Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA

Photo of Dave Auluck - The Focus Doc, MD, Psychiatrist
The Focus Doc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
Dr. Dave Auluck, M.D. is a 3rd generation physician, 2nd generation psychiatrist, and physician educator. He is passionate about improving the mental health treatment experience. His mission is to ensure personalized, industry-leading, preeminent care is accessible and affordable. He has worked with thousands of patients over the years and overseen program development for tens of thousands of others. He truly understands there is no "one size fits all" approach.
(805) 232-7379 View (805) 232-7379
Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Pereira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
(805) 953-7252 View (805) 953-7252
Photo of Michael R P Vivian, MD, Psychiatrist
Michael R P Vivian
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
I practice general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, offering evaluations, medication management, and counseling.
I practice general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, offering evaluations, medication management, and counseling.
(805) 590-9787 View (805) 590-9787
Photo of Hadley Veselak - Moxie Psychiatric Group, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Moxie Psychiatric Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Welcome to Moxie Psychiatric Group! We are committed to delivering personalized and compassionate mental health services to individuals seeking support and guidance in the journey towards mental wellness. At Moxie Psychiatric Group, we understand mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being and we believe in a holistic approach to mental healthcare. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering a safe and inclusive space where everyone can receive the specialized care they deserve.
Welcome to Moxie Psychiatric Group! We are committed to delivering personalized and compassionate mental health services to individuals seeking support and guidance in the journey towards mental wellness. At Moxie Psychiatric Group, we understand mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being and we believe in a holistic approach to mental healthcare. We welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering a safe and inclusive space where everyone can receive the specialized care they deserve.
(805) 749-5854 View (805) 749-5854
Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Pereira
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362  (Online Only)
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
Great to meet you! My goal is to help you overcome the challenges you are facing in a safe and comfortable environment to help you improve your quality of life. My passion is helping those with substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid use disorder, safely detox from the substances and work towards a meaningful and long-lasting recovery. With a decade of experience serving a wide range of patients, I am a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. To ensure we have a productive first visit, please be sure to fill out your intake form in advance!
(805) 941-3431 View (805) 941-3431
Photo of Jasmine Delijani, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jasmine Delijani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362  (Online Only)
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, or navigating complex emotions in life? Or are you a woman facing challenges during pregnancy and postpartum periods? Serving adolescents and adults of all genders and cultural backgrounds, my expertise lies in providing compassionate, judgment-free, comprehensive telepsychiatry across California. Seeking relief and a path to wellbeing? My approach combines traditional psychiatry—medications & therapy—with holistic methods like supplementation, genetic/lab testing, and sleep optimization. Let's uncover the root causes and tailor a journey towards your vibrant health.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, or navigating complex emotions in life? Or are you a woman facing challenges during pregnancy and postpartum periods? Serving adolescents and adults of all genders and cultural backgrounds, my expertise lies in providing compassionate, judgment-free, comprehensive telepsychiatry across California. Seeking relief and a path to wellbeing? My approach combines traditional psychiatry—medications & therapy—with holistic methods like supplementation, genetic/lab testing, and sleep optimization. Let's uncover the root causes and tailor a journey towards your vibrant health.
(805) 978-9798 View (805) 978-9798
Photo of Mina Heydari, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mina Heydari
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Throughout her career, Mina has assisted individuals who have faced various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and PTSD. Every person is unique and extraordinary, deserving of respect and personalized care. Mina’s approach is to develop a partnership as we embark on a journey toward achieving optimal mental wellness and healing. Your time together is a safe and therapeutic place for you to talk about how you feel and what you're thinking. Accepting that each person is unique, each person's experiences and struggles are too.
Throughout her career, Mina has assisted individuals who have faced various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and PTSD. Every person is unique and extraordinary, deserving of respect and personalized care. Mina’s approach is to develop a partnership as we embark on a journey toward achieving optimal mental wellness and healing. Your time together is a safe and therapeutic place for you to talk about how you feel and what you're thinking. Accepting that each person is unique, each person's experiences and struggles are too.
(747) 302-3987 View (747) 302-3987
Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
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!
(805) 429-2824 View (805) 429-2824
Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist
Kailee Marin
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
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!
(805) 507-2973 View (805) 507-2973
Photo of Bubba Mehdi Thomas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bubba Mehdi Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
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!
(805) 790-8293 View (805) 790-8293
Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist
Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 396-1190 View (424) 396-1190
Photo of Jari Pohankova, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jari Pohankova
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Jari Pohankova is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working with psychiatric patients at UCLA. Her focus is on viewing each individual holistically and addressing the root cause of disease by providing an individualized approach and healing all aspects of life that contribute to mental illness (mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional, relational, and stress management). Jari believes that mental health and resilience are a foundation for a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
Jari Pohankova is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience working with psychiatric patients at UCLA. Her focus is on viewing each individual holistically and addressing the root cause of disease by providing an individualized approach and healing all aspects of life that contribute to mental illness (mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional, relational, and stress management). Jari believes that mental health and resilience are a foundation for a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
(747) 998-0237 View (747) 998-0237
Photo of Roberto Figueroa, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Roberto Figueroa
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
El doctor Figueroa tiene una extensa formación, especialización y experiencia en psicofarmacología. Después de completar su residencia en el año 2003, obtuvo una beca para especializarse en psicofarmacología en Mount Sinai School of Medicine en Nueva York. Desde entonces ha participado en docenas de ensayos clínicos de investigación, dirigidos a evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de los medicamentos que están siendo estudiados para el tratamiento de la ansiedad, depresión, trastorno bipolar y trastornos psicóticos. También ha liderado proyectos de investigación para estudiar la seguridad a largo plazo de la exposición a antidepresivos
El doctor Figueroa tiene una extensa formación, especialización y experiencia en psicofarmacología. Después de completar su residencia en el año 2003, obtuvo una beca para especializarse en psicofarmacología en Mount Sinai School of Medicine en Nueva York. Desde entonces ha participado en docenas de ensayos clínicos de investigación, dirigidos a evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de los medicamentos que están siendo estudiados para el tratamiento de la ansiedad, depresión, trastorno bipolar y trastornos psicóticos. También ha liderado proyectos de investigación para estudiar la seguridad a largo plazo de la exposición a antidepresivos
(310) 935-4184 View (310) 935-4184
Photo of Chika Okechukwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Chika Okechukwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360  (Online Only)
Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
Dr. Chika Okechukwu is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with great experience treating clients with medical and mental health disorders. She utilizes a holistic approach to psychiatric care by integrating core values in medical and nursing practice and evidence-based psychiatric treatments. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
(562) 534-7908 View (562) 534-7908
Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (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.
(310) 234-5629 View (310) 234-5629
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD , Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
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!
(805) 334-8702 View (805) 334-8702
Photo of Sham Singh, MD , Psychiatrist
Sham Singh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
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!
(805) 669-2406 View (805) 669-2406
Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 363-7016 View (424) 363-7016
Photo of Sabira Saifuddin - Family Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Family Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
(805) 693-4104 View (805) 693-4104
Photo of Marissa Nevel, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Marissa Nevel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91319
Gia is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has worked in a variety of settings including behavioral health, acute care, and addiction treatment. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from UC Berkeley in 2017, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing summa cum laude from West Coast University in 2020. Subsequently, in 2023, she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the same institution. Gia is board-certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in Advanced Practice Nursing for Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan.
Gia is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has worked in a variety of settings including behavioral health, acute care, and addiction treatment. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from UC Berkeley in 2017, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing summa cum laude from West Coast University in 2020. Subsequently, in 2023, she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the same institution. Gia is board-certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in Advanced Practice Nursing for Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan.
(424) 364-2042 View (424) 364-2042
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See more therapy options for Thousand Oaks

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA

40+

Average cost per session

$300

Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA who prioritize treating:

98% Depression
98% Anxiety
82% ADHD
82% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
82% Bipolar Disorder
80% Medication Management
66% Trauma and PTSD

Average years in practice

18 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

95% Aetna
92% Cigna and Evernorth
86% Optum

How Psychiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA see their clients

61% Online Only
39% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

58% Female
42% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.