Psychiatrists in 95060
![Photo of Deborah S Johnson, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90c84dd2-116b-4e61-a08d-c1d2c5f85bf3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), trained across the lifespan but specialized with children, adolescents and families. In addition to practicing from a strengths-based perspective, I have taught child/adolescent/family psychotherapy at UCSF, where I am a Professor Emeritus in the PMHNP and DNP programs. Furthermore, I am a Fellow with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP).
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), trained across the lifespan but specialized with children, adolescents and families. In addition to practicing from a strengths-based perspective, I have taught child/adolescent/family psychotherapy at UCSF, where I am a Professor Emeritus in the PMHNP and DNP programs. Furthermore, I am a Fellow with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP).
![Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19f4e550-8ba5-4250-97fa-2ca8fc00c626/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
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 Allied Healers, 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.
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 Allied Healers, 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 Inti Flores, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb595e8f-2dde-4e80-bea1-26f498da52a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I treat a wide range of concerns including problems related to mood and anxiety, difficulties with intimacy and relationships, self-defeating behaviors, substance use problems, PTSD and complex forms of developmental trauma, challenging stage-of-life transitions, loss and bereavement, concerns regarding gender and sexuality, difficulties stemming from socially and culturally located trauma, living with pain and/or medical illness, as well as other problems adapting to stressful circumstances.
I treat a wide range of concerns including problems related to mood and anxiety, difficulties with intimacy and relationships, self-defeating behaviors, substance use problems, PTSD and complex forms of developmental trauma, challenging stage-of-life transitions, loss and bereavement, concerns regarding gender and sexuality, difficulties stemming from socially and culturally located trauma, living with pain and/or medical illness, as well as other problems adapting to stressful circumstances.
![Photo of Jaime Jimenez, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e37d50c-0ffd-4f17-be14-abb512a0df24/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaime Jimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
![Photo of Julianne Vilardi - Zelinka, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0e452da-b61c-41c7-a935-eee37223ad64/3/320x400.png)
Julianne Vilardi - Zelinka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. My practice focuses on integrative mental health for emotional and physical well-being, using non-ordinary states of consciousness. I use an integrative and holistic approach to treat patients who have experienced trauma. I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. After living my entire life in the San Fransisco Bay Area, I relocated to Santa Cruz. I have always dreamed of living close to the ocean and am happy to walk to the ocean everyday. I love to be outdoors, travel, and spend time with my dog. I enjoy practicing yoga and meditating.
I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. My practice focuses on integrative mental health for emotional and physical well-being, using non-ordinary states of consciousness. I use an integrative and holistic approach to treat patients who have experienced trauma. I am motivated to help my patients reach optimal wellness. After living my entire life in the San Fransisco Bay Area, I relocated to Santa Cruz. I have always dreamed of living close to the ocean and am happy to walk to the ocean everyday. I love to be outdoors, travel, and spend time with my dog. I enjoy practicing yoga and meditating.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82b91a0c-3a71-44d9-8267-f67142adec14/2/320x400.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 Andrea Ludwick, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1d4652d-3113-45d3-8a07-f7b1a928c411/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Ludwick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
September 2024: Currently taking new clients! Insurance accepted: Aetna, FHN, Cigna/Evernorth, UHC/Optum, Humana, TRICARE, Magellan, Medicare with more insurance carriers being covered soon. Cash pay/Out of Network is ok and we can provide a super bill upon request. My ideal client is someone who wants to understand their mental health and the different options for managing their symptoms and treating the underlying causes. You want to use the most up-to-date treatment strategies for your mental health. You are interested in building a lasting relationship with your provider.
September 2024: Currently taking new clients! Insurance accepted: Aetna, FHN, Cigna/Evernorth, UHC/Optum, Humana, TRICARE, Magellan, Medicare with more insurance carriers being covered soon. Cash pay/Out of Network is ok and we can provide a super bill upon request. My ideal client is someone who wants to understand their mental health and the different options for managing their symptoms and treating the underlying causes. You want to use the most up-to-date treatment strategies for your mental health. You are interested in building a lasting relationship with your provider.
![Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa35e5a2-7db3-44c9-b214-6a96ca5f51b8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
![Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24245896-488d-434d-9b1d-1d611bfa4a68/1/320x400.jpeg)
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
![Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47a96326-e4f0-4f13-942c-897ec1935efa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
![Photo of James Walter Darden IV - Force 10 Psychiatry, PMHNP, ACNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a2210d8-9546-4710-9380-26bc189450ae/1/320x400.png)
Force 10 Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ACNP-BC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
At Force 10 Psychiatry, our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. We specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Our goal is empowering you to achieve your fullest potential and lead a fulfilling life.
At Force 10 Psychiatry, our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults. We specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Our goal is empowering you to achieve your fullest potential and lead a fulfilling life.
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![Photo of Amelia Jester, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a62466c2-6697-4f5a-9241-47a272414a89/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ami Jester is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than seven years of experience, including exploring the country as a travel nurse. Dr. Jester is focused on improving LGBTQIA+ patients’ experiences in healthcare settings and is passionate about raising the bar in LGBTQIA+ health. She wants her patients to be successful in school, work, and relationships, as a person who will always be learning and growing. Dr. Jester respects each patient’s unique experiences in the world and understands how the intersectionality of multiple identities affects it.
Ami Jester is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than seven years of experience, including exploring the country as a travel nurse. Dr. Jester is focused on improving LGBTQIA+ patients’ experiences in healthcare settings and is passionate about raising the bar in LGBTQIA+ health. She wants her patients to be successful in school, work, and relationships, as a person who will always be learning and growing. Dr. Jester respects each patient’s unique experiences in the world and understands how the intersectionality of multiple identities affects it.
![Photo of Jaime Jimenez, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e26ba2f-ada6-4945-9689-91f70e744fdd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaime Jimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
Are you frustrated with clinicians not calling you back or whose costs are prohibitive? Have you been wondering if medications may be an appropriate treatment for your persistent mental health symptoms? I will listen carefully and patiently to you and reflect not only your concerns, but also the strengths and motivations you bring to improving your mental health. I will work “with” you to develop a holistic assessment of your needs, suggest evidence-based treatments, and explain how these address the goals we establish collaboratively.
![Photo of Rudy Roque, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4f99cef-6ecb-4afa-9e3c-668235d921d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rudy Roque
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/261eb909-ca64-4a40-95a7-562275d9ea7c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (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 Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/134b5b9f-48ae-4870-a615-42d5a336bcba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of Zachary Gilliam, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46bc63db-1b10-4609-9577-b94ae82bf63f/1/320x400.png)
Zachary Gilliam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
Hello! My name is Zac Gilliam, and I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG). In working with patients, I strive for a holistic approach to care that encompasses eating healthy, staying active, sleeping well, spending time with people you love, and doing the work and activities you enjoy, all of which are so important to mental health. Working on all of the things that contribute to well-being creates a synergistic effect to help patients achieve lasting and meaningful improvements.
![Photo of Ferhad Ahmad, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fee9ef9-1fc7-467b-9670-2c7f745a5cfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating patients with anxiety or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I believe mental health is a vital aspect of any individual's well-being, and I work to have every patient with depression be as symptom-free as possible and enjoy life to the fullest. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to be an important treatment modality, as it allows me to work with my patients and tailor individual treatment modalities specific to their symptoms, and relieve their suffering from depression or another psychological disorder. I believe that TMS can be an alternative instrument or an addition to medications.
I specialize in treating patients with anxiety or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). I believe mental health is a vital aspect of any individual's well-being, and I work to have every patient with depression be as symptom-free as possible and enjoy life to the fullest. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to be an important treatment modality, as it allows me to work with my patients and tailor individual treatment modalities specific to their symptoms, and relieve their suffering from depression or another psychological disorder. I believe that TMS can be an alternative instrument or an addition to medications.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3331ca89-eca2-4bc1-be41-479a95b22e02/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of Dr. Axeline Johnson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9011716-da96-44d1-8177-69ad772f4431/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Johnson is bilingual (Spanish and English) and a Board-certified psychiatrist. She is welcoming new patients seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and other mental health concerns. With medical education at UCLA and specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, she combines knowledge of psychopharmacology with a nuanced understanding of patients' concerns and experiences with medications. She is particularly cognisant of therapeutic inertia, and works with her patients to ensure that medications are effective and not over-used.
Dr. Johnson is bilingual (Spanish and English) and a Board-certified psychiatrist. She is welcoming new patients seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and other mental health concerns. With medical education at UCLA and specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, she combines knowledge of psychopharmacology with a nuanced understanding of patients' concerns and experiences with medications. She is particularly cognisant of therapeutic inertia, and works with her patients to ensure that medications are effective and not over-used.
See more therapy options for 95060
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 95060
20+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in 95060 who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
82% | Medication Management |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
64% | Trauma and PTSD |
61% | ADHD |
57% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 95060 see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
52% | Male | |
48% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 95060?
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.