Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC
![Photo of Robert K. Matlack - Best Day Psychiatry & Counseling, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49df1ad0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
![Photo of Katherine Myers, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cd90a21-dbf8-4494-97b2-593bf31c5675/2/320x400.png)
Katherine Myers
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607 (Online Only)
I am a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a board-certified Physician Assistant with full prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions but have a deep interest working with special needs children and their families.
I am a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a board-certified Physician Assistant with full prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions but have a deep interest working with special needs children and their families.
![Photo of Jim Halgrimson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c63ed0d-3514-4923-b2ab-d4289c6db4c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Raleigh's Premier Online ADHD Medical Practice! Discover a personalized approach to managing ADHD right from the comfort of your home with our cutting-edge online medical practice. At Psychiatry of Raleigh, we understand the unique challenges that come with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and we're here to provide compassionate care tailored to your individual needs.
Welcome to Raleigh's Premier Online ADHD Medical Practice! Discover a personalized approach to managing ADHD right from the comfort of your home with our cutting-edge online medical practice. At Psychiatry of Raleigh, we understand the unique challenges that come with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and we're here to provide compassionate care tailored to your individual needs.
![Photo of Velgan Rodriguez Kata, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c2ee124-b2fc-4c14-b220-e5ca66676018/2/320x400.jpeg)
Velgan Rodriguez Kata
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Velgan Rodriguez is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. She received her bachelor's degree from The State University of New York at Purchase, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Hartwick College, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in psychiatric mental health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Velgan has worked as a RN at Rikers Island correctional facility and the Durham County Detention Facility. She also worked as a critical care RN for The Durham VA Medical System, Duke University Hospital & UNC Medical Center Intensive Care Units
Velgan Rodriguez is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. She received her bachelor's degree from The State University of New York at Purchase, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Hartwick College, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in psychiatric mental health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Velgan has worked as a RN at Rikers Island correctional facility and the Durham County Detention Facility. She also worked as a critical care RN for The Durham VA Medical System, Duke University Hospital & UNC Medical Center Intensive Care Units
![Photo of Datanya Betts - Live Well Integrative Medicine, PLLC, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a741f05-82c9-420f-a28f-b4f5783887ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Live Well Integrative Medicine, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Our team at Live Well Integrative Medicine understands that life can present many challenges that can sometimes knock you down. Our goal is to assist our clients to get back up and live life without limits. Our therapy goals are individualized to meet of our clients needs. We understand that life challenges, substance abuse and mental health challenges are real and it could happen to anyone of us. We are here to provide an environment of compassion, non-judgmental, open-mindedness and individual care whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.
Our team at Live Well Integrative Medicine understands that life can present many challenges that can sometimes knock you down. Our goal is to assist our clients to get back up and live life without limits. Our therapy goals are individualized to meet of our clients needs. We understand that life challenges, substance abuse and mental health challenges are real and it could happen to anyone of us. We are here to provide an environment of compassion, non-judgmental, open-mindedness and individual care whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.
![Photo of Carolyn Ballantine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f237019e-b1fa-4089-9ef5-b4c76ea33806/2/320x400.jpeg)
The brain is an organ where specialized treatment and medications may be needed to help restore physiological balance and correct functioning. Keeping all aspects of each individual in mind, I prescribe medications when needed and work with the team of therapists at LifeCare so together, we can address the whole person. Therapy can be an effective tool in restoring the soul, which has a direct impact on the well-being of our mind, will, and emotional state. Therapy can also allow us to clearly map out a spiritual path and help us maintain an active relationship with God.
The brain is an organ where specialized treatment and medications may be needed to help restore physiological balance and correct functioning. Keeping all aspects of each individual in mind, I prescribe medications when needed and work with the team of therapists at LifeCare so together, we can address the whole person. Therapy can be an effective tool in restoring the soul, which has a direct impact on the well-being of our mind, will, and emotional state. Therapy can also allow us to clearly map out a spiritual path and help us maintain an active relationship with God.
![Photo of Alexandra Donatelli, MPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fe03266-51fd-404c-a525-720b7ca27144/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra Donatelli
Physician Assistant, MPAS, PA-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
Alexandra offers her patients a caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can share their experiences safely. She works with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals suffering from depression with suicidality, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health issues and hormonal imbalances.
Alexandra offers her patients a caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can share their experiences safely. She works with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals suffering from depression with suicidality, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health issues and hormonal imbalances.
![Photo of Lauren Morris, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a268340d-a40c-4466-aebc-d3f092f9acd5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lauren Morris is a board certified psychiatrist, a graduate of Duke psychiatry residency program. She is originally from NC - she studied Neuroscience at NCSU, and attended medical school at ECU. Dr. Morris has experience with several therapies, including psychodynamic, supportive, CBT, ACT, and DBT. Dr. Morris’s practice focuses on medication management, and incorporates insight oriented therapy during visits.
Dr. Lauren Morris is a board certified psychiatrist, a graduate of Duke psychiatry residency program. She is originally from NC - she studied Neuroscience at NCSU, and attended medical school at ECU. Dr. Morris has experience with several therapies, including psychodynamic, supportive, CBT, ACT, and DBT. Dr. Morris’s practice focuses on medication management, and incorporates insight oriented therapy during visits.
![Photo of Alyssa Williams George, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfca4b3c-f089-4acd-a9fe-4ecaa419c43a/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist in private practice at Raleigh Psychiatric Associates since 2015. Treatments offered include both medications and psychotherapy. I treat adult men and women with depression, anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety and panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. My sub-specialty is women's reproductive mental health. This includes women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or postpartum, as well as women struggling with infertility, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or menopause-related mood and anxiety problems.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice at Raleigh Psychiatric Associates since 2015. Treatments offered include both medications and psychotherapy. I treat adult men and women with depression, anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety and panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. My sub-specialty is women's reproductive mental health. This includes women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or postpartum, as well as women struggling with infertility, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or menopause-related mood and anxiety problems.
WE CARE...... a holistic approach for treatment to create mental and emotional freedom for you and your family.
WE CARE...... a holistic approach for treatment to create mental and emotional freedom for you and your family.
![Photo of Chrishaunda Vick, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ca5a586-be62-4e54-9c33-d204a4465c09/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chrishaunda Vick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
I am a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner with over five years of experience. I enjoy Empowering people to be the Best versions of themselves and I enjoy helping people set boundaries and limitations and promoting self-care. I also enjoy helping patients process their feelings and determining what is real and perceived. Enjoy learning new information. Spending time with my family and my friends. I am a native North Carolinian.
I am a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner with over five years of experience. I enjoy Empowering people to be the Best versions of themselves and I enjoy helping people set boundaries and limitations and promoting self-care. I also enjoy helping patients process their feelings and determining what is real and perceived. Enjoy learning new information. Spending time with my family and my friends. I am a native North Carolinian.
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![Photo of Kenya Windley, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e331869a-01b4-4eb1-899b-de52ca6a3fed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
![Photo of Taylor Washington, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d628d7b-a746-45c2-9ab4-9dfe3576d36f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Taylor is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She helps adults and seniors, focusing on addiction medicine. Taylor's approach works to understand and address the root of people's issues.
Taylor is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She helps adults and seniors, focusing on addiction medicine. Taylor's approach works to understand and address the root of people's issues.
![Photo of Luna Rivera, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/481c0fbf-1dcd-4fd1-b45c-fd3eacb1dc9c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Luna Sanchez Rivera holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After completing residency in 2016 at the Ponce Medical School Psychiatry Residency in Puerto Rico, she then moved to North Carolina to complete a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke University Health System. There, she transitioned into an Assistant Professor position and focused on structuring the Pediatric Emergency Psychiatric Services and helped to support the Consult and Liaison Pediatric Service.
Dr. Luna Sanchez Rivera holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. After completing residency in 2016 at the Ponce Medical School Psychiatry Residency in Puerto Rico, she then moved to North Carolina to complete a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke University Health System. There, she transitioned into an Assistant Professor position and focused on structuring the Pediatric Emergency Psychiatric Services and helped to support the Consult and Liaison Pediatric Service.
![Photo of Neil Scheurich, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f645de6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
NOTE that as of 6/23/24 my schedule is too full to permit new patient scheduling. I do not keep a waiting list, but typically I am able to reopen periodically. I am a psychiatrist offering medication treatments and/or psychotherapy as appropriate. Most of my patients struggle with anxiety or depression, although I also have broad experience in treating ADHD, bipolar disorder, as well as various issues of life adjustments and relationships. Note that I do not specialize in treating children and adolescents, couples therapy, or addiction treatment. I offer either video or in-person sessions.
NOTE that as of 6/23/24 my schedule is too full to permit new patient scheduling. I do not keep a waiting list, but typically I am able to reopen periodically. I am a psychiatrist offering medication treatments and/or psychotherapy as appropriate. Most of my patients struggle with anxiety or depression, although I also have broad experience in treating ADHD, bipolar disorder, as well as various issues of life adjustments and relationships. Note that I do not specialize in treating children and adolescents, couples therapy, or addiction treatment. I offer either video or in-person sessions.
![Photo of Hira A. Silat, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92376f27-7295-4b26-9d52-b0a22b915724/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, my goal is to create a safe, warm and compassionate space for healing and personal growth. In my work, I aim to delve beyond diagnostic labels to uncover the core issues underlying clinical symptoms. This process acknowledges each individual’s unique experience and helps minimize reliance on medications. Together, I work with my clients to help them understand the unconscious impact of early childhood experiences on their current ability to love, work and play, and help them gain inner freedom to live fuller, more wholesome lives.
As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, my goal is to create a safe, warm and compassionate space for healing and personal growth. In my work, I aim to delve beyond diagnostic labels to uncover the core issues underlying clinical symptoms. This process acknowledges each individual’s unique experience and helps minimize reliance on medications. Together, I work with my clients to help them understand the unconscious impact of early childhood experiences on their current ability to love, work and play, and help them gain inner freedom to live fuller, more wholesome lives.
![Photo of Kelly Crenshaw, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6246ceea-7b0b-4803-b76d-514c06eb2570/1/320x400.png)
Kelly Crenshaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27612
Kelly Crenshaw, PMHNP-BC, is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Advaita Integrated Medicine in Raleigh, North Carolina. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and holistic wellness strategies to patients of all ages. Kelly Crenshaw has been a nurse for 18 years and a nurse practitioner for 9 years. Kelly’s approach to care is evidence-based and holistic, focusing on medication management alongside improvements in sleep, exercise, and nutrition. She employs positivity and gratitude to help clients become the best versions of themselves.
Kelly Crenshaw, PMHNP-BC, is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Advaita Integrated Medicine in Raleigh, North Carolina. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and holistic wellness strategies to patients of all ages. Kelly Crenshaw has been a nurse for 18 years and a nurse practitioner for 9 years. Kelly’s approach to care is evidence-based and holistic, focusing on medication management alongside improvements in sleep, exercise, and nutrition. She employs positivity and gratitude to help clients become the best versions of themselves.
![Photo of Roy Dewayne Book, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1240d8c9-f6be-41db-a797-f7a01d6c5fd0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. R. Dewayne Book is a Psychiatrist who specializes in addictive disorders, having studied neurobiology and biochemistry to understand chemical brain functions. This knowledge informs his well-rounded, individualized approach to treating patients struggling with addiction, an approach that also includes medication management, medication assisted treatment / medication assisted therapy (MAT), psychotherapy, patient education, and social network development. Dr. Book also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Advaita Integrated Medicine.
Dr. R. Dewayne Book is a Psychiatrist who specializes in addictive disorders, having studied neurobiology and biochemistry to understand chemical brain functions. This knowledge informs his well-rounded, individualized approach to treating patients struggling with addiction, an approach that also includes medication management, medication assisted treatment / medication assisted therapy (MAT), psychotherapy, patient education, and social network development. Dr. Book also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Advaita Integrated Medicine.
![Photo of Jason Lane, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a0dc490-dede-4bdc-ba49-a2aab9b8b369/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you ready to prioritize yourself? I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients or individuals who may be otherwise marginalized. My professional passion lies in partnering with those facing mental health challenges and helping them enjoy the best quality of life possible! Combining medication management with behavior modification to address anxiety, major depression, ADHD, and bipolar mood disorders, can be empowering. Be empowered!
Are you ready to prioritize yourself? I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients or individuals who may be otherwise marginalized. My professional passion lies in partnering with those facing mental health challenges and helping them enjoy the best quality of life possible! Combining medication management with behavior modification to address anxiety, major depression, ADHD, and bipolar mood disorders, can be empowering. Be empowered!
![Photo of Karen Cullen, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ee3d004-2c74-4c1c-bb16-368753a6fe7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen is passionate about providing a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere for her patients.
Karen is passionate about providing a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere for her patients.
See more therapy options for Raleigh
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC
200+
Average cost per session
$180
Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
82% | ADHD |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Medication Management |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
84% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
83% | Aetna |
82% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
74% | Female | |
26% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Raleigh?
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.