Psychiatrists in 23454
![Photo of Dr. Kenita Murray - The Comprehensive Care Center, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6612638-6021-4043-8379-6b71a021a7d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
The Comprehensive Care Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23454 (Online Only)
Immediate appointments available. Kenita Murray is a dual Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner and has been working as a healthcare professional for the last 15 years. Kenita is an Army veteran who graduated with her Masters and Doctorate of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University.
Immediate appointments available. Kenita Murray is a dual Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner and has been working as a healthcare professional for the last 15 years. Kenita is an Army veteran who graduated with her Masters and Doctorate of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University.
![Photo of Sam Harris - Strong Mind Mental Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7eebe0c7-7042-412f-8beb-bade2057abde/1/320x400.jpeg)
Strong Mind Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Like many of my colleagues, I try first to understand each person. Then I attempt to empower each person. I am careful not to hinder you with a label or medication side effects. I want to promote your strengths and minimize your weaknesses so you can realize your potential. I can help you make changes in your thinking, your actions, and overall health. I am available for people who are willing to work on themselves, both mentally and physically.
Like many of my colleagues, I try first to understand each person. Then I attempt to empower each person. I am careful not to hinder you with a label or medication side effects. I want to promote your strengths and minimize your weaknesses so you can realize your potential. I can help you make changes in your thinking, your actions, and overall health. I am available for people who are willing to work on themselves, both mentally and physically.
![Photo of Amy Gallardo - Inspiration Health Addiction Treatment Center, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51845e0e-2b7f-4a06-b86c-692b6f5c0de7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inspiration Health Addiction Treatment Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
We are here to help anyone with a psychiatric mental health condition and/or substance use disorder.
We are here to help anyone with a psychiatric mental health condition and/or substance use disorder.
![Photo of Jennifer Sims, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bb5aeaf-3084-4a2b-9565-e98e8892dc9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Sims
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23454 (Online Only)
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
![Photo of Cynthia Awadzi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/910a9d5e-92ca-4ab8-9175-622aa6e43cb2/1/320x400.png)
I'm a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree, my professional journey spans comprehensive experiences in inpatient, community, and outpatient settings, affording me a deep understanding of diverse patient needs. Supportive therapy is included in all sessions, ensuring a holistic approach to care that addresses emotional well-being alongside other therapeutic modalities. Supportive therapy dives into fostering a safe environment for open dialogue, validating emotions, and providing guidance and coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
I'm a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree, my professional journey spans comprehensive experiences in inpatient, community, and outpatient settings, affording me a deep understanding of diverse patient needs. Supportive therapy is included in all sessions, ensuring a holistic approach to care that addresses emotional well-being alongside other therapeutic modalities. Supportive therapy dives into fostering a safe environment for open dialogue, validating emotions, and providing guidance and coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
![Photo of Katharine W Heatwole - Ocean Psychiatric Group, P.C., MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9ce1eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ocean Psychiatric Group P.C, is a collaborative group of Neurological and Mental Health professionals who will serve your needs with competence, integrity and compassion. We are a group of individuals licensed in Psychiatry, Neurology, Clinical Psychology, Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, Neuropsychological and Psychological Testing. Our practice is complemented by Prescribing Nurse Practitioners, Board Certified in Psychiatric and Family Medicine . We are committed to provide excellent patient care within our specialties, in a confidential and comfortable environment.
Ocean Psychiatric Group P.C, is a collaborative group of Neurological and Mental Health professionals who will serve your needs with competence, integrity and compassion. We are a group of individuals licensed in Psychiatry, Neurology, Clinical Psychology, Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, Neuropsychological and Psychological Testing. Our practice is complemented by Prescribing Nurse Practitioners, Board Certified in Psychiatric and Family Medicine . We are committed to provide excellent patient care within our specialties, in a confidential and comfortable environment.
![Photo of Michele Davidson, PhD, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C, CFN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b35175a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michele Davidson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, CNM, PMH-C, CFN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Accepting New Patients: I am passionate about partnering with patients and their families to work together to address mental health conditions along with life transition issues. I work with women and men of all ages with various mental health issues, including pregnant and postpartum women. I use a combination of coaching, therapy, medication management, and goal setting to help patients develop a plan of care based on their goals. As a nurse midwife, I have expertise in women's mental health issues. I also have expertise in treating adults transitioning to college or the workforce and adults in role transition.
Accepting New Patients: I am passionate about partnering with patients and their families to work together to address mental health conditions along with life transition issues. I work with women and men of all ages with various mental health issues, including pregnant and postpartum women. I use a combination of coaching, therapy, medication management, and goal setting to help patients develop a plan of care based on their goals. As a nurse midwife, I have expertise in women's mental health issues. I also have expertise in treating adults transitioning to college or the workforce and adults in role transition.
![Photo of Danielle C Gange, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7b92688-95d3-4aaf-bb1c-69a88a888f2f/2/320x400.png)
Danielle C Gange
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Ms. Gange provides addiction treatment as well as mental health medication management services to adolescents and adults. She provides treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Ms. Gange is certified to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opiate use disorder using buprenorphine (Suboxone) and is experienced in treating other substance use disorders. An additional area of clinical focus includes comprehensive treatment for benzodiazepine dependence.
Ms. Gange provides addiction treatment as well as mental health medication management services to adolescents and adults. She provides treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Ms. Gange is certified to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opiate use disorder using buprenorphine (Suboxone) and is experienced in treating other substance use disorders. An additional area of clinical focus includes comprehensive treatment for benzodiazepine dependence.
![Photo of Matthew Sachs, MD, MPH, MBA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6044ee92-71bc-4371-baa6-7a0e1be6a08e/3/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a double-boarded Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatrist, working mostly online. I run a cash-based insurance hybrid practice. I help you submit your itemized statement to you insurance company but I'm considered out-of-network. My sub-specialty is ADHD, but I can help with any issue from A-Z. I have great computer software that puts the patient in charge of their treatment. We can do everything online: scheduling appointments, complete forms, communicate, electronically prescribe, have our interview, and discuss treatment, all from the comforts of your phone or computer.
I'm a double-boarded Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatrist, working mostly online. I run a cash-based insurance hybrid practice. I help you submit your itemized statement to you insurance company but I'm considered out-of-network. My sub-specialty is ADHD, but I can help with any issue from A-Z. I have great computer software that puts the patient in charge of their treatment. We can do everything online: scheduling appointments, complete forms, communicate, electronically prescribe, have our interview, and discuss treatment, all from the comforts of your phone or computer.
![Photo of Natalia Cameron, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84693e6a-53a4-42fe-ad8d-4ec1b8a99045/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natalia Cameron is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2017. Natalia believes mental wellness should be addressed in a holistic and supportive manner. She is a fluent Spanish speaker and is proud to provide culturally competent care to all. Natalia's idea of self-care consists of hanging out with her dogs and drinking coffee at a bookstore.
Natalia Cameron is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2017. Natalia believes mental wellness should be addressed in a holistic and supportive manner. She is a fluent Spanish speaker and is proud to provide culturally competent care to all. Natalia's idea of self-care consists of hanging out with her dogs and drinking coffee at a bookstore.
![Photo of Dr. Jamie Holland, DNP, PMHNP, AGCNS, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e2b1a48-ee1a-43cd-8287-99f877030bdb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jamie Holland
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, AGCNS, RN
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Dr. Holland IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENT and can help you start feel like yourself again within days. She takes your psychiatric care beyond the norm, leaving you feel heard, supported and truly cared for. Her multiple advanced practice nursing certificates from the University of Virginia and Old Dominion University and additional specialized training from Harvard University and other expert sources, provides her with many tools to collaboratively create a customized plan to help you manage difficult seasons, maintain your health, and get back to being yourself, as quickly as possible!
Dr. Holland IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENT and can help you start feel like yourself again within days. She takes your psychiatric care beyond the norm, leaving you feel heard, supported and truly cared for. Her multiple advanced practice nursing certificates from the University of Virginia and Old Dominion University and additional specialized training from Harvard University and other expert sources, provides her with many tools to collaboratively create a customized plan to help you manage difficult seasons, maintain your health, and get back to being yourself, as quickly as possible!
![Photo of Noah Matilsky, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b6e6461-d817-4473-ad0d-8f80378a7485/1/320x400.png)
Mental Health Wellness Center (MHWC) is an online virtual clinic providing psychiatric and therapeutic solutions to the ever-growing demand for mental health services in our community and beyond. We understand the constraints of work-life balance and strive to provide easy access for mental health services including diagnosis, treatment planning, consultations, medication management, and counseling for a variety of mental health challenges.
Mental Health Wellness Center (MHWC) is an online virtual clinic providing psychiatric and therapeutic solutions to the ever-growing demand for mental health services in our community and beyond. We understand the constraints of work-life balance and strive to provide easy access for mental health services including diagnosis, treatment planning, consultations, medication management, and counseling for a variety of mental health challenges.
![Photo of Robert F Busch, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef229258-af6c-401d-ac66-67a2cab6af40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Robert F. Busch, MD Dr. Robert F. Busch is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2014. Dr. Busch has a whole health perspective, addressing mental and physical pain in a compassionate way. This is because it is imperative to understanding a person through their mental, physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual health. Dr. Busch utilizes up to date science and combines it with psychiatric techniques to offer plans tailored to the individual to optimize wellbeing. Dr. Busch will be a coach in your corner to help you.
Dr. Robert F. Busch, MD Dr. Robert F. Busch is a Psychiatrist in Virginia who has been practicing since 2014. Dr. Busch has a whole health perspective, addressing mental and physical pain in a compassionate way. This is because it is imperative to understanding a person through their mental, physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual health. Dr. Busch utilizes up to date science and combines it with psychiatric techniques to offer plans tailored to the individual to optimize wellbeing. Dr. Busch will be a coach in your corner to help you.
![Photo of Natasha Hill, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69432f76-d71a-4071-81ec-2d77bba31aa3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha Hill is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2022. She has an MSN, APRN, and PMHNP-BC from Walden University. Natasha's treatment style is unique in that she takes the time to get to know the client holistically upon initial interview and devises the least restrictive treatment plan with the patient. Natasha is very down to earth and outgoing and has several professional and personal experiences from which she bases her treatment upon.
Natasha Hill is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing since 2022. She has an MSN, APRN, and PMHNP-BC from Walden University. Natasha's treatment style is unique in that she takes the time to get to know the client holistically upon initial interview and devises the least restrictive treatment plan with the patient. Natasha is very down to earth and outgoing and has several professional and personal experiences from which she bases her treatment upon.
![Photo of Arun Paul, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8bdf749-88ec-433f-ab26-2385ed017676/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Arun Paul has completed his Adult Psychiatry Residency from Jamaica Hospital and Child and Adolescent Fellowship from Elmhurst Hospital in New York. Dr. Paul has extensive experience in treating wide variety of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Trauma related disorders and many others. He believes in collaborative approach and individualized treatment planning to improve one's overall quality of life and functioning.
Dr. Arun Paul has completed his Adult Psychiatry Residency from Jamaica Hospital and Child and Adolescent Fellowship from Elmhurst Hospital in New York. Dr. Paul has extensive experience in treating wide variety of mental health conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Trauma related disorders and many others. He believes in collaborative approach and individualized treatment planning to improve one's overall quality of life and functioning.
![Photo of Frinette Checo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54af2acd-21f1-4a5f-ad2f-da79ad279b11/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Checo is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry residency training at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, MA and a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. Dr. Checo completed a fellowship in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
Dr. Checo is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry residency training at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston, MA and a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. Dr. Checo completed a fellowship in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
![Photo of Trish Parker, PMHNP, BC, DNP-S, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e320a871-fa98-4386-8395-5a0067c4b89e/1/320x400.png)
Trish Parker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, DNP-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
As a retired military provider, I firmly believe that every individual deserves to lead a fulfilling life, irrespective of their race, religion, sexuality, nationality, or age. I am drawn to clients who are driven to effect positive changes in their lives and are willing to invest their time and energy in achieving their aspirations. What they all have in common is a desire to plant the seeds of change and growth. As your provider, I help nurture those seeds, providing guidance, support, and accountability. Together, we work to cultivate a life that is fulfilling, purposeful, and meaningful.
As a retired military provider, I firmly believe that every individual deserves to lead a fulfilling life, irrespective of their race, religion, sexuality, nationality, or age. I am drawn to clients who are driven to effect positive changes in their lives and are willing to invest their time and energy in achieving their aspirations. What they all have in common is a desire to plant the seeds of change and growth. As your provider, I help nurture those seeds, providing guidance, support, and accountability. Together, we work to cultivate a life that is fulfilling, purposeful, and meaningful.
![Photo of Loyette Wong - Loyette Wong, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00c583d7-1e6e-42aa-b626-de2b89181724/1/320x400.jpeg)
Loyette Wong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Waitlist for new clients
Loyette Wong is a military veteran and board-certified nurse practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, she has treated patients with a wide range of diagnoses in the fields of sleep medicine, neurology and family medicine. She went on to receive her post-master's certification in psychiatric-mental health in order to better serve the demand of her patients. She specializes in providing compassionate and culturally competent care.
Loyette Wong is a military veteran and board-certified nurse practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, she has treated patients with a wide range of diagnoses in the fields of sleep medicine, neurology and family medicine. She went on to receive her post-master's certification in psychiatric-mental health in order to better serve the demand of her patients. She specializes in providing compassionate and culturally competent care.
See more therapy options for 23454
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 23454
10+
Average cost per session
$275
Psychiatrists in 23454 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
94% | Anxiety |
94% | Trauma and PTSD |
94% | Bipolar Disorder |
89% | ADHD |
78% | Psychosis |
78% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | Aetna |
83% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 23454 see their clients
84% | In Person and Online | |
16% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
69% | Female | |
31% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 23454?
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.