Psychiatrists in Millville, DE
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.
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.
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.
Hi I'm Scherra, I will be fully dedicated and committed to you, as my patient, to ensure you feel your best again in a short period of time! As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I have years of experience in diverse roles in numerous care settings, from working in med-surg, ER, IMC, outpatient, and case management. Throughout these years of experience, I have faced numerous situations, where recognizing and understanding the importance of a patient’s overall mental health was an essential part in providing effective treatment.
Hi I'm Scherra, I will be fully dedicated and committed to you, as my patient, to ensure you feel your best again in a short period of time! As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I have years of experience in diverse roles in numerous care settings, from working in med-surg, ER, IMC, outpatient, and case management. Throughout these years of experience, I have faced numerous situations, where recognizing and understanding the importance of a patient’s overall mental health was an essential part in providing effective treatment.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Chloe Griffith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millsboro, DE 19966 (Online Only)
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millsboro, DE 19966 (Online Only)
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Tonya Rezmer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millsboro, DE 19966 (Online Only)
Tonya is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, Addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tonya is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, Addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Candace Thune
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
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).
Online Psychiatrists
Ema M Ndi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, DE 19808
I have great passion and experience in offering unique individualized treatment/management of varying mental health conditions including Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, ADD/ADHD, Schizophrenia, Disruptive mood disregulatory disorder, ASD, Insomia and more. I am dual board certified in Family and mental health specialties thus I have great insight in treating the above conditions with excellent knowledge base on how the mental health informs the medical/physical health. I love to not only treat and support my patients but also love to empower and inspire them through out their care.
I have great passion and experience in offering unique individualized treatment/management of varying mental health conditions including Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, ADD/ADHD, Schizophrenia, Disruptive mood disregulatory disorder, ASD, Insomia and more. I am dual board certified in Family and mental health specialties thus I have great insight in treating the above conditions with excellent knowledge base on how the mental health informs the medical/physical health. I love to not only treat and support my patients but also love to empower and inspire them through out their care.
Mindful Reflections LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newark, DE 19702
Accepting new patients! Everyone deserves to live a life that leaves them excited to wake up every morning. As a Board Certified PMHNP, I have a passion for patient-centered, holistic, and collaborative approaches to care. Dignity, Compassion, Acceptance, Respect and Empowerment are my core values.I have compassion towards the community I serve, accept everyone’s right to compassionate care, respect everyone’s unique path towards their own healing and strongly believe everyone has a voice to participate in their own care. I provide care to Adolescent and Adults suffering from Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder and much more
Accepting new patients! Everyone deserves to live a life that leaves them excited to wake up every morning. As a Board Certified PMHNP, I have a passion for patient-centered, holistic, and collaborative approaches to care. Dignity, Compassion, Acceptance, Respect and Empowerment are my core values.I have compassion towards the community I serve, accept everyone’s right to compassionate care, respect everyone’s unique path towards their own healing and strongly believe everyone has a voice to participate in their own care. I provide care to Adolescent and Adults suffering from Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder and much more
Helen Lancy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newark, DE 19702 (Online Only)
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
Helen Lancy is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, pursuing a Doctor of Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Missouri. With four years of adult-gerontology psychiatry experience, she specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma in adults 18+. Passionate about providing evidence-based, compassionate care, Helen is dedicated to serving patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in underserved communities. Helen champions patient empowerment, guiding her patients to take control of their health and emotional wellbeing.
Breck Baker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Wilmington, DE 19806 (Online Only)
Breck Baker is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to adults. She treats a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety, mood disorders, and stress management. Breck received her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2016 from the University of Massachusetts.
Breck Baker is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to adults. She treats a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety, mood disorders, and stress management. Breck received her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2016 from the University of Massachusetts.
One Stop Wellness MD
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newark, DE 19702 (Online Only)
Sometimes finding the right mental health provider can be discouraging. As the demand for mental health continues to soar, finding an available appointment for medication management and therapy is becoming quite the challenge. Obtaining a specialist with whom you feel comfortable developing a therapeutic relationship can be even more time-consuming. One Stop Wellness MD is bridging that gap. Our number one priority is implementing a combination of medication and therapy, consistently keeping in mind that each patient is unique.
Sometimes finding the right mental health provider can be discouraging. As the demand for mental health continues to soar, finding an available appointment for medication management and therapy is becoming quite the challenge. Obtaining a specialist with whom you feel comfortable developing a therapeutic relationship can be even more time-consuming. One Stop Wellness MD is bridging that gap. Our number one priority is implementing a combination of medication and therapy, consistently keeping in mind that each patient is unique.
Norman Broudy, MD is a multidisciplinary, outpatient group practice dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of mental health problems in children, adolescents, adults and families. Our staff includes 5 experienced child adolescent and adult psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and 21 therapists including child and adult therapists, family therapists, psychologists, and other mental health practitioners. Established in Wilmington, Delaware in 1981, we are one of the largest group practices in the area. In Practice for 44 Years.
Norman Broudy, MD is a multidisciplinary, outpatient group practice dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of mental health problems in children, adolescents, adults and families. Our staff includes 5 experienced child adolescent and adult psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and 21 therapists including child and adult therapists, family therapists, psychologists, and other mental health practitioners. Established in Wilmington, Delaware in 1981, we are one of the largest group practices in the area. In Practice for 44 Years.
Light and Mind Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, CNS, PMH-NP, APRN
Verified Verified
Middletown, DE 19709
As a mental health provider with over 10years of inpatient and outpatient experience. Dealing with patients requires compassion. When patients present with feeling down, depressed, hopeless, and anxious they need someone who they feel understands them and wants to help. Patients want caring, understanding, and authentic providers who would help ease their problems. Providers with such qualities help patients feel better knowing they have someone who cares about their Wellbeing.
As a mental health provider with over 10years of inpatient and outpatient experience. Dealing with patients requires compassion. When patients present with feeling down, depressed, hopeless, and anxious they need someone who they feel understands them and wants to help. Patients want caring, understanding, and authentic providers who would help ease their problems. Providers with such qualities help patients feel better knowing they have someone who cares about their Wellbeing.
An ideal client is someone who is motivated to make positive changes in their life and actively participate in their treatment. They are willing to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They are honest about their symptoms, concerns, and any challenges they may be facing. Open communication is crucial for accurate assessment and effective treatment planning. They are committed to attending scheduled appointments, following the prescribed treatment plan, and actively engaging in therapy or medication management sessions. They understand that consistency and adherence to treatment are vital for progress.
An ideal client is someone who is motivated to make positive changes in their life and actively participate in their treatment. They are willing to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They are honest about their symptoms, concerns, and any challenges they may be facing. Open communication is crucial for accurate assessment and effective treatment planning. They are committed to attending scheduled appointments, following the prescribed treatment plan, and actively engaging in therapy or medication management sessions. They understand that consistency and adherence to treatment are vital for progress.
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.
Mind Help Therapeutics
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newark, DE 19713 (Online Only)
I began my career as a therapist after earning a MA in Counseling Psychology but later decided to pursue a career in nursing, working in cardiology and neurology. I returned to my “first love”, psychiatry, and obtained Masters and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Drexel University. I work with patients across the life span in multiple settings providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management for those with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, and co-occurring chronic medical issues. I offer psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management from the comfort of your home via telehealth.
I began my career as a therapist after earning a MA in Counseling Psychology but later decided to pursue a career in nursing, working in cardiology and neurology. I returned to my “first love”, psychiatry, and obtained Masters and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Drexel University. I work with patients across the life span in multiple settings providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management for those with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, and co-occurring chronic medical issues. I offer psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management from the comfort of your home via telehealth.
Chloe Griffith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, DE 19802 (Online Only)
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Caroline Elizabeth Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Wilmington, DE 19803
Welcome! I’m glad you're here! Choosing to begin therapy, or start psychiatric medications, is not an easy decision. It takes courage to address challenges we are experiencing and choose to make changes in our lives. As a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), my goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for you to share your thoughts and feelings. I am here to be by your side as you discover underlying thoughts and prior experiences that may be influencing your day-to-day life. I can help you process these prior experiences and challenge the thoughts surrounding them.
Welcome! I’m glad you're here! Choosing to begin therapy, or start psychiatric medications, is not an easy decision. It takes courage to address challenges we are experiencing and choose to make changes in our lives. As a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), my goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for you to share your thoughts and feelings. I am here to be by your side as you discover underlying thoughts and prior experiences that may be influencing your day-to-day life. I can help you process these prior experiences and challenge the thoughts surrounding them.
See more therapy options for Millville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Millville, DE
< 10
Psychiatrists in Millville, DE who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
75% | ADHD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | MultiPlan |
100% | Other |
How Psychiatrists in Millville, 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 Millville?
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.