Psychiatrists in Bartow County, GA
Lori Leonard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30120
Feeling swamped by life's pressures? Unheard, misunderstood? There's often more beneath your mood swings. Through my in-depth analysis, I'll uncover the hidden reasons behind your symptoms. From anemia to vitamin deficits, I go beyond the surface. No rush for meds – we'll explore all avenues for your peace of mind. As your steadfast ally, I offer empathetic, patient-first care. Together, we'll tackle the physical and emotional strains holding you back, targeting the roots for lasting relief. Mental health shouldn't be sidelined. Elevate your well-being, function optimally, and defy mental health-induced weight challenge
Feeling swamped by life's pressures? Unheard, misunderstood? There's often more beneath your mood swings. Through my in-depth analysis, I'll uncover the hidden reasons behind your symptoms. From anemia to vitamin deficits, I go beyond the surface. No rush for meds – we'll explore all avenues for your peace of mind. As your steadfast ally, I offer empathetic, patient-first care. Together, we'll tackle the physical and emotional strains holding you back, targeting the roots for lasting relief. Mental health shouldn't be sidelined. Elevate your well-being, function optimally, and defy mental health-induced weight challenge
Sheeba Samuel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
Sheeba Samuel is Board Certified Psychiatrist Mental Health Nurse practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals who are in need of mental health. Sheeba worked 20 years as a rehab nurse and is active in her community and church.
Sheeba Samuel is Board Certified Psychiatrist Mental Health Nurse practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals who are in need of mental health. Sheeba worked 20 years as a rehab nurse and is active in her community and church.
Maima Fortune
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Psychology from The University of Rhode Island in 2010, then went on to get my Master’s in Nursing from Drexel University, graduating as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2018. I have worked in variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as telemedicine. For 4 years, I have care for and provided psychotropic medication management to children, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in a variety of settings including hospital, outpatient, nursing home and state psychiatric facilities.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Psychology from The University of Rhode Island in 2010, then went on to get my Master’s in Nursing from Drexel University, graduating as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2018. I have worked in variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as telemedicine. For 4 years, I have care for and provided psychotropic medication management to children, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in a variety of settings including hospital, outpatient, nursing home and state psychiatric facilities.
Shiy Ajao
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I prioritize a holistic and patient centered approach, recognizing the significance of mental health is just as crucial as physical well-being (Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar, across all life stages). I am dedicated to provide comprehensive care, that focuses on the individual's unique needs. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of an initial psychiatric evaluation to gain a deep understanding of a patient's mental health status. I am committed to taking the time necessary to listen attentively to my patients, fostering a secure environment for open communication and trust-building.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I prioritize a holistic and patient centered approach, recognizing the significance of mental health is just as crucial as physical well-being (Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar, across all life stages). I am dedicated to provide comprehensive care, that focuses on the individual's unique needs. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of an initial psychiatric evaluation to gain a deep understanding of a patient's mental health status. I am committed to taking the time necessary to listen attentively to my patients, fostering a secure environment for open communication and trust-building.
Nicole Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
I am a dually certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of nursing experience in psychiatry.
I am a dually certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of nursing experience in psychiatry.
Schvon Bussey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
Do you feel overwhelmed, down or stress? Are you struggling to find your inner you? Is it hard to forgive yourself? I am here to help you develop a sense of self needs and self purpose. Together, we can identify the tools to help you get back in balance. We'll use a holistic approach, addressing the needs of your whole person.
Do you feel overwhelmed, down or stress? Are you struggling to find your inner you? Is it hard to forgive yourself? I am here to help you develop a sense of self needs and self purpose. Together, we can identify the tools to help you get back in balance. We'll use a holistic approach, addressing the needs of your whole person.
Ogochukwu Ojiaku
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
Dr. Ogochukwu Ojiaku is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health, and Family Nurse Practitioner, with about 10 years of experience at the VA Medical Center. She is very knowledgeable in providing patient-tailored treatment to clients across the lifespan. She uses her extensive Medical and Psychiatric expertise to assess, properly diagnose, and holistically treat clients with medical and psychiatric conditions. Dr. Ojiaku is focused on providing optimal, affordable, no-wait services. She understands that Mental Health is essential at all stages of life.
Dr. Ogochukwu Ojiaku is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health, and Family Nurse Practitioner, with about 10 years of experience at the VA Medical Center. She is very knowledgeable in providing patient-tailored treatment to clients across the lifespan. She uses her extensive Medical and Psychiatric expertise to assess, properly diagnose, and holistically treat clients with medical and psychiatric conditions. Dr. Ojiaku is focused on providing optimal, affordable, no-wait services. She understands that Mental Health is essential at all stages of life.
CareStop LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
You do not have to suffer in silence anymore. At CareStop, we want to help you feel better and get your life back on track as soon as possible. Imagine being able to see your mental health provider from the comfort of your home. Guess what? Dr. Cooper will come to you, virtually! All you need is a device with a speaker, camera, and internet connection to start your journey to smiling again.
You do not have to suffer in silence anymore. At CareStop, we want to help you feel better and get your life back on track as soon as possible. Imagine being able to see your mental health provider from the comfort of your home. Guess what? Dr. Cooper will come to you, virtually! All you need is a device with a speaker, camera, and internet connection to start your journey to smiling again.
Angela Danforth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
I am a nurse practitioner (NP) with a focus in family medicine and psychiatry (anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorder, etc.). I have 8 years of experience working in the healthcare field. I have an extensive background in women's health, but I later transitioned into psychiatry, working with patients with mental illness and substance abuse issues.
I am a nurse practitioner (NP) with a focus in family medicine and psychiatry (anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorder, etc.). I have 8 years of experience working in the healthcare field. I have an extensive background in women's health, but I later transitioned into psychiatry, working with patients with mental illness and substance abuse issues.
Tradeot Healthcare LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121
Hello everyone, My name is Dr. Joan O. Aina, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, CWON. I am currently in Fayetteville (south of Atlanta) Georgia.
Hello everyone, My name is Dr. Joan O. Aina, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, CWON. I am currently in Fayetteville (south of Atlanta) Georgia.
Affordable Mental Health, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30121 (Online Only)
We are all human and go through life challenges. I am confident that I can provide empathy and support with the challenges you face, and offer various approaches to overcome them.
We are all human and go through life challenges. I am confident that I can provide empathy and support with the challenges you face, and offer various approaches to overcome them.
We are Licensed Psychiatrist and Licensed Professional Counselors, who use our clinical training to address your body, soul, and mind. We use research-based interventions to help clients with various issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, relational struggles, attachment issues, etc. We treat children 8 years +, couples, and adults.
We are Licensed Psychiatrist and Licensed Professional Counselors, who use our clinical training to address your body, soul, and mind. We use research-based interventions to help clients with various issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, relational struggles, attachment issues, etc. We treat children 8 years +, couples, and adults.
Marcia is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing since 2020. She graduated from Downstate Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY, State with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Walden University with a Master of Science in Nursing with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification.
Marcia is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing since 2020. She graduated from Downstate Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY, State with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Walden University with a Master of Science in Nursing with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification.
Dr. Judith Ngulefac
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, DOT-CME
Verified Verified
Cartersville, GA 30120
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.
Dr. Judith Ngulefac, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, DOT-CME is an experienced doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with over 14 years of experience in diverse health care settings providing high-quality care to clients. Dr. Ngulefac believes that your mental health is as important as your physical health and requires the same attention. She provides an initial psychiatric evaluation that will enable her to diagnose & develop an individualized treatment plan with routine follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and medication effectiveness.
Online Psychiatrists
Bettina Ervin Rodgers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30312 (Online Only)
Hi there, my name is Bettina Rodgers and I’m looking forward to connecting with you. I’m a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of California. My expertise is in working with folks ages 13 and up who need help using medication to manage their mental health. My main focus with patients is on life span. Mental health is a lifelong journey, not a sprint. The treatment plan that we come up with will focus on creating a sustained positive impact on your overall health.
Hi there, my name is Bettina Rodgers and I’m looking forward to connecting with you. I’m a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of California. My expertise is in working with folks ages 13 and up who need help using medication to manage their mental health. My main focus with patients is on life span. Mental health is a lifelong journey, not a sprint. The treatment plan that we come up with will focus on creating a sustained positive impact on your overall health.
Cheryl Gregory
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Cheryl Gregory, PMHNP, is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to individuals across Georgia. With a focus on both mental and emotional wellbeing, Cheryl helps clients navigate their mental health journeys by offering thorough assessments, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans. Serving a diverse range of clients, Cheryl specializes in treating children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring that each individual receives the care they need, whether inperson or through convenient telehealth options.
Cheryl Gregory, PMHNP, is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to individuals across Georgia. With a focus on both mental and emotional wellbeing, Cheryl helps clients navigate their mental health journeys by offering thorough assessments, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans. Serving a diverse range of clients, Cheryl specializes in treating children, adolescents, and adults, ensuring that each individual receives the care they need, whether inperson or through convenient telehealth options.
Mindcare Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30144
My philosophy centers around the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow. I am dedicated to creating a compassionate and empathetic therapeutic environment where individuals can feel seen, heard, and validated. I strive to support my clients in rediscovering their inner strength and resilience, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting positive change.
My philosophy centers around the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow. I am dedicated to creating a compassionate and empathetic therapeutic environment where individuals can feel seen, heard, and validated. I strive to support my clients in rediscovering their inner strength and resilience, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting positive change.
Ethereal Behavioral Health, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30318 (Online Only)
I help women, 18 to 64, dealing with anxiety, depression, & traumatic stress improve daily life, restore joy, & internal light through a holistic approach with medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle modification, & more!
I help women, 18 to 64, dealing with anxiety, depression, & traumatic stress improve daily life, restore joy, & internal light through a holistic approach with medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle modification, & more!
Armeshia Brenae Lawrence
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FPMHNP-
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30318 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that is licensed to provide services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families. These services include conducting brief solution therapy, EMDR psychotherapy, identifying and diagnosing mental health disorders, medical mental health conditions, or substance abuse, prescribing appropriate psychotropic medications, and referring patients to appropriate levels of care if needed. My primary focus is on promoting stabilization while building a rapport and forming individualized treatment plans with consideration of patient's needs and wants, while managing holistic care.
I am a board certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that is licensed to provide services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families. These services include conducting brief solution therapy, EMDR psychotherapy, identifying and diagnosing mental health disorders, medical mental health conditions, or substance abuse, prescribing appropriate psychotropic medications, and referring patients to appropriate levels of care if needed. My primary focus is on promoting stabilization while building a rapport and forming individualized treatment plans with consideration of patient's needs and wants, while managing holistic care.
Dr Joanne Psychiatry NP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Snellville, GA 30078 (Online Only)
We are always accepting new patients! Patients can self schedule at drjoannepsychiatry.com/book-now. Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.
We are always accepting new patients! Patients can self schedule at drjoannepsychiatry.com/book-now. Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.
See more therapy options for Bartow County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bartow County, GA
10+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Bartow County, GA who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
93% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | ADHD |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
57% | Addiction |
57% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Bartow County, GA see their clients
57% | Online Only | |
43% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bartow County?
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.