Psychiatrists in Ventura County, CA
![Photo of Sham Singh, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cad9b28-ccfa-443c-8b8a-a74180936034/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Shannon Pereira, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7079aaf9-57f0-4495-8d4c-7340d822cdbe/1/320x400.jpeg)
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!
![Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2474d574-647d-4f6f-813d-de41b57ba603/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Michael Polda, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cd4d491-8d5a-4c57-8675-78bcd549c627/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Polda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91361
My ideal client is an adult dealing with anxiety, depression, or the unique challenges of aging. They seek a compassionate, understanding provider who can help them navigate their mental health journey. Their goals include finding relief from their symptoms, improving their quality of life, and developing effective coping strategies. They value accessible, timely care and want a partner in their mental wellness journey who listens, understands, and provides personalized solutions.
My ideal client is an adult dealing with anxiety, depression, or the unique challenges of aging. They seek a compassionate, understanding provider who can help them navigate their mental health journey. Their goals include finding relief from their symptoms, improving their quality of life, and developing effective coping strategies. They value accessible, timely care and want a partner in their mental wellness journey who listens, understands, and provides personalized solutions.
![Photo of Dr. Carolyn Hanohano, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5245ac45-4615-4d08-a6b4-4ed12b6418c7/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Carolyn Hanohano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003 (Online Only)
Hello, I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over two decades of experience in nursing, my mission is to provide compassionate and effective mental health care. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents and adults. I assess and diagnose patients on a broad range of mental health issues, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, panic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hello, I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over two decades of experience in nursing, my mission is to provide compassionate and effective mental health care. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents and adults. I assess and diagnose patients on a broad range of mental health issues, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias, panic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e01a089f-b82a-4642-bb27-686f177e867e/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Albert Mcnames, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe194404-26e9-4914-b46a-9fe2c57f065e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I received my Master's in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix and my Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Maryville University. I have experience working with the patients across the lifespan.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I received my Master's in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix and my Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Maryville University. I have experience working with the patients across the lifespan.
![Photo of Tami Zorge - The Mindful Lemon , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6da2db4e-4f41-460c-9986-1cfb457f7e51/1/320x400.png)
The Mindful Lemon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oxnard, CA 93036 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
![Photo of Joyce Weckl, CNM, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5c6cba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joyce Weckl
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oxnard, CA 93036
Are you experiencing anxiety or depression? Unsure of what to do about your mood swings or other troubling symptoms? I treat men, women, school age children, and adolescents for most mental health issues. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, individualized care with the added benefit of the ability to prescribe medication.In the past, I was a certified nurse-midwife and women's health care provider. I have a long history of treating women in relation to their reproductive changes.
Are you experiencing anxiety or depression? Unsure of what to do about your mood swings or other troubling symptoms? I treat men, women, school age children, and adolescents for most mental health issues. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, individualized care with the added benefit of the ability to prescribe medication.In the past, I was a certified nurse-midwife and women's health care provider. I have a long history of treating women in relation to their reproductive changes.
![Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ff074b1-b315-4898-9c62-34997a018c03/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Traci Babcock, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/466b3b85-6312-4898-957f-b2ac63479238/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced board-certified nurse practitioner for 23 years. I accept most major insurances. I work with Family Psychological Services, a Regional Behavioral Health Center. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I work with adolescents and adults ages 17 and up. I have provided direct services through Cedars-Sinai Hospital, USC, and other major neuropsychiatric departments for psychiatric evaluation and medication management for patients with mental health disorders, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, and critical care.
I am an experienced board-certified nurse practitioner for 23 years. I accept most major insurances. I work with Family Psychological Services, a Regional Behavioral Health Center. I have experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I work with adolescents and adults ages 17 and up. I have provided direct services through Cedars-Sinai Hospital, USC, and other major neuropsychiatric departments for psychiatric evaluation and medication management for patients with mental health disorders, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, and critical care.
15 Second Videos
Sham Singh
Shannon Pereira
Catalina Villa
Uchenna Okoye
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Shannon Pereira
State Of Mind Wellness Center- Priya Parmar, MD
Anne Phan-Huy
The Focus Doc
Dominique Sanders
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Bonmente
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Chika Okechukwu
Uchenna Okoye
Sham Singh
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Riz Ahmad
Catalina Villa
Benedicta Osuji
Sham Singh
Mottsin Thomas
Ronil Shah
Mottsin Thomas
![Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5cd314c-b14c-47ec-839a-22bb3fe19608/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Holly Linn Jacobson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21c167fd-19f6-4565-bf52-f1717750c817/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Jacobson combines expertise with compassionate, personalized care. Utilizing evidence-based practices with medication and non-pharmacologic approaches—including psychotherapy—speeds recovery and patients feel better faster. Holly's treatment process is a two-way collaboration based on empathy and judgment-free care in a tailored mental health wellness plan.
Holly Jacobson combines expertise with compassionate, personalized care. Utilizing evidence-based practices with medication and non-pharmacologic approaches—including psychotherapy—speeds recovery and patients feel better faster. Holly's treatment process is a two-way collaboration based on empathy and judgment-free care in a tailored mental health wellness plan.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c61e73d-df34-4ef5-889f-76af70226b60/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Lake Sherwood, 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.
![Photo of Sabira Saifuddin - Family Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56ece014-120e-42f1-b0c5-74149daa0061/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Brian S. Taylor, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d9f11ff-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, I see adults and adolescents ages 15 and older who desire evaluation and treatment of their mental health issue(s) regardless of complexity. I offer a complete psychiatric evaluation, including a psychosocial assessment and make recommendations for you based on evidence-based practice guidelines. I have previously worked in the community mental health setting serving the seriously and persistently mentally ill populations of the Bay Area and Southern California. Psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic strategies are tailored to relieve the distressing symptoms impacting your life and well-being.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, I see adults and adolescents ages 15 and older who desire evaluation and treatment of their mental health issue(s) regardless of complexity. I offer a complete psychiatric evaluation, including a psychosocial assessment and make recommendations for you based on evidence-based practice guidelines. I have previously worked in the community mental health setting serving the seriously and persistently mentally ill populations of the Bay Area and Southern California. Psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic strategies are tailored to relieve the distressing symptoms impacting your life and well-being.
![Photo of Kofi Omane, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0048b0d-b634-4107-b96d-2dcfc63b13ce/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kofi Omane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91362
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), certified across the lifespan. I received my Bachelor and Masters of Science in Nursing from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. I have several years of psychiatric experience as a mental health counselor, psychiatric registered staff nurse, and PMHNP-BC. These experiences include emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and community-based psychiatric settings. I have a passion for working with individuals of all ages to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), certified across the lifespan. I received my Bachelor and Masters of Science in Nursing from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. I have several years of psychiatric experience as a mental health counselor, psychiatric registered staff nurse, and PMHNP-BC. These experiences include emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and community-based psychiatric settings. I have a passion for working with individuals of all ages to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
![Photo of Chelsea Vanicek, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7aa9c274-1fe8-4f32-b67e-886c1ec992fb/1/320x400.png)
Chelsea Vanicek
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93003 (Online Only)
Meet Chelsea, a dedicated PMHNP with a fervor for transforming lives. With a heart for the adult and geriatric populations, she specializes in treating psychiatric illnesses like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar 1 and 2, and schizophrenia. Chelsea's compassionate care blends clinical expertise with unwavering empathy, ensuring her patients feel seen and heard. Her mission? To restore hope, foster resilience, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. In her hands, mental health becomes a journey of healing and growth.
Meet Chelsea, a dedicated PMHNP with a fervor for transforming lives. With a heart for the adult and geriatric populations, she specializes in treating psychiatric illnesses like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar 1 and 2, and schizophrenia. Chelsea's compassionate care blends clinical expertise with unwavering empathy, ensuring her patients feel seen and heard. Her mission? To restore hope, foster resilience, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. In her hands, mental health becomes a journey of healing and growth.
![Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e3839a1-1612-4dbb-af69-50cf8c2c1445/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed66857-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
See more therapy options for Ventura County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Ventura County, CA
90+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Ventura County, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
81% | ADHD |
78% | Medication Management |
77% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Aetna |
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
84% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Ventura County, CA see their clients
54% | Online Only | |
46% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
56% | Female | |
44% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Ventura 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.