Psychiatrists in 32926
![Photo of Michelle A LEWIS, DNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77ad8e03-1f72-47cb-a429-05f0f98b1c19/1/320x400.png)
Michelle A LEWIS
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Through my telehealth practice, I strive to eliminate barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly for adults of all ages who may have difficulty traveling to traditional healthcare settings. By utilizing technology, I am able to reach patients in the comfort of their own homes, providing them with convenient and timely care. My practice schedule, which are weekends, ensures that I am available to meet the needs of those who may have difficulty accessing care during traditional business hours.
Through my telehealth practice, I strive to eliminate barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly for adults of all ages who may have difficulty traveling to traditional healthcare settings. By utilizing technology, I am able to reach patients in the comfort of their own homes, providing them with convenient and timely care. My practice schedule, which are weekends, ensures that I am available to meet the needs of those who may have difficulty accessing care during traditional business hours.
![Photo of Fallon Page Shelton - Fallon Shelton Concierge Mental Health PLLC , MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e360c1-6104-475c-bfe0-e3044d9ae0bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fallon Shelton Concierge Mental Health PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
I bring with me a unique set of work experiences that have fostered my passion for helping those that suffer from mental health disorders. My own personal experiences and past employment endeavors have given me empathy to help patients with mental health disorders. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it is my goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care. I will do all I can to assist individuals and their families in recognizing, without stigma, the value of psychiatric assistance.
I bring with me a unique set of work experiences that have fostered my passion for helping those that suffer from mental health disorders. My own personal experiences and past employment endeavors have given me empathy to help patients with mental health disorders. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it is my goal to advocate for patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care. I will do all I can to assist individuals and their families in recognizing, without stigma, the value of psychiatric assistance.
![Photo of Elana Kaya-Jenkins, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/917d9963-9cc4-4527-9225-859a038f1a77/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elana Kaya-Jenkins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, insomnia, or Bipolar disorder that affects your day to day life or your relationships with the people you love? Do you feel overwhelmed or frustrated by trying to just get through the day without something going wrong or feeling emotional about something out of your control?
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, insomnia, or Bipolar disorder that affects your day to day life or your relationships with the people you love? Do you feel overwhelmed or frustrated by trying to just get through the day without something going wrong or feeling emotional about something out of your control?
![Photo of Lisa Abern, PMHNP, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37a2bb40-fd36-44ab-b25f-e09d03df1aeb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Abern
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
My name is Lisa and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including ADHD, trauma, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and mood disorders.
My name is Lisa and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including ADHD, trauma, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and mood disorders.
![Photo of Robin Belcher, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e76aaaec-aa8d-4a9f-86d7-5eb734558567/1/320x400.jpeg)
am a dual certified Nurse Practitioner (APRN) in Psychiatry and Family Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in Psychiatry and is licensed in the state of Florida, Georgia, Wyoming, and Washington.
am a dual certified Nurse Practitioner (APRN) in Psychiatry and Family Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in Psychiatry and is licensed in the state of Florida, Georgia, Wyoming, and Washington.
![Photo of Mercedes Garcia, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6434dd13-a446-4481-bc3d-a3dcb202896e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mercedes Garcia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Mercedes. Garcia, Depression and anxiety are coming together. There is hope when your brain says there isn't (John Green ). We can work together to empower your positive thoughts. I like to combine medication management and psychotherapy. A mental health disorder does not define you.
Hi, my name is Mercedes. Garcia, Depression and anxiety are coming together. There is hope when your brain says there isn't (John Green ). We can work together to empower your positive thoughts. I like to combine medication management and psychotherapy. A mental health disorder does not define you.
![Photo of Troy Saintable, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93fbd2ae-ee8d-4f15-bda7-95a44737df31/2/320x400.jpeg)
Troy Saintable
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Hi! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I work with clients to discuss mental health concerns, identify treatment goals, and work towards meeting those goals. I use psychiatric assessments and screening tools to guide diagnosis and medication recommendations/options.
Hi! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I work with clients to discuss mental health concerns, identify treatment goals, and work towards meeting those goals. I use psychiatric assessments and screening tools to guide diagnosis and medication recommendations/options.
![Photo of Khatriena D Johnson - MindSet & Recovery Diversified LLC, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b35c823c-ca86-4f93-9049-172d02c47691/2/320x400.jpeg)
MindSet & Recovery Diversified LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Khatriena Johnson. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing care in Port St Lucie, FL. My training and experience has given me the opportunity to work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, mood, and behavioral disorders. I provide services to Adolescents, Adults, Veterans, and previously incarcerated individuals.
Welcome! My name is Khatriena Johnson. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing care in Port St Lucie, FL. My training and experience has given me the opportunity to work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, mood, and behavioral disorders. I provide services to Adolescents, Adults, Veterans, and previously incarcerated individuals.
![Photo of Carolyn Harkness, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7e274ee-b01a-43b3-be2b-e50369b054aa/1/320x400.png)
Carolyn Harkness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926
Hello, I'm Carolyn Are you finding it hard to cope with changes in your life? Have you been putting your mental health on a back burner? I founded my practice, UpLiftt Mental Wellness, because I am extremely passionate about improving mental wellness to achieve the best possible quality of life. I often see the correlation of neglecting mental health and the negative effects on ones self care and relationships with others. I have a diverse background in psychiatric mental health to treat acute and chronic concerns with a specialty with women's mental health.
Hello, I'm Carolyn Are you finding it hard to cope with changes in your life? Have you been putting your mental health on a back burner? I founded my practice, UpLiftt Mental Wellness, because I am extremely passionate about improving mental wellness to achieve the best possible quality of life. I often see the correlation of neglecting mental health and the negative effects on ones self care and relationships with others. I have a diverse background in psychiatric mental health to treat acute and chronic concerns with a specialty with women's mental health.
![Photo of Marvalee Allison, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78da6d47-ccdb-4378-a4d6-465bc418154d/1/320x400.png)
Marvalee Allison
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Marvalee Allison. I am Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Florida. I provide tele-psychiatry services for patients 18 years old and above.
Hello, my name is Marvalee Allison. I am Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Florida. I provide tele-psychiatry services for patients 18 years old and above.
![Photo of Kerobin Lapawon, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd118496-cf83-4f28-b21a-29b3a4424003/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kerobin Lapawon, MSN, APRN, BC, has 14 years of experience as a registered nurse, initially in the medical-surgical department (in Jordan) to the emergency unit (in Saudi Arabia), Home health Nursing (in Canada), and finally found her passion in mental health through her valuable clinical experience while working as a psychiatric nurse at the Intensive Mental Health Unit at Maine State Prison (in the U.S.) in 2019. Kerobin earned her BSN from Saint Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines in 2008.
Kerobin Lapawon, MSN, APRN, BC, has 14 years of experience as a registered nurse, initially in the medical-surgical department (in Jordan) to the emergency unit (in Saudi Arabia), Home health Nursing (in Canada), and finally found her passion in mental health through her valuable clinical experience while working as a psychiatric nurse at the Intensive Mental Health Unit at Maine State Prison (in the U.S.) in 2019. Kerobin earned her BSN from Saint Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines in 2008.
![Photo of Natasha Vernon, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a6f093b-826b-44ac-9e4a-9fc74fca5e4b/1/320x400.jpeg)
She has over 10 years of nursing experience in various specialties within the medical field. Throughout her career, she has treated a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. She is truly passionate about providing care for people suffering with mental illness.
She has over 10 years of nursing experience in various specialties within the medical field. Throughout her career, she has treated a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. She is truly passionate about providing care for people suffering with mental illness.
![Photo of Zuzana Segev, PhD, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/546df279-f013-404c-934d-bfbb19903352/1/320x400.jpeg)
I provide individualized psychiatric care for clients of all ages. I strive for non judgmental and culturally sensitive care for any person suffering with emotional distress or behavioral problems. I am a graduate of Nursing School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, where I completed Masters Degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing. I hold a Masters Degree in clinical psychology from University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, and Ph.D. in public health from Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.
I provide individualized psychiatric care for clients of all ages. I strive for non judgmental and culturally sensitive care for any person suffering with emotional distress or behavioral problems. I am a graduate of Nursing School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, where I completed Masters Degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing. I hold a Masters Degree in clinical psychology from University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, and Ph.D. in public health from Walden University, Minneapolis, MN.
![Photo of Francesca Derius - Elohim psychiatric Care, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82f5fb11-7c6e-4360-86d9-497e650c027c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elohim psychiatric Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cocoa, FL 32926
I'm a board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been providing mental health/ psychiatric care for over a decade. I have expertise with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, Mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, substance/alcohol abuse.
I'm a board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been providing mental health/ psychiatric care for over a decade. I have expertise with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, Mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, substance/alcohol abuse.
![Photo of Esther Camilus, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5d86ab7-d506-462e-abcc-7ae67bfa07ef/1/320x400.jpeg)
Esther Camilus has a great passion for helping others. She began her nursing career in 2004 working at JFK Medical Center as a Nurse Associate. During this time, she obtained her RN from Palm Beach State College. Over two decades of working as an RN with mental health patients, she has developed a strong passion for mental health. She decided to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University to obtain her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree in 2021. Esther has devoted her life to helping others both locally and abroad. She goes to Haiti every year on a mission trip with other healthcare providers.
Esther Camilus has a great passion for helping others. She began her nursing career in 2004 working at JFK Medical Center as a Nurse Associate. During this time, she obtained her RN from Palm Beach State College. Over two decades of working as an RN with mental health patients, she has developed a strong passion for mental health. She decided to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University to obtain her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree in 2021. Esther has devoted her life to helping others both locally and abroad. She goes to Haiti every year on a mission trip with other healthcare providers.
![Photo of Shaunette Phillips, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4576d4e-84a2-420a-9164-31bbe31a3fe9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shaunette Phillips
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
I am Jamaican-born, dual-board-certified in Family practice and psychiatric mental health care. I got my FNP At Florida Atlantic University with honors. Since then, I saw there was a need for mental health providers, and having a passion for mental health, and dealing with mental health in my own family I decided that I should pursue a degree in mental health and have my own business to get away from cooperate setting that dictates on how to treat patients and how much time to spend with each client (15 mins) and that's what I did.
I am Jamaican-born, dual-board-certified in Family practice and psychiatric mental health care. I got my FNP At Florida Atlantic University with honors. Since then, I saw there was a need for mental health providers, and having a passion for mental health, and dealing with mental health in my own family I decided that I should pursue a degree in mental health and have my own business to get away from cooperate setting that dictates on how to treat patients and how much time to spend with each client (15 mins) and that's what I did.
![Photo of Valdinio Cambry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3a324af-3133-458b-a3ae-25a5430be1e1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valdinio Cambry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm a Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in Florida. I received my master from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO and have been practicing for almost 9 years.
Hi, I'm a Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in Florida. I received my master from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO and have been practicing for almost 9 years.
![Photo of Galia Torres, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae2b4ba8-1aaa-4f03-a1bd-d3848e8a2070/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whether genetics, circumstances, or behaviors have destabilized your mental health, we can work together towards wellness. I will help you do so holistically and nonjudgmentally. I offer a combination of testing, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions to help you reach your goals. I value and engage fully with my clients. Our sessions will be empowering, solution-focused, empathetic, and creative.
Whether genetics, circumstances, or behaviors have destabilized your mental health, we can work together towards wellness. I will help you do so holistically and nonjudgmentally. I offer a combination of testing, medication management, and psychotherapeutic interventions to help you reach your goals. I value and engage fully with my clients. Our sessions will be empowering, solution-focused, empathetic, and creative.
![Photo of Dorothy Chatelier-Orelus, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e316a59-5d69-4e20-843f-da66705eec63/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dorothy Chatelier-Orelus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cocoa, FL 32926
Hello There! I am a holistic psychiatric provider with a passion for helping individuals achieve optimal mental and physical well-being. My approach to mental health care is rooted in the belief that the mind and body are interconnected, and that treating one without addressing the other may not lead to lasting recovery. Your overall well-being is also my concern. As a mental health professional, my goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to discuss their concerns, struggles, and emotions.
Hello There! I am a holistic psychiatric provider with a passion for helping individuals achieve optimal mental and physical well-being. My approach to mental health care is rooted in the belief that the mind and body are interconnected, and that treating one without addressing the other may not lead to lasting recovery. Your overall well-being is also my concern. As a mental health professional, my goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to discuss their concerns, struggles, and emotions.
![Photo of Elvira Silva-De Vera, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a07e54f-a87c-4c31-8831-7323d80d39a5/2/320x400.png)
Elvira Silva-De Vera
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cocoa, FL 32926 (Online Only)
Hi there, I'm Elvira. Do you feel overwhelmed or that your mind is going at 100 miles an hour? Do you feel like you're lacking joy? Do you think starting on medication or your current medication regimen is not working? Life is a rollercoaster with times of joy and sadness. I am a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner.
Hi there, I'm Elvira. Do you feel overwhelmed or that your mind is going at 100 miles an hour? Do you feel like you're lacking joy? Do you think starting on medication or your current medication regimen is not working? Life is a rollercoaster with times of joy and sadness. I am a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner.
See more therapy options for 32926
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 32926
20+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in 32926 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | ADHD |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
45% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
38% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
2 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
100% | Oscar Health |
How Psychiatrists in 32926 see their clients
72% | Online Only | |
28% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
93% | Female | |
7% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 32926?
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.