Psychiatrists in Bellevue, WA

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am highly patient-centered. I enjoy treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as depressive disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders, substance use disorders, and insomnia. I am enthusiastic about treating those struggling with substance use disorder and depression. Mutual respect and open communication are critical to the treatment journey; therefore, I respect my patients’ time and value their input regarding their treatment plans.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am highly patient-centered. I enjoy treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders, such as depressive disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders, substance use disorders, and insomnia. I am enthusiastic about treating those struggling with substance use disorder and depression. Mutual respect and open communication are critical to the treatment journey; therefore, I respect my patients’ time and value their input regarding their treatment plans.

Kirsten Book
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 12 years of health care experience. I integrate a combination of evidence- based medication management, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and other cognitive modalities to aid in recovery.
I am confident that combining medication with other treatments is more effective than medication alone. I also believe a multidisciplinary treatment team approach with therapists and other professionals is optimal for the patient's recovery.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 12 years of health care experience. I integrate a combination of evidence- based medication management, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and other cognitive modalities to aid in recovery.
I am confident that combining medication with other treatments is more effective than medication alone. I also believe a multidisciplinary treatment team approach with therapists and other professionals is optimal for the patient's recovery.

Jonathan Allotey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA

Amanda Cox MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC offers compassionate psychiatric treatment to adults living in Bellevue, Washington and across all of Washington State. Amanda works together with her patients to create a personalized treatment plan. This is accomplished by taking the time to listen, ask questions, and learn more about the challenges each patient has been facing.
Amanda Cox MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC offers compassionate psychiatric treatment to adults living in Bellevue, Washington and across all of Washington State. Amanda works together with her patients to create a personalized treatment plan. This is accomplished by taking the time to listen, ask questions, and learn more about the challenges each patient has been facing.

Marc Pellicciaro, MD
Psychiatrist, MD, ABPN, ABAM
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
Not accepting new clients
I provide adult psychiatry in a caring, personal, and professional manner at Magnolia Psychiatry in Bellevue, WA. Magnolia Psychiatry serves patients needing personalized psychiatric care for depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, panic disorder, and addiction recovery support.
I provide adult psychiatry in a caring, personal, and professional manner at Magnolia Psychiatry in Bellevue, WA. Magnolia Psychiatry serves patients needing personalized psychiatric care for depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, panic disorder, and addiction recovery support.

Dr. Rosenberg work to bring joy and happiness to children, families, and adults by looking at the whole person and developing a customized plan to achieve your unique goals. She takes a caring approach to address your concerns and allow you to achieve a well-balanced, cheerful life. She is a caring and compassionate psychiatrist with more than 13 years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults. Her well-rounded approach focuses on the individual needs of patients and families to create a balanced treatment plan that looks at both psychology and medical needs. She performs a thorough psychiatric evaluation.
Dr. Rosenberg work to bring joy and happiness to children, families, and adults by looking at the whole person and developing a customized plan to achieve your unique goals. She takes a caring approach to address your concerns and allow you to achieve a well-balanced, cheerful life. She is a caring and compassionate psychiatrist with more than 13 years of experience treating children, adolescents and adults. Her well-rounded approach focuses on the individual needs of patients and families to create a balanced treatment plan that looks at both psychology and medical needs. She performs a thorough psychiatric evaluation.

Elia Wellness Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98006
At Elia Wellness Services, we provide comprehensive mental health care for adolescents and adults, ages 13 and up. Our services include psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and treatment for a range of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, ADHD, and adult autism evaluations. We take a holistic approach to psychiatry, focusing on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. By integrating evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy, counseling, and naturopathic interventions, we offer personalized mental health care tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and wellness goals.
At Elia Wellness Services, we provide comprehensive mental health care for adolescents and adults, ages 13 and up. Our services include psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management, and treatment for a range of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, ADHD, and adult autism evaluations. We take a holistic approach to psychiatry, focusing on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. By integrating evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy, counseling, and naturopathic interventions, we offer personalized mental health care tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and wellness goals.

Carmen Samson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
22 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98007
Mental health should not be a taboo subject or a rushed intervention. Each person responds differently to life events. There should be no shame or stigma in sharing feelings and looking for help. I am here to help you find your balance and the correct treatment to regain yourself and succeed in life. I strive to offer excellent and individualized treatment (including medications and therapy), because each client is a unique individual who deserves understanding and is treated with dignity and respect.
Mental health should not be a taboo subject or a rushed intervention. Each person responds differently to life events. There should be no shame or stigma in sharing feelings and looking for help. I am here to help you find your balance and the correct treatment to regain yourself and succeed in life. I strive to offer excellent and individualized treatment (including medications and therapy), because each client is a unique individual who deserves understanding and is treated with dignity and respect.

Juliet Lihalakha is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Juliet has extensive experience in health care working with adults facing complex mood disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep issues, Panic disorder, PTSD, adjustment disorder, & OCD. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Houston-Victoria. Her passion for mental health led her to bridge the gap by earning my master’s degree. Do you feel stuck in the past? live in fear/worry about your future?
Juliet Lihalakha is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Juliet has extensive experience in health care working with adults facing complex mood disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep issues, Panic disorder, PTSD, adjustment disorder, & OCD. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Houston-Victoria. Her passion for mental health led her to bridge the gap by earning my master’s degree. Do you feel stuck in the past? live in fear/worry about your future?

Are you having mood swings? Feeling anxious, down, inattentive, overwhelmed with stress, or having the overall feeling that life just keeps getting harder? Have you tried to explain how you feel to friends or family, but no one fully understands? Because you don't want to be a burden, you sometimes hide your true feelings. I understand these struggles, and will love to help you turn things around for the better. I want to see you live life to your fullest potential. If you are looking for a provider who sees you as a person and not just as your diagnosis, condition or past struggles, please feel free to contact me. I love to help.
Are you having mood swings? Feeling anxious, down, inattentive, overwhelmed with stress, or having the overall feeling that life just keeps getting harder? Have you tried to explain how you feel to friends or family, but no one fully understands? Because you don't want to be a burden, you sometimes hide your true feelings. I understand these struggles, and will love to help you turn things around for the better. I want to see you live life to your fullest potential. If you are looking for a provider who sees you as a person and not just as your diagnosis, condition or past struggles, please feel free to contact me. I love to help.

As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 28 years of healthcare experience, I am passionate about helping individuals overcome life’s challenges and achieve mental wellness. My ideal clients are those seeking support for issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and mood disorders. Whether they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, I work collaboratively with them to create a clear path toward healing and growth.
I specialize in personalized, holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of mental health.
As a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 28 years of healthcare experience, I am passionate about helping individuals overcome life’s challenges and achieve mental wellness. My ideal clients are those seeking support for issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and mood disorders. Whether they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, I work collaboratively with them to create a clear path toward healing and growth.
I specialize in personalized, holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of mental health.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Accepting new patients, same week appts available! I'm here for you, in whatever form you need. My primary focus is evaluation and medication management. However, I believe the mind/body/spirit is all connected and even the best medication needs supportive therapy. Therefore, I dip into the pool of counseling to discuss mindfulness- which helps with anxiety; self awareness- to recognizing triggers & reactions; emotional expression- what you feel and when; self worth- how it leads to self destructive patterns; guilt and other forms of irrational but powerful emotions. Together we'll help you become the best version of yourself.
Accepting new patients, same week appts available! I'm here for you, in whatever form you need. My primary focus is evaluation and medication management. However, I believe the mind/body/spirit is all connected and even the best medication needs supportive therapy. Therefore, I dip into the pool of counseling to discuss mindfulness- which helps with anxiety; self awareness- to recognizing triggers & reactions; emotional expression- what you feel and when; self worth- how it leads to self destructive patterns; guilt and other forms of irrational but powerful emotions. Together we'll help you become the best version of yourself.

Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! My name is Linda Bett and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Alcohol and Drug Addiction, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. I diagnose and provide medication management to adult individuals (ages 18-60)
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! My name is Linda Bett and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Alcohol and Drug Addiction, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders. I diagnose and provide medication management to adult individuals (ages 18-60)

Wadsworth Psychiatric Services PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, JD
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98007
Accepting new patients with appointments available in the same week. Treatment for children and adults with various conditions. Conditions treated but not limited to are: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD (children and adults), Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia, Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence, and Dementia.
Accepting new patients with appointments available in the same week. Treatment for children and adults with various conditions. Conditions treated but not limited to are: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD (children and adults), Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia, Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Dependence, and Dementia.
Accepting new clients same week availability................................... Neupathway is deeply passionate about delivering exceptional mental health care that makes a significant positive impact on her patients' well-being. Her unwavering commitment to the field is reflected in her dedication to addressing the complexities of mental health, with a particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.In an ever-evolving field, Eirin stays current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques to ensure that her patients receive the highest standard of care.
Accepting new clients same week availability................................... Neupathway is deeply passionate about delivering exceptional mental health care that makes a significant positive impact on her patients' well-being. Her unwavering commitment to the field is reflected in her dedication to addressing the complexities of mental health, with a particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.In an ever-evolving field, Eirin stays current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques to ensure that her patients receive the highest standard of care.

Jeanne Frances Nicholson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field. I began my career in 2007 as a registered nurse on the oncology floor and then moved on to working in the emergency room. My goal as a provider is to help my patients regain the functionality they once had in whatever environment they are struggling in. My education and training allows me to assess, diagnosis, and treat various mental health disorders. I try to foster a laid back stress free environment so my patients are comfortable discussing sensitive subjects while maintaining the utmost privacy.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field. I began my career in 2007 as a registered nurse on the oncology floor and then moved on to working in the emergency room. My goal as a provider is to help my patients regain the functionality they once had in whatever environment they are struggling in. My education and training allows me to assess, diagnosis, and treat various mental health disorders. I try to foster a laid back stress free environment so my patients are comfortable discussing sensitive subjects while maintaining the utmost privacy.

Jim is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who brings a wealth of knowledge about mental health and experience in behavioral health management to our clinic where he serves as our Clinical Director and provides medication management for our patients. Jim has an MSN from Seattle University and worked in behavioral health administration prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse. As an RN, he worked as a staff nurse on a medical-psych unit and as a charge nurse on an adolescent psych unit and an adult psychiatric intensive care unit. He became a nurse to work in psychiatry and has always worked in psychiatry – he loves every day on the job.
Jim is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who brings a wealth of knowledge about mental health and experience in behavioral health management to our clinic where he serves as our Clinical Director and provides medication management for our patients. Jim has an MSN from Seattle University and worked in behavioral health administration prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse. As an RN, he worked as a staff nurse on a medical-psych unit and as a charge nurse on an adolescent psych unit and an adult psychiatric intensive care unit. He became a nurse to work in psychiatry and has always worked in psychiatry – he loves every day on the job.

Same Week Visits - Request visit via practice website - Work with a UW trained MD - Ages 18-60 - Use out-of-network benefits for reimbursement - No Medicare availability - - I can partner with you to help you achieve and enhance your psychological well-being. This can be achieved through talk therapy, (e.g., supportive psychotherapy, CBT for insomnia, etc.). When appropriate, I can prescribe medications and I strive to use the lowest dose that actually works well. While I have expertise in psychiatry, you have expertise on your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we can make a great team.
Same Week Visits - Request visit via practice website - Work with a UW trained MD - Ages 18-60 - Use out-of-network benefits for reimbursement - No Medicare availability - - I can partner with you to help you achieve and enhance your psychological well-being. This can be achieved through talk therapy, (e.g., supportive psychotherapy, CBT for insomnia, etc.). When appropriate, I can prescribe medications and I strive to use the lowest dose that actually works well. While I have expertise in psychiatry, you have expertise on your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we can make a great team.

Denmind Psychiatric Solutions PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
Are you having mood swings? Feeling anxious, down, inattentive, overwhelmed with stress, or having the overall feeling that life just keeps getting harder? Have you tried to explain how you feel to friends or family, but no one fully understands? Because you don't want to be a burden, you sometimes hide your true feelings. We understand these struggles, and will love to help you turn things around for the better. We want to see you live life to your fullest potential. If you are looking for a provider who sees you as a person and not just as your diagnosis, condition or past struggles, please feel free to contact us.
Are you having mood swings? Feeling anxious, down, inattentive, overwhelmed with stress, or having the overall feeling that life just keeps getting harder? Have you tried to explain how you feel to friends or family, but no one fully understands? Because you don't want to be a burden, you sometimes hide your true feelings. We understand these struggles, and will love to help you turn things around for the better. We want to see you live life to your fullest potential. If you are looking for a provider who sees you as a person and not just as your diagnosis, condition or past struggles, please feel free to contact us.

Nancy Wagner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004
Not accepting new clients
My special interests include ADHD, fertility issues, women's issues, and anxiety disorders. I practice based on the belief that everybody has the power to create positive change in their lives. One of the most important factors that foster change is the relationship between the provider and the client. Therefore, I strive to develop a genuine therapeutic relationship with each client based on a foundation of empathy and understanding. I bring genuine empathy to each visit and meet you where you're at in your journey.
My special interests include ADHD, fertility issues, women's issues, and anxiety disorders. I practice based on the belief that everybody has the power to create positive change in their lives. One of the most important factors that foster change is the relationship between the provider and the client. Therefore, I strive to develop a genuine therapeutic relationship with each client based on a foundation of empathy and understanding. I bring genuine empathy to each visit and meet you where you're at in your journey.
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See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bellevue, WA
200+
Average cost per session
$237
Psychiatrists in Bellevue, WA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
84% | ADHD |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | Medication Management |
73% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
82% | Aetna |
80% | Cigna and Evernorth |
75% | Regence |
How Psychiatrists in Bellevue, WA see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
61% | Female | |
38% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bellevue?
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.