Psychiatrists in Meadville, PA

Photo of Dr. Kirsten George, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Kirsten George
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
I am in network with Highmark, Blue Cross PPO, and UPMC insurances. I am committed to providing high quality, individualized, evidenced-based treatment to adults with mental health issues. I place great value on the relationship between the doctor and patient and strive to understand the needs of my patients in order to make decisions based on their treatment goals. I approach patients with a holistic mindset, taking into account the myriad of factors that may be causing mental health symptoms, including lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, relationship issues, and medical conditions.
I am in network with Highmark, Blue Cross PPO, and UPMC insurances. I am committed to providing high quality, individualized, evidenced-based treatment to adults with mental health issues. I place great value on the relationship between the doctor and patient and strive to understand the needs of my patients in order to make decisions based on their treatment goals. I approach patients with a holistic mindset, taking into account the myriad of factors that may be causing mental health symptoms, including lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, relationship issues, and medical conditions.
(814) 267-8502 View (814) 267-8502

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Wanda Rodriguez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Wanda Rodriguez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Hello there! I am a nurse practitioner who has worked in mental health for over 15 years and currently practices in Central Pennsylvania. My career began with crisis intervention and managing acute mental health emergencies. Expanding my scope, I later moved into case management, gaining a deep understanding of mental health conditions, the impact of the environment, and the importance of individualized care.
Hello there! I am a nurse practitioner who has worked in mental health for over 15 years and currently practices in Central Pennsylvania. My career began with crisis intervention and managing acute mental health emergencies. Expanding my scope, I later moved into case management, gaining a deep understanding of mental health conditions, the impact of the environment, and the importance of individualized care.
(717) 584-8963 View (717) 584-8963
Photo of Chijioke Nwankwo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chijioke Nwankwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Dr. CJ. Nwankwo is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who assesses and treats individual with mental disorders across the lifespan. He has experience in both inpatient and outpatient care delivery. As part of multidisciplinary care approach, he works in collaboration with psychiatrics and other advanced healthcare providers to provide an evidence base intervention that will optimize your resilience to mental well-being.
Dr. CJ. Nwankwo is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who assesses and treats individual with mental disorders across the lifespan. He has experience in both inpatient and outpatient care delivery. As part of multidisciplinary care approach, he works in collaboration with psychiatrics and other advanced healthcare providers to provide an evidence base intervention that will optimize your resilience to mental well-being.
(610) 546-7285 View (610) 546-7285
Photo of Michael Okoye, PhD, CRNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Michael Okoye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, CRNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am Dr. Michael, and I warmly welcome you to Growtherapy. I am nationally board certified as both Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I come to you with over ten (10) year experience providing psychiatric/mental and behavioral healthcare in various clinical environments (including inpatient, outpatient, long term care facilities, and correctional facilities). My experiences include one year as the lead faculty (Assistant Professor) in a psychiatric/mental health nursing program where I taught every psychiatric pathology or disorder and prepared senior students for board exams.
I am Dr. Michael, and I warmly welcome you to Growtherapy. I am nationally board certified as both Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I come to you with over ten (10) year experience providing psychiatric/mental and behavioral healthcare in various clinical environments (including inpatient, outpatient, long term care facilities, and correctional facilities). My experiences include one year as the lead faculty (Assistant Professor) in a psychiatric/mental health nursing program where I taught every psychiatric pathology or disorder and prepared senior students for board exams.
(412) 274-8448 View (412) 274-8448
Photo of Katherine Benson, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Katherine Benson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Online Only
My passion for collaboration and client advocacy, combined with nearly 15 years' nursing and mental health experience, means that I am uniquely suited to help clients identify challenges, and enabling them to meet their mental health goals. While all visits are provided via telehealth, I reside in the community I serve, and I believe that enabling individuals to grow stronger also enables communities to grow stronger. Through my years spent in training and practicing Psychiatry-Mental Health Nursing, I have learned that the solution is rarely as simple as taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
My passion for collaboration and client advocacy, combined with nearly 15 years' nursing and mental health experience, means that I am uniquely suited to help clients identify challenges, and enabling them to meet their mental health goals. While all visits are provided via telehealth, I reside in the community I serve, and I believe that enabling individuals to grow stronger also enables communities to grow stronger. Through my years spent in training and practicing Psychiatry-Mental Health Nursing, I have learned that the solution is rarely as simple as taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
(570) 514-4263 View (570) 514-4263
Photo of Kimberlee Renee Adams, PMHNP, , CRNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kimberlee Renee Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, , CRNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My expertise lies in delivering comprehensive mental health care to individuals across various age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. I am dedicated to addressing a range of conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Mood disorders, and Insomnia.
My expertise lies in delivering comprehensive mental health care to individuals across various age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. I am dedicated to addressing a range of conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Mood disorders, and Insomnia.
(267) 209-8196 View (267) 209-8196
Photo of Dr. Peace Peters, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Peace Peters
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Peace Peters is a doctoral-level board-certified family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Dr. Peace specializes across lifespans, treating all ages from children, adolescents, adults and geriatric mental health and wellness. Dr. Peters serves Maryland and Virginia. She has over 20 years of healthcare experience working in different healthcare settings in inpatient and outpatient in the DMV area. Her experience includes working in; general medicine and surgery, bariatric surgery, telemetry, orthopedics, pediatric medicine, Critical Care Unit and long-term care.
Dr. Peace Peters is a doctoral-level board-certified family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Dr. Peace specializes across lifespans, treating all ages from children, adolescents, adults and geriatric mental health and wellness. Dr. Peters serves Maryland and Virginia. She has over 20 years of healthcare experience working in different healthcare settings in inpatient and outpatient in the DMV area. Her experience includes working in; general medicine and surgery, bariatric surgery, telemetry, orthopedics, pediatric medicine, Critical Care Unit and long-term care.
(571) 462-2407 View (571) 462-2407
Photo of Kimberlie Taylor - Tranquil & Serene Psychiatry , BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tranquil & Serene Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal clients are open to sharing their lives with me. They are open to education and exploring treatment plans that suit their needs. My goal is to provide options for patients to be empowered. We can also use Genesight testing to help determine how your DNA interacts with medications to determine best treatment options. Genesight test results are usually returned within 48 hours, making it a fast efficient tool for selection of medications.
My ideal clients are open to sharing their lives with me. They are open to education and exploring treatment plans that suit their needs. My goal is to provide options for patients to be empowered. We can also use Genesight testing to help determine how your DNA interacts with medications to determine best treatment options. Genesight test results are usually returned within 48 hours, making it a fast efficient tool for selection of medications.
(484) 946-4199 View (484) 946-4199
Photo of Michael Werb - Cognitive Behavior Institute, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cognitive Behavior Institute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
(814) 648-6701 View (814) 648-6701
Photo of Kaitlyn Leone, CRNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kaitlyn Leone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Focusing primarily on mental health, my ideal client would be someone who is struggling with emotional or psychological challenges but is motivated to seek meaningful healing and improvement. They may be dealing with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood disorders, or they may feel overwhelmed by stress, burnout, or life transitions.
Focusing primarily on mental health, my ideal client would be someone who is struggling with emotional or psychological challenges but is motivated to seek meaningful healing and improvement. They may be dealing with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood disorders, or they may feel overwhelmed by stress, burnout, or life transitions.
(814) 860-3179 View (814) 860-3179
Photo of Dr. Joshua C Taylor, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr. Joshua C Taylor
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, concentration issues, or even generally wondering if there is something limiting your ability to enjoy life? If so, it may be time to consider a psychiatric evaluation. The past few years have seen so many changes in the world around us and as a result a shift in the nature of our mental health. These hard times don’t need to be faced alone. It’s up to all of us to ensure that we seek the treatment and support necessary to fully enjoy life.
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, concentration issues, or even generally wondering if there is something limiting your ability to enjoy life? If so, it may be time to consider a psychiatric evaluation. The past few years have seen so many changes in the world around us and as a result a shift in the nature of our mental health. These hard times don’t need to be faced alone. It’s up to all of us to ensure that we seek the treatment and support necessary to fully enjoy life.
(814) 648-6128 View (814) 648-6128

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Dr. Nicole Brynes, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Nicole Brynes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Dr. Nicole Brynes, DNP, PMHNP-BC, provides psychiatric medication management, consultation & diagnostic evaluations for children, adolescents & adults to help you achieve your highest potential. Perhaps you are interested in learning what medications might be options for you or your loved one, want a second opinion, or are ready to start regular medication management with an experienced provider. Please note that in accordance with the Ryan-Haight Act, she does not prescribe controlled substances (including stimulants or benzodiazepines) to those outside of Pennsylvania. She is licensed currently in PA, MD, RI, VT, and ME.
Dr. Nicole Brynes, DNP, PMHNP-BC, provides psychiatric medication management, consultation & diagnostic evaluations for children, adolescents & adults to help you achieve your highest potential. Perhaps you are interested in learning what medications might be options for you or your loved one, want a second opinion, or are ready to start regular medication management with an experienced provider. Please note that in accordance with the Ryan-Haight Act, she does not prescribe controlled substances (including stimulants or benzodiazepines) to those outside of Pennsylvania. She is licensed currently in PA, MD, RI, VT, and ME.
(412) 838-3773 View (412) 838-3773
Photo of Adam Tripp - Better Stories in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Better Stories in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Online Only
As board certified mental health providers at Better Stories, we want to help you destress and improve your quality life with our years of experience and expertise in treating patients with a broad range of mental health disorders. Your care involves us working together, you provide your life experiences and perspective, we use our skills and experience in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Together we will create a treatment plan that we agree will help you reduce your symptoms and yield a greater quality of life.
As board certified mental health providers at Better Stories, we want to help you destress and improve your quality life with our years of experience and expertise in treating patients with a broad range of mental health disorders. Your care involves us working together, you provide your life experiences and perspective, we use our skills and experience in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Together we will create a treatment plan that we agree will help you reduce your symptoms and yield a greater quality of life.
(412) 467-0237 View (412) 467-0237
Photo of Dr. Janene Luther Szpak, DNP, PMHNP, CRNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Janene Luther Szpak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CRNP-BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
I'm an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, owner/Anchored to Wellness, LLC, in collaboration with Analaigh Counseling and Mediation Services. My thirty years of experience includes working as a clinician and nurse educator. My philosophy for care emphasizes on the necessity of building trust, mutuality, and conveying empathy. My strength is understanding how important it is to connect with others and meet each person where they are at that moment. I believe that each person has the innate ability to "heal" when they feel heard by another who seeks to understand them and help them to become their best self.
I'm an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, owner/Anchored to Wellness, LLC, in collaboration with Analaigh Counseling and Mediation Services. My thirty years of experience includes working as a clinician and nurse educator. My philosophy for care emphasizes on the necessity of building trust, mutuality, and conveying empathy. My strength is understanding how important it is to connect with others and meet each person where they are at that moment. I believe that each person has the innate ability to "heal" when they feel heard by another who seeks to understand them and help them to become their best self.
(724) 213-3324 View (724) 213-3324
Photo of Amy Alexander, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Amy Alexander
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi there! I am board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience treating mental health, and over 20 years of nursing experience in emergency and cardiac care. I received my Masters at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and my Post-Masters in Psychiatry at Regis College near Boston. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management which includes some therapy. My holistic approach encompasses mind, body, and spirit and is tailored to each individual's unique needs and life experiences.
Hi there! I am board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience treating mental health, and over 20 years of nursing experience in emergency and cardiac care. I received my Masters at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and my Post-Masters in Psychiatry at Regis College near Boston. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management which includes some therapy. My holistic approach encompasses mind, body, and spirit and is tailored to each individual's unique needs and life experiences.
(267) 497-3444 View (267) 497-3444
Photo of Ijeoma Njoku, PMHNP, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ijeoma Njoku
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APN
Verified Verified
Wexford, PA 15090
Struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, or schizophrenia? Finding it challenging to manage your mental health despite your best efforts? As a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over six years of experience, I specialize in medication management and psychoeducation. My goal is to help you regain control, alleviate symptoms, and improve your daily functioning so you can lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
Struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, or schizophrenia? Finding it challenging to manage your mental health despite your best efforts? As a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over six years of experience, I specialize in medication management and psychoeducation. My goal is to help you regain control, alleviate symptoms, and improve your daily functioning so you can lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
(267) 532-1310 View (267) 532-1310
Photo of Lisa Hengen - Thrive Psychiatric Services, Lisa Hengen, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Thrive Psychiatric Services, Lisa Hengen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
At Thrive Psychiatric Services, I provide personalized, comprehensive and compassionate Psychiatric Care. I love what I do and never feel like it is work. I enjoy helping people to feel better, so they can have better quality of life. I strive to provide every patient with the best possible care. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to be part of my patient’s healthcare journey, and I am always mindful of the respect and trust that is needed to maintain a therapeutic relationship. I provide comprehensive mental health services, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, substance abuse/addiction treatment and psychotherapy.
At Thrive Psychiatric Services, I provide personalized, comprehensive and compassionate Psychiatric Care. I love what I do and never feel like it is work. I enjoy helping people to feel better, so they can have better quality of life. I strive to provide every patient with the best possible care. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to be part of my patient’s healthcare journey, and I am always mindful of the respect and trust that is needed to maintain a therapeutic relationship. I provide comprehensive mental health services, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, substance abuse/addiction treatment and psychotherapy.
(224) 298-8260 View (224) 298-8260
Photo of Sarah Lim - Affirmative Health Care, MD, Psychiatrist
Affirmative Health Care
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Welcome to my practice! I am a board-certified physician with ten years of training and specialization in the provision of mental health services for LGBTQ folks and their allies. I offer strengths-based psychotherapy and medication management to partner with you in your process of learning, healing, understanding and achieving your goals.
Welcome to my practice! I am a board-certified physician with ten years of training and specialization in the provision of mental health services for LGBTQ folks and their allies. I offer strengths-based psychotherapy and medication management to partner with you in your process of learning, healing, understanding and achieving your goals.
(412) 284-5832 View (412) 284-5832
Photo of Beth Bremner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Beth Bremner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
I am excited to be working for The Bradley Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as part of their outpatient program. In this capacity, I will serve to evaluate and treat children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health and psychiatric concerns.
I am excited to be working for The Bradley Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as part of their outpatient program. In this capacity, I will serve to evaluate and treat children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health and psychiatric concerns.
(412) 776-0424 x5205 View (412) 776-0424 x5205
Photo of Bryan Reed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bryan Reed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greensburg, PA 15601
I am a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner who tries to get the best outcomes for his patients by combining evidence and their preferences. I seek to treat the whole person by combining conventional psychiatry with brain-changing therapies. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings.
I am a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner who tries to get the best outcomes for his patients by combining evidence and their preferences. I seek to treat the whole person by combining conventional psychiatry with brain-changing therapies. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings.
(724) 603-1742 View (724) 603-1742

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How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Meadville, PA

< 10

Psychiatrists in Meadville, PA who prioritize treating:

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

Average years in practice

12 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Highmark
100% University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hea

How Psychiatrists in Meadville, PA see their clients

100% In Person and Online
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Meadville?

The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.

In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.

Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.

When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.

While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.

How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?

It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.

A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?

A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?

Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.