Psychiatrists in Utah
Josh Bentley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Murray, UT 84107
Dr. Bentley graduated with an Associate’s Degree of Science in Nursing from Weber State University, a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing from Western Governor’s University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Utah. He has been working in healthcare for the past 8 years with a wide variety of experience including patients of all ages, while in inpatient, outpatient, and homecare settings.
Dr. Bentley graduated with an Associate’s Degree of Science in Nursing from Weber State University, a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing from Western Governor’s University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Utah. He has been working in healthcare for the past 8 years with a wide variety of experience including patients of all ages, while in inpatient, outpatient, and homecare settings.
I was born and grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico and I'm passionate about serving individuals from diverse backgrounds. I emphasize in collaborative care to create an individualized treatment plan combining knowledge of both physical and mental health care to achieve wellness.
I was born and grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico and I'm passionate about serving individuals from diverse backgrounds. I emphasize in collaborative care to create an individualized treatment plan combining knowledge of both physical and mental health care to achieve wellness.
I have a passion for helping individuals of all ages reach their goals and thrive through each chapter of their lives. I provide compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based psychiatric care. I like to understand the contributors to your mental health condition(s) and then take a holistic approach and help you with a plan to address the contributors in a healthy way. I love that at Ampelis Health I work with experts in psychiatry, positive psychology, marriage and family relations, nutrition, mindfulness, and wellness. This gives my patients access to the tools they need to overcome and manage their mental health concerns.
I have a passion for helping individuals of all ages reach their goals and thrive through each chapter of their lives. I provide compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based psychiatric care. I like to understand the contributors to your mental health condition(s) and then take a holistic approach and help you with a plan to address the contributors in a healthy way. I love that at Ampelis Health I work with experts in psychiatry, positive psychology, marriage and family relations, nutrition, mindfulness, and wellness. This gives my patients access to the tools they need to overcome and manage their mental health concerns.
Charlie Health is a leading provider of virtual mental health treatment for people in need of more than once-weekly therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or any ongoing mental health issue, Charlie Health’s Clinical Team is ready to help you start your healing journey today. You don’t have to struggle alone – we’re here for you. To get started today, reach out at t.ly/ch-ut
Charlie Health is a leading provider of virtual mental health treatment for people in need of more than once-weekly therapy. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or any ongoing mental health issue, Charlie Health’s Clinical Team is ready to help you start your healing journey today. You don’t have to struggle alone – we’re here for you. To get started today, reach out at t.ly/ch-ut
Premier Psychiatry Solutions
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
Thank you for choosing Premier Psychiatry Solutions. Insurance credentialing is in process and will soon be available. Open Appointments Now. Visit our website for scheduling today. We are accepting new clients over age 12. We offer a simplified approach to complex issues with kind interactions. People enjoy that we are relatable, personable, and easy to discuss all topics of concern. One could expect a conservative approach to using medicines, and we highly encourage counseling concurrently with local therapists we recommend.
Thank you for choosing Premier Psychiatry Solutions. Insurance credentialing is in process and will soon be available. Open Appointments Now. Visit our website for scheduling today. We are accepting new clients over age 12. We offer a simplified approach to complex issues with kind interactions. People enjoy that we are relatable, personable, and easy to discuss all topics of concern. One could expect a conservative approach to using medicines, and we highly encourage counseling concurrently with local therapists we recommend.
Juliana Pires
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84118 (Online Only)
I have helped people who reported anxiety that "comes unannounced from nowhere", or had been feeling low and having difficulty finding motivation, or who were just not feeling like themselves for different reasons including poor sleep, low energy, inability to stop worrying, and inability to concentrate to complete tasks.
I have helped people who reported anxiety that "comes unannounced from nowhere", or had been feeling low and having difficulty finding motivation, or who were just not feeling like themselves for different reasons including poor sleep, low energy, inability to stop worrying, and inability to concentrate to complete tasks.
McCall McMorris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, BSN
Verified Verified
Saint George, UT 84790 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients! As a PMHNP I strive to help my patients feel heard & seen in an often dark and confusing mindset that can make them feel lost, misunderstood, and hopeless. To create a healthy therapeutic alliance between my patients and I is of utmost importance to me & aids in providing mental health relief. Being someone who personally struggles with bipolar I disorder, depression, ADHD, and anxiety, I can relate to my patients on a deeper level and provide optimal understanding. Through maintaining the therapeutic alliance & providing insight I aim to provide excellent mental health care to all of my patients.
Accepting new patients! As a PMHNP I strive to help my patients feel heard & seen in an often dark and confusing mindset that can make them feel lost, misunderstood, and hopeless. To create a healthy therapeutic alliance between my patients and I is of utmost importance to me & aids in providing mental health relief. Being someone who personally struggles with bipolar I disorder, depression, ADHD, and anxiety, I can relate to my patients on a deeper level and provide optimal understanding. Through maintaining the therapeutic alliance & providing insight I aim to provide excellent mental health care to all of my patients.
Accepting New Patients! Gary Webb began his career in mental health as an RN at the Utah State Hospital. After three years, he moved to Connecticut to complete the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty program at the Yale School of Nursing. Gary graduated from Yale in May, 2017 and has since moved back to Utah where he enjoys being closer to family and the mountains.
Accepting New Patients! Gary Webb began his career in mental health as an RN at the Utah State Hospital. After three years, he moved to Connecticut to complete the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty program at the Yale School of Nursing. Gary graduated from Yale in May, 2017 and has since moved back to Utah where he enjoys being closer to family and the mountains.
Hello! I am owner and a clinician of Hope Mental Health. As a clinician, I am taking a limited number of medication management with brief psychotherapy patients. I am integrative in style, conservative with controlled substances and my goal is to help you have longterm better mental health! If I am not available, please try my son, Josh! Though we aren't identical with all our prescribing philosophies, he has trained with me, is more open with his time and people love him!
Hello! I am owner and a clinician of Hope Mental Health. As a clinician, I am taking a limited number of medication management with brief psychotherapy patients. I am integrative in style, conservative with controlled substances and my goal is to help you have longterm better mental health! If I am not available, please try my son, Josh! Though we aren't identical with all our prescribing philosophies, he has trained with me, is more open with his time and people love him!
Accepting New Patients! Leah believes in guiding her patients on the path to health and wellness with a holistic approach. She is passionate about implementing multiple modalities to achieve that wellness and emphasizes that the soul, mind, and body are all interconnected. In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time outdoors with her loved ones, exploring new books and traveling. Leah is dedicated to advocating for historically marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA community. She is committed to promoting fair and supportive policies and healthcare initiatives to ensure that everyone has access to compassionate care.
Accepting New Patients! Leah believes in guiding her patients on the path to health and wellness with a holistic approach. She is passionate about implementing multiple modalities to achieve that wellness and emphasizes that the soul, mind, and body are all interconnected. In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time outdoors with her loved ones, exploring new books and traveling. Leah is dedicated to advocating for historically marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA community. She is committed to promoting fair and supportive policies and healthcare initiatives to ensure that everyone has access to compassionate care.
Annette Ephroni
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
South Jordan, UT 84095 (Online Only)
From roots in Women's Studies University of Utah, 1996 and direct entry midwifery, I entered the field of psychiatry to extend my work with people in deeply formative processes. I studied at Yale School of Nursing (2005) with training at the Personality Disorder Institute At New York Presbyterian University. I have been practicing as a Psychiatric APRN practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah since 2007. I am available for medication management, ketamine assisted psychotherapy as well as regular psychotherapy clients. I works with adults and couples in regular psychotherapy. I am trained as a Sexologist Diplomate.
From roots in Women's Studies University of Utah, 1996 and direct entry midwifery, I entered the field of psychiatry to extend my work with people in deeply formative processes. I studied at Yale School of Nursing (2005) with training at the Personality Disorder Institute At New York Presbyterian University. I have been practicing as a Psychiatric APRN practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah since 2007. I am available for medication management, ketamine assisted psychotherapy as well as regular psychotherapy clients. I works with adults and couples in regular psychotherapy. I am trained as a Sexologist Diplomate.
15 Second Videos
Charlie Health
Premier Psychiatry Solutions
Hope Mental Health
Ronil Shah
John G Ellis
Adam Ellis
Ronil Shah
Steven K Elrod
Marco Rudas-Garcia
Veronica Forchu
Morgan Alexander
Jennifer Foresman
Morgan Alexander
Morgan Alexander
Ronil Shah
Yellow Daisy
Marco Rudas-Garcia
Connections Nursing Psychiatry PLLC
Heather Dangerfield
Utah Behavior Services
Garrett Jefferies
Diane Richardson
Melissa Schulzke
Mitzy Stewart
Brittany Bullock
Integrated Psych, LLC
John Hendleman
Karl Tucker
Hayden Chevalier
Tanner Manwaring
Alicia Johnson
Dynamic Psychiatry
Christopher Moore
Balance Psychiatric Services
Brock Haskell
Marco Rudas-Garcia
Regan Haight
Strive Psychiatry
Andrew Walker
Whole Mind
Braun Tueller
Christopher Searle
Brian Berrett
Morgan Alexander
Edith Marie Hoth
Ronil Shah
Adam Ellis
Lori Jardine
Melissa Lopez-Larson
Cultivating Clarity
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.
I am a holistic and root-cause oriented psychiatrist, comfortable working with all ages and stages of life with additional specialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry, nutritional psychiatry, and integrative psychiatry. I trained at various locations including University of California, Riverside and Stanford University and am board certified in general psychiatry. I am a medical director with Whole Mind, a psychiatric clinic in Utah. We provide state-of-the-art treatments such as Spravato and Transcranial magnetic Stimulation (TMS), as well as medication management, therapy, and coaching.
I am a holistic and root-cause oriented psychiatrist, comfortable working with all ages and stages of life with additional specialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry, nutritional psychiatry, and integrative psychiatry. I trained at various locations including University of California, Riverside and Stanford University and am board certified in general psychiatry. I am a medical director with Whole Mind, a psychiatric clinic in Utah. We provide state-of-the-art treatments such as Spravato and Transcranial magnetic Stimulation (TMS), as well as medication management, therapy, and coaching.
Alberto W Souza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-c, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint George, UT 84770
Alberto has been working as a Nurse Practitioner since April of 2013 and has a Master’s Degree in Family Practice and a Post Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health. He has worked in health care for over 14 years and now specializes in helping people with Mental Health Disorders and Substance Addiction. His genuine love for people and desire to continue to learn and improve has allowed him to experience a great deal of success as a provider, to establish a good rapport with patients and to develop lasting relationships with medical professionals in the So. Utah area. Alberto is also fluent in English, Portuguese & Spanish.
Alberto has been working as a Nurse Practitioner since April of 2013 and has a Master’s Degree in Family Practice and a Post Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health. He has worked in health care for over 14 years and now specializes in helping people with Mental Health Disorders and Substance Addiction. His genuine love for people and desire to continue to learn and improve has allowed him to experience a great deal of success as a provider, to establish a good rapport with patients and to develop lasting relationships with medical professionals in the So. Utah area. Alberto is also fluent in English, Portuguese & Spanish.
Deven Jennings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
American Fork, UT 84003
Deven Jennings earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice with an emphasis in Psychiatric-Mental Health in May of 2021. He has worked in mental health for the past 5 years in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services. Deven graduated from Brigham Young University in April 2016 and joined Huntsman Mental Health Institute on the geriatric and medical psychiatric unit in inpatient services. He worked for 2 years as a charge nurse before returning to graduate school to earn his DNP. He worked as a graduate assistant and outpatient psychiatric nurse with the College of Nursing at the University of Utah.
Deven Jennings earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice with an emphasis in Psychiatric-Mental Health in May of 2021. He has worked in mental health for the past 5 years in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services. Deven graduated from Brigham Young University in April 2016 and joined Huntsman Mental Health Institute on the geriatric and medical psychiatric unit in inpatient services. He worked for 2 years as a charge nurse before returning to graduate school to earn his DNP. He worked as a graduate assistant and outpatient psychiatric nurse with the College of Nursing at the University of Utah.
John G Ellis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
John is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned his Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Utah. He has 7 years of experience working in mental health with an emphasis in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and adolescent psychiatry. His doctoral thesis focused of lifestyle modifications to improve mental wellness and resilience. He understands that everyone is unique, requiring personalized treatment plans.
John is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned his Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Utah. He has 7 years of experience working in mental health with an emphasis in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and adolescent psychiatry. His doctoral thesis focused of lifestyle modifications to improve mental wellness and resilience. He understands that everyone is unique, requiring personalized treatment plans.
Adam Ellis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has earned degrees from the University of California, Irvine, The George Washington University, and most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Pennsylvania. He has worked with both adult and adolescent psychiatric populations since 2015, and he enjoys engaging with diverse patients who have a broad range of mental health needs. While serving 20 years as a naval officer, Adam developed strong active listening skills and a high level of consideration and respect for others.
Adam Ellis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has earned degrees from the University of California, Irvine, The George Washington University, and most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Pennsylvania. He has worked with both adult and adolescent psychiatric populations since 2015, and he enjoys engaging with diverse patients who have a broad range of mental health needs. While serving 20 years as a naval officer, Adam developed strong active listening skills and a high level of consideration and respect for others.
Kristen Dawson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Dr. Kristen Dawson takes a holistic approach to mental health care using a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle interventions to help her clients improve their mood, confidence, functioning, and relationships. She treats individuals with a broad range of conditions, embracing a humanistic-existential perspective that promotes autonomy and highlights each person's unique strengths, needs, and goals. With a warm and relaxed style, she strives to cultivate trusting relationships with her clients and draws from an array of therapeutic modalities to guide the journey toward their most fulfilling lives.
Dr. Kristen Dawson takes a holistic approach to mental health care using a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle interventions to help her clients improve their mood, confidence, functioning, and relationships. She treats individuals with a broad range of conditions, embracing a humanistic-existential perspective that promotes autonomy and highlights each person's unique strengths, needs, and goals. With a warm and relaxed style, she strives to cultivate trusting relationships with her clients and draws from an array of therapeutic modalities to guide the journey toward their most fulfilling lives.
Siqin (Sushi) Simmons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Murray, UT 84121
Dr. Simmons received an MD overseas and a DNP from the University of Utah. She is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has nearly 20 years' experience in healthcare. Having lived in four countries with different cultures, she understands that each individual is the outcome of the complex interactions of their biopsychosocial factors and that trauma can have profound negative effects in people's lives. She respects people’s perspectives from all walks of life. She loves to assist people in improving the quality of their lives with evidence-based medical knowledge and psychotherapy skills.
Dr. Simmons received an MD overseas and a DNP from the University of Utah. She is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has nearly 20 years' experience in healthcare. Having lived in four countries with different cultures, she understands that each individual is the outcome of the complex interactions of their biopsychosocial factors and that trauma can have profound negative effects in people's lives. She respects people’s perspectives from all walks of life. She loves to assist people in improving the quality of their lives with evidence-based medical knowledge and psychotherapy skills.
Melissa is a psychiatric nurse practitioner intern completing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah with her Bachelor’s in nursing and has worked as a registered nurse in a residential eating disorder treatment center and as a pediatric oncology nurse.
Melissa is a psychiatric nurse practitioner intern completing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah with her Bachelor’s in nursing and has worked as a registered nurse in a residential eating disorder treatment center and as a pediatric oncology nurse.
See more therapy options for Utah
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Utah who prioritize treating:
87% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
78% | Medication Management |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | ADHD |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
83% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
80% | Aetna |
77% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Utah see their clients
81% | In Person and Online | |
19% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Utah?
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.