Psychiatrists in 92705
![Photo of Paul Chung - Sensible Care, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73fab4b3-f4b1-4cb8-a74b-dec4d5fcbba8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone's story is different, but there are research-based tools to help you write that story. Our team of exceptional behavioral health providers offers expertise on challenges big and small. Receive care in-person or online in just 2-3 days. We have support staff that helps our patients navigate their care, handle insurance, and whom can provide copay clarity from the start.
Everyone's story is different, but there are research-based tools to help you write that story. Our team of exceptional behavioral health providers offers expertise on challenges big and small. Receive care in-person or online in just 2-3 days. We have support staff that helps our patients navigate their care, handle insurance, and whom can provide copay clarity from the start.
![Photo of James Morgan, DNP, AGACNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/480662e6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
James Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, AGACNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705
As a doctorally prepared, board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring ideals from both the medical and nursing models of care. This allows me to care for you with compassion, as a whole person and with the latest evidenced-based practices. Together, we will design an individualized treatment plan for your best outcomes. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your goals in treatment. I look forward to working with you!
As a doctorally prepared, board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring ideals from both the medical and nursing models of care. This allows me to care for you with compassion, as a whole person and with the latest evidenced-based practices. Together, we will design an individualized treatment plan for your best outcomes. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your goals in treatment. I look forward to working with you!
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23ee27a1-93f4-4a90-8c48-2c97e8f75a2f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92705 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7325aef-55ba-4a13-b241-c8a9cd20d842/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![Photo of Jordan Blaine, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b47b7f43-396f-4920-91d4-fc4ff9005375/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92705 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING 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.
ACCEPTING 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.
![Photo of Jesse Bonilla, PMNHP, BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd659b42-8463-4adf-8c10-cdee7e947de3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jesse Bonilla
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMNHP, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705 (Online Only)
Mental health impacts our lives in many ways, from the energy we wake up with to the thoughts we have before we go to sleep, as well as the sleep in between! Whether you or a loved one are suffering from depression, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, substance abuse, work place stress or going through life changes, I want to help. Your safety is my priority and we will create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals through medication management and therapy. "Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Stephen King
Mental health impacts our lives in many ways, from the energy we wake up with to the thoughts we have before we go to sleep, as well as the sleep in between! Whether you or a loved one are suffering from depression, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, substance abuse, work place stress or going through life changes, I want to help. Your safety is my priority and we will create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals through medication management and therapy. "Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - Stephen King
![Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43f4981c-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 Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed6ec63-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.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 Dr. Katelyn Magsino, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c440cbb-ae0a-43fd-9720-77d00a44a31c/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Katelyn Magsino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Struggling with attention issue, depression or anxiety can cause increased difficulties and can affect your ability to have or enjoy relationships or may even disrupt your ability to function at work, school or home. Problems with your emotional health can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest. Dr. Katelyn Magsino, DNP is a Doctorate Prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, & other mental health disorders. Dr. Magsino focuses on your needs and is here to help you.
Struggling with attention issue, depression or anxiety can cause increased difficulties and can affect your ability to have or enjoy relationships or may even disrupt your ability to function at work, school or home. Problems with your emotional health can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest. Dr. Katelyn Magsino, DNP is a Doctorate Prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, & other mental health disorders. Dr. Magsino focuses on your needs and is here to help you.
![Photo of Veronica Arres, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79488575-3998-4ca4-af06-2f4bc2ba7fa1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Ana Jimenez, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85f5b42a-dec7-49fc-9277-c1a843f6c28a/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!
15 Second Videos
Sensible Care
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Jordan Blaine
Ana Jimenez
Jessica Vermeulen
![Photo of Julie Chu, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fe9a59b-6e33-455c-960b-15bb0cfed3a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Chu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
North Tustin, CA 92705
Julie Chu is a Board-Certified, licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and her Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from California State University Long Beach. With an extensive background in psychiatric care, she specializes in primary mental health or dual diagnosis concerns.
Julie Chu is a Board-Certified, licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Coast University and her Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from California State University Long Beach. With an extensive background in psychiatric care, she specializes in primary mental health or dual diagnosis concerns.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54eb55ec-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 Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54eb83b6-46cd-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 Jessica Vermeulen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8351532-f21c-4b55-b7b0-55fd5cf18f2b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Vermeulen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
See more therapy options for 92705
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 92705
10+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in 92705 who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
93% | Medication Management |
87% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
87% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Depression |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 92705 see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Male | |
34% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 92705?
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.