Psychiatrists in Ferndale, WA

Sprout Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Ever wonder if you're struggling with ADHD, depression, or anxiety? That's understandable if you've ever experienced feeling fatigued, struggled to pay attention to things you don't find novel or challenging, or if you've been feeling more down than usual. Dr. Taylor specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and medication treatment for adults living with ADHD, depression, and anxiety who have an interest in a holistic approach to medications, psychotherapy, or both.
Ever wonder if you're struggling with ADHD, depression, or anxiety? That's understandable if you've ever experienced feeling fatigued, struggled to pay attention to things you don't find novel or challenging, or if you've been feeling more down than usual. Dr. Taylor specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and medication treatment for adults living with ADHD, depression, and anxiety who have an interest in a holistic approach to medications, psychotherapy, or both.

I am telehealth only. I am accepting patients who have Cigna, Aetna, Regence, HMA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Premera, Kaiser (in-network), and cash pay. I do not take Molina, Medicare/Medicaid. I will credentialed Lifewise and Kaiser by 1/2025. My schedule is: 9-4 PM, M-Thurs. I am a doctorally trained, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am licensed as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Washington State. I received my Bachelor of Nursing Science diploma (2009) and then my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (2016) both from Washington State University.
I am telehealth only. I am accepting patients who have Cigna, Aetna, Regence, HMA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Premera, Kaiser (in-network), and cash pay. I do not take Molina, Medicare/Medicaid. I will credentialed Lifewise and Kaiser by 1/2025. My schedule is: 9-4 PM, M-Thurs. I am a doctorally trained, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am licensed as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Washington State. I received my Bachelor of Nursing Science diploma (2009) and then my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (2016) both from Washington State University.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Power Capote
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226
Accepting New Patients! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 17 years of extensive healthcare experience, including 10 years as an RN and seven years as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My experience includes medication management, IOP/PHP programs, substance abuse programs, and TMS Therapy. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-PMHNP) from Florida International University and am fluent in Spanish. I continually stay updated on current technologies and treatments to ensure precise and personalized treatment. I am invested in helping clients achieve their best life and full functioning.
Accepting New Patients! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 17 years of extensive healthcare experience, including 10 years as an RN and seven years as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My experience includes medication management, IOP/PHP programs, substance abuse programs, and TMS Therapy. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-PMHNP) from Florida International University and am fluent in Spanish. I continually stay updated on current technologies and treatments to ensure precise and personalized treatment. I am invested in helping clients achieve their best life and full functioning.

I treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including perinatal psychiatry. As a mother of two young children, I understand the critical need for psychiatric providers who treat parents during this stage of life. My other interests include body-focused repetitive behaviors, bipolar spectrum disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
I treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including perinatal psychiatry. As a mother of two young children, I understand the critical need for psychiatric providers who treat parents during this stage of life. My other interests include body-focused repetitive behaviors, bipolar spectrum disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.

Mabel Rodriguez, PMHNP-BC, integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside mindfulness and other wellness strategies to provide comprehensive mental healthcare tailored to individual needs. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, mood disorders and stress management, aiming to empower patients through education and collaborative goal setting. In providing mental healthcare, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with other wellness approaches, such as mindfulness and stress management techniques, to offer a holistic treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs.
Mabel Rodriguez, PMHNP-BC, integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside mindfulness and other wellness strategies to provide comprehensive mental healthcare tailored to individual needs. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, mood disorders and stress management, aiming to empower patients through education and collaborative goal setting. In providing mental healthcare, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with other wellness approaches, such as mindfulness and stress management techniques, to offer a holistic treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs.

Ms. Redempta Mwikya is a Board-Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and has a master’s degree in nursing. Redempta is qualified and experienced to practice in outpatient, inpatient, and telepsychiatry. Redempta works collaboratively with other providers to diagnose and treat mental health issues and psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Patient care requires empathy, understanding, compassion, patience, and love for fellow human beings. Redempta desires to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals who struggle with mental illness.
Ms. Redempta Mwikya is a Board-Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and has a master’s degree in nursing. Redempta is qualified and experienced to practice in outpatient, inpatient, and telepsychiatry. Redempta works collaboratively with other providers to diagnose and treat mental health issues and psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Patient care requires empathy, understanding, compassion, patience, and love for fellow human beings. Redempta desires to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals who struggle with mental illness.

Taking new patients! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of Washington. l believe in a holistic approach, meaning I provide support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs. The treatment plan I develop with you will consider your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach is crucial in addressing the primary cause of your problem rather than just addressing your symptoms and helping to find a long-term solution to existing illness while letting you as the patient take control of your treatment.
Taking new patients! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of Washington. l believe in a holistic approach, meaning I provide support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs. The treatment plan I develop with you will consider your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. This holistic approach is crucial in addressing the primary cause of your problem rather than just addressing your symptoms and helping to find a long-term solution to existing illness while letting you as the patient take control of your treatment.

Existential Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Greetings! I am David Zacharias, a Mayo Clinic and Harvard-trained psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. I discovered a love for the humanities—notably literature and philosophy—early in life due to the profound way in which they helped me to understand and appreciate the human condition. This eventually merged with an interest in medicine and a desire to help improve people's lives. My interactions with patients tend to be relational and existentially-oriented, focusing heavily on personal growth and empowerment within a larger context of meaning and values.
Greetings! I am David Zacharias, a Mayo Clinic and Harvard-trained psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. I discovered a love for the humanities—notably literature and philosophy—early in life due to the profound way in which they helped me to understand and appreciate the human condition. This eventually merged with an interest in medicine and a desire to help improve people's lives. My interactions with patients tend to be relational and existentially-oriented, focusing heavily on personal growth and empowerment within a larger context of meaning and values.

Heramba Mental Healthcare, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We accept new clients every day throughout the year. We are opened Mondays through Saturdays. We accept all insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. We do have telepsychiatry, telemedicine, or telehealth availability. We are opened every day, include Saturdays and Sundays. Mental health disorders impact people from a broad spectrum of the population. We love to help and support people. We are passionate about our patients’ psychiatric health and wellbeing. We spend time listening to our clients. We take into considerations our clients’ preferences and complaints.
We accept new clients every day throughout the year. We are opened Mondays through Saturdays. We accept all insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. We do have telepsychiatry, telemedicine, or telehealth availability. We are opened every day, include Saturdays and Sundays. Mental health disorders impact people from a broad spectrum of the population. We love to help and support people. We are passionate about our patients’ psychiatric health and wellbeing. We spend time listening to our clients. We take into considerations our clients’ preferences and complaints.
CURRENTLY NOT TAKING PATIENTS. I take a cognizant approach of relating mind, body (biology), spirituality and its interface with ones lived experiences to arrive at some semblance of wellness. My theoretical framework is guided by evidence based treatment practices, research and human development. A thorough evaluation will help to formulate a treatment plan which could include medication alone, psychotherapy or a combination. I work alongside other therapists if one is already involved.
CURRENTLY NOT TAKING PATIENTS. I take a cognizant approach of relating mind, body (biology), spirituality and its interface with ones lived experiences to arrive at some semblance of wellness. My theoretical framework is guided by evidence based treatment practices, research and human development. A thorough evaluation will help to formulate a treatment plan which could include medication alone, psychotherapy or a combination. I work alongside other therapists if one is already involved.

Current Openings! To get started, complete form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing contextualized whole-person mental health care that considers the many factors – genetic, social, environmental, and cultural – that contribute to someone’s overall health picture. My approach is collaborative, evidence-informed, and patient-centered. I partner with my clients in shared decision-making and deeply value the foundational importance of trust, safety, and human connection in a therapeutic relationship.
Current Openings! To get started, complete form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing contextualized whole-person mental health care that considers the many factors – genetic, social, environmental, and cultural – that contribute to someone’s overall health picture. My approach is collaborative, evidence-informed, and patient-centered. I partner with my clients in shared decision-making and deeply value the foundational importance of trust, safety, and human connection in a therapeutic relationship.

Neupathway (Gabriel Taylor-Parsons)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! SAME WEEK AVAILABILITY! ..................UPDATED WEEKLY! SELF-SCHEDULING .................... My name is Gabriel Parsons, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who focuses on the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating patients who are suffering from ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and other mental health disorders.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! SAME WEEK AVAILABILITY! ..................UPDATED WEEKLY! SELF-SCHEDULING .................... My name is Gabriel Parsons, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who focuses on the combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating patients who are suffering from ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Attacks, and other mental health disorders.

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

The world can seem overwhelming, but you do not need to suffer alone. Medication can seem frightening and my goal is to de-stigmatize mental health conditions and the medications we use to help. I believe the right medication can help open you up to do the work to feel better. The narratives we carry, often shaped by negative thoughts or painful experiences, do not have to define us. We will work to understand and transform these beliefs, helping to uncover strengths and inherent self-worth. My goal is to help you cultivate self-compassion, foster resilience and an openness to embrace all parts of yourself.
The world can seem overwhelming, but you do not need to suffer alone. Medication can seem frightening and my goal is to de-stigmatize mental health conditions and the medications we use to help. I believe the right medication can help open you up to do the work to feel better. The narratives we carry, often shaped by negative thoughts or painful experiences, do not have to define us. We will work to understand and transform these beliefs, helping to uncover strengths and inherent self-worth. My goal is to help you cultivate self-compassion, foster resilience and an openness to embrace all parts of yourself.

VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Online Only
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Washington patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking for a holistic approach to proper diagnoses and treatment using the safest prescribing principles in addition to complementary and integrative offerings. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. Accepting most major insurances plans. Affordable out-of-pocket rates.
We are board-certified in treating Children and Adults. Accepting new Washington patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking for a holistic approach to proper diagnoses and treatment using the safest prescribing principles in addition to complementary and integrative offerings. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. Accepting most major insurances plans. Affordable out-of-pocket rates.

Madeline Jacobs is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and has been working in the psychiatric field since 2015. She has worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the largest LGBT Center in the country, and would love the opportunity to broaden the reach of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care through telepsychiatry. She is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an evidence-based trauma therapy. She takes a trauma-informed perspective on mental health care.
Madeline Jacobs is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and has been working in the psychiatric field since 2015. She has worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the largest LGBT Center in the country, and would love the opportunity to broaden the reach of LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care through telepsychiatry. She is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), an evidence-based trauma therapy. She takes a trauma-informed perspective on mental health care.

2024 - Current openings! To get started, complete a new patient form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a psychiatric NP, I specialize in supporting people through life transitions. With a background as a Nurse Midwife, I have special interest in serving clients who are pregnant, postpartum, experiencing perinatal loss or fertility challenges, those affected by hormonal changes and/or chronic health conditions. I bring a comprehensive understanding of reproductive and physical health to assist clients in weighing options for care and building a treatment plan that is consistent with their goals and values.
2024 - Current openings! To get started, complete a new patient form at www.upwellpsych.com/contact. As a psychiatric NP, I specialize in supporting people through life transitions. With a background as a Nurse Midwife, I have special interest in serving clients who are pregnant, postpartum, experiencing perinatal loss or fertility challenges, those affected by hormonal changes and/or chronic health conditions. I bring a comprehensive understanding of reproductive and physical health to assist clients in weighing options for care and building a treatment plan that is consistent with their goals and values.

Hi. The mind is very similar to our physical bodies; symptoms develop to let us know that something is amiss. Environments, stress, and trauma influence these symptoms. As our physical bodies seek to heal themselves, so does our minds. Difficulties can be looked at as opportunities for growth. I seek to come alongside and work together to help the healing and growth through therapy and if need be medication. Medication is not sufficient alone. Just as the physical body seeks to heal itself when hurt, so the mind/soul with encouragement can heal.
Hi. The mind is very similar to our physical bodies; symptoms develop to let us know that something is amiss. Environments, stress, and trauma influence these symptoms. As our physical bodies seek to heal themselves, so does our minds. Difficulties can be looked at as opportunities for growth. I seek to come alongside and work together to help the healing and growth through therapy and if need be medication. Medication is not sufficient alone. Just as the physical body seeks to heal itself when hurt, so the mind/soul with encouragement can heal.

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

Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
See more therapy options for Ferndale
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Ferndale, WA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Ferndale, WA who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Transgender |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Ferndale, WA see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Ferndale?
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.