Psychiatrists in Milwaukee, WI

Kelly Theodore is a Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2015. Kelly provides compassionate, holistic, wellnesscentered care to those with mental health concerns. She believes in the integration of mental and physical health for the best outcomes. Together you and Kelly will work to create a plan that restores balance to your life. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys art, music, camping, biking, and spending time with her twin 5yearolds.
Kelly Theodore is a Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2015. Kelly provides compassionate, holistic, wellnesscentered care to those with mental health concerns. She believes in the integration of mental and physical health for the best outcomes. Together you and Kelly will work to create a plan that restores balance to your life. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys art, music, camping, biking, and spending time with her twin 5yearolds.

As a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Martha is committed to providing high-quality mental health care to individuals across various age groups (6+ and 99). With a strong foundation in psychiatric nursing, she specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. With Martha's empathetic nature and excellent communication skills, Martha encourages her patients to open up about their struggles, aiding in their journey towards mental wellness.
As a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Martha is committed to providing high-quality mental health care to individuals across various age groups (6+ and 99). With a strong foundation in psychiatric nursing, she specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. With Martha's empathetic nature and excellent communication skills, Martha encourages her patients to open up about their struggles, aiding in their journey towards mental wellness.

I enjoy working with patients who are looking for a deeper understanding of their lives and struggles. While I do believe that symptom relief is important, I also believe it is important to address the underlying situations that have brought the symptoms about and that often cause them to recur. I provide both psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, in which I focus on the importance of interpersonal relationships, including the here-and-now of the relationship with the therapist, to help patients break free of old patterns and to live freer and more authentic lives.
I enjoy working with patients who are looking for a deeper understanding of their lives and struggles. While I do believe that symptom relief is important, I also believe it is important to address the underlying situations that have brought the symptoms about and that often cause them to recur. I provide both psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy, in which I focus on the importance of interpersonal relationships, including the here-and-now of the relationship with the therapist, to help patients break free of old patterns and to live freer and more authentic lives.

John Thomas Olstad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello, I'm John Olstad, a psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With 6 years of experience in the field including inpatient, outpatient, and private practice, I specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. I treat bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia ADHD and addiction through therapy and prescribing medications. I also welcome step-down medication management clients coming from inpatient or PHP/IOP care.
Hello, I'm John Olstad, a psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With 6 years of experience in the field including inpatient, outpatient, and private practice, I specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. I treat bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia ADHD and addiction through therapy and prescribing medications. I also welcome step-down medication management clients coming from inpatient or PHP/IOP care.

Taylor McDowell is a compassionate psychiatric physician assistant committed to improving his patients' mental health and well-being. With a Certification of Additional Qualifications (CAQ) in psychiatry, Taylor brings a wealth of expertise to his role as a psychiatric provider. His areas of specialization include general psychiatric disorders, with a focus on anxiety, depression, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and ADHD. Taylor's approach to patient care is comprehensive and individualized, ensuring that each patient receives the best treatment tailored to their needs.
Taylor McDowell is a compassionate psychiatric physician assistant committed to improving his patients' mental health and well-being. With a Certification of Additional Qualifications (CAQ) in psychiatry, Taylor brings a wealth of expertise to his role as a psychiatric provider. His areas of specialization include general psychiatric disorders, with a focus on anxiety, depression, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and ADHD. Taylor's approach to patient care is comprehensive and individualized, ensuring that each patient receives the best treatment tailored to their needs.

Dedicated to finding the RIGHT medication to help manage mental health symptoms and improve quality of life!
Dedicated to finding the RIGHT medication to help manage mental health symptoms and improve quality of life!

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.

Andrea Mitchell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, BSN, RN, APNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Andrea Mitchell is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has worked within the mental health field for the last nine years in the acute care, inpatient setting. It was her desire to have a meaningful impact on the mental health field in a different capacity that led her towards becoming a PMHNP. She leads her practice with empathy and by putting the patient at the center of their care. Through open communication, she works towards building a meaningful rapport with her patients to ensure they feel heard and valued.
Andrea Mitchell is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has worked within the mental health field for the last nine years in the acute care, inpatient setting. It was her desire to have a meaningful impact on the mental health field in a different capacity that led her towards becoming a PMHNP. She leads her practice with empathy and by putting the patient at the center of their care. Through open communication, she works towards building a meaningful rapport with her patients to ensure they feel heard and valued.

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in guiding patients toward achieving their optimal mental health goals. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients, ensuring that every decision is informed and collaborative
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in guiding patients toward achieving their optimal mental health goals. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients, ensuring that every decision is informed and collaborative

Dr Wright engages in wholistic care of children, youth, adults and their families who struggle with emotions and feelings, in much the same way a family physician supports a family in their medical needs. He has over 3 decades of experience helping families understand how to live their lives with fullest potential. He has particular interest in a positive approach to treating individuals with ADHD, depression and other mood disorders. He specializes in issues revolving around gender identity, LGBTQ, addiction, and family struggles. He is able to see patient in office, or virtually.
Dr Wright engages in wholistic care of children, youth, adults and their families who struggle with emotions and feelings, in much the same way a family physician supports a family in their medical needs. He has over 3 decades of experience helping families understand how to live their lives with fullest potential. He has particular interest in a positive approach to treating individuals with ADHD, depression and other mood disorders. He specializes in issues revolving around gender identity, LGBTQ, addiction, and family struggles. He is able to see patient in office, or virtually.

Hi there, I'm Shyleena! I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I've worked in mental health either as an RN or NP for 15 years and have worked across all spectrums of mental health. My approach to care is working with you toward a plan of care that meets your needs. I believe it's your body and your life and I'm here to help you get to the best you possible.
Hi there, I'm Shyleena! I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I've worked in mental health either as an RN or NP for 15 years and have worked across all spectrums of mental health. My approach to care is working with you toward a plan of care that meets your needs. I believe it's your body and your life and I'm here to help you get to the best you possible.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

I graduated from USC in 1988. With over 35 years of experience as a physician assistant in a variety of health care settings, I am committed to the whole person concept and improving the quality of life of patients with complex medical conditions and their family members in various settings. My goal is to help patients from all walks of life navigate their complex world by listening to them in order to live a healthier and well-balanced life.
I graduated from USC in 1988. With over 35 years of experience as a physician assistant in a variety of health care settings, I am committed to the whole person concept and improving the quality of life of patients with complex medical conditions and their family members in various settings. My goal is to help patients from all walks of life navigate their complex world by listening to them in order to live a healthier and well-balanced life.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am licensed in Wisconsin as an Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and ADHD through thorough assessment of patient history and present symptoms. I can diagnose mental health conditions and provide medication management, with continued assessment and monitoring.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am licensed in Wisconsin as an Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and ADHD through thorough assessment of patient history and present symptoms. I can diagnose mental health conditions and provide medication management, with continued assessment and monitoring.

My is Octavia Manuel-Wright is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is most comfortable treating these conditions, as I have extensive experience and training in addressing their unique challenges and providing tailored, evidence-based interventions. I typically work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and insomnia. I focus on helping patients manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, and develop tools for resilience and emotional well-being.
My is Octavia Manuel-Wright is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is most comfortable treating these conditions, as I have extensive experience and training in addressing their unique challenges and providing tailored, evidence-based interventions. I typically work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and insomnia. I focus on helping patients manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, and develop tools for resilience and emotional well-being.

I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing empathetic and personalized mental health care. With a strong foundation in family/primary care and psychiatric mental health, I focus on helping individuals and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I'm committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where patients can feel heard, empowered, and inspired to achieve their unique goals and aspirations.
I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing empathetic and personalized mental health care. With a strong foundation in family/primary care and psychiatric mental health, I focus on helping individuals and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I'm committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where patients can feel heard, empowered, and inspired to achieve their unique goals and aspirations.

I have been treating individuals for over 30 years. My most important aspects of psychiatric care is the initial appointment; taking time to listen to the patient and to get a detailed history in order to formulate a diagnosis, a plan of care, as well as establish a good working relationship.
I have been treating individuals for over 30 years. My most important aspects of psychiatric care is the initial appointment; taking time to listen to the patient and to get a detailed history in order to formulate a diagnosis, a plan of care, as well as establish a good working relationship.

Whether you’re a young adult navigating new experiences, or someone thriving in the prime of life, I am here to help you through your unique journey. Together, we will set goals for a personalized path for your needs. I am all inclusive, and wholeheartedly support the LGBTQ+ community. With a compassionate focus on women’s health and navigating life’s transitions, my approach encourages you to face challenges with courage.
Whether you’re a young adult navigating new experiences, or someone thriving in the prime of life, I am here to help you through your unique journey. Together, we will set goals for a personalized path for your needs. I am all inclusive, and wholeheartedly support the LGBTQ+ community. With a compassionate focus on women’s health and navigating life’s transitions, my approach encourages you to face challenges with courage.

Christina Egea Lowrance Garcia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, APNP, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in guiding patients toward achieving their optimal mental health goals. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients, ensuring that every decision is informed and collaborative. I have over a decade of experience as a Nurse Practitioner.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in guiding patients toward achieving their optimal mental health goals. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients, ensuring that every decision is informed and collaborative. I have over a decade of experience as a Nurse Practitioner.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working in the mental/behavioral health field. Specialty areas include pediatrics within the ages of 11-17.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working in the mental/behavioral health field. Specialty areas include pediatrics within the ages of 11-17.

Kelly Theodore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Kelly Theodore is a dual certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner who has been practicing in Wisconsin since 2015. She works with adults ages 18-65+ for psychiatric assessments and medication management. Kelly is passionate about working with people to reach their full potential by helping them reconnect to their mental and physical health. Her care philosophy integrates mental and physical health for a highly individualized treatment in an all-inclusive, non-judgmental and empathetic space.
Kelly Theodore is a dual certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner who has been practicing in Wisconsin since 2015. She works with adults ages 18-65+ for psychiatric assessments and medication management. Kelly is passionate about working with people to reach their full potential by helping them reconnect to their mental and physical health. Her care philosophy integrates mental and physical health for a highly individualized treatment in an all-inclusive, non-judgmental and empathetic space.
See more therapy options for Milwaukee
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Milwaukee, WI
90+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Milwaukee, WI who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
81% | ADHD |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
64% | Medication Management |
56% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
86% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
79% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Milwaukee, WI see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Milwaukee?
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.