Psychiatrists in Jefferson County, TN

New expanded hours.
I founded The Tiqvah Clinic because I saw a need—a deep need—for compassionate, personalized mental health care that meets people where they are. At Tiqvah, my mission is simple: to restore hope and healing for those who feel lost in pain, regret, or uncertainty.
I know that life’s challenges can weigh heavily. Maybe you’re facing anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma that feels impossible to overcome. Perhaps you’re navigating strained relationships, struggling with work, or dealing with an abusive situation. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s talk about it. Let’s find a way forward together.
New expanded hours.
I founded The Tiqvah Clinic because I saw a need—a deep need—for compassionate, personalized mental health care that meets people where they are. At Tiqvah, my mission is simple: to restore hope and healing for those who feel lost in pain, regret, or uncertainty.
I know that life’s challenges can weigh heavily. Maybe you’re facing anxiety, depression, stress, or trauma that feels impossible to overcome. Perhaps you’re navigating strained relationships, struggling with work, or dealing with an abusive situation. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s talk about it. Let’s find a way forward together.

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.

Our office specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and depression. We strive to have patients of all ages across the life span achieve a better physiologic and mental state by offering medication management, as well as, provide counseling and educational services.
Our office specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and depression. We strive to have patients of all ages across the life span achieve a better physiologic and mental state by offering medication management, as well as, provide counseling and educational services.

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.

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.
Online Psychiatrists

Edelyn is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner receiving her post-masters PMHNP graduate degree from the University of Tennessee in 2021. She received her Bachelor degree in nursing in 1988 from the University of Connecticut, and has had an over 34 year nursing career in various areas of Psychiatric Nursing including inpatient, outpatient, partial programs, and 14 years of emergency room psychiatric crisis work.
Edelyn is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner receiving her post-masters PMHNP graduate degree from the University of Tennessee in 2021. She received her Bachelor degree in nursing in 1988 from the University of Connecticut, and has had an over 34 year nursing career in various areas of Psychiatric Nursing including inpatient, outpatient, partial programs, and 14 years of emergency room psychiatric crisis work.

Dr. Suzanne Winzenburg is a dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee. She has been in nursing since 1991 and has practiced as an advanced practice nurse since 2011. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Southern Indiana, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University, and a Post-Master Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from King University. Dr. Winzenburg is an Associate Professor of Nursing at King University in the graduate nursing program.
Dr. Suzanne Winzenburg is a dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee. She has been in nursing since 1991 and has practiced as an advanced practice nurse since 2011. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Southern Indiana, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University, and a Post-Master Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from King University. Dr. Winzenburg is an Associate Professor of Nursing at King University in the graduate nursing program.

I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over twenty-two years of experience and have received awards for Clinical Excellence, Outstanding Clinical Practice, and Community Service for clinical work. I strive to foster a welcoming and accepting atmosphere where you can be comfortable sharing private and difficult struggles while feeling respected, heard, and understood. I work to promote healing and believe treatment is best when individualized, holistic, and conducted within a partnership of trust.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over twenty-two years of experience and have received awards for Clinical Excellence, Outstanding Clinical Practice, and Community Service for clinical work. I strive to foster a welcoming and accepting atmosphere where you can be comfortable sharing private and difficult struggles while feeling respected, heard, and understood. I work to promote healing and believe treatment is best when individualized, holistic, and conducted within a partnership of trust.

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.

Laura Pohl - Women's Mental Health Specialist
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PMHNP
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Life places immense demands on women - balancing work, home, and personal well-being can feel overwhelming. Navigating these challenges shouldn’t be done alone. With a compassionate and holistic approach, support is here to help regain balance and clarity.
Specialized care in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD ensures treatment is tailored to unique needs. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, experience in guiding women through pregnancy, early motherhood, and menopause brings deep understanding of life’s transitions. These changes can be difficult, but with the right support, confidence and well-being are within reach.
Life places immense demands on women - balancing work, home, and personal well-being can feel overwhelming. Navigating these challenges shouldn’t be done alone. With a compassionate and holistic approach, support is here to help regain balance and clarity.
Specialized care in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD ensures treatment is tailored to unique needs. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, experience in guiding women through pregnancy, early motherhood, and menopause brings deep understanding of life’s transitions. These changes can be difficult, but with the right support, confidence and well-being are within reach.

Jennifer M. Thomas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer believes her role as an PMHNP is to use her 22 years of nursing experience along with her higher education to assess patients for various mental health disorders and implement medications to help manage their symptoms. She feels it is important as a provider to make sure we have a great provider-client relationship that is based on trust, compassion, empathy, and no judgement regarding their mental health issues.
Jennifer M. Thomas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer believes her role as an PMHNP is to use her 22 years of nursing experience along with her higher education to assess patients for various mental health disorders and implement medications to help manage their symptoms. She feels it is important as a provider to make sure we have a great provider-client relationship that is based on trust, compassion, empathy, and no judgement regarding their mental health issues.

As both an acute care and psychiatric nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience, I bring a distinctive perspective to mental healthcare that bridges the traditional divide between physical and psychological medicine. My professional journey has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of how physical and mental health are inextricably linked, enabling me to offer a truly holistic approach to mental healthcare. When evaluating patients, I consider not only their psychological presentation but also their complete physiological status, medication interactions, and systemic health factors that might affect them.
As both an acute care and psychiatric nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience, I bring a distinctive perspective to mental healthcare that bridges the traditional divide between physical and psychological medicine. My professional journey has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of how physical and mental health are inextricably linked, enabling me to offer a truly holistic approach to mental healthcare. When evaluating patients, I consider not only their psychological presentation but also their complete physiological status, medication interactions, and systemic health factors that might affect them.

I have more than a decade of experience in evaluating and treating patients across the lifespan, but I have special expertise in the pediatric and young-adult populations (ages 4-30). My practice focus includes anxiety, depression, impulse control disorders, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
I have more than a decade of experience in evaluating and treating patients across the lifespan, but I have special expertise in the pediatric and young-adult populations (ages 4-30). My practice focus includes anxiety, depression, impulse control disorders, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Libby Burns is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2010. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Wesleyan University, a Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from Frontier Nursing University, and a post-Master's PMHNP from the University of Tennessee. Libby is a healthcare provider passionate about helping people live their best lives and believes that mental health is just as important as physical health. Libby is here to provide the care and support to overcome your mental health challenges and thrive.
Libby Burns is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2010. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Wesleyan University, a Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from Frontier Nursing University, and a post-Master's PMHNP from the University of Tennessee. Libby is a healthcare provider passionate about helping people live their best lives and believes that mental health is just as important as physical health. Libby is here to provide the care and support to overcome your mental health challenges and thrive.

Hello! My name is Dee and I provide psychiatric medication management services for ages 18-65 years old. I particularly enjoy helping young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, adjusting to college and/or other situations that arise as they enter adulthood. Please visit www.knoxpsychnp.com to learn more about me. Thank you! -Please note that we do not accept insurance at this time and apologize for any inconvenience.
Hello! My name is Dee and I provide psychiatric medication management services for ages 18-65 years old. I particularly enjoy helping young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, adjusting to college and/or other situations that arise as they enter adulthood. Please visit www.knoxpsychnp.com to learn more about me. Thank you! -Please note that we do not accept insurance at this time and apologize for any inconvenience.

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.

Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.

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.

Mind Matters Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN`, APRN, PMHNPBC, CCATP
1 Endorsed
Maryville, TN 37804
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with seven years of nursing experience and a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional (CCATP). My journey began in the ICU, caring for society's most vulnerable as they fought for their lives. Though we saved many, I wanted to do more - to improve their quality of life. This calling led me to mental healthcare, where I now have the privilege of walking with people on their road to recovery. My goal is not just to prolong life, but to improve it.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with seven years of nursing experience and a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional (CCATP). My journey began in the ICU, caring for society's most vulnerable as they fought for their lives. Though we saved many, I wanted to do more - to improve their quality of life. This calling led me to mental healthcare, where I now have the privilege of walking with people on their road to recovery. My goal is not just to prolong life, but to improve it.
See more therapy options for Jefferson County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Jefferson County, TN
< 10
Psychiatrists in Jefferson County, TN who prioritize treating:
100% | Medication Management |
80% | Depression |
80% | Anxiety |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
60% | ADHD |
60% | Eating Disorders |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
67% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Jefferson County, TN see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Jefferson 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.
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.