Psychiatrists in North Carolina
![Photo of Mari-Jane Shaffer, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dcb316e8-130b-4cef-8441-0119dc944e88/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mari-Jane Shaffer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
As a dedicated psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, I find fulfillment in collaborating with patients across all age groups, guiding them towards holistic wellness.
As a dedicated psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, I find fulfillment in collaborating with patients across all age groups, guiding them towards holistic wellness.
![Photo of Amanda Ward, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b09c0e5-ee52-473f-9591-35de39e16af6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda, a native of Morganton, began her career in healthcare as a registered nurse at Broughton Hospital. Working in an inpatient psychiatric setting for nearly a decade, and dealing with her own depression and anxiety, opened Amanda’s eyes to the unique challenges faced by those with mental illness. Desiring to have a greater influence within the mental health community, Amanda pursued her master’s degree and graduated from Walden University in 2021.
Amanda, a native of Morganton, began her career in healthcare as a registered nurse at Broughton Hospital. Working in an inpatient psychiatric setting for nearly a decade, and dealing with her own depression and anxiety, opened Amanda’s eyes to the unique challenges faced by those with mental illness. Desiring to have a greater influence within the mental health community, Amanda pursued her master’s degree and graduated from Walden University in 2021.
![Photo of Jayson Varughese, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7035e841-bc54-464a-a6ab-7ca9de19983c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an adult psychiatrist with interests in mood disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders as well as geriatrics.
I am an adult psychiatrist with interests in mood disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders as well as geriatrics.
![Photo of Sakina Alston - Mind You Wellness, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18d0fce6-cf77-4049-9e29-0acd3938a284/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mind You Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mooresville, NC 28117 (Online Only)
Rather than treating disorders, at Mind You Wellness, we focus on evaluating how limitations or symptoms impact life and goals. Then we come up with a plan to optimize individual functioning together. Twelve years of nursing experience allowed me to treat and gain familiarity with people from all walks of life; I also had the opportunity to understand their barriers to functioning at their best. I was born in the United Kingdom, then I lived in the inner city of Philadelphia, and suburbs of NJ until I moved to rural areas of NC. Living in various places contributes to my ability to understand various cultural nuances and impact.
Rather than treating disorders, at Mind You Wellness, we focus on evaluating how limitations or symptoms impact life and goals. Then we come up with a plan to optimize individual functioning together. Twelve years of nursing experience allowed me to treat and gain familiarity with people from all walks of life; I also had the opportunity to understand their barriers to functioning at their best. I was born in the United Kingdom, then I lived in the inner city of Philadelphia, and suburbs of NJ until I moved to rural areas of NC. Living in various places contributes to my ability to understand various cultural nuances and impact.
![Photo of Byron Strother, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/861bae4a-9bde-485e-a68c-efc497f8f7db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Strother graduated from Case Western Reserve medical school in Cleveland Ohio, and completed his psychiatry residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He is a board-certified psychiatrist, and has been proud to practice his specialty in the US Army as an active duty physician. Dr. Strother is also an attorney who previously specialized in corporate tax law. Doc B as he is frequently called by many of his patients, enjoys both outpatient psychiatry and inpatient acute care.
Dr. Strother graduated from Case Western Reserve medical school in Cleveland Ohio, and completed his psychiatry residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He is a board-certified psychiatrist, and has been proud to practice his specialty in the US Army as an active duty physician. Dr. Strother is also an attorney who previously specialized in corporate tax law. Doc B as he is frequently called by many of his patients, enjoys both outpatient psychiatry and inpatient acute care.
![Photo of Jill Overman, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ab60955-6319-4f67-a57f-b4926073b53a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jill believes true progress lies in the well-being of the patient.
Jill believes true progress lies in the well-being of the patient.
![Photo of Joshua Dittmer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f58f3a7-3a4f-479d-94ce-989728cd61ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
I treat most all mental health problems. My focus is on opiate use disorder and benzodiazepine dependence. I prescribe buprenorphine products (Suboxone and Subutex). If you or someone you love is in need of help NOW I will do my best to get back to you promptly and get you seen within days, if not sooner. Leave me a message or a text, I will get back to you shortly to talk about your needs and how I can help.
I treat most all mental health problems. My focus is on opiate use disorder and benzodiazepine dependence. I prescribe buprenorphine products (Suboxone and Subutex). If you or someone you love is in need of help NOW I will do my best to get back to you promptly and get you seen within days, if not sooner. Leave me a message or a text, I will get back to you shortly to talk about your needs and how I can help.
![Photo of Jason T. Witmer - Jason T. Witmer, MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/652de7c1-e36b-41d1-9642-abbe3cca4a19/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help people dealing with a range of questions, including deciding who and how to love, how to create family and community, finding meaning and success in work, how to cope with loss, issues related to gender, identity, and race, and how to overcome anxiety and depression.
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help people dealing with a range of questions, including deciding who and how to love, how to create family and community, finding meaning and success in work, how to cope with loss, issues related to gender, identity, and race, and how to overcome anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Dr. Richard Stratton, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/265e63ca-df86-4ebd-a9a2-407410acaa22/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Richard Stratton enjoys hearing people’s stories and helping to guide them through some of the most challenging times in their lives. He is most passionate about connecting with people and building therapeutic relationships.
Dr. Richard Stratton enjoys hearing people’s stories and helping to guide them through some of the most challenging times in their lives. He is most passionate about connecting with people and building therapeutic relationships.
![Photo of Shanna Mago, FNP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e431883-42a8-4435-9c1c-0840db8eee37/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shanna Mago
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
Shanna Mago is dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a total of ten years of experience including four years in an inpatient psychiatric hospital where she was the lead medical provider. This experience led her to pursue her post-master's psychiatric mental health education from Maryville University of St. Louis. She works with children and adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and various other mental health concerns. She is committed to providing compassionate care that focuses on therapeutic rapport while following evidence-base guidelines.
Shanna Mago is dual board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a total of ten years of experience including four years in an inpatient psychiatric hospital where she was the lead medical provider. This experience led her to pursue her post-master's psychiatric mental health education from Maryville University of St. Louis. She works with children and adults with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and various other mental health concerns. She is committed to providing compassionate care that focuses on therapeutic rapport while following evidence-base guidelines.
![Photo of Rachel C Poliquin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/510fd543-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily by psychotherapy, listening carefully to understand your experience. Feeling understood and accepted can be liberating, which helps us as we work together to understand problems in daily life, such as work, relationships, or school. Our exploration might include talking about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, and fantasies. This process opens up more happiness, well-being, and freedom to make the choices you want.
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily by psychotherapy, listening carefully to understand your experience. Feeling understood and accepted can be liberating, which helps us as we work together to understand problems in daily life, such as work, relationships, or school. Our exploration might include talking about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, and fantasies. This process opens up more happiness, well-being, and freedom to make the choices you want.
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![Photo of Hazel T Maston - Partners in Prosperity Health, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18d831ee-a9dd-4a0e-b656-51921221d77e/4/320x400.png)
At Partners in Prosperity Health, we work with adults experiencing challenges with mood, anxiety, focus problems, relationships and career. We want to work with individuals interested in developing a true understanding of themselves and who wish to take control of their well-being. We believe you are the expert of your own life. We offer guidance rooted in years of experience and clinical training. Treatment will be based on your choices and goals and may include therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, nutrition, supplements, and when appropriate, medications.
At Partners in Prosperity Health, we work with adults experiencing challenges with mood, anxiety, focus problems, relationships and career. We want to work with individuals interested in developing a true understanding of themselves and who wish to take control of their well-being. We believe you are the expert of your own life. We offer guidance rooted in years of experience and clinical training. Treatment will be based on your choices and goals and may include therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, nutrition, supplements, and when appropriate, medications.
![Photo of Whitney Andrew, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb4306ea-51c1-4aad-b8a0-21a27e244a5e/2/320x400.png)
I treat a wide range of patients with many different mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or personality disorders. I help my patients to seek support in coping with these issues and improving their overall well-being. Their needs may include finding strategies to manage their symptoms, learning to understand, and process their emotions, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. My ultimate goal is to improve their mental health, increase their self-esteem and resilience, and lead a more fulfilling life.
I treat a wide range of patients with many different mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or personality disorders. I help my patients to seek support in coping with these issues and improving their overall well-being. Their needs may include finding strategies to manage their symptoms, learning to understand, and process their emotions, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. My ultimate goal is to improve their mental health, increase their self-esteem and resilience, and lead a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Denise Wilbanks, DNP, MA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b933375-459b-4c94-b6d8-d054affe5cd3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Denise Wilbanks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28805 (Online Only)
Great to meet you! I am Denise. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience. I specialize in creating safe containers for patients to discover their own power and ability to heal. Working together, leveraging therapeutic exploration, empowerment, and inspiring you to understand the mind, body and spirit connection for whole health. You will discover your own truth and learn to expand yourself and your life to be the medicine and become your own hero.
Great to meet you! I am Denise. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience. I specialize in creating safe containers for patients to discover their own power and ability to heal. Working together, leveraging therapeutic exploration, empowerment, and inspiring you to understand the mind, body and spirit connection for whole health. You will discover your own truth and learn to expand yourself and your life to be the medicine and become your own hero.
![Photo of Karen Cullen, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ee3d004-2c74-4c1c-bb16-368753a6fe7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen is passionate about providing a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere for her patients.
Karen is passionate about providing a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere for her patients.
![Photo of Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57ba3217-2e86-4dc3-b2e9-95f874f770cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
We do not require a referral and can typically see you in less than a week. Sahil Talwar is a physician assistant with 8 years of experience in emergency, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. He is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. He graduated from South College with his Master's in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. He is the owner of Carolina Psychiatry and Addiction Services.
We do not require a referral and can typically see you in less than a week. Sahil Talwar is a physician assistant with 8 years of experience in emergency, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. He is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. He graduated from South College with his Master's in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. He is the owner of Carolina Psychiatry and Addiction Services.
![Photo of Joanna Wiseman - Wise Mind and Body, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec77a218-6a9c-4059-ba82-5ce91b95fe7d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wise Mind and Body
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28297 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients from anywhere in North Carolina! Are you overwhelmed with life’s day to day responsibilities? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression or trouble sleeping? Do you want more balance in your life? There is hope! Joanna Wiseman will guide you on your journey to personal growth and happiness through mental stability. Schedule your first appointment with Joanna today.
Accepting new patients from anywhere in North Carolina! Are you overwhelmed with life’s day to day responsibilities? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression or trouble sleeping? Do you want more balance in your life? There is hope! Joanna Wiseman will guide you on your journey to personal growth and happiness through mental stability. Schedule your first appointment with Joanna today.
![Photo of Leistey Tindall, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95a4136b-7ddd-48a3-a545-a007629b4d14/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leistey Tindall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Rockingham, NC 28379 (Online Only)
Mind & Body Wellness is a premier Mental Health Practice headquartered in Rockingham, North Carolina. Serving all of North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Mecklenburg and surrounding areas. We also offer telemedicine in the state of Florida. All appointments are held virtually and our focus is on your journey in building and managing a healthier you. As a dual Board Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care I am compassionate about the individual needs of each patient and together we will design a customized and comprehensive care plan for your continued care.
Mind & Body Wellness is a premier Mental Health Practice headquartered in Rockingham, North Carolina. Serving all of North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Mecklenburg and surrounding areas. We also offer telemedicine in the state of Florida. All appointments are held virtually and our focus is on your journey in building and managing a healthier you. As a dual Board Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care I am compassionate about the individual needs of each patient and together we will design a customized and comprehensive care plan for your continued care.
![Photo of Dr. Caleb Whitenack, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c25a880-9ee2-4896-9926-1e53ca26ebfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I treat patients who are facing mental health challenges, like ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, bipolar disorder as well as mental health issues specific to women. Patients are usually looking for relief from overwhelming symptoms, a deeper understanding of their emotions, and a pathway to healing. Their ultimate goal is not just survival but to thrive—to rediscover stability, boost self-esteem, and reclaim a life filled with purpose and joy.
I treat patients who are facing mental health challenges, like ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, bipolar disorder as well as mental health issues specific to women. Patients are usually looking for relief from overwhelming symptoms, a deeper understanding of their emotions, and a pathway to healing. Their ultimate goal is not just survival but to thrive—to rediscover stability, boost self-esteem, and reclaim a life filled with purpose and joy.
![Photo of Peter Buonaccorsi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8f06dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and care are best undertaken with humility and humor in all parties. Though the human condition often feels impossible and suffering unbearable, Psychiatry can offer help with these complex and vexing issues. I promise to do my best to communicate clearly and to listen diligently to your concerns and problems. Working with parents and their children is a special privilege for me. I enjoy helping people meet the tasks of becoming a parent and learning to parent their child. I have found that these challenges are among the most difficult that most people ever encounter.
Psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and care are best undertaken with humility and humor in all parties. Though the human condition often feels impossible and suffering unbearable, Psychiatry can offer help with these complex and vexing issues. I promise to do my best to communicate clearly and to listen diligently to your concerns and problems. Working with parents and their children is a special privilege for me. I enjoy helping people meet the tasks of becoming a parent and learning to parent their child. I have found that these challenges are among the most difficult that most people ever encounter.
See more therapy options for North Carolina
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$180
Psychiatrists in North Carolina who prioritize treating:
92% | Depression |
92% | Anxiety |
80% | ADHD |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Medication Management |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
82% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in North Carolina see their clients
71% | In Person and Online | |
29% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in North Carolina?
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.