Psychiatrists in West Park, FL
![Photo of Ugochi Nwaobi, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bb95513-2865-46ee-a60c-a715997f3361/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ugochi Nwaobi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Park, FL 33023 (Online Only)
Driven by a profound passion for aiding individuals on their quest for optimal mental well-being, I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to delivering personalized and high-quality mental health care to clients aged 18-99 years. My approach encompasses conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations and collaboratively crafting tailored evidence based treatment plans that account for all relevant factors impacting mental health. With over 12 years of extensive experience across diverse healthcare settings, including community mental health clinics and private practice.
Driven by a profound passion for aiding individuals on their quest for optimal mental well-being, I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to delivering personalized and high-quality mental health care to clients aged 18-99 years. My approach encompasses conducting thorough psychiatric evaluations and collaboratively crafting tailored evidence based treatment plans that account for all relevant factors impacting mental health. With over 12 years of extensive experience across diverse healthcare settings, including community mental health clinics and private practice.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Eric Robbins - Blue Umbrella Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/372103e0-f4ca-436b-acac-d64880e194cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are like many of our patients, you’ve been frustrated with previous psychiatric treatments and unable to find meaningful or lasting relief from symptoms that make life unpleasant. All of that is about to change. Dr. Eric Robbins founded Blue Umbrella after years of working in a fragmented and uncompassionate mental healthcare industry. He noted patients aligning with disconnected physicians and therapists leading to poor communication, mixed messaging and ineffective care. Blue Umbrella was formed to offer all mental health services under one roof with providers collaborating with each other and patients to care for the whole person.
If you are like many of our patients, you’ve been frustrated with previous psychiatric treatments and unable to find meaningful or lasting relief from symptoms that make life unpleasant. All of that is about to change. Dr. Eric Robbins founded Blue Umbrella after years of working in a fragmented and uncompassionate mental healthcare industry. He noted patients aligning with disconnected physicians and therapists leading to poor communication, mixed messaging and ineffective care. Blue Umbrella was formed to offer all mental health services under one roof with providers collaborating with each other and patients to care for the whole person.
![Photo of Patricia Brown-Gordon, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/226fc2b7-8542-4054-a001-fa4674ffbdc6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Brown-Gordon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33021
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Florida Atlantic University and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner since January 2021. I started working with Lifestance in June 2021 providing quality mental health care to adults 18 to geriatric. My undergraduate studies was at Florida International University where I graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in nursing. I have experience working in critical care, catheterization lab, interventional radiology, and medical surgical. I believe in patient advocacy and empowerment through delivery of quality healthcare.
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Florida Atlantic University and is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner since January 2021. I started working with Lifestance in June 2021 providing quality mental health care to adults 18 to geriatric. My undergraduate studies was at Florida International University where I graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in nursing. I have experience working in critical care, catheterization lab, interventional radiology, and medical surgical. I believe in patient advocacy and empowerment through delivery of quality healthcare.
![Photo of Heather Brathwaite, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/342bb3f2-512e-400a-89b2-bff85f232d88/1/320x400.png)
Heather Brathwaite
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Miramar, FL 33025
My ideal client is someone who recognizes the importance of mental health and seeks specialized psychiatric care. They may be grappling with various psychiatric illnesses or co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Their primary need is expert evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and effective medication management to alleviate symptoms and improve their overall well-being. They aspire to regain stability, function better in their daily lives, and foster healthier relationships.
My ideal client is someone who recognizes the importance of mental health and seeks specialized psychiatric care. They may be grappling with various psychiatric illnesses or co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Their primary need is expert evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and effective medication management to alleviate symptoms and improve their overall well-being. They aspire to regain stability, function better in their daily lives, and foster healthier relationships.
![Photo of Branislav Stojanovic, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4937e4b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Florida Neuropsychiatric Institute. I have been practicing psychiatry in Fort Lauderdale for over 25 years. I have a passion working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors who are struggling with issues related to mental health and/or addiction. As the founder of Florida Neuropsychiatric Institute, not only do I provide general psychiatric care, but I am also one of the few trained neuropsychiatrists in the United States. My specialty is medication management. Together we will determine the most accurate diagnosis and course of treatment personalized to meet your specific needs.
Welcome to Florida Neuropsychiatric Institute. I have been practicing psychiatry in Fort Lauderdale for over 25 years. I have a passion working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors who are struggling with issues related to mental health and/or addiction. As the founder of Florida Neuropsychiatric Institute, not only do I provide general psychiatric care, but I am also one of the few trained neuropsychiatrists in the United States. My specialty is medication management. Together we will determine the most accurate diagnosis and course of treatment personalized to meet your specific needs.
![Photo of Dr. Irene Gan, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9912b0a0-492b-4703-84f0-c195494d465f/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Irene Gan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Miramar, FL 33023 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a dual board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse and family nurse practitioner who has worked in academic, inpatient and outpatient settings for over ten years. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing Education from Villanova University and Family Practice from Northern Illinois University. After receiving my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, I had post-doctorate training in psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic mental health treatment at the University of Massachusetts Global.
I am a dual board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse and family nurse practitioner who has worked in academic, inpatient and outpatient settings for over ten years. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing Education from Villanova University and Family Practice from Northern Illinois University. After receiving my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, I had post-doctorate training in psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic mental health treatment at the University of Massachusetts Global.
![Photo of Michelle Medina, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/239770b7-e3f9-480b-a27a-7acb6239caea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Medina
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33024 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I help clients with issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues. I also help clients who are struggling with identity issues such as LGBT and POC-related issues. Their goals are generally to gain the tools to help them improve their quality of life.
I help clients with issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues. I also help clients who are struggling with identity issues such as LGBT and POC-related issues. Their goals are generally to gain the tools to help them improve their quality of life.
![Photo of Dr. Shirley English, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b36dd7d-2a9b-472d-8fca-7ac692052b9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shirley English
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 (Online Only)
I help adults experiencing depression, anxiety, and burnout to have more energy, improve family relationships, improve work performance, increase sex drive, boost self-image, and feel happier and more content. I partner together with my patients to do this by integrating nutrition, supplementations, exercise, therapy with medication management. I also specialize in counseling family members and caregivers of elderly patients with dementia and other complex diagnoses.
I help adults experiencing depression, anxiety, and burnout to have more energy, improve family relationships, improve work performance, increase sex drive, boost self-image, and feel happier and more content. I partner together with my patients to do this by integrating nutrition, supplementations, exercise, therapy with medication management. I also specialize in counseling family members and caregivers of elderly patients with dementia and other complex diagnoses.
![Photo of Raisha Massari Ortiz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ef1760b-8838-48ab-a71b-ce97c6b98e66/1/320x400.png)
Raisha Massari Ortiz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33021 (Online Only)
Ms. Massari is a Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner originally from Puerto Rico, where she attended The University of Puerto Rico for her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In her last year of college, she volunteered for The Outreach Needle & Syringe Exchange program. Besides providing harm reduction supplies, she provided patient care for the underserved population. After completing the undergraduate program, she relocated to Florida and worked as Nurse Case Manager for patients with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities for two years which solidified her decision to become a PMHNP.
Ms. Massari is a Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner originally from Puerto Rico, where she attended The University of Puerto Rico for her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In her last year of college, she volunteered for The Outreach Needle & Syringe Exchange program. Besides providing harm reduction supplies, she provided patient care for the underserved population. After completing the undergraduate program, she relocated to Florida and worked as Nurse Case Manager for patients with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities for two years which solidified her decision to become a PMHNP.
![Photo of leibnyz Bermudez - Healing Touch C & C Inc, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c88b63f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At our Center we offer General Medicine,Psychiatry, Psychology, Group Therapy, Children Psychiatry and Psychology, along with other specialties such as Neurology and chiropractic Care. We are open six days a week from 8 AM thru 5 PM. Next day appointments available.
At our Center we offer General Medicine,Psychiatry, Psychology, Group Therapy, Children Psychiatry and Psychology, along with other specialties such as Neurology and chiropractic Care. We are open six days a week from 8 AM thru 5 PM. Next day appointments available.
![Photo of Elizabeth Durovich - Monarch Psychiatric NP PLLC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c75572e-6e50-41cf-999d-bb0a0f62ffa0/1/320x400.png)
Monarch Psychiatric NP PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33021 (Online Only)
Our practice was founded by Elizabeth Durovich, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, CEN, a board-certified advanced practice nurse in psychiatry and mental health. Our office treats a range of mental health issues and psychiatric disorders in the adult population. We believe that everyone needs a mental health provider and currently offers comprehensive services and values all patient’s input on determining a plan of care and treatment options. We welcome all patients to seek care to address their mental health needs.
Our practice was founded by Elizabeth Durovich, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, CEN, a board-certified advanced practice nurse in psychiatry and mental health. Our office treats a range of mental health issues and psychiatric disorders in the adult population. We believe that everyone needs a mental health provider and currently offers comprehensive services and values all patient’s input on determining a plan of care and treatment options. We welcome all patients to seek care to address their mental health needs.
![Photo of Chloe Griffith, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51459a9d-46f6-477c-8e9a-61a36eb23b6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chloe Griffith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 (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.
![Photo of Jason Farrah - Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c614aa52-ba96-4abf-9087-2d1e9da6bd58/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Accepting New Clients. Appointments are typically available within 7 days. We offer Medication Management, Counseling/Psychotherapy, and Neuropsychological Testing online via our Telepsychiatry Services throughout Florida. Our team of experienced mental health professionals includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Certified Physician Assistants, and Licensed Therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children, ages 5 and above. We accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
![Photo of Margaret Oliver, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a25610f3-11e7-43e8-9778-c8e848c872df/1/320x400.png)
Margaret Oliver
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024 (Online Only)
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities.
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities.
![Photo of Myrnelle Fleur-Aime, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8d10438-c193-438f-ac99-6fcc6934caaf/1/320x400.png)
Myrnelle Fleur-Aime
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pembroke Pines, FL 33023 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Myrnelle and I am a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 15 years of healthcare experience. Before specializing in mental health, I worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for more than 5 years. My diverse background in healthcare has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of both physical and mental health, allowing me to offer holistic and compassionate care to my patients.
Hello! My name is Myrnelle and I am a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 15 years of healthcare experience. Before specializing in mental health, I worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for more than 5 years. My diverse background in healthcare has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of both physical and mental health, allowing me to offer holistic and compassionate care to my patients.
![Photo of Brence Brooks, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/889c0cec-bfd2-4ca4-9f1f-becff04bd3c7/1/320x400.png)
Brence Brooks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Miramar, FL 33023 (Online Only)
Brence Brooks is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville and his master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Brence Brooks is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020. He received his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisville and his master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of William Hyman - Psych4U Pembroke Pines, ARNP, PMHNP-B, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e93530d-2da4-47d8-999d-3e6541a6c1a4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psych4U Pembroke Pines
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP-B, RN
Verified Verified
Miramar, FL 33023
Mr. Hyman has been a mental health provider for approximately twenty years. He earned his master’s degree at Boston College and is ANCC certified in Adult Psychiatry and Mental Health. He has a great deal of experience working with special populations.
Mr. Hyman has been a mental health provider for approximately twenty years. He earned his master’s degree at Boston College and is ANCC certified in Adult Psychiatry and Mental Health. He has a great deal of experience working with special populations.
![Photo of Dr. Roberto Enrique Gimenez, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e54928e-3500-4d75-8ec3-64c6f144eb8c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Roberto Enrique Gimenez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33023 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Dr. Roberto Gimenez, DNP. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). I am an experienced PMHNP dedicated to helping those with mental health needs achieve optimal mental health status. I have worked in health care since 1997. I have a wide range of medication management experience across the lifespan, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, ADHD, OCD, Mood disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorder, as well as Veteran-centric care.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Dr. Roberto Gimenez, DNP. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). I am an experienced PMHNP dedicated to helping those with mental health needs achieve optimal mental health status. I have worked in health care since 1997. I have a wide range of medication management experience across the lifespan, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, ADHD, OCD, Mood disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorder, as well as Veteran-centric care.
![Photo of Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0c9f0ce-b4cf-4c3c-8a4a-3c8b3ccbc8a7/1/320x400.png)
Heather Brathwaite
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Miramar, FL 33025 (Online Only)
As a Psychiatric ARNP at One-Stop Psychiatric Clinic, Dr. Heather Brathwaite has the expertise and experience of treating patients for more than 20 years. She brings a humanistic philosophy of holistic care for both mind and body, and an abiding commitment to individualized, personalized, comprehensive care for patients. Her clinical practice focuses on consultation, treatment selection and administration, and care coordination for outpatients struggling with a wide range of psychiatric illnesses and co-occurring disorders.
As a Psychiatric ARNP at One-Stop Psychiatric Clinic, Dr. Heather Brathwaite has the expertise and experience of treating patients for more than 20 years. She brings a humanistic philosophy of holistic care for both mind and body, and an abiding commitment to individualized, personalized, comprehensive care for patients. Her clinical practice focuses on consultation, treatment selection and administration, and care coordination for outpatients struggling with a wide range of psychiatric illnesses and co-occurring disorders.
![Photo of Jeuelle Ottley Sam, MSPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ddf6f61-c091-43ee-a61d-8af0ee1a0bfd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeuelle Ottley Sam
Physician Assistant, MSPAS, PA-C
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33024 (Online Only)
Are you stressed, feel disconnected from your partner and children, unhappy with your choices, and struggling with depression? Many women are wearing so many hats that we become wrapped up in life just drifting along. Maybe you’ve been in therapy in the past but the changes you were looking for didn’t last or never really happened. You haven’t been able to figure out how to get rid of your past traumatic experiences and now life seems to be adding new problems to the old ones. Let’s work together to build a brain-healthy lifestyle. I can support you on your journey of lasting behavioral changes.
Are you stressed, feel disconnected from your partner and children, unhappy with your choices, and struggling with depression? Many women are wearing so many hats that we become wrapped up in life just drifting along. Maybe you’ve been in therapy in the past but the changes you were looking for didn’t last or never really happened. You haven’t been able to figure out how to get rid of your past traumatic experiences and now life seems to be adding new problems to the old ones. Let’s work together to build a brain-healthy lifestyle. I can support you on your journey of lasting behavioral changes.
See more therapy options for West Park
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in West Park, FL
< 10
Psychiatrists in West Park, FL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
2 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in West Park, FL see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in West Park?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists 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 sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist 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. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.