Psychiatrists in Gillespie County, TX

Whether you are new to mental health or have a history of mental health issues, you are likely looking for a supportive environment, diagnostic clarification, and knowledge regarding all treatment options. You are needing a provider who will listen to your concerns and get to know you as a person. If you are the parent of a child with mental health issues, you are seeking a place where your child will feel comfortable and nurtured. You are wanting a provider who will spend the time getting to know your child and family dynamic, while providing your child with the quality care they would want for their own children.
Whether you are new to mental health or have a history of mental health issues, you are likely looking for a supportive environment, diagnostic clarification, and knowledge regarding all treatment options. You are needing a provider who will listen to your concerns and get to know you as a person. If you are the parent of a child with mental health issues, you are seeking a place where your child will feel comfortable and nurtured. You are wanting a provider who will spend the time getting to know your child and family dynamic, while providing your child with the quality care they would want for their own children.

I am a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. such as depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety and ADHD. We offer medication management, psychotherapy and consultation for children, adolescents and adults. For parents with a child with mental health issues, you hope that a psychiatrist will make you and your family feel comfortable and secure, while providing quality care. I strive to provide exemplary and professional treatment to my patients and their families.
I am a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. such as depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, anxiety and ADHD. We offer medication management, psychotherapy and consultation for children, adolescents and adults. For parents with a child with mental health issues, you hope that a psychiatrist will make you and your family feel comfortable and secure, while providing quality care. I strive to provide exemplary and professional treatment to my patients and their families.

Hello! My name is Christina Exum and I am a therapist and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from UT Health in San Antonio Texas and have been in practice since 2019. I am also an Integrative Nutritional Health Coach. I work at a deep level with individuals in therapy who want to break out of unhelpful patterns affecting their lives in order to awaken unrealized vitality, potential, and creativity. I prescribe psychiatric medications when needed.
Hello! My name is Christina Exum and I am a therapist and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from UT Health in San Antonio Texas and have been in practice since 2019. I am also an Integrative Nutritional Health Coach. I work at a deep level with individuals in therapy who want to break out of unhelpful patterns affecting their lives in order to awaken unrealized vitality, potential, and creativity. I prescribe psychiatric medications when needed.
Online Psychiatrists

Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.

Perry Bishop
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Through active listening and compassionate care, Perry Bishop, PMHNP, is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of psychiatric care to his patients. Perry prides himself on being an advocate for his patients. He strives to deliver the highest quality of care to create personalized treatment plans. His goal is to support his patients so they can achieve their goals in life.
Through active listening and compassionate care, Perry Bishop, PMHNP, is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of psychiatric care to his patients. Perry prides himself on being an advocate for his patients. He strives to deliver the highest quality of care to create personalized treatment plans. His goal is to support his patients so they can achieve their goals in life.

I am a board certified, general adult psychiatrist, offering medication management--alone or in combination with psychotherapy--for adults. We schedule new patient appointments through a form on our website. Please provide the requested information, and a member of our staff will respond promptly!
I am a board certified, general adult psychiatrist, offering medication management--alone or in combination with psychotherapy--for adults. We schedule new patient appointments through a form on our website. Please provide the requested information, and a member of our staff will respond promptly!

Hello. I am a Mental Health provider based in Texas. I am licensed in Florida, New York, Maryland, and California. Treatment would be tailored to the patient’s individual needs, and the treatment plan would be adjusted as needed. In conjunction with the patient, we will both monitor the progress of treatment. Support and resources would be provided to achieve lasting mental wellness.
Hello. I am a Mental Health provider based in Texas. I am licensed in Florida, New York, Maryland, and California. Treatment would be tailored to the patient’s individual needs, and the treatment plan would be adjusted as needed. In conjunction with the patient, we will both monitor the progress of treatment. Support and resources would be provided to achieve lasting mental wellness.

My name is Sheilah Liech and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of behavioral health experience. I'm based in Dallas and currently seeing patients virtually in Texas. I utilize my practice experience to help patients improve their quality of life and decrease symptoms. I provide holistic, evidence-based, and individualized care to help clients achieve optimal mental wellness. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe each group is unique, and I enjoy the different ways we can work together to achieve treatment goals.
My name is Sheilah Liech and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of behavioral health experience. I'm based in Dallas and currently seeing patients virtually in Texas. I utilize my practice experience to help patients improve their quality of life and decrease symptoms. I provide holistic, evidence-based, and individualized care to help clients achieve optimal mental wellness. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe each group is unique, and I enjoy the different ways we can work together to achieve treatment goals.

Sometimes its hard being a person. Life can become overwhelming for all of us at times. I am a board certified psychiatric and family practice DNP, uniquely qualified in the whole person approach to healing. My extensive experience allows me to perform psychiatric evaluations, and to diagnose and provide treatments for most psychiatric and medical conditions. I treat anxiety, mood, ADHD, trauma autism and bipolar disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Ultimately my goal is to offer hope and to empower others to tap into their essential core of strength and goodness by promoting self awareness and self compassion.
Sometimes its hard being a person. Life can become overwhelming for all of us at times. I am a board certified psychiatric and family practice DNP, uniquely qualified in the whole person approach to healing. My extensive experience allows me to perform psychiatric evaluations, and to diagnose and provide treatments for most psychiatric and medical conditions. I treat anxiety, mood, ADHD, trauma autism and bipolar disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Ultimately my goal is to offer hope and to empower others to tap into their essential core of strength and goodness by promoting self awareness and self compassion.

I understand that each patient has their own experiences, preferences, and needs, and strive to develop collaborative treatment plans suited to the individual. I am a board-certified Physician Assistant who practices evidence-based medicine with compassion and empathy. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, trauma, psychosis, and mood disorders, and have a passion for educating patients and motivating them to take an active role in their mental health.
I understand that each patient has their own experiences, preferences, and needs, and strive to develop collaborative treatment plans suited to the individual. I am a board-certified Physician Assistant who practices evidence-based medicine with compassion and empathy. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, trauma, psychosis, and mood disorders, and have a passion for educating patients and motivating them to take an active role in their mental health.

One of Misty’s standout attributes is her ability to establish meaningful connections with patients and provide them with essential support. Her exceptional communication skills enable effective interactions with patients and families fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment. Misty willingly shares her insights and expertise, making her a valuable resource to both colleagues and those in her care. Misty prioritizes safety, consistently ensuring the well-being of her patients, and takes a holistic approach when making decisions. Misty enjoys working with both adolescents and adults.
One of Misty’s standout attributes is her ability to establish meaningful connections with patients and provide them with essential support. Her exceptional communication skills enable effective interactions with patients and families fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment. Misty willingly shares her insights and expertise, making her a valuable resource to both colleagues and those in her care. Misty prioritizes safety, consistently ensuring the well-being of her patients, and takes a holistic approach when making decisions. Misty enjoys working with both adolescents and adults.

I work with individuals who are struggling to find balance in their lives, often feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or mental health challenges. They seek a holistic approach to address not just their symptoms but the root causes. By considering mental, physical, and social factors, I help clients achieve mental wellness through therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when needed, medication. My clients want to feel empowered, regain control, and create lasting, meaningful change in their lives, and I’m here to support them every step of the way.
I work with individuals who are struggling to find balance in their lives, often feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or mental health challenges. They seek a holistic approach to address not just their symptoms but the root causes. By considering mental, physical, and social factors, I help clients achieve mental wellness through therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when needed, medication. My clients want to feel empowered, regain control, and create lasting, meaningful change in their lives, and I’m here to support them every step of the way.

The challenges that may arise as a part of aging can be baffling for senior adults, their loved ones, and their doctors. Mental health illness, the loss of a loved one, or the development of dementia can turn lives upside down and leave older adults and their families feeling helpless. Solutions to the unique problems faced by senior adults and their families require special skill, dedication, and compassion. Senior Adults Specialty Healthcare (SASH) strives to improve our patient’s quality of life and their families through our care.
The challenges that may arise as a part of aging can be baffling for senior adults, their loved ones, and their doctors. Mental health illness, the loss of a loved one, or the development of dementia can turn lives upside down and leave older adults and their families feeling helpless. Solutions to the unique problems faced by senior adults and their families require special skill, dedication, and compassion. Senior Adults Specialty Healthcare (SASH) strives to improve our patient’s quality of life and their families through our care.

Asad Kirmani - Mental Health & Wellness Austin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78702
Whether you are dealing with a chronic psychiatric condition or seeking care for the first time it can be a daunting task to navigate today's mental health care system. I strongly believe that the most important thing to do when meeting with a patient for the first time is to listen carefully and empathically. Though medications are often an important part of a patient's treatment plan, I strive to use them judiciously and will take the time to explain my rationale for the specific medication I may recommend as part of your care.
Whether you are dealing with a chronic psychiatric condition or seeking care for the first time it can be a daunting task to navigate today's mental health care system. I strongly believe that the most important thing to do when meeting with a patient for the first time is to listen carefully and empathically. Though medications are often an important part of a patient's treatment plan, I strive to use them judiciously and will take the time to explain my rationale for the specific medication I may recommend as part of your care.

I’ve been working in psychiatry for over 30 years. I love what I do. In addition to prescribing medication, I provide psychotherapy and psychoanalytic treatment. As a board-certified psychoanalyst, I also provide treatment and consultation to other mental health professionals. I treat the whole person, individualizing different theories and techniques. I believe many new therapies are shiny re-inventions of tried-and-true effective approaches.
I’ve been working in psychiatry for over 30 years. I love what I do. In addition to prescribing medication, I provide psychotherapy and psychoanalytic treatment. As a board-certified psychoanalyst, I also provide treatment and consultation to other mental health professionals. I treat the whole person, individualizing different theories and techniques. I believe many new therapies are shiny re-inventions of tried-and-true effective approaches.

Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.

Whitney Baskett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRNMSN, PMHNPBC, FNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a dual-certified family and mental health nurse practitioner. I have a background as a mental health nurse working with mental health patients of all ages since 2013. It was there I found my passion in the mental health field. I am so excited our society is finally shedding more light on these issues. There has been a stigma for far too long. I firmly believe that mental health disorders are one of the most difficult diseases to live with and can impact so many aspects of our lives. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can lead to poor physical health and I am here to help prevent this from happening!
I am a dual-certified family and mental health nurse practitioner. I have a background as a mental health nurse working with mental health patients of all ages since 2013. It was there I found my passion in the mental health field. I am so excited our society is finally shedding more light on these issues. There has been a stigma for far too long. I firmly believe that mental health disorders are one of the most difficult diseases to live with and can impact so many aspects of our lives. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can lead to poor physical health and I am here to help prevent this from happening!

Sana Powell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78735
Hi there! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who has a background as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I deliver high-quality medication management, and brief supportive therapy, to children, teens, and adults who are experiencing a range of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma-related disorders. As a Christian, Indian-American woman, mother, and LGBTQIA+ affirming provider, I offer a deeply inclusive perspective to my work so that your unique needs are understood and respected. We'll build a therapeutic relationship that honors YOUR unique identities and worldview.
Hi there! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who has a background as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I deliver high-quality medication management, and brief supportive therapy, to children, teens, and adults who are experiencing a range of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma-related disorders. As a Christian, Indian-American woman, mother, and LGBTQIA+ affirming provider, I offer a deeply inclusive perspective to my work so that your unique needs are understood and respected. We'll build a therapeutic relationship that honors YOUR unique identities and worldview.

Brian Hollis is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Texas who has been practicing since 2017. He earned a BSN at George Mason University and an MSN at the University of South Alabama. Brian offers the ability to create a therapeutic rapport. He collects a thorough history for development of a clinical database required for diagnosis and management. During his free time, Brian enjoys attending church, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Brian Hollis is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Texas who has been practicing since 2017. He earned a BSN at George Mason University and an MSN at the University of South Alabama. Brian offers the ability to create a therapeutic rapport. He collects a thorough history for development of a clinical database required for diagnosis and management. During his free time, Brian enjoys attending church, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Christina Torres
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
Christie is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a masters degree in Nursing Administration & Leadership. She provides care to patients ages 18+ years, with a focus young adult issues, ADHD, women's issues, substance use disorders, co-occurring diagnosis, anxiety, mood, and developmental disorders. She values a holistic, inclusive, patient focused, evidence-based approach to client care that includes psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and psychoeducation.
Christie is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a masters degree in Nursing Administration & Leadership. She provides care to patients ages 18+ years, with a focus young adult issues, ADHD, women's issues, substance use disorders, co-occurring diagnosis, anxiety, mood, and developmental disorders. She values a holistic, inclusive, patient focused, evidence-based approach to client care that includes psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and psychoeducation.
See more therapy options for Gillespie County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Gillespie County, TX
< 10
Psychiatrists in Gillespie County, TX who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Medication Management |
67% | Child |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | Aetna |
33% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Gillespie County, TX 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 Gillespie 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.