Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, PA

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Photo of Catherine Mazzie, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP , FNP-C
Catherine Mazzie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP , FNP-C
Verified Verified
Limerick, PA 19468
Are you ready to start your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself? My clients experience a range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, or drug or alcohol addiction that leads them to feel disconnected from themselves or others. I am here to openly listen to your concerns, offer evidence-based treatment plans, practice cultural competence, and avoid making personal judgments.
Are you ready to start your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself? My clients experience a range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, or drug or alcohol addiction that leads them to feel disconnected from themselves or others. I am here to openly listen to your concerns, offer evidence-based treatment plans, practice cultural competence, and avoid making personal judgments.
(484) 673-6888 View (484) 673-6888
Photo of Sudha Jairaj, Psychiatrist, MD
Sudha Jairaj
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Jairaj is an established and highly skilled psychiatrist with over 44 years of practice experience, having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. While she has extensive experience in understanding medication dosing and drug interactions, she provides holistic treatments, to ensure optimal patient care. Dr. Jairaj's passion is driven by the bonds she builds with her patients and the enjoyment she holds in keeping them healthy and well.
Dr. Jairaj is an established and highly skilled psychiatrist with over 44 years of practice experience, having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. While she has extensive experience in understanding medication dosing and drug interactions, she provides holistic treatments, to ensure optimal patient care. Dr. Jairaj's passion is driven by the bonds she builds with her patients and the enjoyment she holds in keeping them healthy and well.
(215) 888-8791 View (215) 888-8791
Photo of Dr. David Monheit - LifeStance Health, Psychiatrist, MD
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
(267) 365-5214 View (267) 365-5214
Photo of Chikodili Obi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Chikodili Obi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Great to meet you! Chikodili Obi is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who graduated from Wilkes University. She is enthusiastic about providing quality, evidence based psychiatric care across the life span. Chikodili possesses strong clinical skills necessary to establish and build relationships with patients She specializes in treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, psychosis and mood disorders.
Great to meet you! Chikodili Obi is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who graduated from Wilkes University. She is enthusiastic about providing quality, evidence based psychiatric care across the life span. Chikodili possesses strong clinical skills necessary to establish and build relationships with patients She specializes in treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, psychosis and mood disorders.
(610) 510-6813 View (610) 510-6813
Photo of Laura Orsatti Weissflog, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-, BC
Laura Orsatti Weissflog
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Are you looking for a new psychiatric medication prescriber? I am accepting new clients at Inspire Behavioral Health, a group practice in Phoenixville, PA. If you are looking for a compassionate clinician to assist you in deciding whether you may benefit from adding medication to your current therapy to improve how you are feeling, I can help. If you are already taking medication and are looking for someone who really listens, I will partner with you to make informed decisions about what changes may be helpful. If you have met with various other providers, and not felt heard, I may be the right person for you.
Are you looking for a new psychiatric medication prescriber? I am accepting new clients at Inspire Behavioral Health, a group practice in Phoenixville, PA. If you are looking for a compassionate clinician to assist you in deciding whether you may benefit from adding medication to your current therapy to improve how you are feeling, I can help. If you are already taking medication and are looking for someone who really listens, I will partner with you to make informed decisions about what changes may be helpful. If you have met with various other providers, and not felt heard, I may be the right person for you.
(610) 557-1538 View (610) 557-1538
Photo of Dr. Tammy Lobach, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Dr. Tammy Lobach
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
Dr. Tammy Lobach, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is a dual-certified doctorate-prepared nurse practitioner. She specializes in psychiatric mental health and is a family nurse practitioner. Her nursing career started over 20 years ago in Pennsylvania. Tammy received her Master’s in Nursing Science from DeSales University and completed a post-master certification at Wilkes University. She also achieved a doctorate degree from Bloomsburg University. Tammy’s goal is to focus on the needs of patients and families. She takes pride in the partnership and teamwork with patients that will lead to optimal mental health and wellness. She is qualified to
Dr. Tammy Lobach, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is a dual-certified doctorate-prepared nurse practitioner. She specializes in psychiatric mental health and is a family nurse practitioner. Her nursing career started over 20 years ago in Pennsylvania. Tammy received her Master’s in Nursing Science from DeSales University and completed a post-master certification at Wilkes University. She also achieved a doctorate degree from Bloomsburg University. Tammy’s goal is to focus on the needs of patients and families. She takes pride in the partnership and teamwork with patients that will lead to optimal mental health and wellness. She is qualified to
(484) 806-9353 View (484) 806-9353
Photo of Monica Riggs, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Monica Riggs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Abington, PA 19001
Monica Riggs is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She brings 17 years of medical experience, with the last 6 years dedicated to psychiatric care, including 3 years as a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Monica Riggs is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She brings 17 years of medical experience, with the last 6 years dedicated to psychiatric care, including 3 years as a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
(484) 353-6037 View (484) 353-6037
Photo of Alice Chang, Psychiatrist, MD
Alice Chang
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling empty or frustrated in your daily life? Your work is good, or good enough, but stressful or unfulfilling. Or you want your child to be happy and healthy, not sad or anxious, losing friends or their grades falling, instead more confident in social and academic situations. Or both. Despite your best efforts so far, nothing seems to work. You may feel powerless-but you already have all the tools you need to help yourself, or your child. You're the most important person in their lives (and your own), so I make sure you’re getting support and validation you need at home, at work, and/or in your child’s school system.
Are you feeling empty or frustrated in your daily life? Your work is good, or good enough, but stressful or unfulfilling. Or you want your child to be happy and healthy, not sad or anxious, losing friends or their grades falling, instead more confident in social and academic situations. Or both. Despite your best efforts so far, nothing seems to work. You may feel powerless-but you already have all the tools you need to help yourself, or your child. You're the most important person in their lives (and your own), so I make sure you’re getting support and validation you need at home, at work, and/or in your child’s school system.
(215) 647-0105 View (215) 647-0105
Photo of Sosunmolu O Shoyinka, Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAPA
Sosunmolu O Shoyinka
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAPA
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to medical conditions. My top priority is to ensure patients feel heard, understood, and supported. In each session, we will collaborate to develop a plan for ongoing care. I believe in the importance of teamwork and, with your consent, I’m happy to coordinate with other clinicians involved in your care to provide comprehensive support. We combine treatment modality such as medication management and therapy to help you obtain relief.
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to medical conditions. My top priority is to ensure patients feel heard, understood, and supported. In each session, we will collaborate to develop a plan for ongoing care. I believe in the importance of teamwork and, with your consent, I’m happy to coordinate with other clinicians involved in your care to provide comprehensive support. We combine treatment modality such as medication management and therapy to help you obtain relief.
(484) 989-8267 x19063 View (484) 989-8267 x19063
Photo of Sosunmolu O Shoyinka, Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAPA
Sosunmolu O Shoyinka
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAPA
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to medical conditions. My top priority is to ensure patients feel heard, understood, and supported. In each session, we will collaborate to develop a plan for ongoing care. I believe in the importance of teamwork and, with your consent, I’m happy to coordinate with other clinicians involved in your care to provide comprehensive support. We combine treatment modality such as medication management and therapy to help you obtain relief.
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to medical conditions. My top priority is to ensure patients feel heard, understood, and supported. In each session, we will collaborate to develop a plan for ongoing care. I believe in the importance of teamwork and, with your consent, I’m happy to coordinate with other clinicians involved in your care to provide comprehensive support. We combine treatment modality such as medication management and therapy to help you obtain relief.
(484) 591-2355 x19063 View (484) 591-2355 x19063
Photo of Imran Posner, Psychiatrist, MD
Imran Posner
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
The focus of my work is healing, not only mental, but also spiritual and emotional, so that one can reach their full potential. I work with clients of all ages. Having trained at CHOP and Tufts University, I incorporate evidence-based medicine and the latest research in the fields of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology when I practice. I work with almost all psychiatric disorders, with particular expertise in ADHD, anxiety, and depression. I am taking new patients at this time and either myself or someone in my practice is usually available to see a new client within four weeks.
The focus of my work is healing, not only mental, but also spiritual and emotional, so that one can reach their full potential. I work with clients of all ages. Having trained at CHOP and Tufts University, I incorporate evidence-based medicine and the latest research in the fields of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology when I practice. I work with almost all psychiatric disorders, with particular expertise in ADHD, anxiety, and depression. I am taking new patients at this time and either myself or someone in my practice is usually available to see a new client within four weeks.
(484) 494-2905 View (484) 494-2905
Photo of Martine S. Ott - Inspire Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Inspire Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Inspire Behavioral Health is a private psychiatry practice serving clients across the lifespan seeking to improve and maintain their emotional well-being. Offering both therapy and medication management services, our philosophy and mission are rooted in understanding you as an individual in the context of your past experiences, current family and professional lives, goals, as well as aspirations. We look forward to building the therapeutic support team that accompanies you on your journey towards a better you!
Inspire Behavioral Health is a private psychiatry practice serving clients across the lifespan seeking to improve and maintain their emotional well-being. Offering both therapy and medication management services, our philosophy and mission are rooted in understanding you as an individual in the context of your past experiences, current family and professional lives, goals, as well as aspirations. We look forward to building the therapeutic support team that accompanies you on your journey towards a better you!
(484) 254-5148 View (484) 254-5148
Photo of Samuel P Wyche, Psychiatrist, DO
Samuel P Wyche
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Wyndmoor, PA 19038
Life is full of distractions, the expected and unexpected. Activities of daily living keep us from what we treasure most. These distractions cause problems in our relationships, at home, work, school and socially, disrupting the harmony between our inner self and the world around us. Talk therapy alone works in most situations. Talk treatments I use include psychoanalytic psychotherapy, insight oriented psychotherapy, supportive therapy and psychoanalysis. In some circumstances, the addition of medication is recommended and discussed.
Life is full of distractions, the expected and unexpected. Activities of daily living keep us from what we treasure most. These distractions cause problems in our relationships, at home, work, school and socially, disrupting the harmony between our inner self and the world around us. Talk therapy alone works in most situations. Talk treatments I use include psychoanalytic psychotherapy, insight oriented psychotherapy, supportive therapy and psychoanalysis. In some circumstances, the addition of medication is recommended and discussed.
(215) 346-7443 View (215) 346-7443
Photo of Tiffany Daye-Lee, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APN
Tiffany Daye-Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Dr. Daye-Lee believes in a holistic treatment approach based on evidence-based practice and patient centered-care. She believes in meeting the needs of each patient individually to help improve their quality of life.
Dr. Daye-Lee believes in a holistic treatment approach based on evidence-based practice and patient centered-care. She believes in meeting the needs of each patient individually to help improve their quality of life.
(484) 696-2331 View (484) 696-2331
Photo of Huma Mahmood, Psychiatrist
Huma Mahmood
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Narberth, PA 19072
Double Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist & Addictions Specialist providing psychotherapy, Medication Management and compassionate care to patients in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Our practice is located in Narberth, PA but conveniently provides telehealth services to our clients. Our staff includes highly skilled licensed therapists who specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma-focused treatment as well as dual diagnosis care.
Double Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist & Addictions Specialist providing psychotherapy, Medication Management and compassionate care to patients in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Our practice is located in Narberth, PA but conveniently provides telehealth services to our clients. Our staff includes highly skilled licensed therapists who specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma-focused treatment as well as dual diagnosis care.
(610) 467-5805 View (610) 467-5805
Photo of Charles V. Giannasio, Psychiatrist, MD
Charles V. Giannasio
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Blue Bell, PA 19422
In my private practice, I help people to achieve abstinence and provide tools for them to begin and maintain recovery from their addictions. Treatment includes: relapse prevention, addiction focused psychotherapy, family interventions, medications as needed, referrals for other forms of treatment.
In my private practice, I help people to achieve abstinence and provide tools for them to begin and maintain recovery from their addictions. Treatment includes: relapse prevention, addiction focused psychotherapy, family interventions, medications as needed, referrals for other forms of treatment.
(646) 583-3702 View (646) 583-3702
Photo of Venkat Chakkaravarthi, Psychiatrist, MD
Venkat Chakkaravarthi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Visit our website for fees, services & to book an appointment. Dr. Venkat Chakkaravarthi is a Board Certified Psychiatrist in both Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and General Psychiatry. He provides medication management and therapy services. Virtual appointments are available for patients who are physically located at the time of their appointment in Pennsylvania only (this means, you do not need to be living in these states).
Visit our website for fees, services & to book an appointment. Dr. Venkat Chakkaravarthi is a Board Certified Psychiatrist in both Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and General Psychiatry. He provides medication management and therapy services. Virtual appointments are available for patients who are physically located at the time of their appointment in Pennsylvania only (this means, you do not need to be living in these states).
(215) 798-5476 View (215) 798-5476
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Royersford, PA 19468
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(484) 559-7561 View (484) 559-7561
Photo of Sosunmolu O Shoyinka, Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAPA
Sosunmolu O Shoyinka
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAPA
Verified Verified
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to medical conditions. My top priority is to ensure patients feel heard, understood, and supported. In each session, we will collaborate to develop a plan for ongoing care. I believe in the importance of teamwork and, with your consent, I’m happy to coordinate with other clinicians involved in your care to provide comprehensive support. We combine treatment modality such as medication management and therapy to help you obtain relief.
I work with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to medical conditions. My top priority is to ensure patients feel heard, understood, and supported. In each session, we will collaborate to develop a plan for ongoing care. I believe in the importance of teamwork and, with your consent, I’m happy to coordinate with other clinicians involved in your care to provide comprehensive support. We combine treatment modality such as medication management and therapy to help you obtain relief.
(484) 209-1704 x19063 View (484) 209-1704 x19063
Scott A Fleischer, MD, PC, & Associates
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Fort Washington, PA 19034
At Scott A. Fleischer, M.D., P.C., & Associates we provide a non- drug treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. TMS is a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment which uses magnetic pulses similar to MRI technology to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain that regulates mood to decrease depression and OCD symptoms. Unfortunately, antidepressant medications are only effective some of the time. In our practice we have seen over a 70% success in decreasing depression symptoms after completing TMS.
At Scott A. Fleischer, M.D., P.C., & Associates we provide a non- drug treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. TMS is a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment which uses magnetic pulses similar to MRI technology to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain that regulates mood to decrease depression and OCD symptoms. Unfortunately, antidepressant medications are only effective some of the time. In our practice we have seen over a 70% success in decreasing depression symptoms after completing TMS.
(215) 793-4546 x21 View (215) 793-4546 x21
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, PA

200+

Average cost per session

$190

Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, PA who prioritize treating:

95% Depression
95% Anxiety
76% Trauma and PTSD
75% Bipolar Disorder
72% ADHD
72% Medication Management
65% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

14 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

94% Aetna
90% Cigna and Evernorth
68% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, PA see their clients

78% In Person and Online
22% Online Only

Gender breakdown

72% Female
28% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Montgomery County?

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

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

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

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

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.