Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA
Juliano Innocenti is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2022. Juliano offers trauma-informed, patient-centered care that may include options for medication management for conditions like depression and anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, OCD, hoarding, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Gender dysphoria. He also has experience with grief and bereavement, and can help you plan for, or come to terms with your own mortality and existential fears.
Juliano Innocenti is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2022. Juliano offers trauma-informed, patient-centered care that may include options for medication management for conditions like depression and anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, OCD, hoarding, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Gender dysphoria. He also has experience with grief and bereavement, and can help you plan for, or come to terms with your own mortality and existential fears.
Dr. Gabriel Aranovich is a top-rated board certified psychiatrist, specializing in psychotherapy and medication management for optimizing mental health. At The Clinic, with locations in with locations in San Francisco, Palo Alto, San Jose, Berkeley, and Marin County, California, Dr. Aranovich treats both adults and adolescents with a wide range of issues, such as: depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, substance use and other common and complex mental health conditions. In addition, Dr. Aranovich, who speaks both English and Spanish, offers video and telemedicine services to patients residing in the state of California.
Dr. Gabriel Aranovich is a top-rated board certified psychiatrist, specializing in psychotherapy and medication management for optimizing mental health. At The Clinic, with locations in with locations in San Francisco, Palo Alto, San Jose, Berkeley, and Marin County, California, Dr. Aranovich treats both adults and adolescents with a wide range of issues, such as: depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, substance use and other common and complex mental health conditions. In addition, Dr. Aranovich, who speaks both English and Spanish, offers video and telemedicine services to patients residing in the state of California.
Heidi Aguilar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94132 (Online Only)
Working in this field has provided me with the opportunity to provide others with life changing support. I believe in individualized patient care. As we work together, I aim to support you in establishing hope and finding meaning in your journey. I prefer to implement a holistic integrative approach to care. I am trained to provide care to patients of all ages with a wide range of mental health concerns. My special interests include children/adolescents and I am also certified to provide prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum care.
Working in this field has provided me with the opportunity to provide others with life changing support. I believe in individualized patient care. As we work together, I aim to support you in establishing hope and finding meaning in your journey. I prefer to implement a holistic integrative approach to care. I am trained to provide care to patients of all ages with a wide range of mental health concerns. My special interests include children/adolescents and I am also certified to provide prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum care.
I am a psychiatrist specializing in therapy and medication management for adults and late adolescents. My practice provides the time for an in-depth assessment of a patient's needs and the formulation of a detailed treatment plan. The initial assessment usually takes two meetings and forms the foundation for an ongoing therapeutic relationship. I primarily utilize psychodynamic approaches, within a holistic framework that considers diet, exercise, and work-life balance. I provide treatment in a warm, compassionate, and accepting environment.
I am a psychiatrist specializing in therapy and medication management for adults and late adolescents. My practice provides the time for an in-depth assessment of a patient's needs and the formulation of a detailed treatment plan. The initial assessment usually takes two meetings and forms the foundation for an ongoing therapeutic relationship. I primarily utilize psychodynamic approaches, within a holistic framework that considers diet, exercise, and work-life balance. I provide treatment in a warm, compassionate, and accepting environment.
I incorporate medicine, psychology, exercise, nutrition, and sleep into my treatment plans. I believe that the patient and physician should partner together in treating health problems. My goal is to work in collaboration with patients to understand the underlying causes of distress. I take a practical approach to psychiatric treatment. I utilize evidence-based pharmacology in concert with skills-based therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. I earned my Bachelor's degree in medical dietetics at the Ohio State University. It was there that I first saw the profound link between mental and physical health.
I incorporate medicine, psychology, exercise, nutrition, and sleep into my treatment plans. I believe that the patient and physician should partner together in treating health problems. My goal is to work in collaboration with patients to understand the underlying causes of distress. I take a practical approach to psychiatric treatment. I utilize evidence-based pharmacology in concert with skills-based therapies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. I earned my Bachelor's degree in medical dietetics at the Ohio State University. It was there that I first saw the profound link between mental and physical health.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist for adults, adolescents and children. I currently lead a diverse team of psychiatry providers and therapists at Well Coast Medical Corporation. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), mood disorders, trauma and anxiety. We provide thorough psychiatric assessments, medications and/or psychotherapy for adults and youth. We also collaborate with other therapists to provide medication evaluations and treatment for patients who are actively in therapy elsewhere.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist for adults, adolescents and children. I currently lead a diverse team of psychiatry providers and therapists at Well Coast Medical Corporation. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD), mood disorders, trauma and anxiety. We provide thorough psychiatric assessments, medications and/or psychotherapy for adults and youth. We also collaborate with other therapists to provide medication evaluations and treatment for patients who are actively in therapy elsewhere.
I am a board eligible psychiatrist with a special interest in austere natural treatment. Working together, we can collaborate on identifying your mental health needs and goals. We can explore science-backed treatments and techniques to help you develop the holistic wellness plan that is right for you, selecting from evidence-based pharmaceutical and integrative medications in conjunction with neuromodulatory lifestyle optimization of diet, activity, sleep, and mindfulness practices to empower you in your mental health care.
I am a board eligible psychiatrist with a special interest in austere natural treatment. Working together, we can collaborate on identifying your mental health needs and goals. We can explore science-backed treatments and techniques to help you develop the holistic wellness plan that is right for you, selecting from evidence-based pharmaceutical and integrative medications in conjunction with neuromodulatory lifestyle optimization of diet, activity, sleep, and mindfulness practices to empower you in your mental health care.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you struggle with uncomfortable emotions or bodily sensations? Do you feel unsure about how to move forward with your life? Sometimes it takes a professional to help sort out what will be helpful for you. Together we can examine where the struggle lies, how ready you are to change, what the effective treatments are, and what role medications can play. If psychotherapy is a part of your treatment we can choose from various modalities to fit your needs including mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, behavioral strategies, exposure, and psychodynamic techniques.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you struggle with uncomfortable emotions or bodily sensations? Do you feel unsure about how to move forward with your life? Sometimes it takes a professional to help sort out what will be helpful for you. Together we can examine where the struggle lies, how ready you are to change, what the effective treatments are, and what role medications can play. If psychotherapy is a part of your treatment we can choose from various modalities to fit your needs including mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, behavioral strategies, exposure, and psychodynamic techniques.
Diane Kim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have experience treating adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and ADHD. I provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments and prescribe psychiatric medications. I also provide psychotherapy services and am currently deepening my training of psychoanalytic psychotherapy through the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. My approach draws upon various modalities, including mindfulness, somatic practices, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I enjoy working with patients who are immigrants or children of immigrants and are navigating inter-generational and cross-cultural challenges.
I have experience treating adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and ADHD. I provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments and prescribe psychiatric medications. I also provide psychotherapy services and am currently deepening my training of psychoanalytic psychotherapy through the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. My approach draws upon various modalities, including mindfulness, somatic practices, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I enjoy working with patients who are immigrants or children of immigrants and are navigating inter-generational and cross-cultural challenges.
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
I help individuals who are experiencing challenging life transitions, acute or chronic anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, insomnia and chemical dependency issues. Soon, I will offer Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. I work with clients during their times of wellness in order to create a more balanced, mindful and body-centered consciousness. I have considerable experience working with individuals who are reconsidering their relationship to alcohol and other substances.
I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults as well as medication for older adolescents and adults when indicated. My areas of focus are relationship issues, life transitions, mood and anxiety issues, trauma, parent-child struggles and developmental issues. I work with you to bring forth your lesser known and understood thoughts, feelings and motivations that trip you up in life. The goal is to diminish their intensity and meaningfully change your most troublesome life patterns so that you can live, love, work and play more fully and freely.
I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults as well as medication for older adolescents and adults when indicated. My areas of focus are relationship issues, life transitions, mood and anxiety issues, trauma, parent-child struggles and developmental issues. I work with you to bring forth your lesser known and understood thoughts, feelings and motivations that trip you up in life. The goal is to diminish their intensity and meaningfully change your most troublesome life patterns so that you can live, love, work and play more fully and freely.
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Dr. Kirk James Murphy is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 1991. Dr. Murphy had the privilege of learning from global experts in human sexuality as well as mood and anxiety disorders in her UCLA residency training and then to complete his fellowship in Consultation-Liaison and Trauma Psychiatry while practicing with experts in those fields. Dr.
Dr. Kirk James Murphy is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 1991. Dr. Murphy had the privilege of learning from global experts in human sexuality as well as mood and anxiety disorders in her UCLA residency training and then to complete his fellowship in Consultation-Liaison and Trauma Psychiatry while practicing with experts in those fields. Dr.
Clinical expertise in The Sinclair Method for treating Alcohol Use Disorder.
Clinical expertise in The Sinclair Method for treating Alcohol Use Disorder.
Having seen a wide area of complex patients with complex diagnoses and in complex situations in various situations, I prides myself on being able to step back and take a deep thorough dive into patient histories to really try and tease out all a person’s complexities, so that the plan I come up with can be as tailored to each individual. I also take less of a formal psychoanalytic-style of approach to psychiatry, and more so realize I am working with a person.
Having seen a wide area of complex patients with complex diagnoses and in complex situations in various situations, I prides myself on being able to step back and take a deep thorough dive into patient histories to really try and tease out all a person’s complexities, so that the plan I come up with can be as tailored to each individual. I also take less of a formal psychoanalytic-style of approach to psychiatry, and more so realize I am working with a person.
Dr. Cheryl Person is the National Director of Clinical Quality at Talkiatry. She is board certified in general adult psychiatry and has been in practice for 20 years. Dr. Person focuses on medication management but believes that is only part of successful treatment. She will spend her time providing motivational interviewing or supportive therapy, and believes it is often critical to have a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Person received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Johns Hopkins as well as a psychiatric epidemiology fellowship.
Dr. Cheryl Person is the National Director of Clinical Quality at Talkiatry. She is board certified in general adult psychiatry and has been in practice for 20 years. Dr. Person focuses on medication management but believes that is only part of successful treatment. She will spend her time providing motivational interviewing or supportive therapy, and believes it is often critical to have a therapist as part of the treatment team. Dr. Person received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Johns Hopkins as well as a psychiatric epidemiology fellowship.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a private practice in San Francisco. I completed medical training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill followed by psychiatry residency at UCSF. I have also received advanced psychotherapy training through the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. I integrate a wide range of techniques and perspectives to provide individualized treatment to each patient.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a private practice in San Francisco. I completed medical training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill followed by psychiatry residency at UCSF. I have also received advanced psychotherapy training through the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. I integrate a wide range of techniques and perspectives to provide individualized treatment to each patient.
Feeling understood and uniquely recognized is an important part of the therapy relationship. As a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, with many years of experience, I offer an engaged and collaborative relationship, to better understand core problems and emotional conflicts that get in the way of having a satisfying and meaningful life. I work in psychotherapy with a range of issues including self esteem,intimacy, the effects of trauma, loss, and conflicts around ambition and creativity. I can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression that can significantly interfere with day to day life, providing help with medications.
Feeling understood and uniquely recognized is an important part of the therapy relationship. As a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, with many years of experience, I offer an engaged and collaborative relationship, to better understand core problems and emotional conflicts that get in the way of having a satisfying and meaningful life. I work in psychotherapy with a range of issues including self esteem,intimacy, the effects of trauma, loss, and conflicts around ambition and creativity. I can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression that can significantly interfere with day to day life, providing help with medications.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience treating a wide range of mental health issues. I specialize in the management of eating disorders and women's mental health issues, particularly the emotional challenges specific to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenting/maternal identity. I work collaboratively with my patients to understand their unique experience and develop a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience treating a wide range of mental health issues. I specialize in the management of eating disorders and women's mental health issues, particularly the emotional challenges specific to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenting/maternal identity. I work collaboratively with my patients to understand their unique experience and develop a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
Brightside Health offers online psychiatry and therapy from the comfort of home. Meet with a psychiatric provider in as little as 24 hours. We provide personalized, data-driven psychiatry, evidence-based therapy, and continuous support from expert providers to help our members feel better and stay that way. Our precision-prescribing analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your best match. At Brightside, we track your progress at every step so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
Brightside Health offers online psychiatry and therapy from the comfort of home. Meet with a psychiatric provider in as little as 24 hours. We provide personalized, data-driven psychiatry, evidence-based therapy, and continuous support from expert providers to help our members feel better and stay that way. Our precision-prescribing analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your best match. At Brightside, we track your progress at every step so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
Carative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122 (Online Only)
Welcome to Carative Psychiatry! Our mission is to enhance wellness and motivate self-improvement by strengthening minds. We offer high quality health care for patients seeking a trustworthy long-term psychiatric provider who can provide medication management and supportive counseling. At Carative Psychiatry, we desire to provide health services to our clients that focus on improving their mental health but also to educate and prevent future issues. Carative Psychiatry is a Nurse practitioner owned psychiatric practice that uses evidenced based practice to improve the quality of life of their clients. We see our clients through zoom
Welcome to Carative Psychiatry! Our mission is to enhance wellness and motivate self-improvement by strengthening minds. We offer high quality health care for patients seeking a trustworthy long-term psychiatric provider who can provide medication management and supportive counseling. At Carative Psychiatry, we desire to provide health services to our clients that focus on improving their mental health but also to educate and prevent future issues. Carative Psychiatry is a Nurse practitioner owned psychiatric practice that uses evidenced based practice to improve the quality of life of their clients. We see our clients through zoom
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Nearby Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Pacifica
- Piedmont
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA
400+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
70% | ADHD |
70% | Medication Management |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
91% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA see their clients
52% | In Person and Online | |
48% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
59% | Female | |
40% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in San Francisco?
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.