Psychiatrists in Anderson, SC

Photo of Jared Joshua Carbone - Stress Management Center at Fernview, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stress Management Center at Fernview
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Anderson, SC 29621
Stress Management Center provides the best in both traditional and integrative medicine options for your optimal mental health. Medication & Psych Evaluations include medication management and all evidenced based proven treatments our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners, doctors and therapists offer a team approach offering pharmaceuticals and all options & proven methods to relieve any and all symptoms of anxiety, pain, depression, trauma, chronic and terminal illness! We are here for you! Call us at 864-225-0792!
Stress Management Center provides the best in both traditional and integrative medicine options for your optimal mental health. Medication & Psych Evaluations include medication management and all evidenced based proven treatments our experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners, doctors and therapists offer a team approach offering pharmaceuticals and all options & proven methods to relieve any and all symptoms of anxiety, pain, depression, trauma, chronic and terminal illness! We are here for you! Call us at 864-225-0792!
(864) 225-0792 View (864) 225-0792
Photo of Meagan Totman, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Meagan Totman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Anderson, SC 29621
My personal philosophy stems from my own mental health issues and struggles. My values are an integration of integrity, connecting, compassion, and trustworthiness. My passion involves taking care of others with a positive impact in the lives of others. My personal philosophy is grounded with dignity, service, and evidence based practice. It is focused on holistic wellness and empowerment of each patient while upholding respect regardless or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, race, gender, sexual orientation, or life choices.
My personal philosophy stems from my own mental health issues and struggles. My values are an integration of integrity, connecting, compassion, and trustworthiness. My passion involves taking care of others with a positive impact in the lives of others. My personal philosophy is grounded with dignity, service, and evidence based practice. It is focused on holistic wellness and empowerment of each patient while upholding respect regardless or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, race, gender, sexual orientation, or life choices.
(864) 732-6936 View (864) 732-6936
Photo of Dr. Violeta Nistor, MD, Geriatr, Psychiatrist
Dr. Violeta Nistor
Psychiatrist, MD, Geriatr
Verified Verified
Anderson, SC 29621
If you are here it means you are ready to start your new life today. My strength is finding the right approach for you, finding the balance between your medical and psychiatric problems for the best outcome available. Here you can safely start your journey to YOU. No matter what your struggles are, I am here with no judgment, just acceptance, readiness to listen and to understand your story.
If you are here it means you are ready to start your new life today. My strength is finding the right approach for you, finding the balance between your medical and psychiatric problems for the best outcome available. Here you can safely start your journey to YOU. No matter what your struggles are, I am here with no judgment, just acceptance, readiness to listen and to understand your story.
(864) 668-2079 View (864) 668-2079
Photo of Dana Wiley, MD, Psychiatrist
Dana Wiley
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Anderson, SC 29621
As a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication, I also appreciate the importance of therapy in helping patients improve. While I do incorporate supportive therapy in my sessions, for those patients who may need more intensive counseling, I have both male & female therapists in my practice and work with a psychologist, Dr. Yadira Baez-Lockard who treats children, adults & families in addition to psychological testing, DSS & forensic work. I treat the most common psychiatric disorders, but also have Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who appreciate the interface between medical and psychiatric disorders.
As a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication, I also appreciate the importance of therapy in helping patients improve. While I do incorporate supportive therapy in my sessions, for those patients who may need more intensive counseling, I have both male & female therapists in my practice and work with a psychologist, Dr. Yadira Baez-Lockard who treats children, adults & families in addition to psychological testing, DSS & forensic work. I treat the most common psychiatric disorders, but also have Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who appreciate the interface between medical and psychiatric disorders.
(864) 225-1195 View (864) 225-1195
Photo of Dannah Michele Moore, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dannah Michele Moore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Anderson, SC 29621
Each of us are unique beings worthy of love, belonging, purpose, self-acceptance, happiness, and peace. Attainment of these beliefs and practices may come as a challenge for those struggling with their mental health. My passion is to walk alongside children, teens, and their families and work to eliminate barriers which limit their potential for joy, success, and personal growth. I believe in a holistic approach, using medications, as well as recommendations for supplements, diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Conditions I treat include, but are not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, and behaviors related to autism.
Each of us are unique beings worthy of love, belonging, purpose, self-acceptance, happiness, and peace. Attainment of these beliefs and practices may come as a challenge for those struggling with their mental health. My passion is to walk alongside children, teens, and their families and work to eliminate barriers which limit their potential for joy, success, and personal growth. I believe in a holistic approach, using medications, as well as recommendations for supplements, diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Conditions I treat include, but are not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, and behaviors related to autism.
(864) 351-6691 View (864) 351-6691
Photo of Anglique Rich, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Anglique Rich
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Anderson, SC 29621
Angie is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 13 years of experience in various mental health backgrounds including: crisis stabilization, substance use detoxification, and cognitive disorders. She appreciates honesty, proactivity, patience, and self-awareness from her patients during the treatment process. She believes in the power of empathy, compassion, and understanding in transforming the lives of individuals struggling with mental health disorders.
Angie is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 13 years of experience in various mental health backgrounds including: crisis stabilization, substance use detoxification, and cognitive disorders. She appreciates honesty, proactivity, patience, and self-awareness from her patients during the treatment process. She believes in the power of empathy, compassion, and understanding in transforming the lives of individuals struggling with mental health disorders.
(864) 531-8377 View (864) 531-8377
Photo of Sarah Elizabeth Hamby, APRN, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Elizabeth Hamby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Anderson, SC 29621
I am a native of Upstate SC and am a board certified FNP with 14 years of experience in the medical field ranging from pediatrics to adult ICUs. I am honored to serve all age populations of the Upstate, from children to matured adults, who suffer from a variety of psychiatric disorders. These disorders include ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar 1 and 2, OCD, schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. As a wife of a Marine Corps Veteran who suffers from PTSD, I have an intense desire to assist those who are looking to improve their quality of life and better manage their psychiatric disorders.
I am a native of Upstate SC and am a board certified FNP with 14 years of experience in the medical field ranging from pediatrics to adult ICUs. I am honored to serve all age populations of the Upstate, from children to matured adults, who suffer from a variety of psychiatric disorders. These disorders include ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar 1 and 2, OCD, schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. As a wife of a Marine Corps Veteran who suffers from PTSD, I have an intense desire to assist those who are looking to improve their quality of life and better manage their psychiatric disorders.
(864) 740-4176 View (864) 740-4176
Photo of Dr. Wanda Samake, DNP, PMHNP, MS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Wanda Samake
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, MS
Verified Verified
Anderson, SC 29622
I am a Greenville native and I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Clemson University. In 2008, I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Medical College of Georgia. I have been a nurse practitioner for 15 years and I hold dual board certifications in family practice and psychiatric mental healthcare. I have a very diverse clinical background that includes psychiatry, neurology and gerontology. As a nurse practitioner, I have practiced both neurology and psychiatry locally in physician groups here in Greenville and I have first-hand knowledge of how difficult it can be to find a mental health provider
I am a Greenville native and I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Clemson University. In 2008, I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Medical College of Georgia. I have been a nurse practitioner for 15 years and I hold dual board certifications in family practice and psychiatric mental healthcare. I have a very diverse clinical background that includes psychiatry, neurology and gerontology. As a nurse practitioner, I have practiced both neurology and psychiatry locally in physician groups here in Greenville and I have first-hand knowledge of how difficult it can be to find a mental health provider
(864) 479-4957 View (864) 479-4957
Photo of Taral R Sharma - Taral Sharma, MD -Spartanburg, Greenville & Seneca, MD, MBA, FAPA, FABPM, Psychiatrist
Taral Sharma, MD -Spartanburg, Greenville & Seneca
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, FAPA, FABPM
Verified Verified
Anderson, SC 29621
Exceptional evidence based patient care
Exceptional evidence based patient care
(864) 844-9432 View (864) 844-9432

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Kevin Cromer, PHMNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kevin Cromer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Meet Kevin Cromer, a Spartanburg native deeply committed to the local mental health community since 2014. Starting as a registered nurse at Spartanburg Medical Center, Kevin's passion for mental health led him to pursue advanced education, becoming an ANCC-Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, he established Upstate Mental Health, LLC in January 2021, making history as Spartanburg's first Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-owned office in December 2021.
Meet Kevin Cromer, a Spartanburg native deeply committed to the local mental health community since 2014. Starting as a registered nurse at Spartanburg Medical Center, Kevin's passion for mental health led him to pursue advanced education, becoming an ANCC-Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, he established Upstate Mental Health, LLC in January 2021, making history as Spartanburg's first Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-owned office in December 2021.
(864) 689-3018 View (864) 689-3018
Photo of Jennifer Burger, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Burger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Piedmont, SC 29673
Choosing a provider may be overwhelming and difficult. My goal is to offer a secure and accessible environment for patients to discuss their mental health concerns. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority.
Choosing a provider may be overwhelming and difficult. My goal is to offer a secure and accessible environment for patients to discuss their mental health concerns. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority.
(864) 351-4618 View (864) 351-4618
Photo of Jason Alan Flassing, PA-C, CAQ-Psy, Physician Assistant
Jason Alan Flassing
Physician Assistant, PA-C, CAQ-Psy
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
Most of my patients are previously diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Affective Disorder. Many have co-existing anxiety disorders ranging from generalized anxiety disorder to panic disorder with agoraphobia. My patients range in age from teens to seniors.
Most of my patients are previously diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Affective Disorder. Many have co-existing anxiety disorders ranging from generalized anxiety disorder to panic disorder with agoraphobia. My patients range in age from teens to seniors.
(864) 383-9487 View (864) 383-9487
Photo of M. Brian Hendricks, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
M. Brian Hendricks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
I concentrate on integrative psychiatry to understand you as a whole person. This allows you and I the ability to identify and treat the underlying causes of your condition, so we can move beyond just covering up symptoms with psychiatric medications and achieve profound life changes. We will often concentrate on nutrition, stress management, sleep and rest, work-life balance, movement, spirituality, relationships and community, personal development, mind-body connection, and healthy environment as ways to decrease polypharmacy.
I concentrate on integrative psychiatry to understand you as a whole person. This allows you and I the ability to identify and treat the underlying causes of your condition, so we can move beyond just covering up symptoms with psychiatric medications and achieve profound life changes. We will often concentrate on nutrition, stress management, sleep and rest, work-life balance, movement, spirituality, relationships and community, personal development, mind-body connection, and healthy environment as ways to decrease polypharmacy.
(864) 668-8193 View (864) 668-8193
Photo of Kameron Price, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kameron Price
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seneca, SC 29672
My ideal client would be someone who has been battling the stressors of life and is looking for guidance on where to start with making a change. This client may be battling issues stemming from anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, or trauma that are affecting their overall functioning. The ideal client would be motivated to create positive changes to their life and overall functioning.
My ideal client would be someone who has been battling the stressors of life and is looking for guidance on where to start with making a change. This client may be battling issues stemming from anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, or trauma that are affecting their overall functioning. The ideal client would be motivated to create positive changes to their life and overall functioning.
(864) 619-0659 View (864) 619-0659
Photo of Mel Brown, WHNP-BC, PMH-C, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mel Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, WHNP-BC, PMH-C, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29611
I am a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with additional training in perinatal mental health and psychotropic medications. I am an advocate of psychopharmacology as well as behavioral therapy, and I believe strongly in the wellness approach when it comes to treating mental health conditions.
I am a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with additional training in perinatal mental health and psychotropic medications. I am an advocate of psychopharmacology as well as behavioral therapy, and I believe strongly in the wellness approach when it comes to treating mental health conditions.
(864) 642-1626 View (864) 642-1626
Photo of Ashley Harrell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ashley Harrell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615  (Online Only)
Ashley Harrell is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has worked in healthcare for 13 years in various settings and the last 7 years as an Advanced Practice Provider (APP). Ashley treats patients in the age range of 18-65+ with a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anger, insomnia, and trauma.
Ashley Harrell is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has worked in healthcare for 13 years in various settings and the last 7 years as an Advanced Practice Provider (APP). Ashley treats patients in the age range of 18-65+ with a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anger, insomnia, and trauma.
(864) 523-6137 View (864) 523-6137
Photo of Chrissie Marie Middleton, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chrissie Marie Middleton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615  (Online Only)
Thank you for visting my page. I am Dr. Chrissie Middleton, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been in healthcare for the last thirty years and I have practiced as a family medicine provider for the last 15 years. Within my role as a family healthcare practitioner, I have cared for many clients with anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder.
Thank you for visting my page. I am Dr. Chrissie Middleton, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been in healthcare for the last thirty years and I have practiced as a family medicine provider for the last 15 years. Within my role as a family healthcare practitioner, I have cared for many clients with anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder.
(864) 375-6604 View (864) 375-6604
Photo of Kimberly Parker, PMHNP, FNP-BC, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kimberly Parker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC, APRN
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
Mauldin, SC 29662
It's important to find the right provider, who you can trust to walk with you. I'm open, caring, and create a nonjudgmental, empathetic space to work through life. Receiving the correct diagnosis, and understanding your symptoms and diagnosis will help you manage life better. My treatment takes a holistic approach. Sleep, nutrients, stress management, and exercise all affect our physical and mental health. I can prescribe medications and also recommend supplements to help improve symptoms. I've been a nurse practitioner for over 20 years, working with varying health conditions and clients across the lifespan.
It's important to find the right provider, who you can trust to walk with you. I'm open, caring, and create a nonjudgmental, empathetic space to work through life. Receiving the correct diagnosis, and understanding your symptoms and diagnosis will help you manage life better. My treatment takes a holistic approach. Sleep, nutrients, stress management, and exercise all affect our physical and mental health. I can prescribe medications and also recommend supplements to help improve symptoms. I've been a nurse practitioner for over 20 years, working with varying health conditions and clients across the lifespan.
(864) 774-5432 View (864) 774-5432
Photo of Gundu Reddy, MD, MBBS, Psychiatrist
Gundu Reddy
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Spartanburg, SC 29307  (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist in South Carolina. I have trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family and Marital therapy, as well as Psychiatric Medication Management. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier. Whether your reasons for seeking treatment include treatment-resistant hallucinations, persistent irritability, dysphoria, insomnia, wanting to perform better at work- the core principles of treatment are often similar.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist in South Carolina. I have trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family and Marital therapy, as well as Psychiatric Medication Management. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier. Whether your reasons for seeking treatment include treatment-resistant hallucinations, persistent irritability, dysphoria, insomnia, wanting to perform better at work- the core principles of treatment are often similar.
(803) 675-7882 View (803) 675-7882
Photo of Dr. Shy Wilson, DNP, APRN-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Shy Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29201
I believe in holistic health: whole person care that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and temporal dimensions of individuals and families across the lifespan. Mental and emotional health are the bedrock foundation of a healthy, fulfilling life. I partner with motivated clients to create their vision of success through psychiatric assessment, coaching (health, career and life goals), lifestyle modifications (nutrition, exercise, stress reduction) and medication management (traditional and integrative) in a serene, supportive environment for east meets west, truly individualized care.
I believe in holistic health: whole person care that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and temporal dimensions of individuals and families across the lifespan. Mental and emotional health are the bedrock foundation of a healthy, fulfilling life. I partner with motivated clients to create their vision of success through psychiatric assessment, coaching (health, career and life goals), lifestyle modifications (nutrition, exercise, stress reduction) and medication management (traditional and integrative) in a serene, supportive environment for east meets west, truly individualized care.
(803) 805-7214 View (803) 805-7214

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Anderson, SC

< 10

Psychiatrists in Anderson, SC who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
89% Trauma and PTSD
89% Medication Management
78% ADHD
78% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

6 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Cigna and Evernorth
88% BlueCross and BlueShield
63% TRICARE

How Psychiatrists in Anderson, SC see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

67% Female
33% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Anderson?

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.