Psychiatrists in Frisco, TX
Are you someone who has been struggling to cope with day to day stressors? Do you feel like your moods, anxiety or poor sleep are keeping you from feeling like your best self? Are you a parent with concerns about the behaviors or moods of your teenager? Do you find yourself wanting to seek help but are feeling overwhelmed by the process? Let us help you on your journey as you transform into a better you.
Are you someone who has been struggling to cope with day to day stressors? Do you feel like your moods, anxiety or poor sleep are keeping you from feeling like your best self? Are you a parent with concerns about the behaviors or moods of your teenager? Do you find yourself wanting to seek help but are feeling overwhelmed by the process? Let us help you on your journey as you transform into a better you.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care, focusing on psychiatric assessments, psychotherapy, and medication management. My approach is to work collaboratively with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and promote long-term mental wellness.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care, focusing on psychiatric assessments, psychotherapy, and medication management. My approach is to work collaboratively with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and promote long-term mental wellness.
I help children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with ADHD and mood dysregulation find relief from depression or irritability, decrease anger outbursts, build a positive self-esteem, develop healthier relationships, and improve their organization and performance at school or work. Similar to working with a pediatrician over the first 18 years of life, I work with my patients over an extended period of time to improve and maintain optimal mental health through each stage of development. As a trusted provider for your family, I also partner with parents in supporting their children to become more joyful and confident individuals.
I help children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with ADHD and mood dysregulation find relief from depression or irritability, decrease anger outbursts, build a positive self-esteem, develop healthier relationships, and improve their organization and performance at school or work. Similar to working with a pediatrician over the first 18 years of life, I work with my patients over an extended period of time to improve and maintain optimal mental health through each stage of development. As a trusted provider for your family, I also partner with parents in supporting their children to become more joyful and confident individuals.
Edna Villegas is a bilingual Physician Assistant currently seeing Psychiatric patients in the North Dallas area. She believes in inclusivity in her medical management and provides a collaborative approach with her patients. She strives to provide more accessible mental healthcare by seeing patients from a wide variety of age groups so she can better help serve her community. She has always had a passion for mental health and is hoping to bring more awareness to this common issue so more people may seek out the help that they need.
Edna Villegas is a bilingual Physician Assistant currently seeing Psychiatric patients in the North Dallas area. She believes in inclusivity in her medical management and provides a collaborative approach with her patients. She strives to provide more accessible mental healthcare by seeing patients from a wide variety of age groups so she can better help serve her community. She has always had a passion for mental health and is hoping to bring more awareness to this common issue so more people may seek out the help that they need.
Hello,
I am a neurodivergent provider who understands the intricacies of being neurodivergent in a world not meant for you to fit in. A lot of struggles come from this and unfortunately these are often internalized as character flaws and often manifests as depression, anxiety and painful feelings of inadequacy. I am here to change the narrative and help give you the skills to navigate this world successfully. I have over 7 years experience working in clinics, hospitals and prison facilities. I focus primarily on medication management with supportive therapy.
Hello,
I am a neurodivergent provider who understands the intricacies of being neurodivergent in a world not meant for you to fit in. A lot of struggles come from this and unfortunately these are often internalized as character flaws and often manifests as depression, anxiety and painful feelings of inadequacy. I am here to change the narrative and help give you the skills to navigate this world successfully. I have over 7 years experience working in clinics, hospitals and prison facilities. I focus primarily on medication management with supportive therapy.
My ideal client is someone seeking compassionate, personalized care for mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or trauma. They need a practitioner who listens deeply, tailors treatment plans to their unique needs, and provides a safe space to explore their emotions. Their goals include achieving stability, improving their quality of life, and finding resilience. They want to be heard, supported, and empowered to reclaim their mental wellness, knowing they have a dedicated partner in their journey..
My ideal client is someone seeking compassionate, personalized care for mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or trauma. They need a practitioner who listens deeply, tailors treatment plans to their unique needs, and provides a safe space to explore their emotions. Their goals include achieving stability, improving their quality of life, and finding resilience. They want to be heard, supported, and empowered to reclaim their mental wellness, knowing they have a dedicated partner in their journey..
Hello, I’m Olivia Russ, a licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My approach to mental healthcare focuses on a collaborative and individualized treatment plan, combining medication management with therapy to address both emotional and cognitive challenges. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions, with a particular focus on helping patients improve their quality of life and mental well-being. My approach to mental healthcare is patient-centered and holistic, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative relationship between provider and patient.
Hello, I’m Olivia Russ, a licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My approach to mental healthcare focuses on a collaborative and individualized treatment plan, combining medication management with therapy to address both emotional and cognitive challenges. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions, with a particular focus on helping patients improve their quality of life and mental well-being. My approach to mental healthcare is patient-centered and holistic, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative relationship between provider and patient.
Now Accepting NEW Clients! Welcome to Lean on Love Psychiatry, where our goal is to offer compassionate, thorough, and individualized mental health services. We know how intimidating it might be to seek professional assistance for mental health issues. Our clinic offers a wide range of services to both adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of mental health conditions. As a result, our team of skilled mental health providers are committed to fostering a secure and welcoming environment for every client who enters our doors. From depression and anxiety, bipolar illness & ADHD, our specialists have the knowledge to help you.
Now Accepting NEW Clients! Welcome to Lean on Love Psychiatry, where our goal is to offer compassionate, thorough, and individualized mental health services. We know how intimidating it might be to seek professional assistance for mental health issues. Our clinic offers a wide range of services to both adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of mental health conditions. As a result, our team of skilled mental health providers are committed to fostering a secure and welcoming environment for every client who enters our doors. From depression and anxiety, bipolar illness & ADHD, our specialists have the knowledge to help you.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in TX, AZ, MD, NM, and WA. I assess, diagnose, and collaborate with other providers to create a plan of care for patients' quick recovery. I also prescribe and manage patient's medication to improve their quality of life. During treatment, I always apply CBT to help you learn how to identify and change the destructive or disturbing thought patterns that negatively influence your behavior and emotions. We will work together to push back against those thoughts and improve your feelings.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in TX, AZ, MD, NM, and WA. I assess, diagnose, and collaborate with other providers to create a plan of care for patients' quick recovery. I also prescribe and manage patient's medication to improve their quality of life. During treatment, I always apply CBT to help you learn how to identify and change the destructive or disturbing thought patterns that negatively influence your behavior and emotions. We will work together to push back against those thoughts and improve your feelings.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and I have been in practice in diverse settings for 19 years. I trained in general psychiatry at Maimonides medical center in New York and completed a geriatric fellowship at New York University. I firmly believe that effective treatment is a collaborative process and I am committed to helping people address symptoms and difficulties compassionately, in ways that are tailored to the individual.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and I have been in practice in diverse settings for 19 years. I trained in general psychiatry at Maimonides medical center in New York and completed a geriatric fellowship at New York University. I firmly believe that effective treatment is a collaborative process and I am committed to helping people address symptoms and difficulties compassionately, in ways that are tailored to the individual.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Massachusetts Global. I received my Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Walden University. I work with a supervising Physician. I treat patients through various methods, including medications, psychotherapy, or talk therapy. I treat people between the ages of 17 to 65 with conditions such as ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Insomnia, Depression, Schizoaffective disorder, Schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Massachusetts Global. I received my Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Walden University. I work with a supervising Physician. I treat patients through various methods, including medications, psychotherapy, or talk therapy. I treat people between the ages of 17 to 65 with conditions such as ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Insomnia, Depression, Schizoaffective disorder, Schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses.
Feeling Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stuck?
Life can feel heavy when anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, sleep difficulties, or mood changes interfere with daily functioning. You may long to feel like yourself again—to think clearly, have more energy, and regain emotional balance. I provide personalized, integrative mental health care tailored to your unique needs, helping you break unhelpful patterns, manage symptoms, and create a clear path toward feeling like your best self.
Feeling Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Stuck?
Life can feel heavy when anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, sleep difficulties, or mood changes interfere with daily functioning. You may long to feel like yourself again—to think clearly, have more energy, and regain emotional balance. I provide personalized, integrative mental health care tailored to your unique needs, helping you break unhelpful patterns, manage symptoms, and create a clear path toward feeling like your best self.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with experience providing mental health services in both outpatient and in-home settings. I specialize in treating individuals with Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Schizophrenia. Born and raised in Japan, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. I bring over experience from teaching hospitals in Dallas.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with experience providing mental health services in both outpatient and in-home settings. I specialize in treating individuals with Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Schizophrenia. Born and raised in Japan, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. I bring over experience from teaching hospitals in Dallas.
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializing in behavioral health and psychiatric-mental health across the lifespan with varying diagnoses. My objective is to evaluate, diagnose, prescribe medications, and treat patients with a wide range of psychiatric-mental health and substance abuse disorders. I work with patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction and Substance Misuse, and Schizophrenia and Psychotic disorders.
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializing in behavioral health and psychiatric-mental health across the lifespan with varying diagnoses. My objective is to evaluate, diagnose, prescribe medications, and treat patients with a wide range of psychiatric-mental health and substance abuse disorders. I work with patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction and Substance Misuse, and Schizophrenia and Psychotic disorders.
As a board- certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate mental health care to patients dealing with anxiety, depression, substance abuse/ addiction, mood/personality disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and many more. I possess strong clinical skills and have the ability to build strong connections with patients and families. My goal is to provide an optimum level of care to all my patients by promoting mental well-being. I believe the use of psychotherapy, medication, patient’s active participation in the care, is the key for the treatment of mental health disorders.
As a board- certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate mental health care to patients dealing with anxiety, depression, substance abuse/ addiction, mood/personality disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and many more. I possess strong clinical skills and have the ability to build strong connections with patients and families. My goal is to provide an optimum level of care to all my patients by promoting mental well-being. I believe the use of psychotherapy, medication, patient’s active participation in the care, is the key for the treatment of mental health disorders.
I have successfully treated patients navigating complex emotional challenges—such as mood swings, postpartum distress, trauma, ADHD, or Autism—who seeks clarity, structure, and lasting relief. They may be unsure if their symptoms are psychiatric or medical in nature and want a thoughtful clinician to help untangle the roots. They’re ready to heal, grow, and regain control of their life with guidance that is both medically sound and emotionally attuned. Dr. Aaron Tabor is a board-certified psychiatrist offering both in-person sessions in Frisco, Texas and Ardmore, Oklahoma, as well as virtual psychiatric care across both states.
I have successfully treated patients navigating complex emotional challenges—such as mood swings, postpartum distress, trauma, ADHD, or Autism—who seeks clarity, structure, and lasting relief. They may be unsure if their symptoms are psychiatric or medical in nature and want a thoughtful clinician to help untangle the roots. They’re ready to heal, grow, and regain control of their life with guidance that is both medically sound and emotionally attuned. Dr. Aaron Tabor is a board-certified psychiatrist offering both in-person sessions in Frisco, Texas and Ardmore, Oklahoma, as well as virtual psychiatric care across both states.
Hello! My name is Dr. Oye, and I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 18 years experience in healthcare, passionate about providing compassionate, holistic mental health care. With a background as a Family Nurse Practitioner and extensive experience in primary and mental health care, I approach each client with a listening ear, understanding heart, and a personalized care plan.
Hello! My name is Dr. Oye, and I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 18 years experience in healthcare, passionate about providing compassionate, holistic mental health care. With a background as a Family Nurse Practitioner and extensive experience in primary and mental health care, I approach each client with a listening ear, understanding heart, and a personalized care plan.
Maravet Baig-Ward, MD, is dedicated to helping individuals across Texas improve their mental health and quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based care. She works closely with patients to identify their unique needs and create personalized treatment plans that support stability, resilience, and long-term well-being. Dr. Baig-Ward provides both therapy and medication management, offering a balanced and integrated approach for those navigating complex mental health conditions. Dr. Baig-Ward is especially passionate about supporting individuals facing challenges with ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Maravet Baig-Ward, MD, is dedicated to helping individuals across Texas improve their mental health and quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based care. She works closely with patients to identify their unique needs and create personalized treatment plans that support stability, resilience, and long-term well-being. Dr. Baig-Ward provides both therapy and medication management, offering a balanced and integrated approach for those navigating complex mental health conditions. Dr. Baig-Ward is especially passionate about supporting individuals facing challenges with ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
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.
Tayo Olotewo @ Thrive Psychiatry,PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you ready to take the first step in getting the help you desire? At Thrive Psychiatry, PLLC, we provide virtual psychiatric treatments. We incorporate holistic, individualized treatment to each client's treatment. If you are looking for a safe, compassionate judgment free zone, we are here to assist you.
Are you ready to take the first step in getting the help you desire? At Thrive Psychiatry, PLLC, we provide virtual psychiatric treatments. We incorporate holistic, individualized treatment to each client's treatment. If you are looking for a safe, compassionate judgment free zone, we are here to assist you.
See more therapy options for Frisco
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Frisco, TX
100+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Frisco, TX who prioritize treating:
| 98% | Anxiety |
| 96% | Depression |
| 89% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 79% | ADHD |
| 79% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
| 78% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 71% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 96% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 96% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 93% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Frisco, TX see their clients
| 61% | In Person and Online | |
| 39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 75% | Female | |
| 25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Frisco?
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.


