Psychiatrists in La Junta, CO
![Photo of Sandra Osborne, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a4aee6d-c8e6-4936-a89d-c638e5bb6a0f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! I'm Sandra (she/her), an empathetic mental health provider with a wealth of experience in crisis services, forensics, and veteran care. My mission is to meet you where you are and provide a judgment-free space where your voice is heard and valued. By integrating mind, body, and self, we'll navigate challenging emotions together. I can also prescribe and help with your medication management.
Accepting New Patients! I'm Sandra (she/her), an empathetic mental health provider with a wealth of experience in crisis services, forensics, and veteran care. My mission is to meet you where you are and provide a judgment-free space where your voice is heard and valued. By integrating mind, body, and self, we'll navigate challenging emotions together. I can also prescribe and help with your medication management.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Lauren Hood, PNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9d3cbb6-0fbd-4c3b-9aaa-205c90e456b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! Lauren Hood is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides a full range of psychiatric services and specializes in medication management. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Wyoming. She became certified as a psychiatric registered nurse, through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, as her career progressed. Lauren completed her Master of Science in Nursing through Walden University.
Accepting New Patients! Lauren Hood is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides a full range of psychiatric services and specializes in medication management. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Wyoming. She became certified as a psychiatric registered nurse, through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, as her career progressed. Lauren completed her Master of Science in Nursing through Walden University.
![Photo of Jeffrey Wentz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22673b89-ba93-4c6a-a486-25a3477e920d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Wentz is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and United States Air Force veteran with extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of mental illness across the lifespan. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Nebraska, and completed his postgraduate training in Psychiatry at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Dr. Wentz is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and United States Air Force veteran with extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of mental illness across the lifespan. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Nebraska, and completed his postgraduate training in Psychiatry at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio.
![Photo of Patricia (Trisha) A Scott-Cummings - Child and Adult Psychiatry, NP LLC, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f66e096-7383-4c96-b26c-97c710978eaf/3/320x400.jpeg)
Child and Adult Psychiatry, NP LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
I am accepting new patients and can schedule within 1-2 weeks. I am a Registered Nurse of 24 years and have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and working with children/adults in many areas of mental health. I have a passion for children & adolescence. I approach the whole person, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, and how to improve one, to improve all areas. I have a therapy dog that works with me, she provides comfort. I am prior military (8 years active duty Army) and then worked for 14 years with the military as the civilian nurse case manager for the 10th Special Forces Group, FT Carson.
I am accepting new patients and can schedule within 1-2 weeks. I am a Registered Nurse of 24 years and have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and working with children/adults in many areas of mental health. I have a passion for children & adolescence. I approach the whole person, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, and how to improve one, to improve all areas. I have a therapy dog that works with me, she provides comfort. I am prior military (8 years active duty Army) and then worked for 14 years with the military as the civilian nurse case manager for the 10th Special Forces Group, FT Carson.
![Photo of James Anderson, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/860d7e35-4d8a-4913-8d08-883fa117c478/3/320x400.jpeg)
James Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fountain, CO 80817
Accepting New Patients! As a board-certified specialist, I focus on medication management and specialize in treating a wide range of ailments including depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and more. I welcome patients with various insurances, ensuring accessibility for all. With the latest technology, I offer convenient e-prescriptions and conduct virtual sessions, providing the ease of care from the comfort of your home. Take the first step towards better mental health and schedule your in-office or video appointment today. Simply click the ‘My Website’ link or call 720-310-2773. Your well-being matters!
Accepting New Patients! As a board-certified specialist, I focus on medication management and specialize in treating a wide range of ailments including depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and more. I welcome patients with various insurances, ensuring accessibility for all. With the latest technology, I offer convenient e-prescriptions and conduct virtual sessions, providing the ease of care from the comfort of your home. Take the first step towards better mental health and schedule your in-office or video appointment today. Simply click the ‘My Website’ link or call 720-310-2773. Your well-being matters!
![Photo of Brian Watkins, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d4551e2-83fa-4e7f-aa99-e3f958addfe0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brian Watkins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Accepting new clients! I provide evaluations and medication management services for clients aged 15 and above. My practice covers a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders (including Bipolar), sleep disorders, addictions, PTSD, and dysfunctional personality traits. In my practice, I have several areas of special interest. I specialize in helping clients gradually taper off benzodiazepines, tailoring the process to their individual comfort and needs. I also prioritize assisting individuals in managing insomnia primarily through therapy, aiming to minimize the reliance on medications.
Accepting new clients! I provide evaluations and medication management services for clients aged 15 and above. My practice covers a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders (including Bipolar), sleep disorders, addictions, PTSD, and dysfunctional personality traits. In my practice, I have several areas of special interest. I specialize in helping clients gradually taper off benzodiazepines, tailoring the process to their individual comfort and needs. I also prioritize assisting individuals in managing insomnia primarily through therapy, aiming to minimize the reliance on medications.
![Photo of Kyle Brown, PNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b082597-04dc-477d-a4a7-80db09d244c9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! Kyle is a dual board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority in Colorado. Mr. Brown received his advanced degree from Regis University in Denver Colorado and has 14 years of experience in the healthcare arena; including pediatrics, communicable disease control, and integrated family practice. Kyle has a passion for current research and treatment therapies in psychiatry, with a focus on both pharmacological and non-medication management of psychiatric disorders. He has a particular interest in treatment resistant mood disorders and OCD.
Accepting New Patients! Kyle is a dual board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority in Colorado. Mr. Brown received his advanced degree from Regis University in Denver Colorado and has 14 years of experience in the healthcare arena; including pediatrics, communicable disease control, and integrated family practice. Kyle has a passion for current research and treatment therapies in psychiatry, with a focus on both pharmacological and non-medication management of psychiatric disorders. He has a particular interest in treatment resistant mood disorders and OCD.
![Photo of Ike Uzowulu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8df25e5a-4d39-4412-b092-ee74aa23972a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80917 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders.
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders.
![Photo of Sylvia Knop, MSN, APN, PMHNP, AGPCNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef9cfa32-ca9a-43e9-a573-e3e560bdb399/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sylvia Knop
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP, AGPCNP
Verified Verified
Pueblo West, CO 81007
Dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner specialized in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health licensed in Colorado. With over 12 years of nursing experience my passion has shifted to helping clients with their mental health concerns ages 6 and older. I utilize a holistic, culturally competent, patient-centered approach to providing customized care. I accept CO Medicare patients in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and surrounding areas, as well as CO Medicaid patients residing in Pueblo, CO and surrounding areas. I will accept patients with insurance companies listed in the near future.
Dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner specialized in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health licensed in Colorado. With over 12 years of nursing experience my passion has shifted to helping clients with their mental health concerns ages 6 and older. I utilize a holistic, culturally competent, patient-centered approach to providing customized care. I accept CO Medicare patients in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and surrounding areas, as well as CO Medicaid patients residing in Pueblo, CO and surrounding areas. I will accept patients with insurance companies listed in the near future.
![Photo of Kristina Kurtz, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1818fc9a-08dc-47dd-a92a-eea931fb7b69/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you're seeking adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, palliative medicine, or end-of-life care, Kristina can help you find relief and comfort. Kristina graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed a Transitional Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan, and Psychiatry Residency training at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During her residency training, she held multiple professional leadership positions, including ethics committee consultant, associate chief resident, and chief resident.
If you're seeking adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, palliative medicine, or end-of-life care, Kristina can help you find relief and comfort. Kristina graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed a Transitional Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan, and Psychiatry Residency training at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During her residency training, she held multiple professional leadership positions, including ethics committee consultant, associate chief resident, and chief resident.
![Photo of Tracy Tyler - Mindfulness Psychiatry, PLLC, Tracy Tyler, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d63eb9f-947f-4571-933f-92588a120618/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mindfulness Psychiatry, PLLC, Tracy Tyler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Accepting New Patients for medication management of adult Colorado residents! Immediate Availability! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health conditions. Please click on the “website” button to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you on your journey to optimal well-being!
Accepting New Patients for medication management of adult Colorado residents! Immediate Availability! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and a variety of other mental health conditions. Please click on the “website” button to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you on your journey to optimal well-being!
![Photo of Lilian Onyinye Onwuka - Breakthrough Psychiatry LLC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c863e0d-6d04-4137-8a81-0f342149e180/1/320x400.jpeg)
Breakthrough Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pueblo, CO 81003
Lilian Onwuka is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field ranging from child and adult inpatient care to community mental health crisis stabilization and substance abuse treatment. Lilian graduated from University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where she earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree.
Lilian Onwuka is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field ranging from child and adult inpatient care to community mental health crisis stabilization and substance abuse treatment. Lilian graduated from University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where she earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree.
![Photo of Jane Mehl - Around The Block Health Care, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce4ce4d8-533c-400e-bee0-bfb48836f4b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Around The Block Health Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
People all around us have some sort of mental distress. Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Substance use disorder are among the people we all know. I am looking to reach clients who suffer from almost any common mental health condition. I look at my patients holistically. I am able to treat many psychiatric conditions as well as physical conditions.
People all around us have some sort of mental distress. Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Substance use disorder are among the people we all know. I am looking to reach clients who suffer from almost any common mental health condition. I look at my patients holistically. I am able to treat many psychiatric conditions as well as physical conditions.
![Photo of Dean Gainey, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/535bfc37-cbd7-4ac1-8eb6-2b42c2a139ac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dean Gainey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Michigan State University. My clinical acumen is enriched by an extensive career dedicated to healthcare, where I have cultivated a deep understanding of the diverse communities I serve. My background includes a pivotal role in the U.S. Army as a Psychiatric Nurse, which has provided me with invaluable experience in care coordination and healthcare team leadership.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Michigan State University. My clinical acumen is enriched by an extensive career dedicated to healthcare, where I have cultivated a deep understanding of the diverse communities I serve. My background includes a pivotal role in the U.S. Army as a Psychiatric Nurse, which has provided me with invaluable experience in care coordination and healthcare team leadership.
![Photo of Sarah Barrett, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b5ca268-9cab-4e45-917c-a971287d3fd4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Barrett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (Online Only)
Insurance and self pay appointments available within a few days. Sarah is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She works primarily with women and teens. She specializes in maternal mental health and the unique challenges women face at different life stages. She has an understanding of issues related to preconception, pregnancy, infertility, loss, and adjusting to parenting. She provides medication management and/or therapy via telehealth.
Insurance and self pay appointments available within a few days. Sarah is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She works primarily with women and teens. She specializes in maternal mental health and the unique challenges women face at different life stages. She has an understanding of issues related to preconception, pregnancy, infertility, loss, and adjusting to parenting. She provides medication management and/or therapy via telehealth.
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69e9a888-3527-4448-8dbe-7c25eaab4ac7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Ellen M Walker, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4894e33f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to help you make transformative life changes and build emotional resilience through a collaborative process. We will work using talk therapy to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, personality, and relationships to better sort out your reasons for seeking help. We will consider whether there is a biological aspect to your difficulties and if you may benefit from medications to enhance your therapy. Finally, we will identify your goals, strengths, temperament, interests, personality traits, and life experiences to tailor an individual treatment for you.
My goal is to help you make transformative life changes and build emotional resilience through a collaborative process. We will work using talk therapy to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, personality, and relationships to better sort out your reasons for seeking help. We will consider whether there is a biological aspect to your difficulties and if you may benefit from medications to enhance your therapy. Finally, we will identify your goals, strengths, temperament, interests, personality traits, and life experiences to tailor an individual treatment for you.
![Photo of Lara Adeyemi - Twins Caring Hands LLC, DNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7a8aec5-7635-4c55-bba9-4df27ff6f4df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Twins Caring Hands LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80922 (Online Only)
Dr. Lara Adeyemi, DNP, brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to the field of psychiatric care. With a distinguished background spanning a decade plus, Dr. Adeyemi is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to individuals across the lifespan, from children to geriatric patients. Specializing in virtual/telemedicine services, Dr. Adeyemi ensures accessibility and convenience without compromising the quality of care. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Dr. Adeyemi prioritizes a holistic approach to mental wellness.
Dr. Lara Adeyemi, DNP, brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to the field of psychiatric care. With a distinguished background spanning a decade plus, Dr. Adeyemi is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to individuals across the lifespan, from children to geriatric patients. Specializing in virtual/telemedicine services, Dr. Adeyemi ensures accessibility and convenience without compromising the quality of care. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Dr. Adeyemi prioritizes a holistic approach to mental wellness.
![Photo of Eileen Spangler - Colorado Psychiatric, Psych, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01d0dfd8-60bf-45bb-a096-7cc664c121b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Colorado Psychiatric
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psych, NP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (Online Only)
Although carefully chosen medications can quickly achieve much needed relief of anxiety, depression, insomnia and trauma symptoms, a thorough evaluation can also identify many opportunities for improvement without medications. The most effective treatment plan may include work-life balance, nutrition and sleep strategies, addressing, avoiding or adapting to triggers, in addition to multiple psychotherapies. When needed, medications with the lowest side effects, easiest to use, most predictably effective & not addictive are recommended. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide which strategies they will use to achieve wellness.
Although carefully chosen medications can quickly achieve much needed relief of anxiety, depression, insomnia and trauma symptoms, a thorough evaluation can also identify many opportunities for improvement without medications. The most effective treatment plan may include work-life balance, nutrition and sleep strategies, addressing, avoiding or adapting to triggers, in addition to multiple psychotherapies. When needed, medications with the lowest side effects, easiest to use, most predictably effective & not addictive are recommended. Ultimately, it is up to each person to decide which strategies they will use to achieve wellness.
![Photo of Bealis Burger, MSN, PMHNP, BC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2420ba55-ee62-46c0-9b03-ef5f556d416b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bealis Burger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Bea, and I'm dedicated to helping you enhance your mental health and well-being. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've learned that providing support and understanding is key to finding peace and purpose in life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, my goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns.
Hello! I'm Bea, and I'm dedicated to helping you enhance your mental health and well-being. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I've learned that providing support and understanding is key to finding peace and purpose in life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, my goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and concerns.
See more therapy options for La Junta
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in La Junta, CO
< 10
Psychiatrists in La Junta, CO who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Grief |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Psychosis |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in La Junta, CO see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in La Junta?
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.