Psychiatrists in 90292
![Photo of Eugene Kimn, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/709c7836-0c2f-499f-9bd9-33324f6d3621/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
I am dedicated to compassionate, thoughtful, and collaborative patient care for all ages, genders, orientations, and cultures. I believe the best care can be provided when viewing the client from a combination of biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It is my goal to have the client / family come out of session feeling they have been heard and their opinions valued. While I am experienced working with individuals with different needs and backgrounds, I have special interest in minority mental health, childhood mood and anxiety disorders, transitional age / college youth, trauma, and substance use disorders.
![Photo of Marguerite Maguire, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/513e4016-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
![Photo of Ian Matthews, NP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/552a795b-4fbd-48c2-922a-d5a23aa182fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
Ian Matthews is a ANCC board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner treating adults. He graduated from Vanderbilt University's MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Ian aims to establish a collaborative relationship with his patients through understanding their unique story, which considers their biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding allows for the application of an individualized treatment approach through evidenced-based medication management when appropriate, as well as brief, supportive psychotherapy.
![Photo of Kendall Haydel - Balancedmind Mental Health., PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c24d64a5-7c62-4ecf-95e1-81fb3e3b1c98/2/320x400.png)
Kendall Haydel - Balancedmind Mental Health.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with over 15 years of mental health experience. I utilize a holistic approach specializing in treating ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, with a focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community.
Accepting New Patients - I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with over 15 years of mental health experience. I utilize a holistic approach specializing in treating ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, with a focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community.
![Photo of Agnes Kwon Simone, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d9b2e94-172d-447f-8da1-8661e54b482f/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a UCLA-trained, board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. I work with adolescents, young adults and adults. I am passionate about my integrative approach to mental health care. While I provide medication management, I also highlight the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions including healthy lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and psychotherapy.
I am a UCLA-trained, board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, and insomnia. I work with adolescents, young adults and adults. I am passionate about my integrative approach to mental health care. While I provide medication management, I also highlight the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions including healthy lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and psychotherapy.
![Photo of Izunna Ewudo - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c574a94-e306-4865-b5fe-0fc032378102/1/320x400.jpeg)
Izunna Ewudo - Neuro Wellness Spa Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Dr. Izunna Ewudo is a doctoral-prepared, dually Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who embodies a unique blend of expertise and genuine care in his patient interactions. Born and raised in Los Angeles and with a rich heritage as a Nigerian-American, Dr. Ewudo brings a unique perspective to his practice, embracing cultural diversity and valuing the experiences it offers.
Dr. Izunna Ewudo is a doctoral-prepared, dually Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who embodies a unique blend of expertise and genuine care in his patient interactions. Born and raised in Los Angeles and with a rich heritage as a Nigerian-American, Dr. Ewudo brings a unique perspective to his practice, embracing cultural diversity and valuing the experiences it offers.
![Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2bb627f-8278-4332-9757-470d753808dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Merima Jurici, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18073105-eb9b-4eb4-b47c-6b846d9446df/2/320x400.jpeg)
I approach treatment from a holistic point of view. I am a strong believer of the influence of our lifestyle on our emotions and vice versa. With my patients I use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The psychodynamic approach is a great part of my assessment and treatment which allows me to fully and better understand my patients. My expertise includes a wide range of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, childhood disorders, behavior problems in children, ADHD, personality disorders, LGBT issues, adjustments to various life stressors that might affect your level of functioning
I approach treatment from a holistic point of view. I am a strong believer of the influence of our lifestyle on our emotions and vice versa. With my patients I use a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The psychodynamic approach is a great part of my assessment and treatment which allows me to fully and better understand my patients. My expertise includes a wide range of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, childhood disorders, behavior problems in children, ADHD, personality disorders, LGBT issues, adjustments to various life stressors that might affect your level of functioning
![Photo of Ana Jimenez, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2efd3e23-6889-461c-b915-1cac9fffd73d/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now Welcoming New Patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now Welcoming New Patients!
![Photo of Alan Hanft, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a1e57cc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
![Photo of Wesley Ryan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49c08f66-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my psychiatry private practice, specializing in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychedelics consultations, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (for depression, substance use disorders, and other indications). I have extensive experience with addiction, dual diagnosis, as well as general psychiatric care, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I offer consultation, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy. Please note for insurance coverage, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Please visit my website for more information on how to establish care.
Welcome to my psychiatry private practice, specializing in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, psychedelics consultations, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (for depression, substance use disorders, and other indications). I have extensive experience with addiction, dual diagnosis, as well as general psychiatric care, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I offer consultation, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy. Please note for insurance coverage, I am considered an out-of-network provider. Please visit my website for more information on how to establish care.
15 Second Videos
Marguerite Maguire
Ana Jimenez
Bonmente
Josephine McNary
Nancy Wu
Vista Mental Health
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/502c19a0-5f11-4d1f-ba36-575a0d5b659f/1/320x400.png)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Gol Ara, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f039f6b7-b098-4515-ad57-d98ab04cc74b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
![Photo of Josephine McNary, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5121bd14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist with offices in Hermosa Beach, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Pasadena and Santa Barbara. I also provide tele-psychiatry services. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2tAiFIv5o and https://www.calpsychiatry.com. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist with offices in Hermosa Beach, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park, Pasadena and Santa Barbara. I also provide tele-psychiatry services. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq2tAiFIv5o and https://www.calpsychiatry.com. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
![Photo of Nancy Wu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1981d27-f222-4deb-95e4-8e77d049fbdb/2/320x400.jpeg)
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. My goal is to witness and support you as you embark on this heroic journey of self-discovery and growth. I understand that life can be hard and filled with unpredictable ups and downs. I use a holistic approach to help patients ease their suffering and live life with more joy, spontaneity, and well-being.
![Photo of Beata Pearce, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64f98ffa-011a-4370-8a75-997cebf2ccbc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beata Pearce
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (Online Only)
Beata Pearce, FNP/PMHNP has been in the healthcare field since 2009, with different roles in clinical practice both in the hospital and outpatient settings. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Charles R. Drew, University of Medicine and Science. She also obtained a certification in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialty from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Prior to joining Mindpath Health, she has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 6 years now.
Beata Pearce, FNP/PMHNP has been in the healthcare field since 2009, with different roles in clinical practice both in the hospital and outpatient settings. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Charles R. Drew, University of Medicine and Science. She also obtained a certification in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialty from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Prior to joining Mindpath Health, she has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 6 years now.
![Photo of Sandra Hah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eee3ffa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life. Dr. Hah is triple board certified in child and adolescent, adult, and forensic psychiatry.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life. Dr. Hah is triple board certified in child and adolescent, adult, and forensic psychiatry.
![Photo of Deborah Fein - Vista Mental Health, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dfcb811-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Deborah Fein is a psychiatrist in private practice providing mental health services in Los Angeles. Her treatment is focused on providing a personalized experience, throughout the entire course of treatment. Patients are able to contact her directly, which helps to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. Treatment recommendations are based on the best current research and clinical evidence available. Dr. Fein will take a medical history and may recommend labs, studies, or referrals to other providers, as appropriate, so that any complicating factors in the treatment can be properly addressed and treated.
Dr. Deborah Fein is a psychiatrist in private practice providing mental health services in Los Angeles. Her treatment is focused on providing a personalized experience, throughout the entire course of treatment. Patients are able to contact her directly, which helps to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. Treatment recommendations are based on the best current research and clinical evidence available. Dr. Fein will take a medical history and may recommend labs, studies, or referrals to other providers, as appropriate, so that any complicating factors in the treatment can be properly addressed and treated.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed5b938-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/810f81f1-e552-42bb-9e0e-1bbd3caf860f/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
See more therapy options for 90292
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 90292
20+
Average cost per session
$360
Psychiatrists in 90292 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
95% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
95% | Bipolar Disorder |
95% | Medication Management |
90% | Trauma and PTSD |
90% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 90292 see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
53% | Male | |
47% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 90292?
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.