Psychiatrists in Glen Allen, VA
Aslihan Sogutlu is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2018. She graduated from Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training in Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. She obtained her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School.
Aslihan Sogutlu is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2018. She graduated from Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency training in Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY. She obtained her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical School.
Rachel Featherstone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, WHNP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Glen Allen, VA 23060 (Online Only)
Parenting is a journey—you don’t have to do it alone. While Eucalyptus Health initially focused on supporting parents, we recognized a growing need for affirming psychiatric care for the LGBTQIA+ community and veterans. With my expertise in brain health, hormones, sexuality, gender, eating disorders, and pregnancy—along with my experience as a nonbinary person and Army veteran—I’m excited to help others regain joy in their lives.
Parenting is a journey—you don’t have to do it alone. While Eucalyptus Health initially focused on supporting parents, we recognized a growing need for affirming psychiatric care for the LGBTQIA+ community and veterans. With my expertise in brain health, hormones, sexuality, gender, eating disorders, and pregnancy—along with my experience as a nonbinary person and Army veteran—I’m excited to help others regain joy in their lives.
Emily is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her journey to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner was inspired by her interest in psychology and her many years working as a bedside nurse and observing the significant overlap between physical and mental health.
Emily is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her journey to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner was inspired by her interest in psychology and her many years working as a bedside nurse and observing the significant overlap between physical and mental health.
I'm a Psychiatrist with a passion for getting you to your better self. Utilizing an eclectic and teamwork driven approach, our focus will be to optimize your well being. In order to do this, a thorough understanding of who you are is necessary. Together, we will delve in to your genetic, developmental, physiologic and personal background to achieve our goal.
I'm a Psychiatrist with a passion for getting you to your better self. Utilizing an eclectic and teamwork driven approach, our focus will be to optimize your well being. In order to do this, a thorough understanding of who you are is necessary. Together, we will delve in to your genetic, developmental, physiologic and personal background to achieve our goal.
My ideal client seeks a holistic approach to managing psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD. They may feel overwhelmed by their symptoms and desire personalized care to help restore balance in their life. Their goal is to understand the root cause of their struggles, stabilize their mental health, and work towards a healthier, more fulfilling life through integrative psychiatric care.
My ideal client seeks a holistic approach to managing psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD. They may feel overwhelmed by their symptoms and desire personalized care to help restore balance in their life. Their goal is to understand the root cause of their struggles, stabilize their mental health, and work towards a healthier, more fulfilling life through integrative psychiatric care.
Manjit Sangha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MBA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Welcome! Accepting New Patients! . My mission is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, by integrating holistic psychiatry with a comprehensive approach that includes medications, therapy, and complementary/alternative treatments. I am committed to creating a healing environment where each individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being is nurtured. I treats all psychiatric issues, with a clinical focus on depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD,OCD, insomnia, addiction and other mood disorders. I collaborate closely with individuals to find the most appropriate and effective medication regimen.
Welcome! Accepting New Patients! . My mission is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, by integrating holistic psychiatry with a comprehensive approach that includes medications, therapy, and complementary/alternative treatments. I am committed to creating a healing environment where each individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being is nurtured. I treats all psychiatric issues, with a clinical focus on depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD,OCD, insomnia, addiction and other mood disorders. I collaborate closely with individuals to find the most appropriate and effective medication regimen.
Jennifer Schrecengost is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2005. Jennifer offers culturally sensitive, family-centered, holistic care from a provider with almost 20 years of experience working with kids, teens, and their families. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys READING, family time, and Harry Potter.
Jennifer Schrecengost is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2005. Jennifer offers culturally sensitive, family-centered, holistic care from a provider with almost 20 years of experience working with kids, teens, and their families. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys READING, family time, and Harry Potter.
I am a board certified General Adult Psychiatrist who has been actively practicing in both inpatient and outpatient settings (majority outpatient) for the last eighteen 18 yrs since I graduated as a Chief Resident from MCV/VCU in 2005. I started my own private practice in June 2023 (Living Your Best, LLC) and am currently accepting new patients, ages 18-65. I consider myself to not only have consistent active listening skills, but pride myself in my all-inclusive, biopsychosocial approach to help you with your struggles and reach your highest potential, all while maintaining an empathetic and sincere nature.
I am a board certified General Adult Psychiatrist who has been actively practicing in both inpatient and outpatient settings (majority outpatient) for the last eighteen 18 yrs since I graduated as a Chief Resident from MCV/VCU in 2005. I started my own private practice in June 2023 (Living Your Best, LLC) and am currently accepting new patients, ages 18-65. I consider myself to not only have consistent active listening skills, but pride myself in my all-inclusive, biopsychosocial approach to help you with your struggles and reach your highest potential, all while maintaining an empathetic and sincere nature.
Chrystal H Doyle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Online Only)
Are you looking for outpatient mental health support and medication management in your journey to feel better? Want someone who understands eating disorders, addictions, neurodivergence, and hormonal issues? Want someone willing to explore how medical reasons, like changing hormones, may be affecting your mental health? Want to feel heard and not just given a pill? Want to consider supplements? Want flexibility and access to your provider? If you’re between the ages of 12 and 55 and struggling to feel better, then I’d like to partner with you as a part of your care team.
Are you looking for outpatient mental health support and medication management in your journey to feel better? Want someone who understands eating disorders, addictions, neurodivergence, and hormonal issues? Want someone willing to explore how medical reasons, like changing hormones, may be affecting your mental health? Want to feel heard and not just given a pill? Want to consider supplements? Want flexibility and access to your provider? If you’re between the ages of 12 and 55 and struggling to feel better, then I’d like to partner with you as a part of your care team.
Karen Ann Overmeyer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am so glad you are honoring yourself by seeking some help for the journey! You didn't come this far to only come this far! Now that you recognize that some new coping skills or behavioral changes might be helpful to improve your life, let's consider working together! Got a busy schedule? I can get you in quickly and have flexible hours. I'm offering telehealth daily and have evening sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to fit into your busy day! I am open to hours by request. I am currently credentialed with GrowTherapy.com for telehealth-only visits.
Welcome! I am so glad you are honoring yourself by seeking some help for the journey! You didn't come this far to only come this far! Now that you recognize that some new coping skills or behavioral changes might be helpful to improve your life, let's consider working together! Got a busy schedule? I can get you in quickly and have flexible hours. I'm offering telehealth daily and have evening sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to fit into your busy day! I am open to hours by request. I am currently credentialed with GrowTherapy.com for telehealth-only visits.
Rita Ososanya is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2019. Rita conducts thorough assessments to gather information about a client's mental health status, medical history, family history, and current symptoms. She uses their clinical skills to diagnose mental health disorders based on established diagnostic criteria. Rita develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs. These plans may include a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions.
Rita Ososanya is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2019. Rita conducts thorough assessments to gather information about a client's mental health status, medical history, family history, and current symptoms. She uses their clinical skills to diagnose mental health disorders based on established diagnostic criteria. Rita develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs. These plans may include a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions.
Greenbrook TMS Centers is the Mid-Atlantic's leading rTMS provider. We exclusively practice Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. Cleared in 2008, this revolutionary treatment is FDA indicated for major depressive disorder, and has potential to provide relief and even remission from depression in those who have not obtained benefit from medications, or prefer not to take medications for any reason.
Greenbrook TMS Centers is the Mid-Atlantic's leading rTMS provider. We exclusively practice Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy. Cleared in 2008, this revolutionary treatment is FDA indicated for major depressive disorder, and has potential to provide relief and even remission from depression in those who have not obtained benefit from medications, or prefer not to take medications for any reason.
Samantha Moussari
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Allen, VA 23059 (Online Only)
Samantha Moussari, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Samantha’s goal is to provide patient-centered holistic mental health care. She believes each patient is unique and understands the importance of tailoring treatment. Samantha’s approach creates a healing process that ensures you and your family's preferences, values, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic conditions are respected. Patients are an important part of the care team and play a pivotal role in their treatment plans.
Samantha Moussari, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Samantha’s goal is to provide patient-centered holistic mental health care. She believes each patient is unique and understands the importance of tailoring treatment. Samantha’s approach creates a healing process that ensures you and your family's preferences, values, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic conditions are respected. Patients are an important part of the care team and play a pivotal role in their treatment plans.
Komal Singh, M.D. is a graduate of Avalon University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital with additional fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Virginia Hospital. Dr. Singh provides psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to children and adolescents. Dr. Singh focuses on taking a personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the mental health of each individual patient when determining the best method of treatment. Her treatment recommendations include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Komal Singh, M.D. is a graduate of Avalon University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital with additional fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Virginia Hospital. Dr. Singh provides psychiatric evaluations and treatment services to children and adolescents. Dr. Singh focuses on taking a personalized approach that takes into account all aspects of the mental health of each individual patient when determining the best method of treatment. Her treatment recommendations include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Mrs. Bonner is a certified family nurse practitioner and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, with over 8 years of healthcare experience in a variety of settings. Mrs. Bonner focuses on holistic patient-centered care and utilizes evidence-based practice modalities while focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.
Mrs. Bonner is a certified family nurse practitioner and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, with over 8 years of healthcare experience in a variety of settings. Mrs. Bonner focuses on holistic patient-centered care and utilizes evidence-based practice modalities while focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.
Hailegiorgis (George) Bizuneh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Glen Allen, VA 23059
Get the help you need Today ! Accepting New Patients ! I evaluate and treat various mental health conditions including Depression and Anxiety, Bipolar & other Mood disorders, PTSD and Trauma related disorders, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia spectrum and other Psychotic disorders. I’m a board-certified and licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over six years of dedicated experience in psychiatry. I have diverse clinical experience, working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, as well as working as a psychiatric consultant.
Get the help you need Today ! Accepting New Patients ! I evaluate and treat various mental health conditions including Depression and Anxiety, Bipolar & other Mood disorders, PTSD and Trauma related disorders, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia spectrum and other Psychotic disorders. I’m a board-certified and licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over six years of dedicated experience in psychiatry. I have diverse clinical experience, working in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, as well as working as a psychiatric consultant.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a residency trained psychiatrist, and I run a solo practice on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. I prefer to do psychotherapy as well as medication management (when one or both are appropriate for a patient), and I believe this makes me unique. You might perceive a psychiatrist as just being someone who orders medications, and leaves the "talk therapy" to someone else. As my patient, however, you have an "all-in-one" experience, and that will allow you to return to your normal self as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a residency trained psychiatrist, and I run a solo practice on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia. I prefer to do psychotherapy as well as medication management (when one or both are appropriate for a patient), and I believe this makes me unique. You might perceive a psychiatrist as just being someone who orders medications, and leaves the "talk therapy" to someone else. As my patient, however, you have an "all-in-one" experience, and that will allow you to return to your normal self as quickly as possible.
When booking appointments, please book with the full name as written on the insurance card. Lisa Whitnum treats patients between the ages of 27 and 64. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelor of Science and Walden University with a Master in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She comes to the practice with over 20 years of medical training, including a military background assisting active and retired veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. In addition, she has experience in critical care and behavioral health. She specializes in PTSD, OCD, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.
When booking appointments, please book with the full name as written on the insurance card. Lisa Whitnum treats patients between the ages of 27 and 64. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelor of Science and Walden University with a Master in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She comes to the practice with over 20 years of medical training, including a military background assisting active and retired veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. In addition, she has experience in critical care and behavioral health. She specializes in PTSD, OCD, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Gifty Addai
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Greetings! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 12 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics in mental health. My approach is patient-centered and holistic, creating a partnership with each client. I advocate for patient empowerment through family and patient education, clear communication, and trust to help improve quality of life. I use an integrative approach which includes a combination of lifestyle, nutrition, and traditional medication recommendations, when necessary. I believe in treating the root cause and not just treating symptoms.
Greetings! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 12 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics in mental health. My approach is patient-centered and holistic, creating a partnership with each client. I advocate for patient empowerment through family and patient education, clear communication, and trust to help improve quality of life. I use an integrative approach which includes a combination of lifestyle, nutrition, and traditional medication recommendations, when necessary. I believe in treating the root cause and not just treating symptoms.
Dr. Yaple earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2003. He then moved to Richmond, Virginia where he completed his internship and residency in General Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and then went on to complete his fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 through VCU at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
Dr. Yaple earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2003. He then moved to Richmond, Virginia where he completed his internship and residency in General Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, and then went on to complete his fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 through VCU at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Glen Allen, VA
40+
Average cost per session
$237
Psychiatrists in Glen Allen, VA who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
88% | Anxiety |
83% | Medication Management |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
76% | ADHD |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
59% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
75% | Aetna |
75% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Glen Allen, VA see their clients
79% | In Person and Online | |
21% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
24% | Male | |
5% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Glen Allen?
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.