Psychiatrists in Greene County, TN

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Photo of Sara Bienstock, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sara Bienstock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greeneville, TN 37743
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
(423) 456-2917 View (423) 456-2917
Photo of Joshua Freedman - healthPiper, Psychiatrist
healthPiper
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chuckey, TN 37641
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
(865) 800-8405 View (865) 800-8405
Photo of Sara Bienstock, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sara Bienstock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greeneville, TN 37743
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
(423) 872-2994 View (423) 872-2994
Photo of Sheri Leonard McRae - Open Minds Psychiatric and Mental Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Open Minds Psychiatric and Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
At Open Minds, we collaborate with each patient to develop a personalized and effective care plan, addressing their unique needs comprehensively. Open Minds features a team of six experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners who specialize in psychological, neurological, and therapeutic approaches, providing comprehensive and personalized mental health care to their patients
At Open Minds, we collaborate with each patient to develop a personalized and effective care plan, addressing their unique needs comprehensively. Open Minds features a team of six experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners who specialize in psychological, neurological, and therapeutic approaches, providing comprehensive and personalized mental health care to their patients
(423) 407-2532 View (423) 407-2532
Photo of Crystal Lane, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Crystal Lane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Has your teenager become someone you no longer know? Are you a college student feeling overwhelmed and hopeless by the increased demands placed on you? Maybe, you are a first responder or nursing professional feeling burnt out, anxious, and unable to find happiness. Do others look at you and think you have it all together while you secretly struggle with getting out of bed, feeling paralyzed with worry, racing thoughts, and no longer feel adequate? I can help.
Has your teenager become someone you no longer know? Are you a college student feeling overwhelmed and hopeless by the increased demands placed on you? Maybe, you are a first responder or nursing professional feeling burnt out, anxious, and unable to find happiness. Do others look at you and think you have it all together while you secretly struggle with getting out of bed, feeling paralyzed with worry, racing thoughts, and no longer feel adequate? I can help.
(423) 589-1749 View (423) 589-1749

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Teresa Arnold, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Teresa Arnold
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 6 years of nursing experience and 2 years of experience in psychiatry. My nursing background is in critical care, and I have experience treating high-acuity and high-risk patient populations across neurological, surgical, medical, trauma, and cardiac intensive-care settings. I transitioned into psychiatry due to my experience with vulnerable mentally ill and substance -addicted populations experiencing acute illness as a result of many years without adequate psychiatric care.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 6 years of nursing experience and 2 years of experience in psychiatry. My nursing background is in critical care, and I have experience treating high-acuity and high-risk patient populations across neurological, surgical, medical, trauma, and cardiac intensive-care settings. I transitioned into psychiatry due to my experience with vulnerable mentally ill and substance -addicted populations experiencing acute illness as a result of many years without adequate psychiatric care.
(615) 437-9767 View (615) 437-9767
Photo of Al Mathewson, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Al Mathewson
Psychiatric Nurse, ARNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
Al Mathewson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2004. He holds an MSW degree from the University of South Carolina, as well as an MSN from the University of Tennessee. Al works collaboratively with his clients to build a plan that will work best for them. Outside of work, Al enjoys photography, playing guitar, and spending time with his granddaughters.
Al Mathewson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2004. He holds an MSW degree from the University of South Carolina, as well as an MSN from the University of Tennessee. Al works collaboratively with his clients to build a plan that will work best for them. Outside of work, Al enjoys photography, playing guitar, and spending time with his granddaughters.
(865) 302-3459 View (865) 302-3459
Photo of Sara Bienstock, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sara Bienstock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Elizabethton, TN 37643
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
When you’re struggling with low motivation, self-doubt, hopelessness, or executive dysfunction, finding the right mental health care can feel overwhelming. Barriers like long waitlists, inconvenient clinic hours, confusing bills, or not feeling heard can make you question whether seeking treatment is even worth the frustration.
(423) 456-4695 View (423) 456-4695
Photo of Joshua J Robinson, APRN, FPMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Joshua J Robinson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FPMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37909
Currently accepting new patients for January & February 2025. My life’s passion is providing care for all ages with a specialty focus on ADHD, trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, depression, self-harm, and more. As someone who has been diagnosed with C-PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and panic attacks: I bring a level of insight and understanding to my practice that most providers can’t—Typical Response Time: Less than 24hrs.
Currently accepting new patients for January & February 2025. My life’s passion is providing care for all ages with a specialty focus on ADHD, trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, depression, self-harm, and more. As someone who has been diagnosed with C-PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and panic attacks: I bring a level of insight and understanding to my practice that most providers can’t—Typical Response Time: Less than 24hrs.
(458) 314-1228 View (458) 314-1228
Photo of Melinda Kiser, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Melinda Kiser
Psychiatric Nurse, ARNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37909
Melinda Kiser is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with all age groups to provide a psychiatric evaluation and medication management for mental health struggles. She earned a bachelor and master's degree from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville and then completed a post master's certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University. She has 40 years of experience in healthcare and over 8 years of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the outpatient, day treatment, school, and residential settings.
Melinda Kiser is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with all age groups to provide a psychiatric evaluation and medication management for mental health struggles. She earned a bachelor and master's degree from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville and then completed a post master's certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University. She has 40 years of experience in healthcare and over 8 years of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the outpatient, day treatment, school, and residential settings.
(865) 345-3299 View (865) 345-3299
Photo of Stephanie Hubbell ~ Women's Mental Health Specilaists, PMHNP, CNM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stephanie Hubbell ~ Women's Mental Health Specilaists
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I founded Women’s Mental Health Specialists to provide a safe, compassionate space where women feel understood and supported. Our team is unique—certified nurse midwives with advanced mental health degrees—dedicated to offering care that truly addresses the unique challenges women face. From managing life transitions like pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause to navigating stress, anxiety, and relationships, we deliver holistic, personalized care that nurtures your physical and emotional well-being. Visit our website to see how we can help you feel your best—inside and out!
I founded Women’s Mental Health Specialists to provide a safe, compassionate space where women feel understood and supported. Our team is unique—certified nurse midwives with advanced mental health degrees—dedicated to offering care that truly addresses the unique challenges women face. From managing life transitions like pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause to navigating stress, anxiety, and relationships, we deliver holistic, personalized care that nurtures your physical and emotional well-being. Visit our website to see how we can help you feel your best—inside and out!
(615) 434-8624 View (615) 434-8624
Photo of Holly Vance - Mindful Mental Health, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mindful Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Bristol, TN 37620
Easily schedule appointment online today, 24/7, www.mindfulmh.com
Easily schedule appointment online today, 24/7, www.mindfulmh.com
(423) 436-9837 View (423) 436-9837
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37932
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
(865) 413-8386 View (865) 413-8386
Photo of Harley C Gibbs, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Harley C Gibbs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you feeling down, stuck, or confused? Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. As a dedicated therapist specializing in medication management, I'm here to offer you support and guidance every step of the way. I provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy with medication management, ensuring you receive personalized treatment that addresses both your emotional and physiological needs. With my expertise and compassionate support, we can explore your feelings, identify barriers, and develop strategies to help you overcome challenges.
Are you feeling down, stuck, or confused? Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. As a dedicated therapist specializing in medication management, I'm here to offer you support and guidance every step of the way. I provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy with medication management, ensuring you receive personalized treatment that addresses both your emotional and physiological needs. With my expertise and compassionate support, we can explore your feelings, identify barriers, and develop strategies to help you overcome challenges.
(720) 964-2601 View (720) 964-2601
Photo of Mikayla Vican, DNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mikayla Vican
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37922
Mikayla Vican is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree from South College in 2018 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2022. She also serves in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Medical Technician since 2014. She has experience in caring for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management to patients that are 8 years of age and older.
Mikayla Vican is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree from South College in 2018 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2022. She also serves in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Medical Technician since 2014. She has experience in caring for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management to patients that are 8 years of age and older.
(865) 395-6096 View (865) 395-6096
Photo of Ashley Curry - Down To Earth Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Down To Earth Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37909
Down To Earth Services is actively accepting new clients for medication management ! Sometimes, no matter how independent we are, we need help. We have a passion for supporting people who are seeking help managing high stress, life changes, anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms through outpatient therapy sessions and medication management. We currently have five medication management providers in our practice: Adam Ballintoy, APRN, Susan Barner, APRN, Dr. Lisa Pullen, APRN, and Samuel Wood, APRN. We also offer individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy and group therapy sessions.
Down To Earth Services is actively accepting new clients for medication management ! Sometimes, no matter how independent we are, we need help. We have a passion for supporting people who are seeking help managing high stress, life changes, anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms through outpatient therapy sessions and medication management. We currently have five medication management providers in our practice: Adam Ballintoy, APRN, Susan Barner, APRN, Dr. Lisa Pullen, APRN, and Samuel Wood, APRN. We also offer individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy and group therapy sessions.
(865) 800-4063 View (865) 800-4063
Photo of Sonja Furse, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sonja Furse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bristol, TN 37620
Sonja Furse is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate and expert care to patients across Tennessee. She specializes in helping individuals manage and overcome a variety of mental health conditions, including PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders. Through a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches, Sonja tailors her treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, fostering a collaborative therapeutic environment.
Sonja Furse is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate and expert care to patients across Tennessee. She specializes in helping individuals manage and overcome a variety of mental health conditions, including PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorders. Through a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches, Sonja tailors her treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, fostering a collaborative therapeutic environment.
(423) 896-5960 View (423) 896-5960
Photo of Sadonya Meadows Allen, MSN, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sadonya Meadows Allen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Maryville, TN 37801
I have worked in the field of behavioral health since 2001. My current focus is psychiatric medication management. I treat ages across the lifespan and specialize in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorder.
I have worked in the field of behavioral health since 2001. My current focus is psychiatric medication management. I treat ages across the lifespan and specialize in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorder.
(865) 276-8216 View (865) 276-8216
Photo of Lori Hestand, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lori Hestand
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
I have been a nurse practitioner for about 15 years. I was a pediatric nurse practitioner for 12 years. I have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for the last 3 years. I see clients of all ages. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. I enjoy partnering with my clients to develop an individualized treatment plan.
I have been a nurse practitioner for about 15 years. I was a pediatric nurse practitioner for 12 years. I have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for the last 3 years. I see clients of all ages. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. I enjoy partnering with my clients to develop an individualized treatment plan.
(865) 213-7605 View (865) 213-7605
Photo of Joshua Freedman - healthPiper, MD, Psychiatrist
healthPiper
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Blountville, TN 37617
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
healthPiper was created by top clinicians to be treatment that we would trust with our families. There is no treatment that compares: we average 4.98 on reviews.io. We guarantee appointments that are within 2 days, and often it is faster. Every clinician is hand-picked for top-training, kindness, and expertise, and responds to clients 365 days a year. People describe us better than anything they imagined existed, and they tell their family and friends. Most of our clients come by word of mouth. If you use insurance, it will automatically be applied for your medications, which you can buy from any pharmacy you choose.
(423) 481-9343 View (423) 481-9343

See more therapy options for Greene County

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Greene County, TN

< 10

Psychiatrists in Greene County, TN who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
100% Medication Management
80% ADHD
60% Trauma and PTSD
60% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

19 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Greene County, TN see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Greene County?

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

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

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

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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