Psychiatrists in 77001
Hello and Welcome! I started my private practice in 2017, to follow a lifelong passion of helping individuals become their true and authentic selves. In the midst of our challenges, we often forget who we are, and can become. As an individual, parent, and psychiatrist, I follow a holistic approach to life. I believe in connecting mind, body, and spirit for healing. I am "mindful in practice", taking one moment at a time to help you on your journey toward discovering your true nature. Together, we will travel on this path with mindfulness and compassion.
Hello and Welcome! I started my private practice in 2017, to follow a lifelong passion of helping individuals become their true and authentic selves. In the midst of our challenges, we often forget who we are, and can become. As an individual, parent, and psychiatrist, I follow a holistic approach to life. I believe in connecting mind, body, and spirit for healing. I am "mindful in practice", taking one moment at a time to help you on your journey toward discovering your true nature. Together, we will travel on this path with mindfulness and compassion.
Dr. Alexis Kropf is a board-certified adult psychiatrist beginning her practice at Talkiatry after four years of clinical experience in residency. Dr. Kropf primarily focuses on providing medication management during 30-minute follow-up visits, weaving in elements of supportive therapy according to the needs of her clients. When additional therapy is indicated to promote recovery, Dr. Kropf may recommend that her clients work with a therapist as part of the treatment team.
Dr. Alexis Kropf is a board-certified adult psychiatrist beginning her practice at Talkiatry after four years of clinical experience in residency. Dr. Kropf primarily focuses on providing medication management during 30-minute follow-up visits, weaving in elements of supportive therapy according to the needs of her clients. When additional therapy is indicated to promote recovery, Dr. Kropf may recommend that her clients work with a therapist as part of the treatment team.
Dr. Tiffany Abtahi is board certified in adult psychiatry who has been in practice for over 6 years. She completed her residency at Icahn School of Medicine, Elmhurst Hospital Center program where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. After completing her residency training, Dr Abtahi worked as a staff psychiatrist in the VA Medical Center focusing on PTSD, depression and anxiety. Dr. Abtahi has held an academic appointment at University of UT Southwestern medical school and has spent her professional career supervising/teaching medical students and psychiatry residents.
Dr. Tiffany Abtahi is board certified in adult psychiatry who has been in practice for over 6 years. She completed her residency at Icahn School of Medicine, Elmhurst Hospital Center program where she served as Chief Resident in her final year. After completing her residency training, Dr Abtahi worked as a staff psychiatrist in the VA Medical Center focusing on PTSD, depression and anxiety. Dr. Abtahi has held an academic appointment at University of UT Southwestern medical school and has spent her professional career supervising/teaching medical students and psychiatry residents.
Dr. Seeta Patel is a Harvard-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. She provides evidence-based medication management for adults (18 years and older). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma related concerns. She works with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds and have seen how trauma can cause lifelong suffering. We often do not reach out until aspects of our life have already been affected in a negative way - for instance, when relationships have fallen apart, or when we have lost a job. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of strength.
Dr. Seeta Patel is a Harvard-trained, board-certified adult psychiatrist. She provides evidence-based medication management for adults (18 years and older). She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma related concerns. She works with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds and have seen how trauma can cause lifelong suffering. We often do not reach out until aspects of our life have already been affected in a negative way - for instance, when relationships have fallen apart, or when we have lost a job. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather it is a sign of strength.
Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients’ lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. She earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients’ lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. She earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York.
Dr. De Paz is the director of Behavioral Health for CommuniCare health centers, he received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and did his residency training in General Psychiatry and a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch. After his training he worked at the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio for 3 years and served as the Director of the Children’s program and the Dual Diagnosis clinic. He has also worked for JSA telehealth who were in the forefront of the use of telemedicine services to reach the most underserved populations in the state.
Dr. De Paz is the director of Behavioral Health for CommuniCare health centers, he received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and did his residency training in General Psychiatry and a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch. After his training he worked at the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio for 3 years and served as the Director of the Children’s program and the Dual Diagnosis clinic. He has also worked for JSA telehealth who were in the forefront of the use of telemedicine services to reach the most underserved populations in the state.
Knoelle Park
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77001 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Knoelle Park is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is joining the Talkiatry team to begin her post-residency career. Dr. Park knows a patient is much more than an illness. With empathic listening, she collaborates with her clients to understand their background, values, and goals for treatment. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she strives to incorporate modalities such as supportive therapy to enhance treatment and will encourage her clients to seek more intensive therapy when indicated.
Dr. Knoelle Park is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is joining the Talkiatry team to begin her post-residency career. Dr. Park knows a patient is much more than an illness. With empathic listening, she collaborates with her clients to understand their background, values, and goals for treatment. Although her practice focuses on medication management, she strives to incorporate modalities such as supportive therapy to enhance treatment and will encourage her clients to seek more intensive therapy when indicated.
Dr. Rachel Sherhart is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 4 years. Dr. Sherhart specializes in medication management with 30-minute follow-up visits. This may be accompanied by elements of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. If more in-depth work is needed, she may refer patients to a collaborating psychotherapist.
Dr. Rachel Sherhart is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 4 years. Dr. Sherhart specializes in medication management with 30-minute follow-up visits. This may be accompanied by elements of supportive therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. If more in-depth work is needed, she may refer patients to a collaborating psychotherapist.
Dr. Nicole Nguyen - Board Certified Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77001 (Online Only)
Dr. Nicole Nguyen is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She attained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Southern California prior to returning to her home state of Texas to complete both her medical school and residency training at UT Health San Antonio.
Dr. Nicole Nguyen is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She attained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Southern California prior to returning to her home state of Texas to complete both her medical school and residency training at UT Health San Antonio.
Dr. Gerald Matthews is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry, and has experience treating civilians, as well as active duty military and veterans. The majority of Dr. Matthews's practice is in providing medication management, however he often collaborates with therapists in caring for his patients, where indicated.
Dr. Gerald Matthews is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry, and has experience treating civilians, as well as active duty military and veterans. The majority of Dr. Matthews's practice is in providing medication management, however he often collaborates with therapists in caring for his patients, where indicated.
Dr. Yang is board-certified in both general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, and she holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Dr. Yang received her medical degree from the Medical School of Nanjing University in China. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the State University of New York in Buffalo, followed by several years of neuroscience research at Tufts University and Columbia University. She had completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – McGovern Medical School (UTHealth) and the addiction psychiatry fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Yang is board-certified in both general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, and she holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Dr. Yang received her medical degree from the Medical School of Nanjing University in China. She went on to complete her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the State University of New York in Buffalo, followed by several years of neuroscience research at Tufts University and Columbia University. She had completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – McGovern Medical School (UTHealth) and the addiction psychiatry fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
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Dr. Abernethy is a board-certified psychiatrist. He has experience treating a wide scope of mental health related symptomatology among diverse populations ranging from mood and anxiety related issues to behavioral manifestations of Autism and other developmental disorders. Dr. Abernethy is willing to treat the younger population, and actually a majority of Dr. Abernethy's experience over the past decade has been with treating Children and Adolescents including but not limited to ADHD symptoms, conduct/behavioral related issues, anxiety, teenage depression.
Dr. Abernethy is a board-certified psychiatrist. He has experience treating a wide scope of mental health related symptomatology among diverse populations ranging from mood and anxiety related issues to behavioral manifestations of Autism and other developmental disorders. Dr. Abernethy is willing to treat the younger population, and actually a majority of Dr. Abernethy's experience over the past decade has been with treating Children and Adolescents including but not limited to ADHD symptoms, conduct/behavioral related issues, anxiety, teenage depression.
Dr. Elizabeth Faust is board-certified in Psychiatry with a fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry. She started in Family Medicine while in the Navy, where she also was a Flight Surgeon. She has practiced medicine since 1999, focusing on Psychiatry since 2007. Dr. Faust practices with an integrative approach to see what medical factors contribute to symptoms, unhealthy thought or relationship patterns, and lifestyle factors that maintain dysfunction. Unexamined, medications will only work briefly.
Dr. Elizabeth Faust is board-certified in Psychiatry with a fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry. She started in Family Medicine while in the Navy, where she also was a Flight Surgeon. She has practiced medicine since 1999, focusing on Psychiatry since 2007. Dr. Faust practices with an integrative approach to see what medical factors contribute to symptoms, unhealthy thought or relationship patterns, and lifestyle factors that maintain dysfunction. Unexamined, medications will only work briefly.
Nilesh Tannu, MD, is board-certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been practicing General Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry since past 7 years at Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Tannu uses the bio-psycho-social model to provide evidence-based psychopharmacologic treatment. He also integrates supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy modalities into his practice. Dr. Tannu is strongly committed to mental health care, education and helping patients achieve optimal functioning to accomplish their life goals.
Nilesh Tannu, MD, is board-certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has been practicing General Psychiatry and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry since past 7 years at Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Tannu uses the bio-psycho-social model to provide evidence-based psychopharmacologic treatment. He also integrates supportive and cognitive-behavioral therapy modalities into his practice. Dr. Tannu is strongly committed to mental health care, education and helping patients achieve optimal functioning to accomplish their life goals.
Dr. Sumeet Singh is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. Most recently, Dr. Singh worked for Life Stance Health, an outpatient telehealth company, where he treated patients between the ages of 18-65 years old with both medication management and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Singh has years of experience treating the following disorders/diagnoses: depression, anxiety and panic attacks, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
Dr. Sumeet Singh is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. Most recently, Dr. Singh worked for Life Stance Health, an outpatient telehealth company, where he treated patients between the ages of 18-65 years old with both medication management and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Singh has years of experience treating the following disorders/diagnoses: depression, anxiety and panic attacks, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.
Dr. Matthew Koller is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is joining the Talkiatry team as a staff psychiatrist after completion of his psychiatry residency. Dr. Koller believes that a person must be known before they are treated, and he works with patients to understand their goals of care while prioritizing a collaborative treatment approach. His practice focuses on medication management, however he allows space for supportive therapy and other therapeutic modalities within sessions. He may include a therapist in the treatment plan for optimal care.
Dr. Matthew Koller is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is joining the Talkiatry team as a staff psychiatrist after completion of his psychiatry residency. Dr. Koller believes that a person must be known before they are treated, and he works with patients to understand their goals of care while prioritizing a collaborative treatment approach. His practice focuses on medication management, however he allows space for supportive therapy and other therapeutic modalities within sessions. He may include a therapist in the treatment plan for optimal care.
Sylvia Ogbogu-Nwankwo
Psychiatric Nurse, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77001 (Online Only)
I am Sylvia Ogbogu-Nwankwo, NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner practicing at Angel Health Care Services PC in Allen, Texas. My licensure extends across Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, California, Washington DC, Florida, and New York. With over 15 years of nursing experience, including roles as a Director of Nursing and a family nurse practitioner, I go beyond addressing the primary care needs of families, encompassing children, teenagers, and adults at all life stages.
I am Sylvia Ogbogu-Nwankwo, NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner practicing at Angel Health Care Services PC in Allen, Texas. My licensure extends across Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, California, Washington DC, Florida, and New York. With over 15 years of nursing experience, including roles as a Director of Nursing and a family nurse practitioner, I go beyond addressing the primary care needs of families, encompassing children, teenagers, and adults at all life stages.
Dr. Bryant graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine to complete her adult training and the Yale Child Study Center/Riverview Hospital for Children Program to complete her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. A native Texan, she returned to Tyler, TX in 2020 to accept the position of Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. She also established an accredited child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship in Tyler.
Dr. Bryant graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine to complete her adult training and the Yale Child Study Center/Riverview Hospital for Children Program to complete her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. A native Texan, she returned to Tyler, TX in 2020 to accept the position of Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. She also established an accredited child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship in Tyler.
Tasha Hill-Wilson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77001 (Online Only)
Hello everyone! My name is Tasha Hill-Wilson, I’m a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of experience in nursing. I specialize in mental health with experience providing comprehensive care to clients in various settings including intensive care. I’m a dedicated patient-focused private practice provider that is actively involved in bridging the gap in underserved communities, while improving the recovery rate for clients with moderate to severe mental health challenges. My goal is to help clients improve their quality of life by helping them feel better mentally.
Hello everyone! My name is Tasha Hill-Wilson, I’m a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of experience in nursing. I specialize in mental health with experience providing comprehensive care to clients in various settings including intensive care. I’m a dedicated patient-focused private practice provider that is actively involved in bridging the gap in underserved communities, while improving the recovery rate for clients with moderate to severe mental health challenges. My goal is to help clients improve their quality of life by helping them feel better mentally.
Elizabeth Ssemanda
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77001 (Online Only)
Are you running on autopilot? Feeling burnt out? Tired of taking on other people’s emotional baggage or being told to just figure it out? We are your PARTNER in getting from being overwhelmed to living life with grace and ease. Across the globe, the mental health crisis has escalated over the last decade. No groups have felt this as strongly as healers, caregivers, and empaths. They must manage their stress while caring for individuals, young and old. Healers, caregivers, and empaths, it’s time for you to go from surviving to thriving.
Are you running on autopilot? Feeling burnt out? Tired of taking on other people’s emotional baggage or being told to just figure it out? We are your PARTNER in getting from being overwhelmed to living life with grace and ease. Across the globe, the mental health crisis has escalated over the last decade. No groups have felt this as strongly as healers, caregivers, and empaths. They must manage their stress while caring for individuals, young and old. Healers, caregivers, and empaths, it’s time for you to go from surviving to thriving.
See more therapy options for 77001
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 77001
70+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in 77001 who prioritize treating:
97% | Anxiety |
96% | Depression |
93% | Bipolar Disorder |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
76% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | Medication Management |
69% | Stress |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
97% | Optum |
95% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 77001 see their clients
80% | Online Only | |
20% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
88% | Female | |
12% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 77001?
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.