Psychiatrists in Yolo County, CA
![Photo of Jhaurel Johnson White, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b4e8e25-0c91-47d0-92ad-6db9c4ca8af8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have an extensive background in caring for the adult, geriatric, and veteran populations in outpatient, acute, and emergency mental health care settings. I also have experience treating patients in crisis residential treatment, residential rehabilitation, and telehealth settings. I am excited to provide care for adult patients in need here at Rula. I utilize mental health medication and therapy when providing care for my patients.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have an extensive background in caring for the adult, geriatric, and veteran populations in outpatient, acute, and emergency mental health care settings. I also have experience treating patients in crisis residential treatment, residential rehabilitation, and telehealth settings. I am excited to provide care for adult patients in need here at Rula. I utilize mental health medication and therapy when providing care for my patients.
![Photo of Mina Hah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a2ebada-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer help for the following challenges in life: Death and Dying, Divorce, Emptiness, Grief, Learning disabilities, Marital difficulties, Stress from Medical illnesses, Relationship difficulties, School related problems, Sleep disorders, Stress from Academic difficulties, School related problems, Nervous breakdowns, Abuse or Relationship difficulties, Stress around pregnancy, Low self esteem Losing joy in things that previously made you happy. My ideal client is someone who wants to be involved in their healthcare and enjoys a collaborative relationship and is willing to work on improving their health for a fulfilling life.
I offer help for the following challenges in life: Death and Dying, Divorce, Emptiness, Grief, Learning disabilities, Marital difficulties, Stress from Medical illnesses, Relationship difficulties, School related problems, Sleep disorders, Stress from Academic difficulties, School related problems, Nervous breakdowns, Abuse or Relationship difficulties, Stress around pregnancy, Low self esteem Losing joy in things that previously made you happy. My ideal client is someone who wants to be involved in their healthcare and enjoys a collaborative relationship and is willing to work on improving their health for a fulfilling life.
![Photo of Dr. Bita Shaghaghi, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a1796d5-a5e7-474c-b39c-8dac90249612/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bita Shaghaghiis board-certified in psychiatry and specializes in adults suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar, personality, and sleep disorders, as well as co-occurring medical conditions. Dr. Shaghaghi has a patient-centered and recovery-oriented approach that uses elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and medication management. She believes every patient is valuable and worthy of great care. She is passionate about working as a team to create and attain achievable goals.
Dr. Bita Shaghaghiis board-certified in psychiatry and specializes in adults suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar, personality, and sleep disorders, as well as co-occurring medical conditions. Dr. Shaghaghi has a patient-centered and recovery-oriented approach that uses elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and medication management. She believes every patient is valuable and worthy of great care. She is passionate about working as a team to create and attain achievable goals.
![Photo of Dr. Eleanor Curry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5161b9ba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Eleanor Curry cares for women needing maternal mental health and reproductive psychiatry.
Dr. Eleanor Curry cares for women needing maternal mental health and reproductive psychiatry.
![Photo of Dr. Catherine Brennan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/479765f4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Catherine Brennan is board-certified and treats children, adolescents, and adults with autistic spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at California Pacific Medical Center and her child psychiatry fellowship at UC Davis MIND Institute.
Dr. Catherine Brennan is board-certified and treats children, adolescents, and adults with autistic spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at California Pacific Medical Center and her child psychiatry fellowship at UC Davis MIND Institute.
![Photo of Jhaurel Johnson White, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef1819e7-0634-4cca-8b22-46503fd99543/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jhaurel Johnson White
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Woodland, CA 95695 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have an extensive background in caring for the adult, geriatric, and veteran populations in outpatient, acute, and emergency mental health care settings. I also have experience treating patients in crisis residential treatment, residential rehabilitation, and telehealth settings. I am excited to provide care for adult patients in need here at Rula. I utilize mental health medication and therapy when providing care for my patients.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I have an extensive background in caring for the adult, geriatric, and veteran populations in outpatient, acute, and emergency mental health care settings. I also have experience treating patients in crisis residential treatment, residential rehabilitation, and telehealth settings. I am excited to provide care for adult patients in need here at Rula. I utilize mental health medication and therapy when providing care for my patients.
![Photo of Enrique Lm Ochoa, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d2dbca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry certified psychiatrist retired from UC Davis Department of Psychiatry specializing in medication management. While at UC Davis, I was an Attending at the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center and later, the Medical Director at Turning Point-ISA. Upon retirement, I worked for 8 years at Heritage Oaks Hospital doing inpatient psychiatry. I am a Volunteer Clinical Faculty at UCD Psychiatry and I teach Residents and Medical Students.
I am an American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry certified psychiatrist retired from UC Davis Department of Psychiatry specializing in medication management. While at UC Davis, I was an Attending at the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center and later, the Medical Director at Turning Point-ISA. Upon retirement, I worked for 8 years at Heritage Oaks Hospital doing inpatient psychiatry. I am a Volunteer Clinical Faculty at UCD Psychiatry and I teach Residents and Medical Students.
![Photo of Dr. Paul Damian Cox, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dff9593a-6412-4c41-a613-170e2b509798/1/320x400.png)
Paul Damian Cox, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist. He graduated from UC Davis Medical School, which he attended as a Regents' Scholar. Dr. Cox completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco, where he developed several psychotherapy groups and in 1995 served as Chief Resident. His professional areas of expertise and interest include comprehensive management combining medication and therapy, as well as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Dr. Cox is an experienced teacher drawing from interpersonal neurobiology and social cognitive learning theory.
Paul Damian Cox, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist. He graduated from UC Davis Medical School, which he attended as a Regents' Scholar. Dr. Cox completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco, where he developed several psychotherapy groups and in 1995 served as Chief Resident. His professional areas of expertise and interest include comprehensive management combining medication and therapy, as well as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Dr. Cox is an experienced teacher drawing from interpersonal neurobiology and social cognitive learning theory.
![Photo of Dr. Luke Michels, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c7cbaea-661c-4b09-85e3-96c32d9e0a99/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Luke Michels is a board-certified psychiatrist. He completed his psychiatry residency at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Dr. Luke Michels is a board-certified psychiatrist. He completed his psychiatry residency at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.
![Photo of Dr. Ajay Singh, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cebfefed-e8a2-4c2a-b9ba-60c042ca724b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ajay Singh is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Dr. Ajay Singh is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry.
![Photo of Mindpath College Health - Mindpath College Health - East Street, Davis, MD, PMHNP, PhD, LCSW, LMFT, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f34128c5-7b42-4807-b145-316a9ee7fa5b/1/320x400.png)
Mindpath College Health - East Street, Davis
Psychiatrist, MD, PMHNP, PhD, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Davis, CA 95616
Mindpath College Health provides outpatient mental health care for college and university students, staff, and the surrounding community. We provide a broad spectrum of individual and group therapy, relationship counseling, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management and psychiatry.
Mindpath College Health provides outpatient mental health care for college and university students, staff, and the surrounding community. We provide a broad spectrum of individual and group therapy, relationship counseling, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management and psychiatry.
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![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/526f8830-6bcf-4331-b5e6-b4d450fb3bb0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Woodland, CA 95695 (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 Dr. Harinder Kaur, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c466e6aa-24e6-4dea-859d-2ed511d84e12/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Harinder Kaur is board-certified in general, child, and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Kaur helps with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. She has a special interest in treating psychiatric conditions with comorbid medical and addiction problems.
Dr. Harinder Kaur is board-certified in general, child, and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Kaur helps with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. She has a special interest in treating psychiatric conditions with comorbid medical and addiction problems.
![Photo of Dr. Pavan Madan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11ebbd51-0d09-47d6-9ac2-7bc30019b6c0/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Pavan Madan is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Madan helps with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, substance use, and trauma.
Dr. Pavan Madan is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Madan helps with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, substance use, and trauma.
![Photo of Samir Hamed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b92ba810-15e8-4027-941a-219619cc867f/2/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Brittany Lute, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cda279be-9885-44bb-a082-45045a6f39fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
![Photo of Nina Sreshta, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7313507d-a7f7-4355-bbda-16f4833e1462/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting patients in Massachusetts, Maryland and California. I believe that everyone is capable of living a life that feels purposeful. Sometimes because of losses, traumas, predispositions to depression or anxiety, or the ways we were taught to think about ourselves, that purposeful life can seem like a distant possibility. I see patients primarily for talk therapy, and if needed, I prescribe medication. To request an intake, message me through Psychology Today or visit my website, www.ninasreshtamd.com. Currently, I am only seeing patients online.
Accepting patients in Massachusetts, Maryland and California. I believe that everyone is capable of living a life that feels purposeful. Sometimes because of losses, traumas, predispositions to depression or anxiety, or the ways we were taught to think about ourselves, that purposeful life can seem like a distant possibility. I see patients primarily for talk therapy, and if needed, I prescribe medication. To request an intake, message me through Psychology Today or visit my website, www.ninasreshtamd.com. Currently, I am only seeing patients online.
![Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b9fa630-7637-4344-acc0-dee3a47f31e4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
![Photo of Rudy Roque, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1294befd-1f3f-4c85-a674-21ca6aabbd1b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
Life can be incredibly challenging, so finding a mental health provider when you're already struggling should not be. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate insurance and find someone who is a good fit. As a provider, I hope to help as many people as possible overcome that process by offering a mindful, knowledgeable, and transparent approach to medication management. If you are struggling, I hope you reach out and know that I am here to help.
![Photo of Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2842eb3-414a-4c6e-b0ac-3441c0f45c7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
Khadija Hamisi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. The influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness Being trained and current with the best evidence-bas medication treatment strategy, he places a strong emphasis on psychosocial, and psychodynamic factors as the foundation of his treatment. Many psychiatric conditions have an underlying biological and genetic component of treatment.
See more therapy options for Yolo County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Yolo County, CA
20+
Average cost per session
$462
Psychiatrists in Yolo County, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
82% | ADHD |
82% | Trauma and PTSD |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
79% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
18 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Aetna |
88% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
88% | Elevance |
How Psychiatrists in Yolo County, CA see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
52% | Male | |
48% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Yolo 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.