Psychiatrists in Dewey Beach, DE
![Photo of Ellen Meshileya, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccb8742f-45ce-4bfe-bef5-d33d41d0c6eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Meshileya is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Delaware. Ellen provides a safe space for clients to receive appropriate help for their specific mental health diagnosis. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time with family, traveling, going for walks on the beach, and watching movies.
Ellen Meshileya is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Delaware. Ellen provides a safe space for clients to receive appropriate help for their specific mental health diagnosis. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time with family, traveling, going for walks on the beach, and watching movies.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Tina Grossman - Goodwellness, PMHNP-B, FNP-C, NBCC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da4e2de7-55ce-484e-80c3-5d2c87e22830/1/320x400.jpeg)
Goodwellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, FNP-C, NBCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Patients! We provide comprehensive psychiatric care, including evaluations, medication management, and counseling. NP Grossman specializes in treating children (ages 12 and up), teens, and adults facing a variety of mental health challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, school anxiety, death anxiety, ADHD, or any other mental health concern that's preventing you from living your best life, we're here to help.
Now Accepting New Patients! We provide comprehensive psychiatric care, including evaluations, medication management, and counseling. NP Grossman specializes in treating children (ages 12 and up), teens, and adults facing a variety of mental health challenges. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, school anxiety, death anxiety, ADHD, or any other mental health concern that's preventing you from living your best life, we're here to help.
![Photo of Aviva Zohar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93e6ee76-051b-4e9d-bb47-212f2f99faee/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ready for change? At Thalia Medical, our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. Our services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. We are now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
Ready for change? At Thalia Medical, our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. Our services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. We are now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
![Photo of David Stewart, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7bec6d8-916a-4b27-b82e-3e6d239cea1a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in a holistic and personalized approach to mental health treatment. I provide a broad array of quality psychiatric services, including medication management, substance use services, therapy for individuals, groups, and couples. I am now accepting new clients. Day, evening, and some limited weekend appointments are available.
I believe in a holistic and personalized approach to mental health treatment. I provide a broad array of quality psychiatric services, including medication management, substance use services, therapy for individuals, groups, and couples. I am now accepting new clients. Day, evening, and some limited weekend appointments are available.
![Photo of Katelin Talbert, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5027124f-17f8-4197-b575-158af02b0fe6/1/320x400.png)
Offering in-person and online mental and behavioral health evaluations and medication management for patients aged 4-40. Telehealth appointments will be offered on a case-by-case basis.
Offering in-person and online mental and behavioral health evaluations and medication management for patients aged 4-40. Telehealth appointments will be offered on a case-by-case basis.
Dr. Xiaojing Shi is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. She is a dedicated and experienced community outpatient psychiatrist who graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency Program, formerly worked as an outpatient psychiatrist and a faculty of Case Western Reserve University in Department of Psychiatry, MetroHealth System in Cleveland. She has working experience in treating depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, ADHD, dementia and many other psychiatric diseases. She provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management and therapeutic services.
Dr. Xiaojing Shi is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. She is a dedicated and experienced community outpatient psychiatrist who graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency Program, formerly worked as an outpatient psychiatrist and a faculty of Case Western Reserve University in Department of Psychiatry, MetroHealth System in Cleveland. She has working experience in treating depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, ADHD, dementia and many other psychiatric diseases. She provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management and therapeutic services.
![Photo of Candace Thune, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80ec412d-f152-4bf5-8602-c32d33f4b849/1/320x400.jpeg)
Candace Thune
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Our mission is to create trust and a personal relationship between the individual and provider for a more calming and communicative experience. Insight Health and Wellness prioritizes mental health needs and mindfulness practices where the individual is at the forefront of each appointment. We are accepting new patients for medication management and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Our mission is to create trust and a personal relationship between the individual and provider for a more calming and communicative experience. Insight Health and Wellness prioritizes mental health needs and mindfulness practices where the individual is at the forefront of each appointment. We are accepting new patients for medication management and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
![Photo of Kelly Palekar, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cdde294-b200-4ff8-8082-6e7b4d874d7d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I graduated from DTCC in 2014 as an RN. I have worked in Emergency Medicine and Behavioral Health. In that time, I continued to learn and advance in my career as a nurse. I found myself desiring to give more to my patients and decided to return to school once again. I completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 2018 and my Master of Science Degree in Nursing with concentration as Family Nurse Practitioner in 2021, with honors. As my advanced nursing career continued, I obtained my Masters of nursing with a concentration and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP).
I graduated from DTCC in 2014 as an RN. I have worked in Emergency Medicine and Behavioral Health. In that time, I continued to learn and advance in my career as a nurse. I found myself desiring to give more to my patients and decided to return to school once again. I completed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 2018 and my Master of Science Degree in Nursing with concentration as Family Nurse Practitioner in 2021, with honors. As my advanced nursing career continued, I obtained my Masters of nursing with a concentration and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP).
![Photo of Darrin Gooding, PMHNP-C, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5356aef2-7721-4eb3-af49-710c3159608e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Darrin Gooding
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, APRN
Verified Verified
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (Online Only)
I'm Darrin, and my approach to patient care is holistic, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental well-being. I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship with my patients based on trust, empathy, and respect. By actively listening to their concerns and collaborating with them to develop personalized treatment plans, I strive to empower individuals to take an active role in their own mental health journey. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of my patients and helping them achieve their full potential.
I'm Darrin, and my approach to patient care is holistic, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental well-being. I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship with my patients based on trust, empathy, and respect. By actively listening to their concerns and collaborating with them to develop personalized treatment plans, I strive to empower individuals to take an active role in their own mental health journey. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of my patients and helping them achieve their full potential.
![Photo of Jeffrey Shralow, MSN, PMHNP, CRNP, MA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e1bd81f-5614-415e-8b7e-2121cf7d3270/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeffrey Shralow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, CRNP, MA
Verified Verified
Lewes, DE 19958
If you are struggling with depression, alienation, anxiety, and/or trauma related distress, I will offer you a path to healing and transformation. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a holistic orientation, I offer psychotherapy with an emphasis on transpersonal and spiritual perspectives. My therapeutic work is grounded in Jungian, psychodynamic and humanistic practices, and is deeply informed by ecological and Buddhist psychologies. My therapeutic style is genuine and open, with focus toward growth and actualization. I also offer harm reduction consultation related to psychiatric symptom management.
If you are struggling with depression, alienation, anxiety, and/or trauma related distress, I will offer you a path to healing and transformation. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a holistic orientation, I offer psychotherapy with an emphasis on transpersonal and spiritual perspectives. My therapeutic work is grounded in Jungian, psychodynamic and humanistic practices, and is deeply informed by ecological and Buddhist psychologies. My therapeutic style is genuine and open, with focus toward growth and actualization. I also offer harm reduction consultation related to psychiatric symptom management.
![Photo of Dr. Temitope Akinladenu, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9479a88-3e52-46b5-ac11-b4585b8c4a66/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Temitope Akinladenu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Welcome! I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have over a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
Welcome! I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have over a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
![Photo of Dr. Charleen Gonden, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf2e24b9-d526-461a-b08d-6f7e7fb5765b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Charleen Gonden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Please call (667) 288-1566 or (410) 498-8724 to make an appointment! Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management Services; Board Certified to treat the Lifespan; Psychiatric-Mental Health
Please call (667) 288-1566 or (410) 498-8724 to make an appointment! Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management Services; Board Certified to treat the Lifespan; Psychiatric-Mental Health
![Photo of Malika Abdurakhmanova, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/545e0234-c3db-4aad-94d2-bbb1a838214e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Malika Abdurakhmanova
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lewes, DE 19958 (Online Only)
As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am prepared to provide holistic, patient-centered care for clients needing mental health services and treatments. Through utilization of evidence-based practices, I continuously make efforts to achieve higher levels of clients’ mental wellbeing. Utilizing the integrated approaches to healing and wellness, the holistic healing is achieved when mind, body, and spirit are addressed as a single unit.
As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am prepared to provide holistic, patient-centered care for clients needing mental health services and treatments. Through utilization of evidence-based practices, I continuously make efforts to achieve higher levels of clients’ mental wellbeing. Utilizing the integrated approaches to healing and wellness, the holistic healing is achieved when mind, body, and spirit are addressed as a single unit.
![Photo of Erika Stewart, MS, CRNP, PMHNP, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddc6135b-34dd-4439-843e-9075069386b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erika Stewart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, CRNP, PMHNP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Clients! My name is Erika Stewart and I'm a board certified psychiatric mental health practitioner. My specialties are perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma related symptoms. I see clients from ages 18 and up. I currently have immediate openings for telehealth only. I have been a nurse since 2009 and I absolutely love what I do! I provide a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health. I just do not focus on medication, but I look at all aspects of your life and to determine what changes need to be made for you to feel better. Call me today if you are ready for a change
Now Accepting New Clients! My name is Erika Stewart and I'm a board certified psychiatric mental health practitioner. My specialties are perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma related symptoms. I see clients from ages 18 and up. I currently have immediate openings for telehealth only. I have been a nurse since 2009 and I absolutely love what I do! I provide a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health. I just do not focus on medication, but I look at all aspects of your life and to determine what changes need to be made for you to feel better. Call me today if you are ready for a change
![Photo of Dia Arpon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b51afb42-e87d-4a3b-8a22-be635cad3ad6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dia Arpon is a Psychiatrist in Delaware who has been practicing since 2006. Dr. Arpon provides empathy, knowledge, experience, family medicine and general psychiatry training. She is trained in multiple therapy approaches such as trauma focused therapy, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, supportive, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Arpon specializes in PTSD, substance abuse, LGBTQI issues, community, women's health, Depression, and Anxiety. Outside of work, Dr. Arpon is an avid reader, movie goer, music fan, and world traveler.
Dr. Dia Arpon is a Psychiatrist in Delaware who has been practicing since 2006. Dr. Arpon provides empathy, knowledge, experience, family medicine and general psychiatry training. She is trained in multiple therapy approaches such as trauma focused therapy, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, supportive, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Arpon specializes in PTSD, substance abuse, LGBTQI issues, community, women's health, Depression, and Anxiety. Outside of work, Dr. Arpon is an avid reader, movie goer, music fan, and world traveler.
![Photo of Gail Elizabeth Transeau, PhD, APRNCNS, BOARD-, CERTIFI, RN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4039d65d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gail Elizabeth Transeau
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, APRNCNS, BOARD-, CERTIFI, RN
Verified Verified
Lewes, DE 19958
You are currently deadlocked with past irresolution, self doubt, addiction or something desperately hurting forward progress. You want fulfilling life and have not completely given up hope. You are willing to accept responsibility, work to heal; you are ready for change. You understand life will not magically change for the better; therefore there's no other way but up- so whenever you call, it's a new beginning . I am priviledged to participate with thousands, from Hollywood personalities, judges, doctors, to scientists and preachers in shedding that old safe cocoon of misery and fly like butterflies to lives they never dreamed possible. Philippians 4:13
You are currently deadlocked with past irresolution, self doubt, addiction or something desperately hurting forward progress. You want fulfilling life and have not completely given up hope. You are willing to accept responsibility, work to heal; you are ready for change. You understand life will not magically change for the better; therefore there's no other way but up- so whenever you call, it's a new beginning . I am priviledged to participate with thousands, from Hollywood personalities, judges, doctors, to scientists and preachers in shedding that old safe cocoon of misery and fly like butterflies to lives they never dreamed possible. Philippians 4:13
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Sheila J Cannon, PhD, PMHNP, PMHCNS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a4fdcea-3bfd-4fc7-9b15-87bcf6430d93/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila J Cannon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, PMHCNS
Verified Verified
Magnolia, DE 19962 (Online Only)
Dr. Sheila Cannon’s experiences in psychiatry have spanned over 36 years. She has been an RN for 39 years and an educator for 29 years. She is a board-certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in psychiatric mental health (PMHCNS), a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and an approved Buprenorphine provider. She has years of practice experience in inpatient psychiatric arenas and as a psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist in VA, MA, NC & DE. She is licensed to practice in NC and DE. She has expertise in trauma-informed CBT and specializes in PTSD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many others.
Dr. Sheila Cannon’s experiences in psychiatry have spanned over 36 years. She has been an RN for 39 years and an educator for 29 years. She is a board-certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in psychiatric mental health (PMHCNS), a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and an approved Buprenorphine provider. She has years of practice experience in inpatient psychiatric arenas and as a psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist in VA, MA, NC & DE. She is licensed to practice in NC and DE. She has expertise in trauma-informed CBT and specializes in PTSD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many others.
![Photo of Heather Cini - Journeys LLC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab291872-72eb-46e5-bb17-875668cfb0aa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Making the decision to enter counseling is not always an easy one. It is one that takes a lot of courage. Journeys creates a holistic environment to treat both the mind and the soul. Our clinicians have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. You will always feel welcome and accepted. Together we will find the treatment plan that fits you. Our therapists and Nurse Practitioner works with mental health, co-occurring, and dual diagnosis clients.
Making the decision to enter counseling is not always an easy one. It is one that takes a lot of courage. Journeys creates a holistic environment to treat both the mind and the soul. Our clinicians have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. You will always feel welcome and accepted. Together we will find the treatment plan that fits you. Our therapists and Nurse Practitioner works with mental health, co-occurring, and dual diagnosis clients.
![Photo of Lauren Decker, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c91a6d-e144-4197-ab46-9dc73d9445fe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Decker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS
Verified Verified
Talleyville, DE 19803
I am a doctorally-trained child and adolescent psychiatric nurse practitioner and provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and evidence-based medication management for children, adolescents, and young adults with various behavioral/mental health needs.
I am a doctorally-trained child and adolescent psychiatric nurse practitioner and provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and evidence-based medication management for children, adolescents, and young adults with various behavioral/mental health needs.
![Photo of Kristen Hunt, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d8cdd52-9c51-4d6c-abaf-0f489dd323cd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Hunt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Townsend, DE 19734 (Online Only)
My ideal client is an individual who seeks a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care. This person understands that mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, and is open to exploring various aspects of their life to achieve optimal well-being. The are open to exploring how their diet, lifestyle, environment, and physiological factors impact their mental health. They appreciate the interconnectedness of physical physical and mental health and are willing to consider non-traditional approaches to treatment alongside conventional methods.
My ideal client is an individual who seeks a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care. This person understands that mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, and is open to exploring various aspects of their life to achieve optimal well-being. The are open to exploring how their diet, lifestyle, environment, and physiological factors impact their mental health. They appreciate the interconnectedness of physical physical and mental health and are willing to consider non-traditional approaches to treatment alongside conventional methods.
See more therapy options for Dewey Beach
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Dewey Beach, DE
< 10
Psychiatrists in Dewey Beach, DE who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Grief |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Dewey Beach, DE 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 Dewey Beach?
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.