Psychiatrists in Oakland, CA
Dr. Kristin Gill
Psychiatrist, MD, PMH-C, FAPA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Whether I'm helping you navigate a difficult life transition, manage a chronic mental health disorder, or simply providing a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, my primary goal is to facilitate growth and healing.
Whether I'm helping you navigate a difficult life transition, manage a chronic mental health disorder, or simply providing a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, my primary goal is to facilitate growth and healing.
Restorative Psychiatry: Be Well. Sleep Well.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Trouble sleeping or can't focus? Big meeting the next day and you're not at your 100%? For more than a decade, I’ve helped high achieving individuals overcome insomnia.
Trouble sleeping or can't focus? Big meeting the next day and you're not at your 100%? For more than a decade, I’ve helped high achieving individuals overcome insomnia.
I want you to know that your well-being is my priority. Feel free to share what you need – I'm here to support you every step of the way. Whether it's medication management or therapy tailored to your unique experiences, I'm dedicated to crafting a plan that suits you best. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys. Let's work together towards your mental wellness, empowering you to thrive in every aspect of your life. I accept insurances.
I want you to know that your well-being is my priority. Feel free to share what you need – I'm here to support you every step of the way. Whether it's medication management or therapy tailored to your unique experiences, I'm dedicated to crafting a plan that suits you best. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the challenges individuals face in their mental health journeys. Let's work together towards your mental wellness, empowering you to thrive in every aspect of your life. I accept insurances.
Brittney Cavaco
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
My personal and professional commitment stems from a deep empathy for those facing mental health challenges. I strive to make a significant difference in each individual's life through compassionate, patient-centered care. By fostering genuine connections and creating a unique evidence-based treatment plan, I aim to empower individuals in their recovery journeys and enhance their overall well-being. I integrate approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care into personalized treatment plans.
My personal and professional commitment stems from a deep empathy for those facing mental health challenges. I strive to make a significant difference in each individual's life through compassionate, patient-centered care. By fostering genuine connections and creating a unique evidence-based treatment plan, I aim to empower individuals in their recovery journeys and enhance their overall well-being. I integrate approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care into personalized treatment plans.
INTEGRATIVE PSYCHIATRY for CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS, and COUPLES.
I see my role as one who accompanies you on a journey towards optimal health, vitality, and personal growth. Depending on your unique needs, my approach combines conventional modalities (i.e., medications and therapy) with complementary (i.e., botanicals, nutriceuticals, nutrition, acupuncture, guided imagery, etc.). The goal is not merely to treat symptoms, but to address the matrix of underlying causes and the obstacles that keep you from living your best life.
INTEGRATIVE PSYCHIATRY for CHILDREN, TEENS, ADULTS, and COUPLES.
I see my role as one who accompanies you on a journey towards optimal health, vitality, and personal growth. Depending on your unique needs, my approach combines conventional modalities (i.e., medications and therapy) with complementary (i.e., botanicals, nutriceuticals, nutrition, acupuncture, guided imagery, etc.). The goal is not merely to treat symptoms, but to address the matrix of underlying causes and the obstacles that keep you from living your best life.
Kristine Pine-Donovan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I am deeply driven to continue working in the field of mental health by my belief in helping others achieve a balanced life and reach their fullest potential. My goal is to impact those I serve by offering the best education and experience possible, equipping them with the knowledge to empower their lives. In my practice, I regularly employ motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to support and guide my clients. I particularly enjoy working with young adults aged 18-25, as I find this stage of life both challenging and rewarding.
I am deeply driven to continue working in the field of mental health by my belief in helping others achieve a balanced life and reach their fullest potential. My goal is to impact those I serve by offering the best education and experience possible, equipping them with the knowledge to empower their lives. In my practice, I regularly employ motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to support and guide my clients. I particularly enjoy working with young adults aged 18-25, as I find this stage of life both challenging and rewarding.
My goal is to help you make transformative life changes and build emotional resilience through a collaborative process. We will work using talk therapy to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, personality, and relationships to better sort out your reasons for seeking help. We will consider whether there is a biological aspect to your difficulties and if you may benefit from medications to enhance your therapy. Finally, we will identify your goals, strengths, temperament, interests, personality traits, and life experiences to tailor an individual treatment for you.
My goal is to help you make transformative life changes and build emotional resilience through a collaborative process. We will work using talk therapy to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, personality, and relationships to better sort out your reasons for seeking help. We will consider whether there is a biological aspect to your difficulties and if you may benefit from medications to enhance your therapy. Finally, we will identify your goals, strengths, temperament, interests, personality traits, and life experiences to tailor an individual treatment for you.
Greg Roussett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Are you looking to improve your mood while boosting your levels of productivity at work and/or home? I work with high achieving individuals and offer a full range of psychiatry services. I will help you gain control over your mood, focus, and stress levels.
Are you looking to improve your mood while boosting your levels of productivity at work and/or home? I work with high achieving individuals and offer a full range of psychiatry services. I will help you gain control over your mood, focus, and stress levels.
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.
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in managing a range of mental health conditions, from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to treatment-resistant depression and various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder. I also have experience treating psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as substance use disorders and addictions. My ultimate goal is to do more than just help my patients achieve remission. I aim to reduce their suffering and elevate their sense of peace so they can truly thrive and flourish in their lives.
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in managing a range of mental health conditions, from mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to treatment-resistant depression and various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder. I also have experience treating psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as substance use disorders and addictions. My ultimate goal is to do more than just help my patients achieve remission. I aim to reduce their suffering and elevate their sense of peace so they can truly thrive and flourish in their lives.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence based medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence based medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
15 Second Videos
Restorative Psychiatry: Be Well. Sleep Well.
Greg Roussett
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Anne Phan-Huy
Olivier Djoumessi
Stacia Mills
The Focus Doc
Jessica Vermeulen
Barbara Kenerson
Tameka Dyce
Leah Haddad
Jacqueline Constantino
Jonathan Allotey
Jack Mkroyan
Erica Taylor
Nelly Duarti
Jack Mkroyan
Jonathan Allotey
Ryan Thebo
Leah Haddad
Dominique Sanders
Mindful Health Solutions - Sahab Yaqubi
Ifeatu B Enemmuo
Gene Vasconez
Tameka Dyce
Trenice Johnson
Kenneth Etefia
Juliet Morgan
Orah Mahtov
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611 (Online Only)
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
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 Allied Healers, 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.
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 Allied Healers, 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.
Taylor Chaffin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am deeply passionate about mental health and dedicated to supporting patients across all life stages. My commitment is driven by a love for serving others and a desire to offer compassionate care and unwavering support. My goal is to make a lasting impact by fostering resilience, wellness, and empowerment in individuals facing mental health challenges. Through evidence-based practices and personalized care, I aim to inspire hope, aid recovery, and help reduce the stigma around mental illness in the communities I serve.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am deeply passionate about mental health and dedicated to supporting patients across all life stages. My commitment is driven by a love for serving others and a desire to offer compassionate care and unwavering support. My goal is to make a lasting impact by fostering resilience, wellness, and empowerment in individuals facing mental health challenges. Through evidence-based practices and personalized care, I aim to inspire hope, aid recovery, and help reduce the stigma around mental illness in the communities I serve.
I am a Columbia and UCSF trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist working in Oakland. I believe psychotherapy helps individuals attain greater self-understanding, feel more fully alive, and develop stronger relationships. I utilize a variety of modalities, but with an emphasis on psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means we will explore your conscious and unconscious thoughts and motivations. Medication is also a tool that can be helpful, and I prescribe it where indicated, in collaboration with the goals and preferences of my patients.
I am a Columbia and UCSF trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist working in Oakland. I believe psychotherapy helps individuals attain greater self-understanding, feel more fully alive, and develop stronger relationships. I utilize a variety of modalities, but with an emphasis on psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means we will explore your conscious and unconscious thoughts and motivations. Medication is also a tool that can be helpful, and I prescribe it where indicated, in collaboration with the goals and preferences of my patients.
Marina Duarte-Pulido
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
I am committed to serving the community by offering mental health support through psychotherapy and medication, as well as advocacy. The objective is to offer mental health support that enables individuals to lead healthier and happier lives. It is imperative to establish a comfortable environment and establish a strong rapport before commencing care. To approach care from a holistic perspective, as well as client-centered care, it is important to recognize that each individual and circumstance may necessitate a customized approach to care. It is crucial to provide education throughout the process to facilitate a client's progress.
I am committed to serving the community by offering mental health support through psychotherapy and medication, as well as advocacy. The objective is to offer mental health support that enables individuals to lead healthier and happier lives. It is imperative to establish a comfortable environment and establish a strong rapport before commencing care. To approach care from a holistic perspective, as well as client-centered care, it is important to recognize that each individual and circumstance may necessitate a customized approach to care. It is crucial to provide education throughout the process to facilitate a client's progress.
Dr. Chanelle Ramsubick works with patients of all ages with a focus on mood disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. She uses a compassionate and non-judgmental approach that can include medication management, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Ramsubick collaborates with patients in a safe environment to create an individualized treatment plan. She believes mental health is an integral part of overall health and should be prioritized.
Dr. Chanelle Ramsubick works with patients of all ages with a focus on mood disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. She uses a compassionate and non-judgmental approach that can include medication management, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Ramsubick collaborates with patients in a safe environment to create an individualized treatment plan. She believes mental health is an integral part of overall health and should be prioritized.
I’m a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction, Sleep, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, ADHD, and Psychosis. I see clients aged 16 and older in California. You can meet with me virtually. I do not take private insurance and I am happy to provide a superbill to submit to your provider. Please feel free to call for a 15 minute conversation to see if we are a good fit.
I’m a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction, Sleep, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, ADHD, and Psychosis. I see clients aged 16 and older in California. You can meet with me virtually. I do not take private insurance and I am happy to provide a superbill to submit to your provider. Please feel free to call for a 15 minute conversation to see if we are a good fit.
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in providing care and alleviating the suffering associated with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain states in young people and adults. I take an integrated approach to your care, combining mindfulness approaches based on meditative practices with more traditional psychotherapy and--where appropriate--careful use of medications and supplements. My commitment is that your therapy make a profound difference in the areas of your life that are most important to you.
As a psychiatrist, I specialize in providing care and alleviating the suffering associated with trauma, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain states in young people and adults. I take an integrated approach to your care, combining mindfulness approaches based on meditative practices with more traditional psychotherapy and--where appropriate--careful use of medications and supplements. My commitment is that your therapy make a profound difference in the areas of your life that are most important to you.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
See more therapy options for Oakland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Oakland, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$359
Psychiatrists in Oakland, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
79% | Medication Management |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
99% | Aetna |
89% | Optum |
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Oakland, CA see their clients
51% | Online Only | |
49% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
65% | Female | |
35% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Oakland?
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.