Psychiatrists in Arlington, VA

I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5-35 struggling with mood and anxiety disorders. Many of my clients have experienced trauma and loss and are navigating life transitions and self-esteem and body image issues.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5-35 struggling with mood and anxiety disorders. Many of my clients have experienced trauma and loss and are navigating life transitions and self-esteem and body image issues.

Dr. Seeta Patel is a Harvard-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. She provides evidence-based medication management for adults (18 years and older). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma related concerns. She works with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds and have seen how trauma can cause lifelong suffering. We often do not reach out until aspects of our life have already been affected in a negative way - for instance, when relationships have fallen apart, or when we have lost a job. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of strength.
Dr. Seeta Patel is a Harvard-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. She provides evidence-based medication management for adults (18 years and older). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma related concerns. She works with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds and have seen how trauma can cause lifelong suffering. We often do not reach out until aspects of our life have already been affected in a negative way - for instance, when relationships have fallen apart, or when we have lost a job. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of strength.

Hello, there, I'm Eddie! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, motivated to assist all clients with their mental health, and life challenges, her goal is to establish a collaborative relationship with the client to promote growth and healing. Eddie's approach to healthcare goes beyond mere medication treatment As she is deeply committed to empowering individuals on their journey to improved mental health. Through her engaging and educational approach, she strives to equip her clients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their mental well-being.
Hello, there, I'm Eddie! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, motivated to assist all clients with their mental health, and life challenges, her goal is to establish a collaborative relationship with the client to promote growth and healing. Eddie's approach to healthcare goes beyond mere medication treatment As she is deeply committed to empowering individuals on their journey to improved mental health. Through her engaging and educational approach, she strives to equip her clients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their mental well-being.

“Who do you resonate with?” That’s where Dr. Meyers begins—with curiosity. Both storyteller and physician, he pairs relational insights with the medical depth only an MD can provide. You get therapy and medication in one place—a one-stop shop for mental wellness—from an expert who understands neurobiology in relation to your symptoms and goals. “I focus on what’s meaningful to you,” says Dr. Meyers. Whether you’re craving joy, peace, stability or connection, he partners with you to make sense of your story—and rewrite it.
“Who do you resonate with?” That’s where Dr. Meyers begins—with curiosity. Both storyteller and physician, he pairs relational insights with the medical depth only an MD can provide. You get therapy and medication in one place—a one-stop shop for mental wellness—from an expert who understands neurobiology in relation to your symptoms and goals. “I focus on what’s meaningful to you,” says Dr. Meyers. Whether you’re craving joy, peace, stability or connection, he partners with you to make sense of your story—and rewrite it.

I have experience treating patients in acute care setting, outpatient practice and long-term care setting. I have experience working with a diverse group of patients living with mental health diagnosis for the past Six and half years I Practice psychiatry mostly in the adult and geriatric population in long-term care, assisted living independent living facilities and the geriatric assessment clinic. I have extensive experience working with persons living with dementia and equip to educate caregivers if indicated.
I have experience treating patients in acute care setting, outpatient practice and long-term care setting. I have experience working with a diverse group of patients living with mental health diagnosis for the past Six and half years I Practice psychiatry mostly in the adult and geriatric population in long-term care, assisted living independent living facilities and the geriatric assessment clinic. I have extensive experience working with persons living with dementia and equip to educate caregivers if indicated.

Hi there, I'm Mariah. Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, mood swings or labile moods? I am a very compassionate board-certified mental health provider that utilizes holistic and psychopharmacological evidence-based approaches in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various other psychiatric disorders.
Hi there, I'm Mariah. Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, mood swings or labile moods? I am a very compassionate board-certified mental health provider that utilizes holistic and psychopharmacological evidence-based approaches in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various other psychiatric disorders.

Accepting new patients in Virginia for telehealth visits and medication management. I am board-certified treat Children and Adults. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. Offering affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups -$85-$109. Accepting many insurances.
Accepting new patients in Virginia for telehealth visits and medication management. I am board-certified treat Children and Adults. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. Offering affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups -$85-$109. Accepting many insurances.

Jane Sullivan is a Nurse Practitioner in Washington, DC who has been practicing since 1997. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and a Master's Degree from Rivier University. Jane thoroughly assesses clients for individualized treatment to include medication management to be monitored and continually assessed together with client input to attain stabilization and ability to live their fullest potential. Jane is originally from Boston but has lived throughout the US. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, as well as her son's dog FEN (short for Fenway Park).
Jane Sullivan is a Nurse Practitioner in Washington, DC who has been practicing since 1997. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and a Master's Degree from Rivier University. Jane thoroughly assesses clients for individualized treatment to include medication management to be monitored and continually assessed together with client input to attain stabilization and ability to live their fullest potential. Jane is originally from Boston but has lived throughout the US. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and neighbors, as well as her son's dog FEN (short for Fenway Park).

Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.

Alexander Kanaan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2017. His graduate studies were done at the University of Tampa where he trained to become a family nurse practitioner, and at Johns Hopkins University where he trained to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Alexander has experience in family medicine, internal medicine, urgent care, addiction medicine, and psychiatry. He is also experienced in inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency fast track, consult liaison services, and pediatric intensive outpatient services.
Alexander Kanaan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2017. His graduate studies were done at the University of Tampa where he trained to become a family nurse practitioner, and at Johns Hopkins University where he trained to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Alexander has experience in family medicine, internal medicine, urgent care, addiction medicine, and psychiatry. He is also experienced in inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency fast track, consult liaison services, and pediatric intensive outpatient services.

Columbia Mental Health is an outpatient mental health care provider dedicated to serving the Arlington community. We are local to the DMV region and provide psychiatry and therapy services for adults, adolescents and children. We also provide group therapy, first-episode psychosis treatment, medication management, and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive depression treatment for adult patients who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from prior medications. 83% of people treated with TMS experience significant improvement in their symptoms!
Columbia Mental Health is an outpatient mental health care provider dedicated to serving the Arlington community. We are local to the DMV region and provide psychiatry and therapy services for adults, adolescents and children. We also provide group therapy, first-episode psychosis treatment, medication management, and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive depression treatment for adult patients who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from prior medications. 83% of people treated with TMS experience significant improvement in their symptoms!

Tracy (she/her) is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse with her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tracy began her career as a registered nurse on an Inpatient Adult Acute Psychiatry Unit. As a Nurse Practitioner, she has experience working in a Crisis Stabilization Unit, with the aging population, with adults with mild to severe mental illness and those with complex medical issues.
Tracy (she/her) is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse with her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tracy began her career as a registered nurse on an Inpatient Adult Acute Psychiatry Unit. As a Nurse Practitioner, she has experience working in a Crisis Stabilization Unit, with the aging population, with adults with mild to severe mental illness and those with complex medical issues.

Dr. Alan Peh specializes in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry in Arlington, Virginia. He strives to use a personalized approach when it comes to his patients. When it comes to diagnosis, assessment, evaluation and treatment, Dr. Peh believes that these should vary depending on a person’s needs. His comprehensive approach has always been guided by his respect of individuality and uniqueness.
Dr. Alan Peh specializes in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry in Arlington, Virginia. He strives to use a personalized approach when it comes to his patients. When it comes to diagnosis, assessment, evaluation and treatment, Dr. Peh believes that these should vary depending on a person’s needs. His comprehensive approach has always been guided by his respect of individuality and uniqueness.

Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.

I embrace an integrated, strength-based approach to promoting wellness. I work with adolescents, young adults, and families affected by a variety of behavioral health symptoms. I have worked extensively with children and adolescents struggling with significant mood and behavioral dysregulation related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and ADHD. My experience extends to college age and young adults who struggle with attention, depression, and generalized and social anxiety symptoms. I have a particular practice interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially those referred to as "High Functioning Autism" or "Asperger's."
I embrace an integrated, strength-based approach to promoting wellness. I work with adolescents, young adults, and families affected by a variety of behavioral health symptoms. I have worked extensively with children and adolescents struggling with significant mood and behavioral dysregulation related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and ADHD. My experience extends to college age and young adults who struggle with attention, depression, and generalized and social anxiety symptoms. I have a particular practice interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially those referred to as "High Functioning Autism" or "Asperger's."

I am a Board Certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I have experience in the treatment of all mental health conditions including psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and delusional disorder), mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and personality disorders and a particular expertise in performing forensic evaluations (e. g. , conservatorship, guardianship, testamentary capacity, fitness for duty, worker's compensation, sexual harassment, medical malpractice).
I am a Board Certified Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I have experience in the treatment of all mental health conditions including psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and delusional disorder), mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD and personality disorders and a particular expertise in performing forensic evaluations (e. g. , conservatorship, guardianship, testamentary capacity, fitness for duty, worker's compensation, sexual harassment, medical malpractice).

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.

Hi! I’m Amy Fehrmann, a double board-certified Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, having completed my medical education at Georgetown University School of Medicine, followed by Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry training at the University of Maryland Medical Center/Sheppard Pratt, where I also had the honor of serving as Chief Fellow. My passion lies in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, with a particular focus on early childhood trauma and Women’s Mental Health.
Hi! I’m Amy Fehrmann, a double board-certified Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, having completed my medical education at Georgetown University School of Medicine, followed by Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry training at the University of Maryland Medical Center/Sheppard Pratt, where I also had the honor of serving as Chief Fellow. My passion lies in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, with a particular focus on early childhood trauma and Women’s Mental Health.

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

Ready to feel like yourself again? Have you noticed yourself getting frustrated easily, feeling sad, or simply not feeling like yourself? Are worries or irritability keeping you from social functions with family or friends? Do you struggle to focus, stay on task and finish things you have started? Maybe you have been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety or depression before but feel like your provider doesn't understand or listen to you?
Regain your strength, mental focus and vitality at Vida Telehealth!
Ready to feel like yourself again? Have you noticed yourself getting frustrated easily, feeling sad, or simply not feeling like yourself? Are worries or irritability keeping you from social functions with family or friends? Do you struggle to focus, stay on task and finish things you have started? Maybe you have been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety or depression before but feel like your provider doesn't understand or listen to you?
Regain your strength, mental focus and vitality at Vida Telehealth!
See more therapy options for Arlington
Nearby Searches for Arlington
- Alexandria
- Annandale
- Burke
- Community
- Fairfax
- Falls Church
- Jefferson Manor
- McLean
- Oakton
- Springfield
- Tysons
- Vienna
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Arlington, VA
100+
Average cost per session
$222
Psychiatrists in Arlington, VA who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | Aetna |
84% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Arlington, VA see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
65% | Female | |
34% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Arlington?
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.