Psychiatrists in Calaveras County, CA
![Photo of Peter G Collori, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce01160-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I understand therapies - biological, psychological and mindfulness-based treatments - as ways to help you be more present in your life, face challenges in work and in love with confidence and feel secure enough to play. I understand feelings are not just symptoms but signals to be listened too and understood in their context. I also understand patients are people, not just victims of biology or inconvenient containers for medications. Our physical state is of great importance and still, it does not exist in a vacuum. It is intimately intertwined with our DNA, life circumstances, relationships, culture and past experiences.
I understand therapies - biological, psychological and mindfulness-based treatments - as ways to help you be more present in your life, face challenges in work and in love with confidence and feel secure enough to play. I understand feelings are not just symptoms but signals to be listened too and understood in their context. I also understand patients are people, not just victims of biology or inconvenient containers for medications. Our physical state is of great importance and still, it does not exist in a vacuum. It is intimately intertwined with our DNA, life circumstances, relationships, culture and past experiences.
![Photo of Sunni Erika Gessel, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42d21ffe-2b73-45dd-b087-5d1526e11af2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sunni Erika Gessel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Murphys, CA 95247
I treat mild to moderate mental health conditions through therapeutic interventions and medication monitoring.
I treat mild to moderate mental health conditions through therapeutic interventions and medication monitoring.
![Photo of Dr. Simbiat (Dr. Sim) Oladiran-Adighije, PMHNP, PhD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bcdfe58-28f6-4f15-9140-db555f95ff5b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Simbiat (Dr. Sim) Oladiran-Adighije
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Verified Verified
San Andreas, CA 95249
Introducing Dr. Sim: Your Partner in Mental Health and Well-being! Looking for expert guidance and support on your mental health journey? Meet Dr. Simbiat Oladiran-Adighije, affectionately known as Dr. Sim! With over 14 years of experience, she's your go-to professional specializing in Adult ADHD, Anxiety disorders, Mood Disorders (Depressive disorders & Bipolar disorders), Perinatal psychiatry, and comorbid mental disorders. Dr. Sim is not your average clinician—she's a trailblazer.
Introducing Dr. Sim: Your Partner in Mental Health and Well-being! Looking for expert guidance and support on your mental health journey? Meet Dr. Simbiat Oladiran-Adighije, affectionately known as Dr. Sim! With over 14 years of experience, she's your go-to professional specializing in Adult ADHD, Anxiety disorders, Mood Disorders (Depressive disorders & Bipolar disorders), Perinatal psychiatry, and comorbid mental disorders. Dr. Sim is not your average clinician—she's a trailblazer.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Joseph Harrison, MSN, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1c20514-53c0-4538-9a5a-15bebf305360/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joseph Harrison
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-C
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (Online Only)
I enjoy helping persons who are experiencing lower-than-normal functioning because or new onset or chronic mental health needs. My patients enjoy partnering with me to understand how their physical health, their social world, their choices and their identity all create conditions in which they feel well or unwell. I delight in getting to know my patients and in collaborating with them to improve their wellness and to achieve their goals. Having a thought partner in a person who cares, is professionally trained, and enjoys their job can make a huge difference in one's quality of life and personal satisfaction.
I enjoy helping persons who are experiencing lower-than-normal functioning because or new onset or chronic mental health needs. My patients enjoy partnering with me to understand how their physical health, their social world, their choices and their identity all create conditions in which they feel well or unwell. I delight in getting to know my patients and in collaborating with them to improve their wellness and to achieve their goals. Having a thought partner in a person who cares, is professionally trained, and enjoys their job can make a huge difference in one's quality of life and personal satisfaction.
![Photo of Dr. Shweta Karve, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/508d2fa1-3c30-4668-b027-cec9ad2b4fd3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shweta Karve specializes in general adult psychiatry with a strong interest in cultural psychiatry. Dr. Karve treats anxiety, bipolar, depression, obsessive-compulsive, panic, personality, post-traumatic stress, and psychotic spectrum disorders, and psychosomatic illnesses. She is passionate about breaking the stigma associated with receiving mental health care. Dr. Karve offers comprehensive care to her patients and empowers them to live fulfilling lives. She completed her residency in psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Shweta Karve specializes in general adult psychiatry with a strong interest in cultural psychiatry. Dr. Karve treats anxiety, bipolar, depression, obsessive-compulsive, panic, personality, post-traumatic stress, and psychotic spectrum disorders, and psychosomatic illnesses. She is passionate about breaking the stigma associated with receiving mental health care. Dr. Karve offers comprehensive care to her patients and empowers them to live fulfilling lives. She completed her residency in psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
![Photo of Emily Toch, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fb30f9e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Toch is deeply committed to the care of her patients. She believes in a collaborative, thoughtful, and humanistic approach to treatment, offering more than just a neurobiological perspective on the wide range of mental health, relationship, and unique life circumstances that bring patients to her door. She specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar illness, grief and loss, and difficulties with relationships and life transitions. She has experience with women's mental health issues and also offers the possibility of combining medication with psychotherapy when clinically indicated.
Dr. Toch is deeply committed to the care of her patients. She believes in a collaborative, thoughtful, and humanistic approach to treatment, offering more than just a neurobiological perspective on the wide range of mental health, relationship, and unique life circumstances that bring patients to her door. She specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, bipolar illness, grief and loss, and difficulties with relationships and life transitions. She has experience with women's mental health issues and also offers the possibility of combining medication with psychotherapy when clinically indicated.
![Photo of Pilar Laborde-Lahoz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5879a94-8afe-47e0-9158-3189f6c4f901/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patients often feel mixed emotions when first seeing a mental health professional. On the one hand, they may feel relieved that they finally took this important step. On the other hand, they may feel hesitation about having to discuss their most intimate problems with a stranger. It is important to let them take their time to open up when they are ready, and to reassure them that this information is privileged.
Patients often feel mixed emotions when first seeing a mental health professional. On the one hand, they may feel relieved that they finally took this important step. On the other hand, they may feel hesitation about having to discuss their most intimate problems with a stranger. It is important to let them take their time to open up when they are ready, and to reassure them that this information is privileged.
![Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1a9d223-6352-4fa7-a103-c86d302c5db6/1/320x400.png)
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 Constance Henderson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a82fc49-1b14-427b-9fba-fe07c140fef3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Constance Henderson earned a Doctor in Nursing Practice and specializes as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Oregon Health & Science University. She has been in practice since 2017. Constance firmly embraces a holistic approach to patient care, placing significant emphasis on the multifaceted roles that social, psychological, and environmental factors play in shaping one’s health and overall well-being. She champions the unique capacity of the nursing framework to bridge the divide between physical and psychiatric health realms.
Constance Henderson earned a Doctor in Nursing Practice and specializes as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Oregon Health & Science University. She has been in practice since 2017. Constance firmly embraces a holistic approach to patient care, placing significant emphasis on the multifaceted roles that social, psychological, and environmental factors play in shaping one’s health and overall well-being. She champions the unique capacity of the nursing framework to bridge the divide between physical and psychiatric health realms.
![Photo of Dr. Meghaa Bhargava, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d61f0be-b5e7-46b1-ac31-37d66ed88966/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Meghaa Bhargava (pronounced May-ga Bar-guv) is dual board-certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Bhargava has a collaborative and evidence-based approach to treatment, empowering every individual to integrate their unique life experience into their care plan. She incorporates behavioral and psychodynamic techniques in caring for children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Meghaa Bhargava (pronounced May-ga Bar-guv) is dual board-certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Bhargava has a collaborative and evidence-based approach to treatment, empowering every individual to integrate their unique life experience into their care plan. She incorporates behavioral and psychodynamic techniques in caring for children, adolescents, and adults.
![Photo of Dr. Axeline Johnson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24f7880a-8138-4820-990d-ae862ad36fce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Johnson is bilingual (Spanish and English) and a Board-certified psychiatrist. She is welcoming new patients seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and other mental health concerns. With medical education at UCLA and specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, she combines knowledge of psychopharmacology with a nuanced understanding of patients' concerns and experiences with medications. She is particularly cognisant of therapeutic inertia, and works with her patients to ensure that medications are effective and not over-used.
Dr. Johnson is bilingual (Spanish and English) and a Board-certified psychiatrist. She is welcoming new patients seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and other mental health concerns. With medical education at UCLA and specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, she combines knowledge of psychopharmacology with a nuanced understanding of patients' concerns and experiences with medications. She is particularly cognisant of therapeutic inertia, and works with her patients to ensure that medications are effective and not over-used.
![Photo of Sham Singh, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2cd45c7f-203c-44f5-b757-2092e0e6449c/1/320x400.jpeg)
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 Linda Kim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9df4071b-2aa3-4b81-b8da-4882175de702/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and therapist providing excellence in reproductive mental health. I specialize in helping women and their families feel their emotional best throughout pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, infertility, and more. I will support you in maximizing your emotional wellness so that you can be at your best personally and professionally. I offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to your care.
I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and therapist providing excellence in reproductive mental health. I specialize in helping women and their families feel their emotional best throughout pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, infertility, and more. I will support you in maximizing your emotional wellness so that you can be at your best personally and professionally. I offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to your care.
![Photo of Dr. Pavan Madan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11ebbd51-0d09-47d6-9ac2-7bc30019b6c0/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Pavan Madan is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Madan helps with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, substance use, and trauma.
Dr. Pavan Madan is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Madan helps with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, substance use, and trauma.
![Photo of Jack Mkroyan, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c92c02a-24db-40b6-9317-aaa4896d7fc9/1/320x400.png)
Jack Mkroyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fremont, CA 94538
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Telepsychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Dr. Farzook Fayyaz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfe8a2c3-9a20-4a72-bb44-9df4291c4cc9/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Farzook Fayyaz treats adults with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorder, insomnia, schizophrenia, and trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Fayyaz’s approach is empathetic, compassionate, and focused on active listening and providing patient-guided therapy.
Dr. Farzook Fayyaz treats adults with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorder, insomnia, schizophrenia, and trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Fayyaz’s approach is empathetic, compassionate, and focused on active listening and providing patient-guided therapy.
![Photo of Jan B Weber - Menlo Park Integrative Psychiatry, Jan Weber, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf64dfb3-66be-4eaf-868a-6da00946cd6c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Menlo Park Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, Jan Weber, MD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
Welcome to Menlo Park Integrative Psychiatry! As a Stanford trained psychiatrist with subspecialty in child and adolescent psychiatry and additional training in complementary medicine, I provide holistic mental health treatment for children, teenagers and adults with a particular focus on nutrition and homeopathy. I have more than 20 years of clinical experience, as well as a track record of excellent clinical outcomes.
Welcome to Menlo Park Integrative Psychiatry! As a Stanford trained psychiatrist with subspecialty in child and adolescent psychiatry and additional training in complementary medicine, I provide holistic mental health treatment for children, teenagers and adults with a particular focus on nutrition and homeopathy. I have more than 20 years of clinical experience, as well as a track record of excellent clinical outcomes.
![Photo of Leah Haddad, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7b1fc50-a99c-45d3-bae4-5422cdfcb9c2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95113
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Toni Williams, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/863c6f43-e1c7-4996-9310-c7cf2013e4ad/2/320x400.png)
Welcome, my name is Toni Williams Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP. Toni Williams is a Board-Certified Doctor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Toni Williams has been in the nursing arena for over 19 years. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked as a registered nurse for 10 years with a background in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Oncology, and Corrections. She also worked in several leadership roles in nursing as a Clinical Educator and a Regional Nursing Director of Education. Toni Williams became a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) in 2014.
Welcome, my name is Toni Williams Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP. Toni Williams is a Board-Certified Doctor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Toni Williams has been in the nursing arena for over 19 years. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked as a registered nurse for 10 years with a background in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Oncology, and Corrections. She also worked in several leadership roles in nursing as a Clinical Educator and a Regional Nursing Director of Education. Toni Williams became a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) in 2014.
![Photo of Vanessa Naval, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bd9c6aa-2b0c-4482-b3d9-2c52c9b669e4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Naval
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94588 (Online Only)
Vanessa Naval is a Nurse Practitioner Specialist in California. She graduated with honors in 2012. Having more than 10 years of diverse experiences, especially as a Nurse Practitioner. A compassionate results-driven healthcare professional with progressive experience in a wide variety of scopes.
Vanessa Naval is a Nurse Practitioner Specialist in California. She graduated with honors in 2012. Having more than 10 years of diverse experiences, especially as a Nurse Practitioner. A compassionate results-driven healthcare professional with progressive experience in a wide variety of scopes.
See more therapy options for Calaveras County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Calaveras County, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Calaveras County, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Grief |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
67% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Calaveras County, CA see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Calaveras County?
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.