Psychiatrists in Frederick County, VA

Dr. Toni Jamisin Victoria Fife
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, NP-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
My passion for psychiatry stems from a desire to understand the complexities of the human mind, providing a compassionate space for individuals with mental health challenges. Having witnessed the transformative power of therapy and medication management in inpatient and outpatient settings ignited my belief that a skilled Psychiatric Provider can be a beacon of hope, helping patients navigate their unique struggles to reclaim a quality of life. The holistic approach of active listening, empathetic communication, and evidence-based treatments is my goal so that you feel heard, validated, and equipped to manage your mental health.
My passion for psychiatry stems from a desire to understand the complexities of the human mind, providing a compassionate space for individuals with mental health challenges. Having witnessed the transformative power of therapy and medication management in inpatient and outpatient settings ignited my belief that a skilled Psychiatric Provider can be a beacon of hope, helping patients navigate their unique struggles to reclaim a quality of life. The holistic approach of active listening, empathetic communication, and evidence-based treatments is my goal so that you feel heard, validated, and equipped to manage your mental health.

My passion for mental health began early in my nursing career when I encountered individuals struggling with complex psychiatric conditions. Witnessing their resilience and the profound effect of effective treatment on their lives inspired me to specialize further. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I pursued a Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a focus on Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice, driven by a desire to provide comprehensive care that addresses psychological and physiological aspects of mental health. I treat adults, adolescents, and children with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.
My passion for mental health began early in my nursing career when I encountered individuals struggling with complex psychiatric conditions. Witnessing their resilience and the profound effect of effective treatment on their lives inspired me to specialize further. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I pursued a Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a focus on Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice, driven by a desire to provide comprehensive care that addresses psychological and physiological aspects of mental health. I treat adults, adolescents, and children with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.

Healing Hands Integrated Wellness & Primary Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Winchester, VA 22603
Our Vision is to create a space in which all individuals can participate in their healing – mind, body and spirit. We strive to empower individuals to engage in their own health and wellness and to live life to the fullest. Our practitioners have created an environment where we focus on the whole person and have embodied this model of care to promote best outcomes to those we serve.
Our Vision is to create a space in which all individuals can participate in their healing – mind, body and spirit. We strive to empower individuals to engage in their own health and wellness and to live life to the fullest. Our practitioners have created an environment where we focus on the whole person and have embodied this model of care to promote best outcomes to those we serve.

I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

Lauren is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University. With 13 years of clinical experience, she brings a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to mental health care. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Lauren is currently participating in a fellowship with Psychiatry Redefined, where she is focused on functional psychiatry to uncover and address the root causes of psychiatric symptoms.
Lauren is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University. With 13 years of clinical experience, she brings a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to mental health care. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Lauren is currently participating in a fellowship with Psychiatry Redefined, where she is focused on functional psychiatry to uncover and address the root causes of psychiatric symptoms.
Online Psychiatrists

Omiah Behavioral Health & Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20171
Accepting New Clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals regarding treatment, uphold the dignity and integrity of each client, and are invested in your journey towards mental health wellness.
Accepting New Clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals regarding treatment, uphold the dignity and integrity of each client, and are invested in your journey towards mental health wellness.

Dr. Chika Okeoma
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder, and they’re seeking clarity and stability in their lives. They may feel overwhelmed and need support managing their symptoms while striving to improve their emotional resilience and mental well-being. Their goal is to regain control, feel empowered, and thrive in both their personal and professional lives. They want compassionate, culturally competent care that helps them heal and achieve lasting balance, both mentally and physically. I offer that guidance and support.
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder, and they’re seeking clarity and stability in their lives. They may feel overwhelmed and need support managing their symptoms while striving to improve their emotional resilience and mental well-being. Their goal is to regain control, feel empowered, and thrive in both their personal and professional lives. They want compassionate, culturally competent care that helps them heal and achieve lasting balance, both mentally and physically. I offer that guidance and support.

I want you to know that your well-being is my priority. Feel free to share what you need – I'm here to support you every step of the way. Whether it's medication management or therapy tailored to your unique experiences, I'm dedicated to crafting a plan that suits you best. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys. Let's work together towards your mental wellness, empowering you to thrive in every aspect of your life. I accept most insurances.
I want you to know that your well-being is my priority. Feel free to share what you need – I'm here to support you every step of the way. Whether it's medication management or therapy tailored to your unique experiences, I'm dedicated to crafting a plan that suits you best. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys. Let's work together towards your mental wellness, empowering you to thrive in every aspect of your life. I accept most insurances.

Eden Shumbulo—Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Ashburn, VA 20147
Do you struggle with depression, insomnia, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health challenges? Do you need a new prescription, adjustments to your current medication, or a thorough evaluation to determine if medication might be beneficial? As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I can develop a personalized medication management plan tailored to your needs and your goals. Together, we can maximize well-being while minimizing side effects. You deserve peace, balance, focus, and relief from difficult symptoms. I'm here to support your journey to wellness. I look forward to helping!
Do you struggle with depression, insomnia, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health challenges? Do you need a new prescription, adjustments to your current medication, or a thorough evaluation to determine if medication might be beneficial? As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I can develop a personalized medication management plan tailored to your needs and your goals. Together, we can maximize well-being while minimizing side effects. You deserve peace, balance, focus, and relief from difficult symptoms. I'm here to support your journey to wellness. I look forward to helping!

I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with the compassion to provide personalized and integrated care. I understand the importance of treating the whole person and addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. By honoring everyone’s unique strengths and experiences, I strive to provide comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of their health. Utilizing evidence-based methods, my commitment is to deliver the highest quality care to each patient I work with.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with the compassion to provide personalized and integrated care. I understand the importance of treating the whole person and addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. By honoring everyone’s unique strengths and experiences, I strive to provide comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of their health. Utilizing evidence-based methods, my commitment is to deliver the highest quality care to each patient I work with.

Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.

We are a group of therapists and psychiatric nurse practitioners that offer outpatient psychiatric care for all ages. Our comprehensive services include: telehealth and in office psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, prescription management, genetic testing, and psychotherapy. We also provide consultations and evaluations for outside agencies such as the courts and schools.
We are a group of therapists and psychiatric nurse practitioners that offer outpatient psychiatric care for all ages. Our comprehensive services include: telehealth and in office psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, prescription management, genetic testing, and psychotherapy. We also provide consultations and evaluations for outside agencies such as the courts and schools.

Working as a nurse practitioner in women’s health over the last decade, Jenna became aware of the lack of mental health resources and the need for quality psychiatric nurse practitioners in the Northern Virginia area. Her interest in obtaining a secondary board certification in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner began while observing the positive and negative connections between a patient's mental and physical health. She found great satisfaction in helping women transition through stressful life changes, including going to college, starting a family, miscarriage, infertility treatments, postpartum recovery, perimenopause.
Working as a nurse practitioner in women’s health over the last decade, Jenna became aware of the lack of mental health resources and the need for quality psychiatric nurse practitioners in the Northern Virginia area. Her interest in obtaining a secondary board certification in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner began while observing the positive and negative connections between a patient's mental and physical health. She found great satisfaction in helping women transition through stressful life changes, including going to college, starting a family, miscarriage, infertility treatments, postpartum recovery, perimenopause.

I am Dr. Amanda Felix, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I use a holistic patient-focused treatment model which is centered on creating a safe, judgment-free, and laid-back atmosphere while taking the time to listen to and understand my clients' concerns and treatment goals. I am BIPOC and LGBTQ+ affirming and have vast experience in working with transgender individuals. I use a holistic patient-focused treatment model which is centered on creating a safe, judgment-free, and laid-back atmosphere, while taking the time to listen to and understand my clients' concerns and treatment goals.
I am Dr. Amanda Felix, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I use a holistic patient-focused treatment model which is centered on creating a safe, judgment-free, and laid-back atmosphere while taking the time to listen to and understand my clients' concerns and treatment goals. I am BIPOC and LGBTQ+ affirming and have vast experience in working with transgender individuals. I use a holistic patient-focused treatment model which is centered on creating a safe, judgment-free, and laid-back atmosphere, while taking the time to listen to and understand my clients' concerns and treatment goals.

Do you need professional psychiatric support for medication management? Do you need help coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? I am a psychiatrist, providing online care to patients in Maryland and Virginia and I look forward to providing you with the psychiatric care that best meets your needs and supports your emotional wellness. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of medication management and therapy. If you are in therapy and your therapist has suggested medication, we will work collaboratively with your psychotherapist.
Do you need professional psychiatric support for medication management? Do you need help coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? I am a psychiatrist, providing online care to patients in Maryland and Virginia and I look forward to providing you with the psychiatric care that best meets your needs and supports your emotional wellness. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of medication management and therapy. If you are in therapy and your therapist has suggested medication, we will work collaboratively with your psychotherapist.

Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.
Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.

Tolulope Oguntomi Psych Medication Management
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Do you need a psychiatric assessment for evaluation? Do you need to tweak or balance your prescription for psychiatric medication? Are you considering medication or has your therapist recommended medication? In treatment, you can help for ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, insomnia or disordered sleep, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood disorders, self-harming, psychosis, issues related to pregnancy and postpartum, and other challenges. An assessment can help determine if you need medication, and we can develop a plan for your treatment. Reach out now for expert psychiatric support.
Do you need a psychiatric assessment for evaluation? Do you need to tweak or balance your prescription for psychiatric medication? Are you considering medication or has your therapist recommended medication? In treatment, you can help for ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, insomnia or disordered sleep, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood disorders, self-harming, psychosis, issues related to pregnancy and postpartum, and other challenges. An assessment can help determine if you need medication, and we can develop a plan for your treatment. Reach out now for expert psychiatric support.

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.

Affinity Health & Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, concentration difficulties, sadness, fatigue, or depression, I would love to help you. I have found that working with clients with these symptoms are often the most thoughtful and empathetic people I have encountered during my career in healthcare. Please know, these conditions are common, and are very treatable. I offer thorough diagnostic evaluations and medication management.
If you are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, concentration difficulties, sadness, fatigue, or depression, I would love to help you. I have found that working with clients with these symptoms are often the most thoughtful and empathetic people I have encountered during my career in healthcare. Please know, these conditions are common, and are very treatable. I offer thorough diagnostic evaluations and medication management.
Augustine Ahenkorah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lansdowne, VA 20176
Augustine Ahenkorah, PMHNP, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults. Augustine provides personalized treatment plans and medication management for a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Additionally, with a deep-rooted passion for supporting clients with trauma-related issues, Augustine specializes in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.
Augustine Ahenkorah, PMHNP, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults. Augustine provides personalized treatment plans and medication management for a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Additionally, with a deep-rooted passion for supporting clients with trauma-related issues, Augustine specializes in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.
See more therapy options for Frederick County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Frederick County, VA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Frederick County, VA who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
80% | Depression |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Behavioral Issues |
60% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
18 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
80% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Frederick County, VA see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Frederick 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.