Psychiatrists in Chino Hills, CA
Stephanie Reed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chino Hills, CA 91709 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Stephanie Reed, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of California. My practice focuses on helping people through a combination of medication (if needed) and other lifestyle or behavioral interventions that may help recovery and reaching personal goals. I treat adults of all ages for a broad range of conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. I use an eclectic approach to helping people uncover and understand the nature of the struggles they are having and help us come to an effective treatment plan together.
Welcome! I'm Stephanie Reed, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of California. My practice focuses on helping people through a combination of medication (if needed) and other lifestyle or behavioral interventions that may help recovery and reaching personal goals. I treat adults of all ages for a broad range of conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. I use an eclectic approach to helping people uncover and understand the nature of the struggles they are having and help us come to an effective treatment plan together.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? 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.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? 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.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Camay Rooney
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Claremont, CA 91711 (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Camay and I am so happy you are prioritizing your mental health. I aim to work with you to achieve optimum health so you may live your best life. I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with my BSN and have been an RN since 2003. I started my career in Adult Med/Surg, worked in home health and finally found employment that provides my passion for mental health in 2014. I have mental and behavioral health RN experience in adult/geriatric inpatient hospitalization and also in correctional mental health. I graduated from Gonzaga University with my MSN, focus in psychiatry & am board certified.
Hi! My name is Camay and I am so happy you are prioritizing your mental health. I aim to work with you to achieve optimum health so you may live your best life. I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with my BSN and have been an RN since 2003. I started my career in Adult Med/Surg, worked in home health and finally found employment that provides my passion for mental health in 2014. I have mental and behavioral health RN experience in adult/geriatric inpatient hospitalization and also in correctional mental health. I graduated from Gonzaga University with my MSN, focus in psychiatry & am board certified.
Paul Choi is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and also holds a Board Certification for Family Practice. With over a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner and registered nurse, Paul brings a holistic approach to patients of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual identities. He firmly believes that quality mental health needs to be easily accessible. Paul emphasizes the importance of incorporating the recovery model into his day-to-day practice. He provides compassionate care that is evidence-based and personalized to each client’s needs.
Paul Choi is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and also holds a Board Certification for Family Practice. With over a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner and registered nurse, Paul brings a holistic approach to patients of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual identities. He firmly believes that quality mental health needs to be easily accessible. Paul emphasizes the importance of incorporating the recovery model into his day-to-day practice. He provides compassionate care that is evidence-based and personalized to each client’s needs.
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ontario, CA 91764
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.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Sapphire Psychiatric Medical Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Prof, MSN
Verified Verified
Corona, CA 92880
My goal is to restore hope to patients and families in their vulnerable moments by giving treatment with dignity, respect, and compassion at every interaction. Contributing to the stability of patients’ conditions by using tools at my disposal to conduct; assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals.
My goal is to restore hope to patients and families in their vulnerable moments by giving treatment with dignity, respect, and compassion at every interaction. Contributing to the stability of patients’ conditions by using tools at my disposal to conduct; assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, collaborating with multidisciplinary professionals.
Ngozi Anyanacho
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Ngozi, DNP, PMHNP, (Dr)
Verified Verified
Montclair, CA 91763
My Ideal clients have issues with mental health illness, they need care, and their goals are for me to advocate for them, patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care and treat them like I would want to be treated. Their goal is to get treated. They want love, empathy, compassion, understanding and as well as medication management and to get well.
My Ideal clients have issues with mental health illness, they need care, and their goals are for me to advocate for them, patients who struggle to be heard or respected, and to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attention to holistic care and treat them like I would want to be treated. Their goal is to get treated. They want love, empathy, compassion, understanding and as well as medication management and to get well.
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!
Thasanee Fong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ontario, CA 91764 (Online Only)
Hi there, I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in medication management and psychotherapy for adults (18 – 65 years old). I have 6 years of experience in mental health working in various settings.
Hi there, I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in medication management and psychotherapy for adults (18 – 65 years old). I have 6 years of experience in mental health working in various settings.
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Claremont, CA 91711 (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!
Shaheena Gazipura
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ontario, CA 91762
Are you struggling with life challenges and seeking a new mental health provider? If so, I am happy to assist you on your journey. My ideal client strives for reflection and clarity, which will lead to healing. They are determined to steer through life’s obstacles, cope, and reclaim a fulfilling life. Together, we can navigate your path to your best self.
Are you struggling with life challenges and seeking a new mental health provider? If so, I am happy to assist you on your journey. My ideal client strives for reflection and clarity, which will lead to healing. They are determined to steer through life’s obstacles, cope, and reclaim a fulfilling life. Together, we can navigate your path to your best self.
My name is Suren Chaganti and I'm a member of the Grow Therapy prescribers team. I am currently based in MO. I am licensed in CA, FL, GA, and MO. I am currently practicing in CA and MO. I am relocating to Florida. I completed my Psychiatry residency at UMKC School of Medicine, and J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. I have been in practice since 1995.
My name is Suren Chaganti and I'm a member of the Grow Therapy prescribers team. I am currently based in MO. I am licensed in CA, FL, GA, and MO. I am currently practicing in CA and MO. I am relocating to Florida. I completed my Psychiatry residency at UMKC School of Medicine, and J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. I have been in practice since 1995.
Establishing connections with patients can be the starting point to explore issues causing mental struggles in us. My goal is to be the working partner with patients and work through these issues to alleviate both mental and physical distress. Areas of interests for me include depression, anxiety, stress and trauma related disorders, mood disorders, Asian American and immigrant mental health. I use both psychotherapy and medications as indicated in my treatment. Therapeutic approaches that I use include psychodynamic, behavioral, and supportive therapies.
Establishing connections with patients can be the starting point to explore issues causing mental struggles in us. My goal is to be the working partner with patients and work through these issues to alleviate both mental and physical distress. Areas of interests for me include depression, anxiety, stress and trauma related disorders, mood disorders, Asian American and immigrant mental health. I use both psychotherapy and medications as indicated in my treatment. Therapeutic approaches that I use include psychodynamic, behavioral, and supportive therapies.
My practice is directed primarily to adult and geriatric patients. People’s behavior is rooted in biology and shaped by experience. Thus, the more we know about the biological, psychological, social and cultural issues that affect our patients, the better we practice. Hence, I have strong interest in psychopharmacology, therapy, and neuromodulation.
My practice is directed primarily to adult and geriatric patients. People’s behavior is rooted in biology and shaped by experience. Thus, the more we know about the biological, psychological, social and cultural issues that affect our patients, the better we practice. Hence, I have strong interest in psychopharmacology, therapy, and neuromodulation.
Felista Anugom
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Montclair, CA 91763
Now Accepting New Patient! Are you struggling with mental health issues? You should never suffer alone or in silence. Your mental health is essential and matters a lot. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, amongst others, reach out to me, a certified mental health specialist with a clear understanding and knowledge of what you're going through and will actively listen to you. I also assist with medication management. I am GENDER sensitive and use an individualized approach to care for you and your needs. Call me to schedule an appointment today. Check out our webpage at www.prudenttelepsychiatry.com
Now Accepting New Patient! Are you struggling with mental health issues? You should never suffer alone or in silence. Your mental health is essential and matters a lot. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, amongst others, reach out to me, a certified mental health specialist with a clear understanding and knowledge of what you're going through and will actively listen to you. I also assist with medication management. I am GENDER sensitive and use an individualized approach to care for you and your needs. Call me to schedule an appointment today. Check out our webpage at www.prudenttelepsychiatry.com
Welcome to my practice. With over a decade of diverse clinical experience, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through the intricate landscape of mental health. From adolescents struggling with identity issues, adults combating anxiety, to those deciphering the layers of substance use, depressive or bipolar disorders, PTSD, or OCD, I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit. I'm passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to empower individuals to reclaim control and joy in their lives. If you seek a deeper understanding and the tools to flourish, I'm here to support you on this transformative journey.
Welcome to my practice. With over a decade of diverse clinical experience, I've had the privilege of guiding clients through the intricate landscape of mental health. From adolescents struggling with identity issues, adults combating anxiety, to those deciphering the layers of substance use, depressive or bipolar disorders, PTSD, or OCD, I've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit. I'm passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care to empower individuals to reclaim control and joy in their lives. If you seek a deeper understanding and the tools to flourish, I'm here to support you on this transformative journey.
See more therapy options for Chino Hills
Nearby Searches for Chino Hills
- Anaheim Hills
- Brea
- Chino
- Claremont
- Diamond Bar
- Eastvale
- La Verne
- Montclair
- Ontario
- Placentia
- Pomona
- Yorba Linda
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Chino Hills, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Chino Hills, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Chino Hills, CA see their clients
60% | Online Only | |
40% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
80% | Male | |
20% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Chino Hills?
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.