Psychiatrists in Alpine, CA
![Photo of Molly McLaren, MSN, APNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b81617b-26c8-4b12-a384-e5ac1b5748f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Molly McLaren
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
22 Endorsed
Alpine, CA 91901 (Online Only)
Are you often tense, restless, or irritable? Are you frequently distracted or forgetful in daily tasks? Do you often feel sad, empty, or hopeless for extended periods? Navigating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Insomnia, Trauma, or Autism is overwhelming. You need personalized care from someone who listens attentively, not an algorithm. You're more than just a diagnosis or prescription. Your goal is to find effective solutions that bring permanent relief, not a bandaid. Beyond medication, you desire genuine understanding that is often overlooked in typical medication management.
Are you often tense, restless, or irritable? Are you frequently distracted or forgetful in daily tasks? Do you often feel sad, empty, or hopeless for extended periods? Navigating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Insomnia, Trauma, or Autism is overwhelming. You need personalized care from someone who listens attentively, not an algorithm. You're more than just a diagnosis or prescription. Your goal is to find effective solutions that bring permanent relief, not a bandaid. Beyond medication, you desire genuine understanding that is often overlooked in typical medication management.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Brittany Murray, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19864ad9-5390-4907-afc9-2659112e0b7b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Murray is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After gaining extensive experience as a nurse across several disciplines, she then went on to obtain her Post-Master's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of South Alabama in 2018.
Brittany Murray is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After gaining extensive experience as a nurse across several disciplines, she then went on to obtain her Post-Master's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of South Alabama in 2018.
Dr Marina Katz graduated in a medical school in the Republic of Moldova. She completed United States Medical Licensing Examination requirements in 1998 and graduated from a psychiatric residency program at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in 2003. Dr. Marina Katz has been practicing psychiatry from 2003. She has been seeing patients in various settings, including office stetting, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms. Her interests include telemedicine, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders. Dr Marina Katz sees patients ages 18 and older.
Dr Marina Katz graduated in a medical school in the Republic of Moldova. She completed United States Medical Licensing Examination requirements in 1998 and graduated from a psychiatric residency program at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in 2003. Dr. Marina Katz has been practicing psychiatry from 2003. She has been seeing patients in various settings, including office stetting, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms. Her interests include telemedicine, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders. Dr Marina Katz sees patients ages 18 and older.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24a02cd3-a212-4ef9-96b0-4d6d0ab1a963/1/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
![Photo of Mihir Upadhyaya, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6686181a-6b5c-451b-a298-6c009b87d404/2/320x400.jpeg)
My patients can expect experience, empathy, and compassion. I’m well-rounded, and able to quickly identify with some aspect of my patients’ background.
My patients can expect experience, empathy, and compassion. I’m well-rounded, and able to quickly identify with some aspect of my patients’ background.
![Photo of Ana Lopez Hopkins, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ee83e0d-937f-4b5b-a959-05e6a8ed49eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over fifteen years of experience as a clinician and teacher, I use a biopsychosocial model to tailor an individual treatment plan by combining several modalities in assessing and treating mental health-related issues, including medical and evidence-based, psychoanalytic, and developmental theories and techniques. I strongly believe in working closely with my patients (and, if necessary, with their families) to form a solid therapeutic alliance to address current and old distress and symptoms.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over fifteen years of experience as a clinician and teacher, I use a biopsychosocial model to tailor an individual treatment plan by combining several modalities in assessing and treating mental health-related issues, including medical and evidence-based, psychoanalytic, and developmental theories and techniques. I strongly believe in working closely with my patients (and, if necessary, with their families) to form a solid therapeutic alliance to address current and old distress and symptoms.
Kizzy Carter, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Kizzy provides client-centered care and treatments to adults based on evidence-based guidelines by diagnosing according to the latest edition of the DSM and listening to the client’s concerns and symptoms.
Kizzy Carter, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Kizzy provides client-centered care and treatments to adults based on evidence-based guidelines by diagnosing according to the latest edition of the DSM and listening to the client’s concerns and symptoms.
![Photo of Carla Hammond - Brainpower Wellness Institute, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edd0d745-0f4c-4d8b-83c9-48effeef1017/1/320x400.png)
Brainpower Wellness Institute is a leading center for children and adolescent psychiatry. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care to children and adolescents ages 5 through 18. Our team of experienced and board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tic disorders.
Brainpower Wellness Institute is a leading center for children and adolescent psychiatry. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care to children and adolescents ages 5 through 18. Our team of experienced and board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tic disorders.
![Photo of Princess McKenzie, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbdcee39-7bc7-47a1-84e6-556ff928fa97/1/320x400.png)
Princess McKenzie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Irvine, CA 92618 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Trenton Moyer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/143a4b35-0da2-4921-a93a-b0729b0882fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Vanessa Diaz, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48169dbd-2da1-4d22-aa73-af93f243c914/2/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Diaz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612
Have you been struggling with anxiety, depression, or attention issues? Vanessa is a Spanish and English speaking, board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP. She helps people improve their mental wellness and productivity. She specializes in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more. She provides modern treatment options through lifestyle improvement, medications, natural options, therapy, and more.
Have you been struggling with anxiety, depression, or attention issues? Vanessa is a Spanish and English speaking, board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP. She helps people improve their mental wellness and productivity. She specializes in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more. She provides modern treatment options through lifestyle improvement, medications, natural options, therapy, and more.
![Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73fcab92-20e5-494c-b754-e2844652628b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Bernardino, CA 92415 (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 Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, Dr, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed2686fc-4c61-42ba-ba10-31f8269529c5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
![Photo of Kevin Wesley Lu, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb7ab933-cef4-42cf-a36b-4ddec9edecfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or attention-related issues? Kevin is a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP, ensuring you receive care from a qualified professional with a solid foundation in psychiatric nursing. With a focus on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more, Kevin brings a wealth of experience in addressing a wide range of mental health issues. His diverse specialization allows for a nuanced and tailored approach to your needs.
Are you facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or attention-related issues? Kevin is a board-certified Psychiatry PMHNP, ensuring you receive care from a qualified professional with a solid foundation in psychiatric nursing. With a focus on Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar, and more, Kevin brings a wealth of experience in addressing a wide range of mental health issues. His diverse specialization allows for a nuanced and tailored approach to your needs.
![Photo of Jessica Vermeulen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/772dce33-3b68-4c01-97a8-fd9e851f1521/1/320x400.jpeg)
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
![Photo of Jaspreet Takhar, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c8572c1-8f3b-4739-8e3d-052c72263f7f/1/320x400.png)
Jaspreet Takhar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (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 Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Eric Nghe, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34580929-a9d3-496d-ae64-8751ceeca674/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eric is a doctorally prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his PMHNP Certificate in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles. Eric has gained a well-rounded knowledge in outpatient, inpatient, and crisis stabilization for mental health. He offers evidence-based care while maintaining a supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free environment for his clients.
Eric is a doctorally prepared psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his PMHNP Certificate in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles. Eric has gained a well-rounded knowledge in outpatient, inpatient, and crisis stabilization for mental health. He offers evidence-based care while maintaining a supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free environment for his clients.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b4bb8ad-ac36-4a0f-9c09-2ce9fc3d3b72/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![Photo of Lisa A Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c22e8bf8-97dc-4f70-a309-95563f33f849/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Johnson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2010. She has a Master's in Family nurse practitioner and a Post Master's in PMHNP. Lisa's training includes treating individuals with a variety of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar, ADHD, anxiety, depression, treatment resistant depression and eating disorders in an outpatient setting. She believes that care should be personalized to meet client needs and comprehensive utilizing an interdisciplinary approach. Evidence based research is essential in her treatment plan.
Lisa Johnson is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2010. She has a Master's in Family nurse practitioner and a Post Master's in PMHNP. Lisa's training includes treating individuals with a variety of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar, ADHD, anxiety, depression, treatment resistant depression and eating disorders in an outpatient setting. She believes that care should be personalized to meet client needs and comprehensive utilizing an interdisciplinary approach. Evidence based research is essential in her treatment plan.
See more therapy options for Alpine
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Alpine, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Alpine, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Magellan |
How Psychiatrists in Alpine, CA see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Alpine?
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.