Psychiatrists in 44118
![Photo of Lacresha Rox - Compass Crossing Behavioral Health- Lacresha Rox, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c899c8b-fead-4e07-b9c9-3aa7e13e0b70/2/320x400.jpeg)
Compass Crossing Behavioral Health- Lacresha Rox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
University Heights, OH 44118 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS, SAME WEEK, EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. Are you or a loved one are suffering from mental health concerns? Seeking help can be overwhelming. Look no further. We offer high quality, compassionate care in a judgement free environment with a provider who listens to your concerns.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS, SAME WEEK, EVENING AND WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE. Are you or a loved one are suffering from mental health concerns? Seeking help can be overwhelming. Look no further. We offer high quality, compassionate care in a judgement free environment with a provider who listens to your concerns.
![Photo of Madia Pewu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1049b052-acc9-478c-ae14-e1970dff9388/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madia Pewu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 (Online Only)
Madia Pewu is dual board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Licensed in Ohio, Madia has over 23 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. She obtained her bachelor's of nursing degree from Cleveland State University, her master's degree from United States University, and her post-master's certificate from Purdue University Global. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Trained in medication management and therapy, Madia provides therapy sessions via video for adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Madia Pewu is dual board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Licensed in Ohio, Madia has over 23 years of experience as a Registered Nurse. She obtained her bachelor's of nursing degree from Cleveland State University, her master's degree from United States University, and her post-master's certificate from Purdue University Global. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Trained in medication management and therapy, Madia provides therapy sessions via video for adolescents, adults, and seniors.
![Photo of Navjoth Karuvannur, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3b4696a-6a84-4af3-9b5f-0259ed3b2cf8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Karuvannur (Dr. K) is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2018. He is dual board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He trained in adult psychiatry at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY where he served as the education committee representative. He completed his child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Cleveland Clinic where he served as chief fellow. He is a member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association.
Dr. Karuvannur (Dr. K) is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2018. He is dual board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He trained in adult psychiatry at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY where he served as the education committee representative. He completed his child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Cleveland Clinic where he served as chief fellow. He is a member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association.
![Photo of Neeti Wyckoff, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f53c94b-82d1-4bd8-a827-86d8d5c77c8a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Wyckoff is board certified and a fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics. She is a graduate of the University of Rochester and the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and served her residency at The Cleveland Clinic. She also served as staff pediatrician at both Akron City Hospital and Akron General Medical Center and was attending pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital. Dr. Wyckoff completed her portal fellowship in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals, developing a Depression Toolkit for use at Rainbow Babies' and Children's Hospital.
Dr. Wyckoff is board certified and a fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics. She is a graduate of the University of Rochester and the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and served her residency at The Cleveland Clinic. She also served as staff pediatrician at both Akron City Hospital and Akron General Medical Center and was attending pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital. Dr. Wyckoff completed her portal fellowship in child and adult psychiatry at University Hospitals, developing a Depression Toolkit for use at Rainbow Babies' and Children's Hospital.
![Photo of Deanna Berry, PMHNP, BC, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce27cf49-aebe-4f6c-b4ac-76ec64b087b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deanna Berry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Deanna Berry is a nurse practitioner dually certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as adult-geriatric primary care. She has 20 years experience as nurse. She received her bachelor's degree, master's degree and post-master's certification in nursing from Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH and is certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Deanna Berry is a nurse practitioner dually certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as adult-geriatric primary care. She has 20 years experience as nurse. She received her bachelor's degree, master's degree and post-master's certification in nursing from Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH and is certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
![Photo of Meredith Mahilo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8ab7f0b-288d-4aa9-9e00-cba694d380b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mahilo is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She completed her psychiatry training at Cleveland Clinic Akron General/Summa Health, where she served as a chief resident. She earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and her undergraduate degree from Kent State University. She is a member of the American Medical Association. She has experience working with adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Mahilo's specialty areas of interest include the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders and depression.
Dr. Mahilo is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She completed her psychiatry training at Cleveland Clinic Akron General/Summa Health, where she served as a chief resident. She earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and her undergraduate degree from Kent State University. She is a member of the American Medical Association. She has experience working with adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Mahilo's specialty areas of interest include the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders and depression.
![Photo of Emily Cao, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8c28bdf-e803-4168-9eda-890cea7dc82b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Cao is a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of mental health issues in children, adolescents, and young adults. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She attended the University of Cincinnati, where she graduated magna cum laude. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Cao served as Chief Resident for Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry during her adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center, where she was also recognized by the Department of Psychiatry with the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Cao is a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of mental health issues in children, adolescents, and young adults. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She attended the University of Cincinnati, where she graduated magna cum laude. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Cao served as Chief Resident for Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry during her adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center, where she was also recognized by the Department of Psychiatry with the Excellence in Teaching Award.
![Photo of Gayatriben Gadani, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da08b91e-ea23-4cff-b1ab-ea739b33686d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Gadani is a board-certified psychiatrist with over five years of experience in psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Medical College Baroda in India. She previously worked at Saint Louis University Hospital and Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri. She focuses on treating adults and specializes in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders. She is a member of the American Psychiatry Association and the Missouri Psychiatry Association.
Dr. Gadani is a board-certified psychiatrist with over five years of experience in psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Medical College Baroda in India. She previously worked at Saint Louis University Hospital and Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri. She focuses on treating adults and specializes in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorders and anxiety disorders. She is a member of the American Psychiatry Association and the Missouri Psychiatry Association.
![Photo of Anna Popova, MSN, CNP/PM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c108c87c-6a93-4257-8077-31c40901e38c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Popova, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC Anna Popova is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Akron, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ursuline College, is a Licensed Practical Nurse through ATS Institute of Technology, is a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the Ohio Board of Nursing and is ANCC certified as a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats children as young as 4 years old, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
Anna Popova, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC Anna Popova is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Akron, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ursuline College, is a Licensed Practical Nurse through ATS Institute of Technology, is a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the Ohio Board of Nursing and is ANCC certified as a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She treats children as young as 4 years old, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
![Photo of James Srp, CNP, CNS, LICDC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69d200f0-eaad-45c6-829e-5f84fd900ed7/1/320x400.jpeg)
James Srp has been working in the field of addictions for the past 30 years. He was most recently a nurse practitioner at Addiction Recovery Services of University Hospitals of Cleveland, a program he helped develop in 2004 after an 18 year tenure as a staff nurse, followed by service as a clinical nurse specialist for the Cleveland Clinic Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center. He holds a master's degree in psychology from Cleveland State University, a master's degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Ursuline College.
James Srp has been working in the field of addictions for the past 30 years. He was most recently a nurse practitioner at Addiction Recovery Services of University Hospitals of Cleveland, a program he helped develop in 2004 after an 18 year tenure as a staff nurse, followed by service as a clinical nurse specialist for the Cleveland Clinic Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center. He holds a master's degree in psychology from Cleveland State University, a master's degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Ursuline College.
![Photo of Michael McFadden, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f9c9ee2-6eb6-4b8f-94dd-82b764d62605/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Michael McFadden, MD Dr. Michael McFadden is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. He completed his residency in adult psychiatry at Summa Health System and Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. Dr. McFadden completed his fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Akron Children's Hospital. He is dual board-certified in child and adolescent and adult psychiatry. Dr. McFadden uses medication management in combination with cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and supportive therapies, and motivational interviewing with children and adolescents.
Dr. Michael McFadden, MD Dr. Michael McFadden is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2017. He completed his residency in adult psychiatry at Summa Health System and Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. Dr. McFadden completed his fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Akron Children's Hospital. He is dual board-certified in child and adolescent and adult psychiatry. Dr. McFadden uses medication management in combination with cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and supportive therapies, and motivational interviewing with children and adolescents.
![Photo of Shane Strnad, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f9cc68a-2174-4f7e-baf1-c691cda444cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shane Strnad is a board certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner whose primary focus is mental health care through healthy living habits, diet and exercise. He received his undergraduate and master's degrees in nursing from the University of Akron, where he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree and also has served as a lecturer and presenter. He has worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Mansfield, Ohio, and at community health centers in the Akron area.
Shane Strnad is a board certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner whose primary focus is mental health care through healthy living habits, diet and exercise. He received his undergraduate and master's degrees in nursing from the University of Akron, where he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree and also has served as a lecturer and presenter. He has worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Mansfield, Ohio, and at community health centers in the Akron area.
![Photo of Renattie Martin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc87bbe3-9661-46fd-90b4-da83450a9199/3/320x400.jpeg)
Renattie Martin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Acceping new patients! Hello, my name is Renattie Martin, I am a dual certified psychiatric and adult nurse practitioner with greater than 15 years experience. I am a passionate psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals struggling with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. I strive to empower patients on their individual journey towards improved well-being utilizing a holistic treatment with consideration to biologic, social and psychological factors that may influence mental health.
Acceping new patients! Hello, my name is Renattie Martin, I am a dual certified psychiatric and adult nurse practitioner with greater than 15 years experience. I am a passionate psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals struggling with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD. I strive to empower patients on their individual journey towards improved well-being utilizing a holistic treatment with consideration to biologic, social and psychological factors that may influence mental health.
![Photo of Amanda Lambert - Amanda Lambert at Revive Counseling and Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6be8f41b-bc2d-4827-a40d-6f92e3a70592/2/320x400.png)
Amanda Lambert at Revive Counseling and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Heights, OH 44118
Hi! My name is Amanda! I am committed to helping improve the mental health of my patients through both medication management and therapeutic intervention. My approach to mental health treatment focuses on treating each patient as an individual by diving into their personal history, concerns with medication, and goals of treatment to improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
Hi! My name is Amanda! I am committed to helping improve the mental health of my patients through both medication management and therapeutic intervention. My approach to mental health treatment focuses on treating each patient as an individual by diving into their personal history, concerns with medication, and goals of treatment to improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
![Photo of Ariel Mintz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25622de7-5d42-48af-b2a5-334c64d497f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ariel Mintz, dual certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, attended medical school at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. He trained in General Psychiatry at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic. He previously founded and worked at Kesher Psychiatry, an early adopter of telepsychiatry.
Dr. Ariel Mintz, dual certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, attended medical school at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. He trained in General Psychiatry at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic. He previously founded and worked at Kesher Psychiatry, an early adopter of telepsychiatry.
![Photo of Nicholas Eilbeck, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c6e83f6-0f9e-4128-b5bb-801767e57904/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Eilbeck serves as Division Associate Medical Director for LifeStance Health. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he also was Chief Fellow. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Eilbeck served as Chief Resident during his adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
Dr. Eilbeck serves as Division Associate Medical Director for LifeStance Health. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he also was Chief Fellow. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Eilbeck served as Chief Resident during his adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
![Photo of DeBalzo Elgudin Levine Risen - DeBalzo, Elgudin, Levine, Risen LLC, MD, PhD, CNS, LPCC, LISW-S, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44df01e9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
DeBalzo, Elgudin, Levine, Risen LLC
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, CNS, LPCC, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
We are a comprehensive psychiatric and mental health practice offering a wide spectrum of evidence-based therapies. We provide services to children/adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our services include psychiatric evaluation and medication management, individual psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, psychological testing, genomic testing for medication sensitivity, and evaluation and therapy for sexual and gender-related concerns. We offer ADHD assessment with the QbTest which is a FDA cleared computer based objective test.
We are a comprehensive psychiatric and mental health practice offering a wide spectrum of evidence-based therapies. We provide services to children/adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Our services include psychiatric evaluation and medication management, individual psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, psychological testing, genomic testing for medication sensitivity, and evaluation and therapy for sexual and gender-related concerns. We offer ADHD assessment with the QbTest which is a FDA cleared computer based objective test.
![Photo of Eileen Zehe, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9d166e8-78a0-4c8b-a914-fe7c4ea86fa2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eileen Zehe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shaker Heights, OH 44118
I am passionate about helping people live their best lives. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience providing care to individuals from ages 4-50. I have advanced training in treating children and adolescents struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
I am passionate about helping people live their best lives. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience providing care to individuals from ages 4-50. I have advanced training in treating children and adolescents struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Greetings! I provide a full range of psychiatric care, focused on individuals' needs and often consisting of psychotherapy and/or medication treatment. I welcome your inquiries and would recommend meeting for an assessment and to establish a plan on how we can work together. My psychotherapeutic background is in psychodynamic and relational work with a holistic and humanistic approach. I have a particular interest in wellness practices and in the integration of psychedelics with medicine to expand the potential for psychotherapy.
Greetings! I provide a full range of psychiatric care, focused on individuals' needs and often consisting of psychotherapy and/or medication treatment. I welcome your inquiries and would recommend meeting for an assessment and to establish a plan on how we can work together. My psychotherapeutic background is in psychodynamic and relational work with a holistic and humanistic approach. I have a particular interest in wellness practices and in the integration of psychedelics with medicine to expand the potential for psychotherapy.
![Photo of Daniel Gonzalez, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f9b9f6a-2c29-4f63-880a-2fd059d81be3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients! My name is Dr. Daniel Gonzalez. I'm a Cleveland native who completed undergraduate at Miami University of Ohio before going into medical school at the University of Toledo. After obtaining my medical degree (M.D.), I then completed my Adult Psychiatry residency at Cleveland Clinic. I am currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in Adult Psychiatry. I work exclusively with adults (18+), and while I have a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders I see the full spectrum of psychiatric illnesses. I also particularly enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ population.
Accepting new patients! My name is Dr. Daniel Gonzalez. I'm a Cleveland native who completed undergraduate at Miami University of Ohio before going into medical school at the University of Toledo. After obtaining my medical degree (M.D.), I then completed my Adult Psychiatry residency at Cleveland Clinic. I am currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in Adult Psychiatry. I work exclusively with adults (18+), and while I have a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders I see the full spectrum of psychiatric illnesses. I also particularly enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ population.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 44118
20+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in 44118 who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
90% | Medication Management |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
70% | ADHD |
70% | Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Medical Mutual |
How Psychiatrists in 44118 see their clients
90% | In Person and Online | |
10% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
59% | Female | |
41% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 44118?
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.