Psychiatrists in 85326
![Photo of Dr. Jade Goodloe, DNP, APRN , PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a865033e-9369-4d21-913e-7a4ab41a9be2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jade Goodloe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN , PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Online Only)
We are currently welcoming new patients for Telehealth appointments. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in the diagnostic assessment, medication management, & therapeutic treatment of Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, & PTSD. Given my background as an active-duty service member & psychiatry provider, I additionally specialize in military & veteran mental health. I treat adults of all backgrounds, 18 years & older located throughout the state.
We are currently welcoming new patients for Telehealth appointments. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in the diagnostic assessment, medication management, & therapeutic treatment of Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, & PTSD. Given my background as an active-duty service member & psychiatry provider, I additionally specialize in military & veteran mental health. I treat adults of all backgrounds, 18 years & older located throughout the state.
![Photo of Edena Walden, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b1eff58-58c6-46ce-a402-e2732bb27a1b/2/320x400.png)
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
![Photo of Michelle McCarthy, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e1c9b77-2e91-4fb6-b331-6e5853d91e07/2/320x400.png)
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/adf79b70-189d-4b6f-bef8-3cb1ef34bc6a/2/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3ba3802-435f-41ea-ba1e-03191c105fa4/1/320x400.png)
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e8cb19d-278a-4d04-b213-2a14a7de62a1/2/320x400.png)
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
![Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49e9128d-3eda-4a6a-a5d4-4935b200c2ea/2/320x400.png)
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
![Photo of Micaela Strevay, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f857be3a-f9e2-49fc-a4a2-5f2a0618de6f/1/320x400.png)
Micaela Strevay
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Micaela! I'm a former flight nurse with a proven track record in the hospital and healthcare sector. My strengths lie in Emergency Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Transport Nursing, Prehospital Care & Transport, and delivering top-notch customer service. My path to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is rooted in my aspiration to aid individuals in achieving not only physical but also mental well-being. The body's equilibrium depends on harmony between the physical and mental aspects, and I'm here to support your journey to thriving.
Hello, I'm Micaela! I'm a former flight nurse with a proven track record in the hospital and healthcare sector. My strengths lie in Emergency Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Transport Nursing, Prehospital Care & Transport, and delivering top-notch customer service. My path to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is rooted in my aspiration to aid individuals in achieving not only physical but also mental well-being. The body's equilibrium depends on harmony between the physical and mental aspects, and I'm here to support your journey to thriving.
![Photo of Uros Koprivica, APN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8abd7b81-6a99-4d0d-ba7d-1305053db863/2/320x400.png)
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
![Photo of Francisca Onyemize, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d72cfed-c989-47be-b3df-c7762e3fb752/2/320x400.png)
Francisca Onyemize
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326
Do you struggle with depression, an inability to focus, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, insomnia, or PTSD? Do you want to develop coping skills to reduce your symptoms & enhance your understanding and quality of life? Are you interested in medication to help you reduce your symptoms, improve your quality of life, as well as how to reduce some of the side effects of the medications? My responsibility is that you gain insight into understanding the underlying factors contributing to your issues, what you are experiencing, and how you want to learn the skills & coping strategies to help you deal with issues and emotions.
Do you struggle with depression, an inability to focus, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, insomnia, or PTSD? Do you want to develop coping skills to reduce your symptoms & enhance your understanding and quality of life? Are you interested in medication to help you reduce your symptoms, improve your quality of life, as well as how to reduce some of the side effects of the medications? My responsibility is that you gain insight into understanding the underlying factors contributing to your issues, what you are experiencing, and how you want to learn the skills & coping strategies to help you deal with issues and emotions.
![Photo of Micaela Strevay, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a634bc00-fa71-4c15-80fa-b5e1c24392d7/1/320x400.png)
Micaela Strevay
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Micaela! I'm a former flight nurse with a proven track record in the hospital and healthcare sector. My strengths lie in Emergency Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Transport Nursing, Prehospital Care & Transport, and delivering top-notch customer service. My path to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is rooted in my aspiration to aid individuals in achieving not only physical but also mental well-being. The body's equilibrium depends on harmony between the physical and mental aspects, and I'm here to support your journey to thriving.
Hello, I'm Micaela! I'm a former flight nurse with a proven track record in the hospital and healthcare sector. My strengths lie in Emergency Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Transport Nursing, Prehospital Care & Transport, and delivering top-notch customer service. My path to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is rooted in my aspiration to aid individuals in achieving not only physical but also mental well-being. The body's equilibrium depends on harmony between the physical and mental aspects, and I'm here to support your journey to thriving.
15 Second Videos
Jade Goodloe
Edena Walden
Michelle McCarthy
Allen Masry
Andrea Papa-Molter
Shannon Bucciarelli
Ample Grace Psychiatry
Morgan Alexander
Charlotte Toms
![Photo of Dr. Uhunoma Osadolor - Ample Grace Psychiatry , DNP, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbce3408-e696-4c6e-9524-2a8bb42b92ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ample Grace Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.
We are currently accepting new patients for ADHD Neuropsychological testing. Think you have ADHD? No problem! We offer ADHD Objective Testing that can be used to guide ADHD diagnosis for patients. The testing can also be done at the office and via telehealth. We also offer adult autism assessment and DBT-informed therapy. At Ample Grace Psychiatry, we offer a custom approach for each client! We start with understanding where you are now and your challenges. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with visits to suit your schedule.
![Photo of Carolyne Mburu-Gerena, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72e8e2f6-97cd-4441-ab05-4ad777ddbaf8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyne Mburu-Gerena
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Online Only)
Hello and warm greetings! I am Carolyne Mburu-Gerena, your compassionate ally and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With 23 years of experience in healthcare, I have navigated diverse environments, from the hustle of emergency rooms to the intimacy of home-based care. My mission is simple: to provide heartfelt and thorough mental health support to both young people and adults. Embracing modern healthcare approaches, I offer telepsychiatry services, making it easier for you to receive care for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder from wherever you feel most comfortable.
Hello and warm greetings! I am Carolyne Mburu-Gerena, your compassionate ally and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With 23 years of experience in healthcare, I have navigated diverse environments, from the hustle of emergency rooms to the intimacy of home-based care. My mission is simple: to provide heartfelt and thorough mental health support to both young people and adults. Embracing modern healthcare approaches, I offer telepsychiatry services, making it easier for you to receive care for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder from wherever you feel most comfortable.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f4105cc-a2ad-4f0e-b207-d10e46ce1202/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Wayne MacKenzie Sr - Agape Family Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43bac2d1-6c0f-48bc-9cc2-047b7a7046bd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you or your loved one is suffering through Anxiety with or without panic attacks, Chronic Sleep problems, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, psychosis or personality disorder, or just trying to get help dealing with a substance addiction such as smoking cessation, looking to control your weight or simply require help with ADHD. Our family consists of Board Certified Psychiatric NPs, Trauma therapist associates and licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). We treat each patient in a professional and team oriented manner. Constantly collaborating and communicating with you to monitor your progress.
Whether you or your loved one is suffering through Anxiety with or without panic attacks, Chronic Sleep problems, Depression, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, psychosis or personality disorder, or just trying to get help dealing with a substance addiction such as smoking cessation, looking to control your weight or simply require help with ADHD. Our family consists of Board Certified Psychiatric NPs, Trauma therapist associates and licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). We treat each patient in a professional and team oriented manner. Constantly collaborating and communicating with you to monitor your progress.
![Photo of Daryl Ian Cotton - Estrella Integrative Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0feb3ccc-0cdc-4bce-a781-1e4c58f9e48a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Estrella Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326
Estrella Integrative Psychiatry is an outpatient mental health clinic located in Avondale, Arizona. We specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, childhood behavioral problems, substance abuse, and a variety of other mental health issues. We treat patients of all ages, from children and adolescents, to adults and geriatric populations.
Estrella Integrative Psychiatry is an outpatient mental health clinic located in Avondale, Arizona. We specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, childhood behavioral problems, substance abuse, and a variety of other mental health issues. We treat patients of all ages, from children and adolescents, to adults and geriatric populations.
![Photo of Amy M Porter, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/301c0f44-95f1-497b-8985-0710d802dc47/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Connect Mental Health and Wellness, we are dedicated to supporting each client with a blend of professionalism, loyalty, and warmth. Serving clients from age 6 onwards, our team passionately works to resolve a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Whether managing mood disorders, relationship conflicts, or life transitions, we approach each situation with encouragement and unwavering support, focusing on enhancing your overall well-being.
At Connect Mental Health and Wellness, we are dedicated to supporting each client with a blend of professionalism, loyalty, and warmth. Serving clients from age 6 onwards, our team passionately works to resolve a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Whether managing mood disorders, relationship conflicts, or life transitions, we approach each situation with encouragement and unwavering support, focusing on enhancing your overall well-being.
![Photo of Amanda Amarillas - Modern Mind Psychiatry, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23c5d59d-a36f-4ec2-9267-c31604fd412c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Modern Mind Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Online Only)
Amanda is a dual-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), with over a decade of healthcare experience. She has experience in a variety of mental health settings including psychiatric crisis stabilization, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, inpatient addiction/detox, correctional health, MAT clinics, & outpatient clinics. Her goal is to help her patients reach their full potential with what wellness means to them. She aims to treat her patients with a holistic wellness approach that encompasses both mental and physical health.
Amanda is a dual-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), with over a decade of healthcare experience. She has experience in a variety of mental health settings including psychiatric crisis stabilization, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, inpatient addiction/detox, correctional health, MAT clinics, & outpatient clinics. Her goal is to help her patients reach their full potential with what wellness means to them. She aims to treat her patients with a holistic wellness approach that encompasses both mental and physical health.
![Photo of Ana McNabb, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4653f7f4-1187-4d5f-b664-d14d82f6696b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ana McNabb
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Online Only)
Ana loves working with a diverse spectrum of patients. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she works with patients of ages 5 and older, and very passionate about providing them the care they need. Whether looking to address mood dysregulation, poor focus and attention, depression, anxiety or other mental health symptoms, she can offer the medication management support you need to be your "best self." Her approachable, kind nature, makes her super popular with her patients!
Ana loves working with a diverse spectrum of patients. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she works with patients of ages 5 and older, and very passionate about providing them the care they need. Whether looking to address mood dysregulation, poor focus and attention, depression, anxiety or other mental health symptoms, she can offer the medication management support you need to be your "best self." Her approachable, kind nature, makes her super popular with her patients!
![Photo of Charlotte Toms, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6cc2050-46d4-40d0-bb76-a3aacc972fcb/1/320x400.png)
Charlotte Toms
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Online Only)
Your strength has led you here in this moment to take the next step in embracing a new path, a different future. I’m here to help guide you - through psychiatric evaluation/diagnosis, medication management, or therapy. You don't need to keep self-medicating with technology, social media, food, and alcohol to feel happy, dull your emotional pain or shame, or escape your feelings. Wake up feeling rested, worthy, and motivated. Reconnect with others and find joy in the simple things again. Experience peace in your life by making healthier choices and building healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Your strength has led you here in this moment to take the next step in embracing a new path, a different future. I’m here to help guide you - through psychiatric evaluation/diagnosis, medication management, or therapy. You don't need to keep self-medicating with technology, social media, food, and alcohol to feel happy, dull your emotional pain or shame, or escape your feelings. Wake up feeling rested, worthy, and motivated. Reconnect with others and find joy in the simple things again. Experience peace in your life by making healthier choices and building healthier relationships with yourself and others.
See more therapy options for 85326
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 85326
20+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in 85326 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
96% | Trauma and PTSD |
87% | Bipolar Disorder |
83% | ADHD |
83% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
78% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
95% | Cigna and Evernorth |
95% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 85326 see their clients
61% | In Person and Online | |
39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
85% | Female | |
15% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 85326?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists 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 sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist 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. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.