Psychiatrists in Livermore, CA
![Photo of Olga Jackson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/962f5e33-9ce1-4a6e-ad05-8f4e21be0e74/1/320x400.jpeg)
Olga Jackson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94550 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I am fluent in English and Russian, and I have 15 years of experience in mental health care and nursing during which my focus has been improving the lives of my patients using highly effective treatments to include medication management and psychotherapy. In addition to utilizing mental health medication, I also use Motivational interviewing, Supportive Therapy, and Psychodynamic approaches to therapy and treatment.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I am fluent in English and Russian, and I have 15 years of experience in mental health care and nursing during which my focus has been improving the lives of my patients using highly effective treatments to include medication management and psychotherapy. In addition to utilizing mental health medication, I also use Motivational interviewing, Supportive Therapy, and Psychodynamic approaches to therapy and treatment.
![Photo of Peter Forster, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62e2cd96-2159-4d3d-8d9f-9bc8033d063c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that caring and respectful relationships are the basis for any kind of healing. In my work with patients I view what we do together as a collaboration. You are the expert in yourself and your feelings. I bring to that collaboration the expertise from my academic experience and training as well as from the care of thousands of patients with similar problems. Together we create a treatment plan that will lead to a sustained recovery from a mood or anxiety disorder.
I believe that caring and respectful relationships are the basis for any kind of healing. In my work with patients I view what we do together as a collaboration. You are the expert in yourself and your feelings. I bring to that collaboration the expertise from my academic experience and training as well as from the care of thousands of patients with similar problems. Together we create a treatment plan that will lead to a sustained recovery from a mood or anxiety disorder.
![Photo of Dr. Juan De Hoyos, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c526a09-82c8-44cc-859d-5007810eaa62/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Juan De Hoyos’ goal is to help patients be successful in their treatment, knowledge, and decisions.
Dr. Juan De Hoyos’ goal is to help patients be successful in their treatment, knowledge, and decisions.
![Photo of Daniel Jon Kostalnick, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/068d9a24-0ee4-4153-8231-ecaaf824784a/1/320x400.jpeg)
CNS Medical Group, APMC is an independent psychiatric medical practice that offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to whole person health and wellness in a confidential private practice setting. Our patients include adolescents, adults and families with an emphasis on both medical management and psychotherapy.
CNS Medical Group, APMC is an independent psychiatric medical practice that offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to whole person health and wellness in a confidential private practice setting. Our patients include adolescents, adults and families with an emphasis on both medical management and psychotherapy.
![Photo of Alex Anastasiou - Psychiatrist Center for ADHD, Anxiety & Depression, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c80a554-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatrist Center for ADHD, Anxiety & Depression
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94550
Top Board Certified Psychiatrist Physician specializing in ADHD, Anxiety and Depression. Dr. Alex has over 15 years of experience treating Adults and Adolescents. He serves all of California including the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville. Dr Alex has expertise in psychiatry and can prescribe medications if needed. If you are seeking help and looking for a doctor who is attentive, caring and knowledgeable then please call our office at 925-425-0191 for more information or visit us at www.DrAlexOffice.com
Top Board Certified Psychiatrist Physician specializing in ADHD, Anxiety and Depression. Dr. Alex has over 15 years of experience treating Adults and Adolescents. He serves all of California including the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville. Dr Alex has expertise in psychiatry and can prescribe medications if needed. If you are seeking help and looking for a doctor who is attentive, caring and knowledgeable then please call our office at 925-425-0191 for more information or visit us at www.DrAlexOffice.com
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1f57206-9b7a-4367-a292-5041c4d5a24b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Joan Fraino, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebbfe8b2-f1e4-44b0-a8fa-56ac45a14124/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joan Fraino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, NP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Livermore, CA 94550 (Online Only)
Dr. Joan Fraino, DNP, PMHNP has extensive experience working with clients suffering from mild to severe mental health disorders including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, psychosis, and other mood disorders.
Dr. Joan Fraino, DNP, PMHNP has extensive experience working with clients suffering from mild to severe mental health disorders including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, psychosis, and other mood disorders.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84c7da83-bb1e-434f-9218-f243d56eda83/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Livermore, CA 94551 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Ranvinder K Rai, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a20f673a-d8a4-42ea-86d7-9917a56f0d06/3/320x400.jpeg)
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination” (Carl Rogers). Discovering one’s healthy balance can be the pursuit of a lifetime and taking steps to further your health can be challenging initially but rewarding simultaneously. I will be privileged to facilitate your path toward achieving healthy emotional well-being. I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and my consultation visit starts with a thorough understanding of your treatment needs and symptoms.
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination” (Carl Rogers). Discovering one’s healthy balance can be the pursuit of a lifetime and taking steps to further your health can be challenging initially but rewarding simultaneously. I will be privileged to facilitate your path toward achieving healthy emotional well-being. I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and my consultation visit starts with a thorough understanding of your treatment needs and symptoms.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06c314d4-ad94-4e77-a8f8-c0a9ffe5a9ff/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 Sauntrice O'Quin, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec4f0a6b-0b8b-48eb-af7b-fa365324b80e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sauntrice O'Quin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
My name is Sauntrice O'Quin, I've been in the social service field for over two decades. I've been a Psychiatric Nurse practitioner for 4 years. I have a non-judgmental approach to the clients I serve, and I believe that everyone has the right to live life to their fullest potential. I treat a diverse group of patients. I have both inpatient and outpatient experience. I treat mood disorders, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorder.
My name is Sauntrice O'Quin, I've been in the social service field for over two decades. I've been a Psychiatric Nurse practitioner for 4 years. I have a non-judgmental approach to the clients I serve, and I believe that everyone has the right to live life to their fullest potential. I treat a diverse group of patients. I have both inpatient and outpatient experience. I treat mood disorders, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorder.
![Photo of Dr. Zohaib Abbasi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03a4c09c-b0b0-46ab-b14f-b8424adbc94b/1/320x400.jpeg)
UPDATE: As of 9/1/2024 I am still taking new patients + + + Hi! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist offering convenient online video visits throughout California and currently accepting new patients. In addition to traditional psychiatric medications and psychotherapy, I specialize in an integrative patient-centered approach, using lifestyle changes and natural treatments that are supported by scientific evidence. I want you to feel empowered and have control over your treatment. I offer personalized care to individuals who want to get a more accurate diagnosis and minimize unnecessary medications.
UPDATE: As of 9/1/2024 I am still taking new patients + + + Hi! I'm a board-certified psychiatrist offering convenient online video visits throughout California and currently accepting new patients. In addition to traditional psychiatric medications and psychotherapy, I specialize in an integrative patient-centered approach, using lifestyle changes and natural treatments that are supported by scientific evidence. I want you to feel empowered and have control over your treatment. I offer personalized care to individuals who want to get a more accurate diagnosis and minimize unnecessary medications.
![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.
![Photo of Duke Nyarecha, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2f67788-3df0-4be8-990d-d8760f3117b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Duke Nyarecha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
My name is Duke Nyarecha, a PMHNP-BC, with a doctorate in nursing practice. My approach to care: Collaborative and Person-Centered: We'd work together to define goals and build a plan that respects your unique needs and background. Informative and Evidence-Based: I'd provide you with up-to-date information and suggest approaches supported by research. Safe and Respectful: Our interactions would be confidential and free from judgment.
My name is Duke Nyarecha, a PMHNP-BC, with a doctorate in nursing practice. My approach to care: Collaborative and Person-Centered: We'd work together to define goals and build a plan that respects your unique needs and background. Informative and Evidence-Based: I'd provide you with up-to-date information and suggest approaches supported by research. Safe and Respectful: Our interactions would be confidential and free from judgment.
![Photo of Tarun Bhandari, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e97b069-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
(Please visit:tbhandarimd.com for more information) Dr.Bhandari is Board Certified in both Adult and Child Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. It is his vision that every patient is unique and despite common themes each patient needs a thorough assessment and care that is best suited for them.He specializes in Medication management and evidence based techniques to manage both adult and pediatric conditions .
(Please visit:tbhandarimd.com for more information) Dr.Bhandari is Board Certified in both Adult and Child Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. It is his vision that every patient is unique and despite common themes each patient needs a thorough assessment and care that is best suited for them.He specializes in Medication management and evidence based techniques to manage both adult and pediatric conditions .
![Photo of Christopher E Jones, PMHNP, PhD, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f52f916-9944-4d0d-bca8-3df3ea2efc6a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher E Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
Over the past 20 years working in mental healthcare, I have enjoyed the great opportunity to serve patients and their families. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I worked first at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, through their post-graduate residency program, and then for the past several years, I worked with medically underserved populations throughout New Mexico, first in person and then via telehealth.
Over the past 20 years working in mental healthcare, I have enjoyed the great opportunity to serve patients and their families. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I worked first at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, through their post-graduate residency program, and then for the past several years, I worked with medically underserved populations throughout New Mexico, first in person and then via telehealth.
![Photo of Elena Urbiztondo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/586fa504-a216-488d-b502-f50967da0537/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elena Urbiztondo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Elena Urbiztondo, a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. My approach is compassionate and integrative, combining medication management and psychotherapy, focusing on collaboration and tailored care to support your mental health and help you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
Hello, I'm Elena Urbiztondo, a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and emotional dysregulation. My approach is compassionate and integrative, combining medication management and psychotherapy, focusing on collaboration and tailored care to support your mental health and help you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.
![Photo of Manuel Mota-Castillo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/037c5812-6d44-4ad9-ad23-f6afd338c1e1/1/320x400.jpeg)
For over three decades, I've dedicated myself to the practice of psychiatry across all age groups. My approach emphasizes attentive patient listening, thorough psychosocial history assessment, and genetic exploration to ensure accurate diagnosis.
For over three decades, I've dedicated myself to the practice of psychiatry across all age groups. My approach emphasizes attentive patient listening, thorough psychosocial history assessment, and genetic exploration to ensure accurate diagnosis.
![Photo of Dr. Christopher Sinnappan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52d870e3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Christopher Sinnappan is a dual board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist.
Dr. Christopher Sinnappan is a dual board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist.
![Photo of Riz Ahmad, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d35d04b5-0f7c-4ce2-b101-51ed1fcaee34/2/320x400.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!
See more therapy options for Livermore
Nearby Searches for Livermore
See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Livermore, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Livermore, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
88% | Medication Management |
88% | Stress |
75% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Livermore, CA see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Male | |
25% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Livermore?
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.