Psychiatrists in San Francisco County, CA
![Photo of Takeo Toyoshima, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f60e440-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Yale, UCLA and UCSF-trained addiction psychiatrist. I provide confidential, evidence-based treatment for mental health issues and addictions, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, tobacco, cannabis, and behavioral addictions like internet, gaming, and gambling. These are NOT moral or character failings, but rather medical conditions that can affect anyone at any time, from any walk of life, with oftentimes serious personal, relational, and professional consequences. Though validated treatments exist, these are often underutilized due to medical providers’ discomfort, lack of education, and/or stigma.
I am a Yale, UCLA and UCSF-trained addiction psychiatrist. I provide confidential, evidence-based treatment for mental health issues and addictions, including opioids, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, tobacco, cannabis, and behavioral addictions like internet, gaming, and gambling. These are NOT moral or character failings, but rather medical conditions that can affect anyone at any time, from any walk of life, with oftentimes serious personal, relational, and professional consequences. Though validated treatments exist, these are often underutilized due to medical providers’ discomfort, lack of education, and/or stigma.
![Photo of David Hirchak, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fa6ce28-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Hirchak is an experienced, Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, who emphasizes psychopharmacology and neurobiology in his treatment. Dr. Hirchak specializes in treating Anxiety, OCD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Dr. Hirchak collaborates closely with our therapists so he can provide treatment with both medication management and psychotherapy when indicated.
Dr. Hirchak is an experienced, Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, who emphasizes psychopharmacology and neurobiology in his treatment. Dr. Hirchak specializes in treating Anxiety, OCD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Dr. Hirchak collaborates closely with our therapists so he can provide treatment with both medication management and psychotherapy when indicated.
![Photo of Sidney A Edsall, MD, DABMA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c12ff8f-4784-4462-8863-cdc021e80c66/2/320x400.jpeg)
Balancing the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of each of my clients in relationship to others and within community is essential for whole-being health and holistic healing. I work with individuals who are willing to take an active role in their health and recovery, to not just survive but to thrive in living more fully, reaching their goals and fullest potentials in life.
Balancing the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of each of my clients in relationship to others and within community is essential for whole-being health and holistic healing. I work with individuals who are willing to take an active role in their health and recovery, to not just survive but to thrive in living more fully, reaching their goals and fullest potentials in life.
![Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d4724bf-c4d5-495a-8885-209deceedd79/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Nancy Pletcher, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e79088ea-d5ae-4fc5-ac52-e5e16e985fef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Pletcher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Nancy and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of nursing experience. I specialize in depression, anxiety, medication management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Nancy and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of nursing experience. I specialize in depression, anxiety, medication management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
![Photo of Laura Rubenstein - Laura Rubenstein MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0146861-09aa-42c7-ad9f-b661ad1dd683/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults as well as medication for older adolescents and adults when indicated. My areas of focus are relationship issues, life transitions, mood and anxiety issues, trauma, parent-child struggles and developmental issues. I work with you to bring forth your lesser known and understood thoughts, feelings and motivations that trip you up in life. The goal is to diminish their intensity and meaningfully change your most troublesome life patterns so that you can live, love, work and play more fully and freely.
I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults as well as medication for older adolescents and adults when indicated. My areas of focus are relationship issues, life transitions, mood and anxiety issues, trauma, parent-child struggles and developmental issues. I work with you to bring forth your lesser known and understood thoughts, feelings and motivations that trip you up in life. The goal is to diminish their intensity and meaningfully change your most troublesome life patterns so that you can live, love, work and play more fully and freely.
![Photo of Genesis Javaherian, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ed703ed-40bb-40e7-894a-1a3e574fefe1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Genesis Javaherian
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Gene, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with clinical experience in diverse settings, including hospitals, community clinics, private practice and academic research. I received my degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and specialize in psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and substance use.
Hi, I’m Gene, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with clinical experience in diverse settings, including hospitals, community clinics, private practice and academic research. I received my degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and specialize in psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and substance use.
![Photo of Ryan Thebo, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2eb05e89-2c8e-45c6-8c69-5be22164019a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ryan Thebo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, CICP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
Unsure if medication is right for you or need help optimizing your current treatment? While medication can be beneficial, the most effective approach to mental health challenges often combines the right medications with holistic treatments. Sadly, the profit-driven mental healthcare system may not always prioritize your well-being. My goal is to help you thrive through holistic psychiatry, enabling you to achieve optimal wellness. Easily schedule an online appointment for personalized medication management at www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA and take the first step towards a healthier you.
![Photo of Don Schwarcz, MD, CCHT, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b3473d3-864c-45d4-96e8-26dda855fcb8/1/320x400.jpeg)
You will benefit from Hypnotherapy if you're able to select a specific issue or concern you would like to change about your current circumstances, and have some capacity to visualize how you imagine your life will look once you've successfully achieved this goal. There are many different areas for which hypnotherapy can be quite successful in helping bring about the desired changes. Some of the more common issues treated with hypnotherapy include increasing self-esteem and self-confidence, eliminating fears, anxieties, and phobias, overcoming inertia, and psychological blocks of all kinds that keep you from achieving your goals.
You will benefit from Hypnotherapy if you're able to select a specific issue or concern you would like to change about your current circumstances, and have some capacity to visualize how you imagine your life will look once you've successfully achieved this goal. There are many different areas for which hypnotherapy can be quite successful in helping bring about the desired changes. Some of the more common issues treated with hypnotherapy include increasing self-esteem and self-confidence, eliminating fears, anxieties, and phobias, overcoming inertia, and psychological blocks of all kinds that keep you from achieving your goals.
![Photo of Nadia Taylor, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a5ac3b5-5523-4fd1-9e0b-5b875a5099bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nadia Taylor
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117 (Online Only)
I am a UCSF-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with a holistic approach that draws from conventional psychiatry as well as integrative medicine. I strive to deeply understand your lived experience and to recognize your strengths and your struggles within the complex web of your life, while also exploring underlying physiologic factors that may be contributing to your distress. I offer highly individualized treatment to bring relief and restore balance. My goal is to help people from all walks of life find healing and resilience, empowering a life of vitality and authenticity.
I am a UCSF-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with a holistic approach that draws from conventional psychiatry as well as integrative medicine. I strive to deeply understand your lived experience and to recognize your strengths and your struggles within the complex web of your life, while also exploring underlying physiologic factors that may be contributing to your distress. I offer highly individualized treatment to bring relief and restore balance. My goal is to help people from all walks of life find healing and resilience, empowering a life of vitality and authenticity.
![Photo of Sanjana Karim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62771a6a-3592-4c09-adca-4f61b1a5db6b/1/320x400.jpeg)
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
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![Photo of Joe Walker, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66f95147-0d08-491b-b30f-26bb637accab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Walker is a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of psychiatric disorders in adults and the geriatric population. Board-certified in psychiatry, he demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care.
Dr. Walker is a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of psychiatric disorders in adults and the geriatric population. Board-certified in psychiatry, he demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care.
![Photo of Catherine Mallouh, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50112cc8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling understood and uniquely recognized is an important part of the therapy relationship. As a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, with many years of experience, I offer an engaged and collaborative relationship, to better understand core problems and emotional conflicts that get in the way of having a satisfying and meaningful life. I work in psychotherapy with a range of issues including self esteem,intimacy, the effects of trauma, loss, and conflicts around ambition and creativity. I can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression that can significantly interfere with day to day life, providing help with medications.
Feeling understood and uniquely recognized is an important part of the therapy relationship. As a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, with many years of experience, I offer an engaged and collaborative relationship, to better understand core problems and emotional conflicts that get in the way of having a satisfying and meaningful life. I work in psychotherapy with a range of issues including self esteem,intimacy, the effects of trauma, loss, and conflicts around ambition and creativity. I can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression that can significantly interfere with day to day life, providing help with medications.
![Photo of Ravi Hariprasad, MD, MPH, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44b1440c-1cd4-417e-ac4b-ce7a42c43289/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Harvard (MGH) trained psychiatrist, an engineer and a serial entrepreneur. As an integrative physician, I am ambidextrous in performing as a psychopharmacologist, an Ayurvedic healer, a therapist, and a mindful life coach. Together we collaborate closely to identify and remove obstacles to wellness, to reduce suffering, and to gain a personal understanding of the complex relationship between mental and physical health. Your personal preferences and strengths guide our approach. Quite simply, I approach problem solving and treatment planning differently.
I am a Harvard (MGH) trained psychiatrist, an engineer and a serial entrepreneur. As an integrative physician, I am ambidextrous in performing as a psychopharmacologist, an Ayurvedic healer, a therapist, and a mindful life coach. Together we collaborate closely to identify and remove obstacles to wellness, to reduce suffering, and to gain a personal understanding of the complex relationship between mental and physical health. Your personal preferences and strengths guide our approach. Quite simply, I approach problem solving and treatment planning differently.
![Photo of Ketetha Olengue, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5256db43-e68d-4379-acc1-18879e40c890/2/320x400.png)
I help adults and working professionals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD overcome self-doubt and their life obstacles by offering evidence-informed treatment that includes medication management, psychotherapy, supplements, lifestyle coaching, and more. I founded Ordinary Psychiatry to help others realize what I have over the years — good mental health is as essential as water and best serves us when woven into daily life. My approach to psychiatry is deeply personal and holistic. Simply put, I believe in treating the individual, not just the symptoms.
I help adults and working professionals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD overcome self-doubt and their life obstacles by offering evidence-informed treatment that includes medication management, psychotherapy, supplements, lifestyle coaching, and more. I founded Ordinary Psychiatry to help others realize what I have over the years — good mental health is as essential as water and best serves us when woven into daily life. My approach to psychiatry is deeply personal and holistic. Simply put, I believe in treating the individual, not just the symptoms.
![Photo of Jeff Leininger, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/530d9433-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
![Photo of Bruce W. Scotton, MD, DLFAPA, CJA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e597f1c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am especially interested in working with people who see healing their wounds and problems as only one part of an ongoing effort to develop themselves as far as possible. This effort includes development beyond the personal into familial, community, global, and spiritual realms. Seeking to promote this perspective I am the senior editor of Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology for which we won the Will Solimene Award for Excellence in Medical Communication. This perspective also values learning the accumulated knowledge of other cultures.
I am especially interested in working with people who see healing their wounds and problems as only one part of an ongoing effort to develop themselves as far as possible. This effort includes development beyond the personal into familial, community, global, and spiritual realms. Seeking to promote this perspective I am the senior editor of Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology for which we won the Will Solimene Award for Excellence in Medical Communication. This perspective also values learning the accumulated knowledge of other cultures.
![Photo of Ravi Chandra, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d30d3b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
![Photo of James Reich, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54cce60c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone from time to time needs a helping hand. I am experienced with professor appointments at UCSF and Stanford. I treat outpatients in person and by telepsychiatry with medication management and psychotherapy (CBT and Mindfulness). My patients tend to be talented professionals (doctors, lawyers, tech) who have done well but have hit a bump with emotional symptoms, stress, or life difficulties. I believe each patient has unique needs that must be individually assessed and addressed. When indicated I use medication. I am a good choice for someone seeking a therapist and psychiatrist in one person.
Everyone from time to time needs a helping hand. I am experienced with professor appointments at UCSF and Stanford. I treat outpatients in person and by telepsychiatry with medication management and psychotherapy (CBT and Mindfulness). My patients tend to be talented professionals (doctors, lawyers, tech) who have done well but have hit a bump with emotional symptoms, stress, or life difficulties. I believe each patient has unique needs that must be individually assessed and addressed. When indicated I use medication. I am a good choice for someone seeking a therapist and psychiatrist in one person.
![Photo of Eilly Yang, MSN, PMHNP, WHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8b1f75b-ee48-4c39-9c7f-ece2e9fd2769/7/320x400.jpeg)
Eilly Yang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, WHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Trained at Johns Hopkins University and triple board-certified in psychiatry, family, and women's health, I have experience caring for a diverse client population. I use a holistic, whole-person approach, meaning that we not only focus on medication, but also on lifestyle and behavioral changes. When medication is recommended, our goal is to reduce side effects while maximizing the benefits. You will find that I am curious, open-minded, inquisitive, and accepting. I care about my clients deeply and aim to build trust and respect within our therapeutic relationship.
Trained at Johns Hopkins University and triple board-certified in psychiatry, family, and women's health, I have experience caring for a diverse client population. I use a holistic, whole-person approach, meaning that we not only focus on medication, but also on lifestyle and behavioral changes. When medication is recommended, our goal is to reduce side effects while maximizing the benefits. You will find that I am curious, open-minded, inquisitive, and accepting. I care about my clients deeply and aim to build trust and respect within our therapeutic relationship.
See more therapy options for San Francisco County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in San Francisco County, CA
400+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in San Francisco County, CA who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
79% | Medication Management |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | ADHD |
69% | Bipolar Disorder |
66% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Aetna |
87% | Cigna and Evernorth |
82% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in San Francisco County, CA see their clients
57% | In Person and Online | |
43% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
55% | Female | |
44% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in San Francisco County?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.