Psychiatrists in 27599

Photo of Alicia Esther Ramirez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Alicia Esther Ramirez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27599  (Online Only)
I am deeply committed to promoting mental health well-being as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; I believe mental health care should be a priority for all cultures, as it can help people cope with the stresses of life, have good relationships, and realize their full potential. I have 3 years of experience as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and 9 years of registered nursing experience. I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, and it is important that we communicate openly and that you feel respected in our relationship.
I am deeply committed to promoting mental health well-being as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; I believe mental health care should be a priority for all cultures, as it can help people cope with the stresses of life, have good relationships, and realize their full potential. I have 3 years of experience as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and 9 years of registered nursing experience. I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, and it is important that we communicate openly and that you feel respected in our relationship.
(984) 422-3363 View (984) 422-3363
Photo of Jason Darden, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jason Darden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27599  (Online Only)
Working with patients in their own home relieves immediate stress and is a positive environment to establish immediate rapport. Telepsychiatry reduces delays in care, potential transportation barriers, such as lack of transportation or the need for long drives, and improves access to mental health specialty care that might not otherwise be available (e.g., in rural areas). Research also suggests telepsychiatry helps patients avoid the stigmas surrounding getting treatment and immediately increases comfort levels. At this time we are NOT accepting patients with Bipolar Disorder.
Working with patients in their own home relieves immediate stress and is a positive environment to establish immediate rapport. Telepsychiatry reduces delays in care, potential transportation barriers, such as lack of transportation or the need for long drives, and improves access to mental health specialty care that might not otherwise be available (e.g., in rural areas). Research also suggests telepsychiatry helps patients avoid the stigmas surrounding getting treatment and immediately increases comfort levels. At this time we are NOT accepting patients with Bipolar Disorder.
(704) 742-2716 View (704) 742-2716
Photo of Jessica Hairston - 360 Degree Health, PLLC, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist
360 Degree Health, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27599  (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Patients! Welcome! I am a child and adult psychiatrist who is here to help you figure out if medications would be beneficial for you at this time in your life. I see patients from all over NC via video appointments. I enjoy working with children and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, trauma survivors and patients with anxiety and depression. I help people reclaim their personal power and sense of self by medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle changes for greater personal empathy and balance.
Now Accepting New Patients! Welcome! I am a child and adult psychiatrist who is here to help you figure out if medications would be beneficial for you at this time in your life. I see patients from all over NC via video appointments. I enjoy working with children and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, trauma survivors and patients with anxiety and depression. I help people reclaim their personal power and sense of self by medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle changes for greater personal empathy and balance.
(919) 301-9570 View (919) 301-9570

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Danielle Lungelow, NP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Danielle Lungelow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Danielle Lungelow, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine - Chapel Hill, bringing a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health care. Danielle integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with evidence-based holistic practices, including medication management, physical activity, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness techniques. At Advaita Integrated Medicine, Danielle offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
Danielle Lungelow, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine - Chapel Hill, bringing a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health care. Danielle integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with evidence-based holistic practices, including medication management, physical activity, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness techniques. At Advaita Integrated Medicine, Danielle offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
(919) 372-3834 View (919) 372-3834
Photo of Erik Jonathan Gustke, MD, Psychiatrist
Erik Jonathan Gustke
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Finding a psychiatrist can be a difficult and sometimes overwhelming task. My goal is to make this process a straightforward and valuable experience. Together we can work to help find the tools that you need to achieve life balance and mental well being.
Finding a psychiatrist can be a difficult and sometimes overwhelming task. My goal is to make this process a straightforward and valuable experience. Together we can work to help find the tools that you need to achieve life balance and mental well being.
(919) 283-5617 View (919) 283-5617
Photo of Clifford H Schilke - Clifford H. Schilke, M.D., MD, Psychiatrist
Clifford H. Schilke, M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514  (Online Only)
My current practice focuses on the psychopharmacology of the major mental health disorders: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am accepting new patients, ages 14 and older
My current practice focuses on the psychopharmacology of the major mental health disorders: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am accepting new patients, ages 14 and older
(919) 366-7295 View (919) 366-7295
Photo of Jonathan K Stoudmire - Center for Emotional Health, MD, Psychiatrist
Center for Emotional Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
CEH offers traditional and alternative mental health services to ensure our patients have the best treatment and support available. CEH offers the following services: virtual + in-office appointments, therapy + counseling, medication management, medicated assisted treatment for substance abuse + veteran support services. CEH provides treatment for patients ages 4 and older, with a less-than two-week waiting period guaranteed at our 50+ office locations. CEH is conveniently located throughout North Carolina including Asheville, Boone, Concord, Charlotte, Raleigh, Statesville, Winston, and Wilmington; we also have offices in Florida.
CEH offers traditional and alternative mental health services to ensure our patients have the best treatment and support available. CEH offers the following services: virtual + in-office appointments, therapy + counseling, medication management, medicated assisted treatment for substance abuse + veteran support services. CEH provides treatment for patients ages 4 and older, with a less-than two-week waiting period guaranteed at our 50+ office locations. CEH is conveniently located throughout North Carolina including Asheville, Boone, Concord, Charlotte, Raleigh, Statesville, Winston, and Wilmington; we also have offices in Florida.
(919) 709-7307 View (919) 709-7307
Photo of Jennifer Susan Colvin, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Jennifer Susan Colvin
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I am a board certified psychiatrist and trained in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I also have a PhD in Neuroscience. l provide comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based medication treatment and psychotherapy for a wide variety of conditions.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and trained in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I also have a PhD in Neuroscience. l provide comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based medication treatment and psychotherapy for a wide variety of conditions.
(919) 289-8028 View (919) 289-8028
Photo of Dr. Erikka D. Taylor, MD,  MPH, Psychiatrist
Dr. Erikka D. Taylor
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Not accepting new clients
I am a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with experience in treating psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychotic disorders. I am committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care that incorporates supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychopharmacology. I also provide workshops on a number of topics such as eating disorders, body image, school/work/life balance, stress management, faith & mental health, and mental health among diverse populations.
I am a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with experience in treating psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychotic disorders. I am committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care that incorporates supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychopharmacology. I also provide workshops on a number of topics such as eating disorders, body image, school/work/life balance, stress management, faith & mental health, and mental health among diverse populations.
(984) 205-8811 View (984) 205-8811
Photo of Dr. Tian Duke-Sui, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Tian Duke-Sui
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Family Psychiatry Practice & Associates has been serving the community in Cary, North Carolina for over 25 years. Our caring and professional board-certified psychiatrists see children, adolescents, and adults for both medication management and psychotherapy. Dr. Duke-Sui and Dr. Boyer are board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They offer both psychotherapy and medication management.
Family Psychiatry Practice & Associates has been serving the community in Cary, North Carolina for over 25 years. Our caring and professional board-certified psychiatrists see children, adolescents, and adults for both medication management and psychotherapy. Dr. Duke-Sui and Dr. Boyer are board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They offer both psychotherapy and medication management.
(919) 233-4131 View (919) 233-4131
Photo of Nora Dennis, MD, MSPH, Psychiatrist
Nora Dennis
Psychiatrist, MD, MSPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I am a Duke-trained physician (MD), double board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. I treat individuals ages 16+ who are struggling to thrive due to psychiatric or substance use disorders. My approach integrates psychopharmacology, somatic interventions, psychotherapy, nutrition, and mindfulness. I have served as a faculty member at Duke University School of Medicine since 2014. I continue as an Adjunct Assistant Professor. My passion is using my extensive training to empathically treat those at the intersection of trauma, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. My practice is located on a beautiful farm.
I am a Duke-trained physician (MD), double board-certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. I treat individuals ages 16+ who are struggling to thrive due to psychiatric or substance use disorders. My approach integrates psychopharmacology, somatic interventions, psychotherapy, nutrition, and mindfulness. I have served as a faculty member at Duke University School of Medicine since 2014. I continue as an Adjunct Assistant Professor. My passion is using my extensive training to empathically treat those at the intersection of trauma, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. My practice is located on a beautiful farm.
(919) 584-9985 View (919) 584-9985
Photo of Daniel Pogash, MD, Psychiatrist
Daniel Pogash
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Hi! I'm an Adult, Adolescent and Child Psychiatrists currently accepting new patients between the ages of 6 and 60. My goal is to help you or your child with a wide range of mental health issues including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, peripartum mood disorders, and trauma-related disorders.
Hi! I'm an Adult, Adolescent and Child Psychiatrists currently accepting new patients between the ages of 6 and 60. My goal is to help you or your child with a wide range of mental health issues including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, peripartum mood disorders, and trauma-related disorders.
(919) 887-7882 View (919) 887-7882
Photo of Timothy O'Connor, MD, Psychiatrist
Timothy O'Connor
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Accepting New Patients for October! Dr. Tim O’Connor is a board certified adult psychiatrist. Dr. O’Connor completed his medical education & psychiatric residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his particular clinical interest in mental health issues impacting university students, he has experience working with patients with a wide variety of mental health concerns. His background in education instilled an appreciation of the tremendous capacity for growth inherent in every person. He was drawn to the practice of psychiatry as a way of helping individuals recognize & actualize this potential.
Accepting New Patients for October! Dr. Tim O’Connor is a board certified adult psychiatrist. Dr. O’Connor completed his medical education & psychiatric residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his particular clinical interest in mental health issues impacting university students, he has experience working with patients with a wide variety of mental health concerns. His background in education instilled an appreciation of the tremendous capacity for growth inherent in every person. He was drawn to the practice of psychiatry as a way of helping individuals recognize & actualize this potential.
(984) 295-3938 View (984) 295-3938
Photo of Kelsey Norris, MD, Psychiatrist
Kelsey Norris
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carrboro, NC 27510
I offer psychotherapy and medication management services to clients in a confidential and therapeutic environment. I am committed to providing individualized treatment to help my clients heal and thrive. I believe mental health care can greatly improve quality of life, making us more self aware, compassionate, at ease, and fulfilled.
I offer psychotherapy and medication management services to clients in a confidential and therapeutic environment. I am committed to providing individualized treatment to help my clients heal and thrive. I believe mental health care can greatly improve quality of life, making us more self aware, compassionate, at ease, and fulfilled.
(984) 364-8280 View (984) 364-8280
Photo of Laurie Dunne, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Laurie Dunne
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
Accepting New Clients! Are you searching for a psychiatric physician assistant who goes above and beyond to prioritize your well-being? I’d love to work with you! My name is Laurie and I am a dedicated professional committed to providing unparalleled support and guidance on your journey to mental health. With years of experience and a passion for fostering genuine connections, I value the power of collaboration with my patients. I believe that open communication and mutual understanding are essential foundations for successful treatment.
Accepting New Clients! Are you searching for a psychiatric physician assistant who goes above and beyond to prioritize your well-being? I’d love to work with you! My name is Laurie and I am a dedicated professional committed to providing unparalleled support and guidance on your journey to mental health. With years of experience and a passion for fostering genuine connections, I value the power of collaboration with my patients. I believe that open communication and mutual understanding are essential foundations for successful treatment.
(919) 726-0269 View (919) 726-0269
Photo of Mina Boazak, MD, MMCi, Psychiatrist
Mina Boazak
Psychiatrist, MD, MMCi
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I treat various behavioral health conditions, specializing in adolescent and adult ADHD care. If you have a long-standing history of ADHD, have been newly diagnosed, or are seeking an evaluation for symptoms you are concerned might represent ADHD, you are welcome to this clinic. I recognize that ADHD often is attached to many other conditions. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, insomnia, learning disabilities, impulse control problems, internet addiction, or other substance use disorders, I work with you to non-judgmentally identify and develop an achievable treatment strategy that will work for you.
I treat various behavioral health conditions, specializing in adolescent and adult ADHD care. If you have a long-standing history of ADHD, have been newly diagnosed, or are seeking an evaluation for symptoms you are concerned might represent ADHD, you are welcome to this clinic. I recognize that ADHD often is attached to many other conditions. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, insomnia, learning disabilities, impulse control problems, internet addiction, or other substance use disorders, I work with you to non-judgmentally identify and develop an achievable treatment strategy that will work for you.
(919) 298-8239 View (919) 298-8239
Photo of Rachel C Poliquin, MD, Psychiatrist
Rachel C Poliquin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily by psychotherapy, listening carefully to understand your experience. Feeling understood and accepted can be liberating, which helps us as we work together to understand problems in daily life, such as work, relationships, or school. Our exploration might include talking about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, and fantasies. This process opens up more happiness, well-being, and freedom to make the choices you want.
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily by psychotherapy, listening carefully to understand your experience. Feeling understood and accepted can be liberating, which helps us as we work together to understand problems in daily life, such as work, relationships, or school. Our exploration might include talking about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, and fantasies. This process opens up more happiness, well-being, and freedom to make the choices you want.
(919) 629-1906 View (919) 629-1906
Photo of Rex Moody, MD, DLFAPA, DABPN, Psychiatrist
Rex Moody
Psychiatrist, MD, DLFAPA, DABPN
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
I work to understand with you your experience - in the here and now. Through your self-observations, I work to understand with you how your experience affects your current life- your work, your relationships and your play. I work to understand with you how what you go through has developed. Through greater self-understanding, we work to change what you want to change.
I work to understand with you your experience - in the here and now. Through your self-observations, I work to understand with you how your experience affects your current life- your work, your relationships and your play. I work to understand with you how what you go through has developed. Through greater self-understanding, we work to change what you want to change.
(919) 648-0479 View (919) 648-0479
Photo of Hani Elwafi, MD, Psychiatrist
Hani Elwafi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
At Transformance Health, we focus on helping clients become better versions of themselves, and to transform potential into reality. We apply evidence-based principles of neuroscience, psychology, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, meditation and mindfulness, stress management, nutrition, exercise, and pharmacology to promote thriving.
At Transformance Health, we focus on helping clients become better versions of themselves, and to transform potential into reality. We apply evidence-based principles of neuroscience, psychology, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, meditation and mindfulness, stress management, nutrition, exercise, and pharmacology to promote thriving.
(919) 348-2598 View (919) 348-2598
Photo of Jason T. Witmer - Jason T. Witmer, MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Jason T. Witmer, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carrboro, NC 27510
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help people dealing with a range of questions, including deciding who and how to love, how to create family and community, finding meaning and success in work, how to cope with loss, issues related to gender, identity, and race, and how to overcome anxiety and depression.
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help people dealing with a range of questions, including deciding who and how to love, how to create family and community, finding meaning and success in work, how to cope with loss, issues related to gender, identity, and race, and how to overcome anxiety and depression.
(919) 823-7068 View (919) 823-7068

See more therapy options for 27599

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 27599

< 10

Psychiatrists in 27599 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Medication Management
100% Stress
67% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

4 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
50% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Psychiatrists in 27599 see their clients

100% Online Only

Gender breakdown

67% Female
33% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 27599?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.