Psychiatrists in Summerfield, FL
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Tonya K Rezmer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Villages, FL 32159
Effective ADHD treatment can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with ADHD. Better Time Management, Increased Self-Esteem, stronger relationships, reduced impulsivity, enhanced emotional regulation, and greater life satisfaction.
Effective ADHD treatment can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals with ADHD. Better Time Management, Increased Self-Esteem, stronger relationships, reduced impulsivity, enhanced emotional regulation, and greater life satisfaction.
Julie Davisson is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in that capacity since 2020. She started in nursing in 2007 after receiving her BSN from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Julie returned to earn her Master of Science in nursing from Marymount University in Arlington, VA in 2013. After working several years as a family nurse practitioner, she became most interested in helping patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses. In 2020, she earned a post-graduate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.
Julie Davisson is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in that capacity since 2020. She started in nursing in 2007 after receiving her BSN from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Julie returned to earn her Master of Science in nursing from Marymount University in Arlington, VA in 2013. After working several years as a family nurse practitioner, she became most interested in helping patients suffering from psychiatric illnesses. In 2020, she earned a post-graduate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
Sunny Isles Psych
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
Ocala, FL 34480 (Online Only)
Hello. My name is Bahattin Ergin(Bobby). I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a wide range of medication management experience across the lifespan, including ADHD, OCD, mood disorders and personality disorders.
Hello. My name is Bahattin Ergin(Bobby). I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a wide range of medication management experience across the lifespan, including ADHD, OCD, mood disorders and personality disorders.
Janet works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Janet believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Janet works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Janet believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Natasha Roper
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ocala, FL 34480 (Online Only)
Welcome, I am Natasha Roper APRN, BC-PMHNP, I am a board certify Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of Florida.
Welcome, I am Natasha Roper APRN, BC-PMHNP, I am a board certify Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of Florida.
TMZ Behavioral Care, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, ARNP-BC
Verified Verified
Ocala, FL 34480 (Online Only)
I am a very detail-oriented person, and i believe paying attention to details in people's mental state help save a life. Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 6 years of experience in the nursing field. I integrate medication management, CBT- and supportive-based psychotherapies, emotional support, and life coaching to empower each person to enhance their innate capabilities to cope and manage their conditions and to help them live to the best of their potential
I am a very detail-oriented person, and i believe paying attention to details in people's mental state help save a life. Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 6 years of experience in the nursing field. I integrate medication management, CBT- and supportive-based psychotherapies, emotional support, and life coaching to empower each person to enhance their innate capabilities to cope and manage their conditions and to help them live to the best of their potential
Julie Cruse
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, AGACNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belleview, FL 34420
Ideally, I prefer to work with clients who are ready for change. They have taken a look at their mental health, and while they may not know exactly what is going on, they know something is not right and they want help. I love to work with people who want to partner with me to come up with a treatment plan, and then own that treatment, participating fully in their care. I strongly believe medication management can be an integral part of mental health, but without psychotherapy and embracing changing what is not working, it cannot do the job alone.
Ideally, I prefer to work with clients who are ready for change. They have taken a look at their mental health, and while they may not know exactly what is going on, they know something is not right and they want help. I love to work with people who want to partner with me to come up with a treatment plan, and then own that treatment, participating fully in their care. I strongly believe medication management can be an integral part of mental health, but without psychotherapy and embracing changing what is not working, it cannot do the job alone.
Jason W Floyd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ocala, FL 34480
Compassionate and Empathetic Adult and Child Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Board certified, who provides evidence-based Psychiatric solutions for patients seeking to balance and normalize their mental health. Patients may be seeking help with Depression, Anxiety, Adjusting to Situational Stressors, ADHD, Bipolar D/O, recent trauma or mental health issues related to substance abuse, and others. (Not Addiction Medicine trained) Patients with the above conditions will be provided the time, care, compassion, and treatment necessary to return to a more balanced and normal state of mental health.
Compassionate and Empathetic Adult and Child Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Board certified, who provides evidence-based Psychiatric solutions for patients seeking to balance and normalize their mental health. Patients may be seeking help with Depression, Anxiety, Adjusting to Situational Stressors, ADHD, Bipolar D/O, recent trauma or mental health issues related to substance abuse, and others. (Not Addiction Medicine trained) Patients with the above conditions will be provided the time, care, compassion, and treatment necessary to return to a more balanced and normal state of mental health.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
We provide in-person and telepsychiatry services, offering accessible care from our offices or via a secure online platform. New clients are welcome, with same-day or next-day appointments available across Florida. Our 24/7 on-call providers address urgent needs. We offer Medication Management, Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing for adults, adolescents, and children aged 5 and up. Our team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted.
Valentine Anyiam, MD Valentine Anyiam is a Psychiatrist in Florida who has been practicing since 2018. Valentine believes in a treatment philosophy that strives for complete resolution of a patients symptoms. In his spare time, Valentine enjoys rock climbing, basketball, martial arts, watching movies, learning languages, and reading.
Valentine Anyiam, MD Valentine Anyiam is a Psychiatrist in Florida who has been practicing since 2018. Valentine believes in a treatment philosophy that strives for complete resolution of a patients symptoms. In his spare time, Valentine enjoys rock climbing, basketball, martial arts, watching movies, learning languages, and reading.
As Medical Director, I enjoy the privilege of overseeing some of the most earnest, empathetic, and talented office and medical professionals in the field. Together, we represent an exceptionally skilled group that genuinely loves what we do and the patients we do it for. In my own recent past as Vice-Chair of Medicine at Tampa Community Hospital; and, as a lead resident at Department of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, I saw there was a fairly large gap between the standard of mental care needed by patients and that which was typically delivered in terms of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
As Medical Director, I enjoy the privilege of overseeing some of the most earnest, empathetic, and talented office and medical professionals in the field. Together, we represent an exceptionally skilled group that genuinely loves what we do and the patients we do it for. In my own recent past as Vice-Chair of Medicine at Tampa Community Hospital; and, as a lead resident at Department of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, I saw there was a fairly large gap between the standard of mental care needed by patients and that which was typically delivered in terms of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Sanil V Prakash, Our Minds LLC,
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Ocala, FL 34480 (Online Only)
I help patients verbalize their feelings and why they feel that way. I help patients process their thoughts individually to see the reasons and justifications for their thoughts and associated beliefs. It is that belief that arose from their experiences in the past, creating their behavior in that time. If everyone realizes that their experiences have no relation to the truth of an event and that they do not have to think similarly, they can change their thinking process every time. This can alter destructive thought and behavior patterns into a more helpful, healthy mindset.
I help patients verbalize their feelings and why they feel that way. I help patients process their thoughts individually to see the reasons and justifications for their thoughts and associated beliefs. It is that belief that arose from their experiences in the past, creating their behavior in that time. If everyone realizes that their experiences have no relation to the truth of an event and that they do not have to think similarly, they can change their thinking process every time. This can alter destructive thought and behavior patterns into a more helpful, healthy mindset.
Health & Behavioral Care Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ocala, FL 34480 (Online Only)
Caring clinician with over Twenty-five years of providing direct patient care experience. Knowledgeable and diverse in treating patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. Exceptional capacity to multitask, and outstanding. With great interpersonal and communications skills; superior accuracy in patient history, charting, and other documentation. Our services at the Health & Behavioral Care Center include mental health support, telepsychiatry services, and online therapy. We are committed to providing evidence-based practices to ensure the we
Caring clinician with over Twenty-five years of providing direct patient care experience. Knowledgeable and diverse in treating patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. Exceptional capacity to multitask, and outstanding. With great interpersonal and communications skills; superior accuracy in patient history, charting, and other documentation. Our services at the Health & Behavioral Care Center include mental health support, telepsychiatry services, and online therapy. We are committed to providing evidence-based practices to ensure the we
I am an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner based in Florida. I do medication management, equine therapy and traditional therapy. I am Board Certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health for the past 19 years. I am familiar with mental health medications as well as various counseling techniques. In addition to my education as a Nurse Practitioner, I have a master's degree in counseling psychology.
I am an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner based in Florida. I do medication management, equine therapy and traditional therapy. I am Board Certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health for the past 19 years. I am familiar with mental health medications as well as various counseling techniques. In addition to my education as a Nurse Practitioner, I have a master's degree in counseling psychology.
I am a licensed and dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a PMHNP, I take the time to get to know my patients and allow them to be included in the decision-making process. I believe in the importance of educating my patients in their treatment options so that they can make informed decisions. I understand and recognize the negative stigma associated with mental health, but I can assure you that it is my objective to alleviate this stigma while making sure that my patients feel comfortable, and able to trust me when it comes to their mental health concerns.
I am a licensed and dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a PMHNP, I take the time to get to know my patients and allow them to be included in the decision-making process. I believe in the importance of educating my patients in their treatment options so that they can make informed decisions. I understand and recognize the negative stigma associated with mental health, but I can assure you that it is my objective to alleviate this stigma while making sure that my patients feel comfortable, and able to trust me when it comes to their mental health concerns.
Teresa Ana Albernas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ocala, FL 34480 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in health care. I've worked with individuals with a wide range of mental health issues, including substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. I also work closely with local LGBTQ+ organizations to provide primary and mental health care. I'm double certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to help my patients achieve relief from their condition and achieve long term stability. While I specialize in medication management for patients with mental health conditions, it's important to help m
Hello! I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in health care. I've worked with individuals with a wide range of mental health issues, including substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. I also work closely with local LGBTQ+ organizations to provide primary and mental health care. I'm double certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to help my patients achieve relief from their condition and achieve long term stability. While I specialize in medication management for patients with mental health conditions, it's important to help m
My name is Glenda Garcia, In today's fast-paced world, mental health has started to gain awareness as it begins to affect lives more and more. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming and at times, terrifying. However, continuing to live with symptoms that can be debilitating can feel equally as overwhelming. Finding a provider who cares and hears you is imperative to build trust and feel confident in the treatment you are receiving. Having worked in the mental health field for several years, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in how care was perceived and received.
My name is Glenda Garcia, In today's fast-paced world, mental health has started to gain awareness as it begins to affect lives more and more. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming and at times, terrifying. However, continuing to live with symptoms that can be debilitating can feel equally as overwhelming. Finding a provider who cares and hears you is imperative to build trust and feel confident in the treatment you are receiving. Having worked in the mental health field for several years, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in how care was perceived and received.
Debbie Huffman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, ANP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ocala, FL 34472 (Online Only)
Hello! I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with 22 years experience as an RN and 12 as an NP. I have 2 national certifications; 1st as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP-BC) and 2nd as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have a deep desire to help my clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. I feel a sense of joy when clients tell me how our interactions have changed their lives for the better.
Hello! I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with 22 years experience as an RN and 12 as an NP. I have 2 national certifications; 1st as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP-BC) and 2nd as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have a deep desire to help my clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. I feel a sense of joy when clients tell me how our interactions have changed their lives for the better.
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Psychiatrists in Summerfield, FL who prioritize treating:
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100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Chronic Pain |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Wellpoint | Amerigroup |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Summerfield, FL see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Summerfield?
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.