Psychiatrists in 20190
We all want the same qualities in our doctor, summed up as “the four A’s:” Able, Available, Approachable, and Affordable. For the past three decades I’ve tried to earn “all A’s” from my patients; please go to my website, www.mindbrainpsychiatry.com, and see for yourself, if you’re seeking help for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or addictions.
We all want the same qualities in our doctor, summed up as “the four A’s:” Able, Available, Approachable, and Affordable. For the past three decades I’ve tried to earn “all A’s” from my patients; please go to my website, www.mindbrainpsychiatry.com, and see for yourself, if you’re seeking help for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or addictions.
Allow me to help improve your life. I am a psychiatrist in Reston, Virginia with degrees in psychology, biology, and medicine. I can see patients from anywhere in Virginia. I have 17+ years of experience in mental health. I am one of three physicians in Virginia trained in perinatal mental health. My special focus is on women, mood, anxiety, ADHD testing AND treatment, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, and more! I am a mother, author, motivational speaker, teacher, cancer survivor, marathon runner, medical student advisor, martial artist and founder of Improve Medical Culture. Learn more at www.ImproveLifePLLC.com
Allow me to help improve your life. I am a psychiatrist in Reston, Virginia with degrees in psychology, biology, and medicine. I can see patients from anywhere in Virginia. I have 17+ years of experience in mental health. I am one of three physicians in Virginia trained in perinatal mental health. My special focus is on women, mood, anxiety, ADHD testing AND treatment, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, and more! I am a mother, author, motivational speaker, teacher, cancer survivor, marathon runner, medical student advisor, martial artist and founder of Improve Medical Culture. Learn more at www.ImproveLifePLLC.com
I want you to know that your well-being is my priority. Feel free to share what you need – I'm here to support you every step of the way. Whether it's medication management or therapy tailored to your unique experiences, I'm dedicated to crafting a plan that suits you best. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys. Let's work together towards your mental wellness, empowering you to thrive in every aspect of your life. I accept most insurances.
I want you to know that your well-being is my priority. Feel free to share what you need – I'm here to support you every step of the way. Whether it's medication management or therapy tailored to your unique experiences, I'm dedicated to crafting a plan that suits you best. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys. Let's work together towards your mental wellness, empowering you to thrive in every aspect of your life. I accept most insurances.
Through Telemedicine, I enjoy getting to know my clients and helping them discover how to lead better lives from the comfort of home. I treat clients of all ages and issues and have special interests in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Schizoprenia.
Through Telemedicine, I enjoy getting to know my clients and helping them discover how to lead better lives from the comfort of home. I treat clients of all ages and issues and have special interests in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Schizoprenia.
Dr. Mercedes Driscoll is a board-certified psychiatrist in Reston, VA. She works with Improve Life PLLC to treat anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, sleep issues, PTSD and more. She has 5+ years’ experience as a Chief of Inpatient Behavioral Health Services and Medical Director. She is proficient in conducting evaluations on a wide range of the population including medication management and therapy. Furthermore, she is board certified by the ABPN and she is a fellow of the American Psychiatry Association. She has mentored and educated medical students, NP students, and PA students. In addition, she has extensive experience
Dr. Mercedes Driscoll is a board-certified psychiatrist in Reston, VA. She works with Improve Life PLLC to treat anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, sleep issues, PTSD and more. She has 5+ years’ experience as a Chief of Inpatient Behavioral Health Services and Medical Director. She is proficient in conducting evaluations on a wide range of the population including medication management and therapy. Furthermore, she is board certified by the ABPN and she is a fellow of the American Psychiatry Association. She has mentored and educated medical students, NP students, and PA students. In addition, she has extensive experience
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with the compassion to provide personalized and integrated care. I understand the importance of treating the whole person and addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. By honoring everyone’s unique strengths and experiences, I strive to provide comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of their health. Utilizing evidence-based methods, my commitment is to deliver the highest quality care to each patient I work with.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with the compassion to provide personalized and integrated care. I understand the importance of treating the whole person and addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. By honoring everyone’s unique strengths and experiences, I strive to provide comprehensive care that encompasses all aspects of their health. Utilizing evidence-based methods, my commitment is to deliver the highest quality care to each patient I work with.
Gianna is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in mental health and psychiatric conditions. Upon completion of her Master’s in Nursing from Georgetown University, Gianna has worked with individuals and families in outpatient, inpatient, trauma, and critical care settings.
Gianna is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in mental health and psychiatric conditions. Upon completion of her Master’s in Nursing from Georgetown University, Gianna has worked with individuals and families in outpatient, inpatient, trauma, and critical care settings.
Blandine (Didi) Yacinthus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20190
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) who is deeply committed and enjoys providing high quality and holistic care via in person appointments and telemedicine. I offer both medication management and psychotherapy to individuals across the lifespan suffering from Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) who is deeply committed and enjoys providing high quality and holistic care via in person appointments and telemedicine. I offer both medication management and psychotherapy to individuals across the lifespan suffering from Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Welcome to Northern Virginia Psychiatric Services. My name is Dr. Audrey Rushin, and I am a licensed, board-certified psychiatrist with over 23 years of experience with variety of patient populations. If you are seeking a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist, I encourage you to reach out to schedule a consultation. I look forward to working with you.
Welcome to Northern Virginia Psychiatric Services. My name is Dr. Audrey Rushin, and I am a licensed, board-certified psychiatrist with over 23 years of experience with variety of patient populations. If you are seeking a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist, I encourage you to reach out to schedule a consultation. I look forward to working with you.
Madeleine Wilson Hao
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20190
Dr. Madeleine Wilson Hao is a doctorally prepared, double board-certified nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience, specializing in both psychiatry and family medicine. At NOVA Family Health, we will take the time needed to understand each client and family's unique circumstances and tailoring our approaches accordingly. Our clients are motivated to engage more fully in life, and seek supportive, evidence-based, personalized interventions. Seeking more than symptom relief and quick fixes; our clients seek partnership in working towards longterm fulfillment and a productive, balanced lifestyle.
Dr. Madeleine Wilson Hao is a doctorally prepared, double board-certified nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience, specializing in both psychiatry and family medicine. At NOVA Family Health, we will take the time needed to understand each client and family's unique circumstances and tailoring our approaches accordingly. Our clients are motivated to engage more fully in life, and seek supportive, evidence-based, personalized interventions. Seeking more than symptom relief and quick fixes; our clients seek partnership in working towards longterm fulfillment and a productive, balanced lifestyle.
NOVA Family Health: Holistic Psychiatric Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20190
Our ideal clients are individuals and families navigating mental health challenges, seeking compassionate support. They may struggle with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or other issues, and desire sustainable, long-term solutions for their well-being. These clients want a provider who listens, understands their unique circumstances, and offers tailored, evidence-based care. They are motivated to engage more fully in life, striving for a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle, and recognize the importance of a holistic approach to mental health.
Our ideal clients are individuals and families navigating mental health challenges, seeking compassionate support. They may struggle with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or other issues, and desire sustainable, long-term solutions for their well-being. These clients want a provider who listens, understands their unique circumstances, and offers tailored, evidence-based care. They are motivated to engage more fully in life, striving for a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle, and recognize the importance of a holistic approach to mental health.
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Stephanie Waggel
Mercedes Driscoll
Madeleine Wilson Hao
NOVA Family Health: Holistic Psychiatric Care
Improve Life PLLC
My approach is to focus on the whole patient and follow evidence-based treatment guidelines and bring about a positive change. I treat patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) & complex PTSD, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, sleep problems, Autism spectrum disorder, Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), dementias and women's mental health such as post partum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) . I also discuss treatment options like Ketamine for severe depression.
My approach is to focus on the whole patient and follow evidence-based treatment guidelines and bring about a positive change. I treat patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) & complex PTSD, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, sleep problems, Autism spectrum disorder, Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), dementias and women's mental health such as post partum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) . I also discuss treatment options like Ketamine for severe depression.
Dr. Cordelia Nieketien-Tawari
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN-BC, LNP
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190
Dr. Cordelia Nieketien-Tawari is a licensed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from UMASS. She has 20+ years of experience in providing mental healthcare in medication management and therapy services. She has expertise in treating life span-children to the elderly patients. Her medication management regimen maximizes medication efficacy and minimizes side effects. her the treating disorders includes: anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia. She practices with exceptional professionalism, respect and caring to all patients
Dr. Cordelia Nieketien-Tawari is a licensed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from UMASS. She has 20+ years of experience in providing mental healthcare in medication management and therapy services. She has expertise in treating life span-children to the elderly patients. Her medication management regimen maximizes medication efficacy and minimizes side effects. her the treating disorders includes: anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia. She practices with exceptional professionalism, respect and caring to all patients
Improve Life provides medication management, therapy, and wellness strategies to children 12 and older, pregnant mothers, young adults, and women anywhere in Virginia. We also diagnose and treat ADHD in men and women of all ages. Next day appointments are usually available (as long as you do the paperwork). Come improve your life with us with one of our two highly experienced psychiatrists and/or our in-house therapist!
Improve Life provides medication management, therapy, and wellness strategies to children 12 and older, pregnant mothers, young adults, and women anywhere in Virginia. We also diagnose and treat ADHD in men and women of all ages. Next day appointments are usually available (as long as you do the paperwork). Come improve your life with us with one of our two highly experienced psychiatrists and/or our in-house therapist!
Dr. Temitope Akinladenu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20190
I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a doctoral prepared, nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a doctoral prepared, nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
Ashburn Psychological and Psychiatric Services has some of Loudoun County's leading child, adolescent, adult and forensic psychiatrists to treat and diagnose clients for improved mental well being. Over the past few decades, one of the bona fide revolutions in mental health treatment has involved the use of modern, FDA-approved medications for certain mental disorders.
Ashburn Psychological and Psychiatric Services has some of Loudoun County's leading child, adolescent, adult and forensic psychiatrists to treat and diagnose clients for improved mental well being. Over the past few decades, one of the bona fide revolutions in mental health treatment has involved the use of modern, FDA-approved medications for certain mental disorders.
I provide an integrative approach towards mental health and wellness of children, adolescents and adults, combining behavior modification, evidence-based medication management and therapy to best suit the individual needs of the patient and their families. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, school refusal, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, disruptive behaviors and psychotic disorders. I have a special interest in issues faced by women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
I provide an integrative approach towards mental health and wellness of children, adolescents and adults, combining behavior modification, evidence-based medication management and therapy to best suit the individual needs of the patient and their families. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, school refusal, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, disruptive behaviors and psychotic disorders. I have a special interest in issues faced by women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
Congratulation to Dr. Sabah Hadi for the esteemed recognition by the Washingtonian Magazine, as a "Top Psychiatrist". Dr. Hadi is one of few Adult and Child Psychiatrist in the area to receive this recognition and honor. Dr. Hadi is a Board Certified Adult and Child Psychiatrist, trained, experienced and certified to treat all age groups. Dr. Hadi have more than 10 years experience and interest treating clients with ADD, Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety, Eating disorder, Trauma, Obsessive and Autistic spectrum disorders. Dr. Hadi also has extensive training and experience treating addiction disorders. He is credentialed to treat opiate addiction with Suboxone.
Congratulation to Dr. Sabah Hadi for the esteemed recognition by the Washingtonian Magazine, as a "Top Psychiatrist". Dr. Hadi is one of few Adult and Child Psychiatrist in the area to receive this recognition and honor. Dr. Hadi is a Board Certified Adult and Child Psychiatrist, trained, experienced and certified to treat all age groups. Dr. Hadi have more than 10 years experience and interest treating clients with ADD, Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety, Eating disorder, Trauma, Obsessive and Autistic spectrum disorders. Dr. Hadi also has extensive training and experience treating addiction disorders. He is credentialed to treat opiate addiction with Suboxone.
Daniel D Kim
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20190 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to my practice! I am a Board Certified psychiatrist, who trained at Georgetown University Hospital where I served as chief educational fellow and at a Jefferson Medical College teaching hospital in Philadelphia, and in 2020, I opened my practice here to provide my expertise and psychiatric services to adults, including emerging adults residing in the DMV area. I currently serve as a psychiatric consultant at Northwestern Medicine in Illinois and other hospitals in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I specialize in treatment, provide consultation for patients struggling with various sleep, mood, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.
Welcome to my practice! I am a Board Certified psychiatrist, who trained at Georgetown University Hospital where I served as chief educational fellow and at a Jefferson Medical College teaching hospital in Philadelphia, and in 2020, I opened my practice here to provide my expertise and psychiatric services to adults, including emerging adults residing in the DMV area. I currently serve as a psychiatric consultant at Northwestern Medicine in Illinois and other hospitals in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I specialize in treatment, provide consultation for patients struggling with various sleep, mood, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.
Dr. Anjali Shankar is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Bachelor’s Degree (Behavioral Biology and French) from Johns Hopkins University and a Doctorate of Medicine from Florida International University. Dr. Shankar uses a combination of medication management and therapeutic techniques to help patients. She strongly believes that therapy alongside medications is the most effective and durable form of treatment. Dr. Shankar has experience treating patients of a wide variety of ages and diagnoses.
Dr. Anjali Shankar is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Bachelor’s Degree (Behavioral Biology and French) from Johns Hopkins University and a Doctorate of Medicine from Florida International University. Dr. Shankar uses a combination of medication management and therapeutic techniques to help patients. She strongly believes that therapy alongside medications is the most effective and durable form of treatment. Dr. Shankar has experience treating patients of a wide variety of ages and diagnoses.
See more therapy options for 20190
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 20190
20+
Average cost per session
$195
Psychiatrists in 20190 who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
92% | ADHD |
88% | Medication Management |
85% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
81% | Trauma and PTSD |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
84% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
79% | Cigna and Evernorth |
74% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 20190 see their clients
89% | In Person and Online | |
11% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
69% | Female | |
31% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 20190?
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.