois and licensed in Oregon, I offer flexible virtual appointments to make care accessible. My approach prioritizes empathy and building trust, creating a safe space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll work toward your mental wellness goals. Let’s take that first step toward a healthier, happier you!
Shantel Escobar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brookings, OR 97415 (Online Only)
Please visit my website at healthymindsrx.com - I offer medication services to help with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mood disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. While therapy is important, sometimes it's not enough as medication can be a crucial part of effective treatment.
Please visit my website at healthymindsrx.com - I offer medication services to help with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mood disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. While therapy is important, sometimes it's not enough as medication can be a crucial part of effective treatment.
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Brookings, OR 97415 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Nancy graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of experience and specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar and sleep disorders, as well as patients in the LGBTQIA+ community with care needs related to gender dysphoria/transgender-related mental health care. She also offers online opioid addiction treatment with medication. She treats patients ages 18+ in Oregon and Washington.
Nancy graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Science in Nursing, and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of experience and specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar and sleep disorders, as well as patients in the LGBTQIA+ community with care needs related to gender dysphoria/transgender-related mental health care. She also offers online opioid addiction treatment with medication. She treats patients ages 18+ in Oregon and Washington.
Coastal Roots Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brookings, OR 97415 (Online Only)
I am dedicated at providing competent and respectful mental health care of all ages. My passion is working with children and patients with special needs, however I see all patients ages 6 and up. My goal is to help you become the best version of yourself and guide you through that process. I offer telehealth only currently and my hours are evenings and weekends to accommodate your busy schedule.
I am dedicated at providing competent and respectful mental health care of all ages. My passion is working with children and patients with special needs, however I see all patients ages 6 and up. My goal is to help you become the best version of yourself and guide you through that process. I offer telehealth only currently and my hours are evenings and weekends to accommodate your busy schedule.
Ana Tattersall-Cocke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookings, OR 97415
Have you ever misplaced your keys or lost track of your phone, only to ask a loved one, “Can you call it again?” If you notice similar patterns in your child, it might be worth considering that ADHD often runs in families. Symptoms can manifest as predominantly inattentive, primarily hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both. However, it's important to recognize that other conditions, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and certain learning disabilities, can present similarly.
Have you ever misplaced your keys or lost track of your phone, only to ask a loved one, “Can you call it again?” If you notice similar patterns in your child, it might be worth considering that ADHD often runs in families. Symptoms can manifest as predominantly inattentive, primarily hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both. However, it's important to recognize that other conditions, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and certain learning disabilities, can present similarly.
Online Psychiatrists
MotherRoot Integrated Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ND, PMHNP, CNM/NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520
MotherRoot offers psychiatric services across the lifespan from adolescence to the aging adult. I know that strong mental health is a priority for growth. We offer in person and telehealth. Please visit our website motherrootinc.com for more.
MotherRoot offers psychiatric services across the lifespan from adolescence to the aging adult. I know that strong mental health is a priority for growth. We offer in person and telehealth. Please visit our website motherrootinc.com for more.
Holsan Behavioral Health - Oregon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97501
Accepting New Patients. Tenishia is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. She is US Navy Veteran who is passionate about mental health and specializes in attention difficulties, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma. She offers in person care in Medford, OR, and telehealth services across the state of Oregon, ensuring convenient access to quality mental health care. We offer in person services out of our Medford, OR office to start soon. Other locations to be added soon.
Accepting New Patients. Tenishia is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. She is US Navy Veteran who is passionate about mental health and specializes in attention difficulties, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma. She offers in person care in Medford, OR, and telehealth services across the state of Oregon, ensuring convenient access to quality mental health care. We offer in person services out of our Medford, OR office to start soon. Other locations to be added soon.
Accepting New Clients! Same Week Availability! ....... Hello, I'm a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in supporting individuals across all ages through mental health challenges. My specialized expertise encompasses treating depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia, ADHD, and substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid dependencies. I employ personalized medication-assisted treatments such as Suboxone for opioid disorders. My approach focuses on fostering healing, empowerment, and guiding each individual's unique journey toward holistic wellness.
Accepting New Clients! Same Week Availability! ....... Hello, I'm a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in supporting individuals across all ages through mental health challenges. My specialized expertise encompasses treating depression, anxiety, anger, insomnia, ADHD, and substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid dependencies. I employ personalized medication-assisted treatments such as Suboxone for opioid disorders. My approach focuses on fostering healing, empowerment, and guiding each individual's unique journey toward holistic wellness.
Trae Stewart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97504 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW patients! Make appointments directly at www.psychmatters.net Dr. Stewart is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority. He provides quality mental health care through assessment, diagnosis, and medication management via virtual appointments. Dr. Stewart focuses on medication management for adolescents and adults (13+ years old). He treats mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and sleep disorders. Email us for quickest response at psychmatters (at) outlook.com
Accepting NEW patients! Make appointments directly at www.psychmatters.net Dr. Stewart is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority. He provides quality mental health care through assessment, diagnosis, and medication management via virtual appointments. Dr. Stewart focuses on medication management for adolescents and adults (13+ years old). He treats mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and sleep disorders. Email us for quickest response at psychmatters (at) outlook.com
Dr. Carrie Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520 (Online Only)
Current Openings! To get started, please complete form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing contextualized whole-person mental health care that considers the many factors – genetic, social, environmental, and cultural – that contribute to someone’s overall health picture. My approach is collaborative, evidence-informed, and patient-centered. I partner with my clients in shared decision-making and deeply value the foundational importance of trust, safety, and human connection in a therapeutic relationship.
Current Openings! To get started, please complete form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing contextualized whole-person mental health care that considers the many factors – genetic, social, environmental, and cultural – that contribute to someone’s overall health picture. My approach is collaborative, evidence-informed, and patient-centered. I partner with my clients in shared decision-making and deeply value the foundational importance of trust, safety, and human connection in a therapeutic relationship.
Mindlight Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Ashland, OR 97520
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health conditions. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or something more complex, I offer personalized care tailored to your unique needs
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health conditions. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or something more complex, I offer personalized care tailored to your unique needs
As an integrative psychiatric nurse practitioner, I focus on treating the whole person, not just symptoms. My practice combines traditional psychiatric treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies to address each individual's unique needs. I believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and strive to create personalized treatment plans that promote overall well-being. I provide care for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, OCD, attention/focus and stress-related issues through medication management, psychotherapy, nutrition, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes.
As an integrative psychiatric nurse practitioner, I focus on treating the whole person, not just symptoms. My practice combines traditional psychiatric treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies to address each individual's unique needs. I believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and strive to create personalized treatment plans that promote overall well-being. I provide care for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, OCD, attention/focus and stress-related issues through medication management, psychotherapy, nutrition, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes.
Paradigm Mental Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Medford, OR 97501
Our ideal client wants help. They are ready for a change. It may be that they continue to have symptoms from that traumatic event in childhood, or maybe they can't shake that nagging thought in the back of their head that they would be better off dead. Some may have a lifelong mental health diagnosis that they are all too aware of. Others may be having a more and more difficult time with their work or spouse. Regardless, each of these people has the desire to improve, to move past their current state, to grow.
Our ideal client wants help. They are ready for a change. It may be that they continue to have symptoms from that traumatic event in childhood, or maybe they can't shake that nagging thought in the back of their head that they would be better off dead. Some may have a lifelong mental health diagnosis that they are all too aware of. Others may be having a more and more difficult time with their work or spouse. Regardless, each of these people has the desire to improve, to move past their current state, to grow.
Ample Grace Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Grants Pass, OR 97526 (Online Only)
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.
Oregon Behavioral Health Group LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Central Point, OR 97502
You will receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes labs, and often times, genetic testing to help determine the best treatment plan. Treatment can include supplements, pharmaceutical medications, and psychotherapy.
You will receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes labs, and often times, genetic testing to help determine the best treatment plan. Treatment can include supplements, pharmaceutical medications, and psychotherapy.
I provide compassionate, non-judgmental and patient-centered care to individuals who are struggling with mental health concerns. I understand that not every treatment option may work for everyone.
I provide compassionate, non-judgmental and patient-centered care to individuals who are struggling with mental health concerns. I understand that not every treatment option may work for everyone.
Marco Rudas-Garcia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BSN
Verified Verified
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Hello! My name is Marco Rudas-Garcia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Utah and subsequently earned a master's degree in nursing from Gonzaga University. My professional experience includes working in surgical trauma units and psychiatric units, and I have experience in caring for developmentally delayed populations with mental illness. I have also worked at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, providing care to veterans. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care, online opioid addiction treatment with medication, and run a CBT therapy group for insomnia.
Hello! My name is Marco Rudas-Garcia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Utah and subsequently earned a master's degree in nursing from Gonzaga University. My professional experience includes working in surgical trauma units and psychiatric units, and I have experience in caring for developmentally delayed populations with mental illness. I have also worked at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, providing care to veterans. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA2S+ affirming care, online opioid addiction treatment with medication, and run a CBT therapy group for insomnia.
Megan Sapp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, OR 97520 (Online Only)
2024 - Current openings! To get started, complete a new patient form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a psychiatric NP, I specialize in supporting people through life transitions. With a background a Nurse Midwife, I have special interest in serving clients who are pregnant, postpartum, experiencing perinatal loss or fertility challenges, or affected by hormonal changes. I bring a comprehensive understanding of reproductive and physical health to assist clients in weighing options for care and building a treatment plan that is consistent with their goals and values.
2024 - Current openings! To get started, complete a new patient form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a psychiatric NP, I specialize in supporting people through life transitions. With a background a Nurse Midwife, I have special interest in serving clients who are pregnant, postpartum, experiencing perinatal loss or fertility challenges, or affected by hormonal changes. I bring a comprehensive understanding of reproductive and physical health to assist clients in weighing options for care and building a treatment plan that is consistent with their goals and values.
Ross A Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a Masters of Science and Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. For 15 years he worked in preventative cardiology and stroke neurology. He worked in social services at AIDS Services of Austin in Austin, TX providing case management to individuals with advanced HIV, then completed a postmaster certificate as a PMHNP at the University of New Mexico. He cares for patients ages sixteen and older with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders and specializes in LGBTQIA2S+ affirming mental health care.
Ross A Brown is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a Masters of Science and Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. For 15 years he worked in preventative cardiology and stroke neurology. He worked in social services at AIDS Services of Austin in Austin, TX providing case management to individuals with advanced HIV, then completed a postmaster certificate as a PMHNP at the University of New Mexico. He cares for patients ages sixteen and older with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders and specializes in LGBTQIA2S+ affirming mental health care.
See more therapy options for Brookings
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brookings, OR
< 10
Psychiatrists in Brookings, OR who prioritize treating:
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
83% | Depression |
83% | ADHD |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
83% | Sleep or Insomnia |
67% | Anxiety |
67% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
2 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | Aetna |
60% | Cigna and Evernorth |
60% | PacificSource |
How Psychiatrists in Brookings, OR see their clients
66% | Online Only | |
34% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brookings?
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.