Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA
Symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in a person’s brain. Medications can relieve these symptoms by changing brain chemicals that influence mood and thought patterns. Because every individual responds differently to every medication, a specialized neuropsychiatrist is the best equipped to prescribe and manage drug therapy. At Kaizen, our neuropsychiatrist considers the whole patient, including symptom and medication history. Dr. Ahmed also has a strong background with military, veteran, and active-duty patients suffering from PTSD, MDD, or Generalized Anxiety.
Symptoms such as depression and anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in a person’s brain. Medications can relieve these symptoms by changing brain chemicals that influence mood and thought patterns. Because every individual responds differently to every medication, a specialized neuropsychiatrist is the best equipped to prescribe and manage drug therapy. At Kaizen, our neuropsychiatrist considers the whole patient, including symptom and medication history. Dr. Ahmed also has a strong background with military, veteran, and active-duty patients suffering from PTSD, MDD, or Generalized Anxiety.
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).
Mary Ewing (Formerly Weiss)
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Ewing has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health conditions in outpatient, community, and hospital settings. In addition to expertise in psychopharmacology, she specializes in individuals with treatment resistant depression, utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for individuals who have had limited response to medications.
Dr. Ewing has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health conditions in outpatient, community, and hospital settings. In addition to expertise in psychopharmacology, she specializes in individuals with treatment resistant depression, utilizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for individuals who have had limited response to medications.
Kirsten Kuhn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
As a provider, Kirsten takes a holistic approach to mental health care and aims to use the least amount of medication possible. She sees great value in helping her clients access alternative treatments (development of executive functioning skills, focusing on nutrition and exercise, promoting talk therapy, acupuncture and energy healing, etc.) that are often overlooked by conventional psychiatric providers.
As a provider, Kirsten takes a holistic approach to mental health care and aims to use the least amount of medication possible. She sees great value in helping her clients access alternative treatments (development of executive functioning skills, focusing on nutrition and exercise, promoting talk therapy, acupuncture and energy healing, etc.) that are often overlooked by conventional psychiatric providers.
Kristin Lulich
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Kristin Lulich is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, providing care to children, adolescents, and adults. She received her MSN and DNP from the University of San Diego, NEI Master Psychopharmacology certified. Her experience has encompassed a variety of settings and specialties including inpatient, outpatient, crisis stabilization, consult-liaison psychiatry, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). She has a strong belief in holistic care and creates individualized treatment plans using combinations of pharmacotherapy and individual therapy as well as complimentary and alternative approaches.
Kristin Lulich is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, providing care to children, adolescents, and adults. She received her MSN and DNP from the University of San Diego, NEI Master Psychopharmacology certified. Her experience has encompassed a variety of settings and specialties including inpatient, outpatient, crisis stabilization, consult-liaison psychiatry, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). She has a strong belief in holistic care and creates individualized treatment plans using combinations of pharmacotherapy and individual therapy as well as complimentary and alternative approaches.
Kristoffer A. Ancho is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He is a master’s prepared nurse practitioner with 10 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse. He has extensive experience caring for geriatrics, adults, adolescents, and children suffering from mental illness at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. He also provided care for veterans at the VA San Diego’s Neuromodulation Clinic. He is experienced with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Esketamine (Spravato), and IV Ketamine infusion.
Kristoffer A. Ancho is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He is a master’s prepared nurse practitioner with 10 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse. He has extensive experience caring for geriatrics, adults, adolescents, and children suffering from mental illness at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. He also provided care for veterans at the VA San Diego’s Neuromodulation Clinic. He is experienced with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Esketamine (Spravato), and IV Ketamine infusion.
Dr. Jennifer Rego Kearney is dual board-certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry.
Dr. Jennifer Rego Kearney is dual board-certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry.
Nikki integrates empathy and compassion into her treatment philosophy, using both person-centered and holistic approaches. She combines mindfulness and wellness strategies with traditional psychiatric treatments to nurture both the mind and body, enhancing her patients' overall well-being. Motivated to positively impact others' lives, Nikki finds it both humbling and rewarding to support individuals during their toughest times and to witness their paths to recovery and resilience.
Nikki integrates empathy and compassion into her treatment philosophy, using both person-centered and holistic approaches. She combines mindfulness and wellness strategies with traditional psychiatric treatments to nurture both the mind and body, enhancing her patients' overall well-being. Motivated to positively impact others' lives, Nikki finds it both humbling and rewarding to support individuals during their toughest times and to witness their paths to recovery and resilience.
Jack Perlov, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience as a University professor, psychotherapist and treating all ages and most conditions. He attended medical school at The University of Manitoba and went on to complete his psychiatric residency at the McMaster University Medical Center and University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Perlov completed his Child and Adolescent fellowship at the University of Toronto, where he also served as a Chief Resident at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Jack Perlov, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience as a University professor, psychotherapist and treating all ages and most conditions. He attended medical school at The University of Manitoba and went on to complete his psychiatric residency at the McMaster University Medical Center and University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Perlov completed his Child and Adolescent fellowship at the University of Toronto, where he also served as a Chief Resident at the Hospital for Sick Children.
Open availability for Bay Area and Southern California. Hylermed is a California based telepsychiatry and face to face practice for routine, urgent, and crisis visits. Initial consultations can be scheduled within one business day thanks to our fluid availability. Treatment for ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, trauma and other conditions are accessible. In addition, the practice is available for all Lyra Health clients. If you’re seeking a provider that is affordable, congenial, experienced and relatable, you came to the right place.
Open availability for Bay Area and Southern California. Hylermed is a California based telepsychiatry and face to face practice for routine, urgent, and crisis visits. Initial consultations can be scheduled within one business day thanks to our fluid availability. Treatment for ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, trauma and other conditions are accessible. In addition, the practice is available for all Lyra Health clients. If you’re seeking a provider that is affordable, congenial, experienced and relatable, you came to the right place.
My expertise is providing cutting-edge treatment alternatives to conventional approaches. If conventional treatments such a psychotherapy or medications have failed to fully address your depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, etc, our team at Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute can provide highly advanced alternatives to help you break free from these debilitating conditions. I was the first provider to introduce FDA-approved Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in San Diego (2009) and the first to provide ketamine therapy (2008). I have more cumulative experience in utilizing these two innovative techniques than any other provider.
My expertise is providing cutting-edge treatment alternatives to conventional approaches. If conventional treatments such a psychotherapy or medications have failed to fully address your depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, etc, our team at Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute can provide highly advanced alternatives to help you break free from these debilitating conditions. I was the first provider to introduce FDA-approved Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in San Diego (2009) and the first to provide ketamine therapy (2008). I have more cumulative experience in utilizing these two innovative techniques than any other provider.
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Miss Danko is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who received her DNP from the University of San Diego. Having worked with children, adolescents, and adults in the mental health field for over 19 years, she welcomes all ages as clients. Her approach to mental health care is based on a strong belief in mind-body wellness that integrates complementary treatments including talk therapy, lifestyle modification, and medication management as well as alternative options.
Miss Danko is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who received her DNP from the University of San Diego. Having worked with children, adolescents, and adults in the mental health field for over 19 years, she welcomes all ages as clients. Her approach to mental health care is based on a strong belief in mind-body wellness that integrates complementary treatments including talk therapy, lifestyle modification, and medication management as well as alternative options.
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and help with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, career counseling, domestic violence, hoarding, life transitions, self-esteem, school-related issues, trauma, and women’s issues. I also provide gender-affirming mental health care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and help with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, career counseling, domestic violence, hoarding, life transitions, self-esteem, school-related issues, trauma, and women’s issues. I also provide gender-affirming mental health care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have extensive experience providing medication-management to adults with psychiatric illness. Please visit my website moyermd.com for more detailed background.
I have extensive experience providing medication-management to adults with psychiatric illness. Please visit my website moyermd.com for more detailed background.
My practice is designed for individuals who have been struggling and frustrated by an inability to achieve their goals in life. Together, we will work on recovery, growth, and flourishing. I have advanced training in biological psychiatry and psychotherapy. My philosophy on psychopharmacology is a thoughtful and minimalistic approach. We will use medications to enhance your own mind and body’s own healing powers to reassert themselves.
My practice is designed for individuals who have been struggling and frustrated by an inability to achieve their goals in life. Together, we will work on recovery, growth, and flourishing. I have advanced training in biological psychiatry and psychotherapy. My philosophy on psychopharmacology is a thoughtful and minimalistic approach. We will use medications to enhance your own mind and body’s own healing powers to reassert themselves.
I am a double board certified (in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine) adult psychiatrist with strong psychopharmacology and psychotherapy(CBT, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing and Couples Therapy) background. I treat adult patients with variety of mental illnesses and substance use problems. I see patients in person and via video teleconferencing.
I am a double board certified (in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine) adult psychiatrist with strong psychopharmacology and psychotherapy(CBT, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing and Couples Therapy) background. I treat adult patients with variety of mental illnesses and substance use problems. I see patients in person and via video teleconferencing.
My working philosophy is simple, the patient comes first. That said, my approach to medicine is personalized, cordial, with a collaborative relationship and a touch of professional know how. My experience encompasses child, community, veteran and county mental health clinics. I also provide coverage for crisis houses, inpatient units, psychiatric emergency rooms and detention centers. I am a military veteran, UCLA alumni and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of California, Riverside. Call today for a free phone consultation for medication management of opiate addiction, manic, depressive, anxiety, psychotic and cognitive disorders.
My working philosophy is simple, the patient comes first. That said, my approach to medicine is personalized, cordial, with a collaborative relationship and a touch of professional know how. My experience encompasses child, community, veteran and county mental health clinics. I also provide coverage for crisis houses, inpatient units, psychiatric emergency rooms and detention centers. I am a military veteran, UCLA alumni and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of California, Riverside. Call today for a free phone consultation for medication management of opiate addiction, manic, depressive, anxiety, psychotic and cognitive disorders.
Hills Neuroscience Integrative Psychology
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Are you grappling with life's challenges, obsessive thinking, feeling sad, fearful, worried, or distracted? If these struggles affect your work, relationships, and overall well-being, I'm here to guide you toward a comprehensive healing journey. We'll collaborate to develop a personalized plan that draws on the power of various therapeutic approaches. I specialize in utilizing TMS to harness advanced technology to influence brain activity, promoting balance and relief from challenging symptoms and enhancing performance.
Are you grappling with life's challenges, obsessive thinking, feeling sad, fearful, worried, or distracted? If these struggles affect your work, relationships, and overall well-being, I'm here to guide you toward a comprehensive healing journey. We'll collaborate to develop a personalized plan that draws on the power of various therapeutic approaches. I specialize in utilizing TMS to harness advanced technology to influence brain activity, promoting balance and relief from challenging symptoms and enhancing performance.
Ana Lopez Hopkins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Welcome! Ana Lopez Hopkins is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. She is accepting new patients via telehealth or in person at Mind Bloom La Jolla. She holds a Master's degree from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Arizona. Since 2017, she has gained extensive experience working in the hospital setting, where she has honed in on skills in managing a wide range of mental health conditions.
Welcome! Ana Lopez Hopkins is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. She is accepting new patients via telehealth or in person at Mind Bloom La Jolla. She holds a Master's degree from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Arizona. Since 2017, she has gained extensive experience working in the hospital setting, where she has honed in on skills in managing a wide range of mental health conditions.
Hani Michael Atallah - Wholistic Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
I am an integrative and holistic psychiatrist specializing in anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression, and bipolar disorder. I help high-functioning adults and athletes struggling with burnout, perfectionism, and the overwhelming demands of their professional and personal lives. Collaborating closely, I address stubborn patterns, enhance work performance, and foster healthier relationships, all while eliminating toxicity. I also have a special interest in helping individuals struggling with addiction and eating disorders, and I offer culturally competent care to immigrants facing identity issues and who feel stuck in a survival mindset.
I am an integrative and holistic psychiatrist specializing in anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression, and bipolar disorder. I help high-functioning adults and athletes struggling with burnout, perfectionism, and the overwhelming demands of their professional and personal lives. Collaborating closely, I address stubborn patterns, enhance work performance, and foster healthier relationships, all while eliminating toxicity. I also have a special interest in helping individuals struggling with addiction and eating disorders, and I offer culturally competent care to immigrants facing identity issues and who feel stuck in a survival mindset.
See more therapy options for La Jolla
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA
90+
Average cost per session
$220
Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA who prioritize treating:
99% | Anxiety |
98% | Depression |
79% | ADHD |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Medication Management |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | Aetna |
91% | Cigna and Evernorth |
85% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in La Jolla, CA see their clients
59% | In Person and Online | |
41% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
64% | Female | |
36% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in La Jolla?
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.