Psychiatrists in 27701
![Photo of Duncan McEwen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f601126f-2dab-4935-b4dc-8520d60fbb29/1/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. I am dual board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction medicine. I have extensive experience in treating psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety and related mood disorders. I offer Ketamine treatment for patients experiencing treatment resistant depression. Patients integrate their experience with Ketamine with the psychological issues that are important to them thus enhancing their counseling experience. Treatment should lead patients towards growth, independence, and resilience. Learn more about my work at www.wfpanc.com and facebook.com/wellnessfirstpsychiatric.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. I am dual board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction medicine. I have extensive experience in treating psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety and related mood disorders. I offer Ketamine treatment for patients experiencing treatment resistant depression. Patients integrate their experience with Ketamine with the psychological issues that are important to them thus enhancing their counseling experience. Treatment should lead patients towards growth, independence, and resilience. Learn more about my work at www.wfpanc.com and facebook.com/wellnessfirstpsychiatric.
![Photo of Megan Arvidson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b629fce-3289-4f59-aaa0-40b5a2a32f44/2/320x400.jpeg)
I love helping clients commit to their health. From my years of work as a psychiatrist, I understand the impact of medical and social factors on a person’s mental well-being. I also appreciate how scary new ventures can be and that for some people, prioritizing one’s health can feel unfamiliar. My work focuses on people experiencing late adulthood transitions, work or school-related stressors, social isolation, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic illness, among other circumstances. I have a collaborative approach aimed at empowering clients and providing a safe space for healing.
I love helping clients commit to their health. From my years of work as a psychiatrist, I understand the impact of medical and social factors on a person’s mental well-being. I also appreciate how scary new ventures can be and that for some people, prioritizing one’s health can feel unfamiliar. My work focuses on people experiencing late adulthood transitions, work or school-related stressors, social isolation, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic illness, among other circumstances. I have a collaborative approach aimed at empowering clients and providing a safe space for healing.
![Photo of Matthew A Petrilli, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/404d9596-6a4d-473b-91b0-c40d5d61cb1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist with extensive training in psychosomatic medicine allowing me to take into account one’s mental and physical health to provide a whole-body approach to treatment. I treat a wide array of conditions; however focus on issues with depression, anxiety and role transitions. My mission is to collaborate with you, and to come up with an individualized treatment plan. By doing so, I will be able to gain a greater understanding of your life experience and help you achieve your treatment goals.
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist with extensive training in psychosomatic medicine allowing me to take into account one’s mental and physical health to provide a whole-body approach to treatment. I treat a wide array of conditions; however focus on issues with depression, anxiety and role transitions. My mission is to collaborate with you, and to come up with an individualized treatment plan. By doing so, I will be able to gain a greater understanding of your life experience and help you achieve your treatment goals.
![Photo of Stoney Lee Bowman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/474b4c34-6f75-484d-a80c-6a710db5f98b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stoney Lee Bowman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
My clinical interests include treating psychiatric patients across the life spectrum. His clinical practice includes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy services. I am interested in a holistic approach to patient care including dealing with nutritional, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction strategies to improve overall mental health conditions. My clinical style has been described as friendly, conversational, and engaging.
My clinical interests include treating psychiatric patients across the life spectrum. His clinical practice includes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy services. I am interested in a holistic approach to patient care including dealing with nutritional, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction strategies to improve overall mental health conditions. My clinical style has been described as friendly, conversational, and engaging.
![Photo of Carmen Chatten, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/351734aa-cc00-4339-9778-36af9ef8db3a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified nurse practitioner who has been in practice for 12 years. I provide mental health care as a first line approach to health care and then branch patients, who desire, into primary care services as a secondary service. I use genetic testing and advanced lab work to assess general health and utilize behavioral approaches to chronic disease management.
I am a board certified nurse practitioner who has been in practice for 12 years. I provide mental health care as a first line approach to health care and then branch patients, who desire, into primary care services as a secondary service. I use genetic testing and advanced lab work to assess general health and utilize behavioral approaches to chronic disease management.
![Photo of Fred Amematsro, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/299ea9fe-60d6-4cf6-8db8-5eebfa5c30c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fred Amematsro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
Fred Amematsro is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in managing major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, insomnia, sleep disorders, and other mood disorders. He has over 6 years of experience, and works with clients ages 5 and up.
Fred Amematsro is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in managing major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, insomnia, sleep disorders, and other mood disorders. He has over 6 years of experience, and works with clients ages 5 and up.
![Photo of Natasha Cooper, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81b61543-e39a-4946-9cec-6387b253d2d6/1/320x400.png)
Natasha Cooper
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
Natasha Cooper is a Psychiatric- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 15 years of experience. She aims to restore her patients' to a place of health and healing through collaboration on an individualized treatment plan of care.
Natasha Cooper is a Psychiatric- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 15 years of experience. She aims to restore her patients' to a place of health and healing through collaboration on an individualized treatment plan of care.
![Photo of Ashley Susko, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6d0c68c-c076-49a6-a60e-3d102b60e45a/1/320x400.png)
Ashley Susko
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
Ashley Susko is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 2 years of professional experience. She spent over 10 years working as a Registered Nurse at the bedside. Possessing an immense passion towards helping the mental health population, Ashley has made it her life-long mission to help those suffering from these complex issues.
Ashley Susko is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 2 years of professional experience. She spent over 10 years working as a Registered Nurse at the bedside. Possessing an immense passion towards helping the mental health population, Ashley has made it her life-long mission to help those suffering from these complex issues.
![Photo of Eric D Morse, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8cda88-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Eric Morse helps people recover from many substance use disorders and mental illnesses. He has a busy Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) maintenance program for opioid use disorder within his private practice in Carolina Performance (see www.CarolinaPerformance.net) at 8300 Health Park. He works for the SAMHSA Opioid Response Network and Physician Clinical Support System as a mentor to train physicians on the proper treatment of opioid use disorder and directs the opioid treatment programs known as the Morse Clinics, see www.MorseClinics.com
Dr. Eric Morse helps people recover from many substance use disorders and mental illnesses. He has a busy Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) maintenance program for opioid use disorder within his private practice in Carolina Performance (see www.CarolinaPerformance.net) at 8300 Health Park. He works for the SAMHSA Opioid Response Network and Physician Clinical Support System as a mentor to train physicians on the proper treatment of opioid use disorder and directs the opioid treatment programs known as the Morse Clinics, see www.MorseClinics.com
![Photo of Peter Z. Perault, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfc9cb8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in Chapel Hill with 25 years experience helping people to heal and transform emotional distress by talking freely and deeply about their lives.
As a physician, I understand when medications
may be needed to heal physiologic emotional distress.
But I also know that a person who is listened and responded to with deep understanding will become clearer, stronger and freer to grow -- within themselves, in their relationships and in their work.
This unique, personal therapeutic experience often leads to the most complete and lasting cure, and success in life.
I am a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in Chapel Hill with 25 years experience helping people to heal and transform emotional distress by talking freely and deeply about their lives.
As a physician, I understand when medications
may be needed to heal physiologic emotional distress.
But I also know that a person who is listened and responded to with deep understanding will become clearer, stronger and freer to grow -- within themselves, in their relationships and in their work.
This unique, personal therapeutic experience often leads to the most complete and lasting cure, and success in life.
![Photo of Daniel Greene, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/187fec36-8695-43d1-9144-2d626da7da1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Harvard-trained, Board-certified psychiatrist, with expertise in treating children, adolescents, and adults. My patients tell me I'm a warm and caring guy, dedicated to helping them in any way I can. I treat a wide spectrum of psychiatric problems, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and eating disorders. I also help people deal with challenging life circumstances, such as loss and grief, relationship troubles, difficulties with work or school, illness, divorce, or other life transitions.
I am a Harvard-trained, Board-certified psychiatrist, with expertise in treating children, adolescents, and adults. My patients tell me I'm a warm and caring guy, dedicated to helping them in any way I can. I treat a wide spectrum of psychiatric problems, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and eating disorders. I also help people deal with challenging life circumstances, such as loss and grief, relationship troubles, difficulties with work or school, illness, divorce, or other life transitions.
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![Photo of Valerie Benedicta Idada-Parker, DNP, PMHNP, LCAS, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4803eb96-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie Benedicta Idada-Parker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, LCAS, FNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701
I provide service and care that is unique and tailored to each patient's specific need; created with a vision to provide care to the whole person and change lives for the better. I maintain an integrated service that effectively deals with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases cutting across general medicine; psychiatry, addiction, weight management, DWI treatment, and many other services in a welcoming and confidential environment. I want all my clients to call Reliable Health Services Inc. their medical home.
I provide service and care that is unique and tailored to each patient's specific need; created with a vision to provide care to the whole person and change lives for the better. I maintain an integrated service that effectively deals with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases cutting across general medicine; psychiatry, addiction, weight management, DWI treatment, and many other services in a welcoming and confidential environment. I want all my clients to call Reliable Health Services Inc. their medical home.
![Photo of Dorine Henrietta Martin - Mindology, MSN, FNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/171670d8-0095-4906-b8ed-ef3822056c6d/1/320x400.jpeg)
MIndology is currently accepting NEW PATIENTS that value their mental health and desire personal and attentive attention as they make their journey to a more complete and healthy life.
MIndology is currently accepting NEW PATIENTS that value their mental health and desire personal and attentive attention as they make their journey to a more complete and healthy life.
![Photo of Jacqueline Woodcock, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8df3e559-8ed2-4218-ae02-32973f8d3fce/1/320x400.png)
Jacqueline Woodcock
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
I work with patients whose goal is to treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. My patients often come to me when they're looking to bring joy back into their lives, whether they're taking their first steps in addressing mental health issues or resuming their mental health care journey. I strive to meet my patients exactly where they need it, and I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and secure space for anyone grappling with their mental health. In my practice, I’m not just about prescriptions; I believe in forming meaningful connections with my patients and see myself as your advocate for positive change.
I work with patients whose goal is to treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. My patients often come to me when they're looking to bring joy back into their lives, whether they're taking their first steps in addressing mental health issues or resuming their mental health care journey. I strive to meet my patients exactly where they need it, and I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and secure space for anyone grappling with their mental health. In my practice, I’m not just about prescriptions; I believe in forming meaningful connections with my patients and see myself as your advocate for positive change.
![Photo of Andrea Hernandez Gonzalez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e3e0ba5-7527-4091-8e69-3bec3d571066/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have been practicing psychiatric medicine for over 14 years. It is a privilege for me to serve and help patients who are struggling with mental, emotional, behavioral disorders and addictions. Seeing my patients overcome adversity and become resilient is highly rewarding. With my skill set, expertise and training I aim to help you develop the tools to move forward and bring positive change into your life.
I have been practicing psychiatric medicine for over 14 years. It is a privilege for me to serve and help patients who are struggling with mental, emotional, behavioral disorders and addictions. Seeing my patients overcome adversity and become resilient is highly rewarding. With my skill set, expertise and training I aim to help you develop the tools to move forward and bring positive change into your life.
![Photo of Charlene Staff, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06e2612b-81bd-4ca8-bec8-a32a329dfb9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
We provide outpatient behavioral health medical evaluations. Every patient is treated with respect and heard. We want to assist you in improving your quality of life. We offer a holistic approach to behavioral health. A tailored treatment plan will be made based upon your needs and goals. Your mental health matters. You matter!
We provide outpatient behavioral health medical evaluations. Every patient is treated with respect and heard. We want to assist you in improving your quality of life. We offer a holistic approach to behavioral health. A tailored treatment plan will be made based upon your needs and goals. Your mental health matters. You matter!
![Photo of Rachel McInerney - MindfullyRenewed, DNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07083b3f-9a20-4315-8efe-3e978f68cf40/3/320x400.png)
MindfullyRenewed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
My name is Rachel McInerney. I am a certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have worked with various populations and have helped people from diverse backgrounds. My passion is helping people to work through difficulties that they encounter at any stage in their life.
My name is Rachel McInerney. I am a certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have worked with various populations and have helped people from diverse backgrounds. My passion is helping people to work through difficulties that they encounter at any stage in their life.
![Photo of Audrey Wisner - Alpha Psychiatric Associates, PMH-NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4908af95-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alpha Psychiatric Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMH-NP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701
I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and have been serving in the area since 2013. I have earned my Master’s in Nursing at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I earned my BA from Meredith College in Raleigh and my Nursing degree from Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. I have previously worked as a nurse at UNC Hospital Psychiatric Inpatient Units, the WakeBrook Recovery Center and for Easter Seals Home Health. As a Nurse Practitioner I have worked in various outpatient clinics in Raleigh and Durham.
I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and have been serving in the area since 2013. I have earned my Master’s in Nursing at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I earned my BA from Meredith College in Raleigh and my Nursing degree from Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. I have previously worked as a nurse at UNC Hospital Psychiatric Inpatient Units, the WakeBrook Recovery Center and for Easter Seals Home Health. As a Nurse Practitioner I have worked in various outpatient clinics in Raleigh and Durham.
![Photo of Diana Muyonga, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/020147ac-65c6-4470-82c6-46aea6824210/1/320x400.jpeg)
Diana Muyonga
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
My name is Diana Muyonga, PMHNP, and I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to children and adults.
My name is Diana Muyonga, PMHNP, and I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to children and adults.
![Photo of Adrienne Holloway - Holsan Behavioral Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c19ecd86-45e7-44fb-aef0-5d35dcdba041/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients. Adrienne is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Holsan Behavioral Health who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. We offer in-person appointments in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality and compassionate mental health care. We are available after hours and on weekends to accommodate your busy schedule. We specialize in attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma.
Accepting New Patients. Adrienne is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Holsan Behavioral Health who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. We offer in-person appointments in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality and compassionate mental health care. We are available after hours and on weekends to accommodate your busy schedule. We specialize in attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma.
See more therapy options for 27701
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 27701
20+
Average cost per session
$230
Psychiatrists in 27701 who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
82% | ADHD |
73% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
68% | Medication Management |
64% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
81% | Cigna and Evernorth |
81% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 27701 see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 27701?
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.