Psychiatrists in Laurens, SC

Keeley Psychiatry is currently accepting new patients in the Greenville area.
Timely, convenient and affordable appointments by video for medication management and psychiatric services. It is easy to fit in a visit from the privacy of your home, car or office. We offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments. Now, more than ever we are suffering from anxiety, sadness/depression and uncertainty regarding our health and world. It helps to talk to someone that is a safe, dedicated person for your mental and emotional health. Call or email our office to schedule your initial appointment.
Keeley Psychiatry is currently accepting new patients in the Greenville area.
Timely, convenient and affordable appointments by video for medication management and psychiatric services. It is easy to fit in a visit from the privacy of your home, car or office. We offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments. Now, more than ever we are suffering from anxiety, sadness/depression and uncertainty regarding our health and world. It helps to talk to someone that is a safe, dedicated person for your mental and emotional health. Call or email our office to schedule your initial appointment.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Julia Rodriguez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29615
Julia Rodriguez is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2012. She has an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the College of Charleston and a Master’s degree in Nursing from the Medical University of SC. Julia works with clients who suffer from a broad range of mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia. She also works with clients struggling with overwhelming life difficulties, such the death of a loved one or the end of relationship.
Julia Rodriguez is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2012. She has an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the College of Charleston and a Master’s degree in Nursing from the Medical University of SC. Julia works with clients who suffer from a broad range of mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia. She also works with clients struggling with overwhelming life difficulties, such the death of a loved one or the end of relationship.

Stress Management Center at Fernview
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
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!

Sarah McNight
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
Ms. McNight began her career in mental health in 2011, working with crisis intervention and stabilization of patients with complex psychiatric needs in an inpatient psychiatric setting for 6 years. She is dual board-certified as both a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). She completed a Master’s degree in Nursing from Clemson University in 2017 and holds a post-graduate degree in Advanced Practice Registered Nurse from Wilkes University. Prior to joining Sherbondy’s Psychiatric Solutions in 2020, Ms. McNight worked as a Nurse Practitioner in diverse specialty settings.
Ms. McNight began her career in mental health in 2011, working with crisis intervention and stabilization of patients with complex psychiatric needs in an inpatient psychiatric setting for 6 years. She is dual board-certified as both a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). She completed a Master’s degree in Nursing from Clemson University in 2017 and holds a post-graduate degree in Advanced Practice Registered Nurse from Wilkes University. Prior to joining Sherbondy’s Psychiatric Solutions in 2020, Ms. McNight worked as a Nurse Practitioner in diverse specialty settings.

Anglique Rich
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
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.

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and our mental health services are dedicated to providing compassionate care, support, and evidence-based treatments for individuals facing various emotional and psychological challenges.
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and our mental health services are dedicated to providing compassionate care, support, and evidence-based treatments for individuals facing various emotional and psychological challenges.

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.
At Upstate ADHD Center, LLC, we’re committed to providing you with the most exceptional care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. We have the philosophy that our patients come first, insurance issues have no place in our practice; that's why we do not accept insurance. We provide comprehensive and excellent care.
At Upstate ADHD Center, LLC, we’re committed to providing you with the most exceptional care in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. We have the philosophy that our patients come first, insurance issues have no place in our practice; that's why we do not accept insurance. We provide comprehensive and excellent care.

Danielle Berry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, SANE-A, CEN
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29605
Danielle graduated from USC-Upstate with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2010; a proud alumna of Gardner Webb University, she earned her Doctorate in Nursing with a specialization in Mental Health as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Most recently she served as a forensic nurse and sexual assault nurse examiner in both a clinician and an educator role. In this role she provided expert care to patients experiencing sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse/neglect, and vulnerable adult abuse/neglect.
Danielle graduated from USC-Upstate with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2010; a proud alumna of Gardner Webb University, she earned her Doctorate in Nursing with a specialization in Mental Health as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Most recently she served as a forensic nurse and sexual assault nurse examiner in both a clinician and an educator role. In this role she provided expert care to patients experiencing sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse/neglect, and vulnerable adult abuse/neglect.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of South Carolina. I have worked in healthcare for the past 18 years, with the last 7 years as an Advanced Practice Provider. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Clemson University, where I also have the privilege of teaching graduate nursing students in the area of mental health. My practice mission is to guide patients toward their best life by addressing the interconnected aspects of mental, spiritual, and physical health.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of South Carolina. I have worked in healthcare for the past 18 years, with the last 7 years as an Advanced Practice Provider. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Clemson University, where I also have the privilege of teaching graduate nursing students in the area of mental health. My practice mission is to guide patients toward their best life by addressing the interconnected aspects of mental, spiritual, and physical health.

Christina L Blake
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Simpsonville, SC 29681
Accepting NEW patients. ADHD testing and treatment available. Christina is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who offers medication management. She empowers her clients to take an active role in their treatment plan within a patient-centered relationship. She offers mental health support in unhurried appointments in which her clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Accepting NEW patients. ADHD testing and treatment available. Christina is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who offers medication management. She empowers her clients to take an active role in their treatment plan within a patient-centered relationship. She offers mental health support in unhurried appointments in which her clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Kimberly Parker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC, APRN
Verified Verified
17 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.

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.

Chris approaches patient care holistically, viewing each individual as more than a sum of symptoms or diagnoses. He prioritizes safety, trust, and collaboration in creating treatment plans, ensuring patients feel heard and understood. Known for his empathetic, non-judgmental style, Chris builds strong rapport and tailors care to each person’s unique needs.
Chris approaches patient care holistically, viewing each individual as more than a sum of symptoms or diagnoses. He prioritizes safety, trust, and collaboration in creating treatment plans, ensuring patients feel heard and understood. Known for his empathetic, non-judgmental style, Chris builds strong rapport and tailors care to each person’s unique needs.

I am an Adult ADHD specialist. I understand the negative impact it has on a clients' life when left untreated. Many times adults with ADHD go most of their lives not recognizing their need for treatment because they have managed to move through life and get by. At some point, they realize certain things are harder for them than they seem to be for others. My clients come to me after they have begun to recognize they could use help. I look forward each day to working with my clients to maximize their abilities and engage life in a way that allows them to optimize their potential.
I am an Adult ADHD specialist. I understand the negative impact it has on a clients' life when left untreated. Many times adults with ADHD go most of their lives not recognizing their need for treatment because they have managed to move through life and get by. At some point, they realize certain things are harder for them than they seem to be for others. My clients come to me after they have begun to recognize they could use help. I look forward each day to working with my clients to maximize their abilities and engage life in a way that allows them to optimize their potential.

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.

Do you have mental pain and every day life seems like a chore and trying harder doesn’t help? Do you feel helpless and hopeless most days and have trouble sleeping and enjoying the little pleasures of life? Do you dread waking up and not able to trust your near and dear? If you think you could answer “ yes” to these, you probably need a little psychiatric “ tune up”. Psychiatrist can help by altering your neurochemistry with medications and psychotherapy to correct your emotions, sleep and develop coping techniques. I have had extensive training in Psychopharmacology and Psychoanalysis. I have practiced psychiatry for 30 years.
Do you have mental pain and every day life seems like a chore and trying harder doesn’t help? Do you feel helpless and hopeless most days and have trouble sleeping and enjoying the little pleasures of life? Do you dread waking up and not able to trust your near and dear? If you think you could answer “ yes” to these, you probably need a little psychiatric “ tune up”. Psychiatrist can help by altering your neurochemistry with medications and psychotherapy to correct your emotions, sleep and develop coping techniques. I have had extensive training in Psychopharmacology and Psychoanalysis. I have practiced psychiatry for 30 years.

Dr. Brad Wuerfel struggled with mental health symptoms during his adolescence and has received treatment that changed his life, ultimately pushing him into a mental health career. He is most passionate about educating patients about their conditions and helping them understand their diagnosis is not what defines them.
Dr. Brad Wuerfel struggled with mental health symptoms during his adolescence and has received treatment that changed his life, ultimately pushing him into a mental health career. He is most passionate about educating patients about their conditions and helping them understand their diagnosis is not what defines them.

I specialize in late adult mental health issues and if you or your loved ones are struggling with cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer, other neurocognitive disorders and late adult concerns I am here to help you. and 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.
I specialize in late adult mental health issues and if you or your loved ones are struggling with cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer, other neurocognitive disorders and late adult concerns I am here to help you. and 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.

Dr. Consola Esambe is a Psychiatrist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Esambe believes in forming a partnership with the patient so that they are an integral part of their health journey. This leads to buy in which fosters a better therapeutic alliance with the patient. Outside of work, Dr. Esambe enjoys watching TV, spending time with friends and family, reading and traveling.
Dr. Consola Esambe is a Psychiatrist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Esambe believes in forming a partnership with the patient so that they are an integral part of their health journey. This leads to buy in which fosters a better therapeutic alliance with the patient. Outside of work, Dr. Esambe enjoys watching TV, spending time with friends and family, reading and traveling.
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Number of Psychiatrists in Laurens, SC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Laurens, SC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Child |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Anger Management |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | First Health |
How Psychiatrists in Laurens, SC see their clients
100% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Laurens?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.