Psychiatrists in Jackson County, GA
Apex Integrative Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Braselton, GA 30517 (Online Only)
At Apex Integrative Health our goal is to empower individuals to achieve balance and inner peace. We are board certified psychiatric nurse practitioners with over 20 years of health care experience. Our treatment approach is integrative, blending medication management, nutrition counseling, psychotherapy, exercise, and other wellness focused approaches catered to each individual's needs. We believe in treating the whole person, addressing underlying issues and promoting long-term healing and resilience.
At Apex Integrative Health our goal is to empower individuals to achieve balance and inner peace. We are board certified psychiatric nurse practitioners with over 20 years of health care experience. Our treatment approach is integrative, blending medication management, nutrition counseling, psychotherapy, exercise, and other wellness focused approaches catered to each individual's needs. We believe in treating the whole person, addressing underlying issues and promoting long-term healing and resilience.
I strive to gain a complete understanding of what is going on with my patients. I am always thorough in evaluating symptoms and explaining the treatment options that would best suit each individual. I make it a priority to help my patients understand why some medications are different from others in terms of side effects and how they work. I aim to be kind, knowledgeable, and helpful to all my patients, providing the best possible care and support.
I strive to gain a complete understanding of what is going on with my patients. I am always thorough in evaluating symptoms and explaining the treatment options that would best suit each individual. I make it a priority to help my patients understand why some medications are different from others in terms of side effects and how they work. I aim to be kind, knowledgeable, and helpful to all my patients, providing the best possible care and support.
Online Psychiatrists
Integrative Mental Wellness & ReLeaf Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Snellville, GA 30078 (Online Only)
A virtual clinic offering a holistic, medication free approach to mental health care. Treatment is available in Maryland, DC, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and the US Virgin Islands.
A virtual clinic offering a holistic, medication free approach to mental health care. Treatment is available in Maryland, DC, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and the US Virgin Islands.
Valencia Mitonya Covington
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30076
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, PTSD to name a few are examples of mental health issues people struggle with every day. These mental health issues can have a significant impact on our lives. You deserve to be happy, have confidence, self-love, and enjoy life. I also prepare paperwork required for bariatric surgery. As a provider, I utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose and formulate individualized treatment plan that will work out for you. We now offer medication management, Gene-sight testing, cognitive testing for disorders such as ADHD, and other mood disorders. Semaglutide & Zepbound also available.
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, PTSD to name a few are examples of mental health issues people struggle with every day. These mental health issues can have a significant impact on our lives. You deserve to be happy, have confidence, self-love, and enjoy life. I also prepare paperwork required for bariatric surgery. As a provider, I utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose and formulate individualized treatment plan that will work out for you. We now offer medication management, Gene-sight testing, cognitive testing for disorders such as ADHD, and other mood disorders. Semaglutide & Zepbound also available.
Mercy Oyerinde
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Stonecrest, GA 30038 (Online Only)
Mercy Oyerinde is a Nurse Practitioner, now providing Psychiatric-Mental Health Care to the general population. she is a board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by American Nurses Credentialing Centers (ANCC). Education History Columbus State University, 2010 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Walden University: 2015, MSN, Liberty University, 2021, PMHNP. She is experienced in caring for pediatrics (ages 13 and above), adults, and the aging.
Mercy Oyerinde is a Nurse Practitioner, now providing Psychiatric-Mental Health Care to the general population. she is a board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) by American Nurses Credentialing Centers (ANCC). Education History Columbus State University, 2010 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Walden University: 2015, MSN, Liberty University, 2021, PMHNP. She is experienced in caring for pediatrics (ages 13 and above), adults, and the aging.
Dr. Singareddy has expertise in treating individuals with depression, OCD and anxiety disorders who are not improving despite multiple medication trials and therapy. He offers innovative FDA approved treatments including TMS and Spravato (Es-Ketamine). He is board certified in psychiatry and has published in the area of depression and anxiety disorders. Prior to coming to private practice he worked at Penn State Univ. Med Ctr. for almost 10 year and was involved in clinical work, education and research.
Dr. Singareddy has expertise in treating individuals with depression, OCD and anxiety disorders who are not improving despite multiple medication trials and therapy. He offers innovative FDA approved treatments including TMS and Spravato (Es-Ketamine). He is board certified in psychiatry and has published in the area of depression and anxiety disorders. Prior to coming to private practice he worked at Penn State Univ. Med Ctr. for almost 10 year and was involved in clinical work, education and research.
Louis Barton is a Psychiatrist with more than 40 years of experience. He started UCLA when he was 16 and by 18 was working as an EEG technician in a sleep research lab. In his senior year of medical school, Louis completed a student clinical research fellowship at the NIMH in psychopharmacology. Louis believes it is important to understand the patient's context of their symptoms and the impact they have on the whole person, as the same symptom can be from very different and overlapping issues. He strives to use fewer medications, prescribed at doses based on the science.
Louis Barton is a Psychiatrist with more than 40 years of experience. He started UCLA when he was 16 and by 18 was working as an EEG technician in a sleep research lab. In his senior year of medical school, Louis completed a student clinical research fellowship at the NIMH in psychopharmacology. Louis believes it is important to understand the patient's context of their symptoms and the impact they have on the whole person, as the same symptom can be from very different and overlapping issues. He strives to use fewer medications, prescribed at doses based on the science.
Hannah Brooks, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing where she received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, graduating with Honors in Nursing. After completing her undergraduate degree, she accepted a position at UAB Hospital inpatient psychiatry where she worked in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Adult Psychiatric Units. While working towards her graduate degree, Ms. Brooks trained at UAB Hospital, Cooper Green Community Clinic, and the Birmingham VA.
Hannah Brooks, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing where she received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, graduating with Honors in Nursing. After completing her undergraduate degree, she accepted a position at UAB Hospital inpatient psychiatry where she worked in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Adult Psychiatric Units. While working towards her graduate degree, Ms. Brooks trained at UAB Hospital, Cooper Green Community Clinic, and the Birmingham VA.
Accepting NEW Patients within a WEEK! Dr. Choudhary is Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. He is the founder of Advanced Psychiatry. The practice's mission is to provide highly personalized and superior care on an as-needed or preventative basis. Dr. Choudhary provides innovative and compassionate treatment for patients suffering from a myriad of psychiatric disorders, helping patients improve their quality of life despite the illnesses and circumstances that have previously limited them. We offer comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care for all ages in person or telehealth. www.AdvancedPsychiatry.com
Accepting NEW Patients within a WEEK! Dr. Choudhary is Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. He is the founder of Advanced Psychiatry. The practice's mission is to provide highly personalized and superior care on an as-needed or preventative basis. Dr. Choudhary provides innovative and compassionate treatment for patients suffering from a myriad of psychiatric disorders, helping patients improve their quality of life despite the illnesses and circumstances that have previously limited them. We offer comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care for all ages in person or telehealth. www.AdvancedPsychiatry.com
Diana Manjarres
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Diana Manjarres is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner authenticated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She worked as a critical care nurse for many years. She noticed how patients with histories of mental illness (from anxiety, depression, to schizophrenia) were easily dismissed in hospital settings. She found herself being an advocate for this patient population. She hopes to help her patients take a pause and just breathe again. She says "Sometimes, we go through life surviving and I hope that, through my services, I can help people start living - truly living for themselves."
Diana Manjarres is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner authenticated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She worked as a critical care nurse for many years. She noticed how patients with histories of mental illness (from anxiety, depression, to schizophrenia) were easily dismissed in hospital settings. She found herself being an advocate for this patient population. She hopes to help her patients take a pause and just breathe again. She says "Sometimes, we go through life surviving and I hope that, through my services, I can help people start living - truly living for themselves."
Integrity Psychiatry and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
Hi, I'm Lois Schwarze, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management and believe that medications work best when they are a part of a wider plan of care. I co-founded Integrity Psychiatry and Wellness with Ella Laura Johannaber, a therapeutic coach and wellness educator, so that our clients have more choices for getting the support they need. I am passionate about mental health and I've witnessed that healing happens through authentic connection. I spend time with my clients, listen, and treat each person as a unique individual.
Hi, I'm Lois Schwarze, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management and believe that medications work best when they are a part of a wider plan of care. I co-founded Integrity Psychiatry and Wellness with Ella Laura Johannaber, a therapeutic coach and wellness educator, so that our clients have more choices for getting the support they need. I am passionate about mental health and I've witnessed that healing happens through authentic connection. I spend time with my clients, listen, and treat each person as a unique individual.
Shakaola is a Board Certified Adult Health Nurse Practitioner with an extensive background in Mental Health. She has worked both inpatient, outpatient, and consulting services for the adult population. Combing clinical education and experience has molded her into a well-rounded Practitioner. It has also provided a strong foundation for optimum patient care and improving patient outcomes. She is dedicated to improving access to emotional and behavioral health services and providing individualized care that addresses the whole person.
Shakaola is a Board Certified Adult Health Nurse Practitioner with an extensive background in Mental Health. She has worked both inpatient, outpatient, and consulting services for the adult population. Combing clinical education and experience has molded her into a well-rounded Practitioner. It has also provided a strong foundation for optimum patient care and improving patient outcomes. She is dedicated to improving access to emotional and behavioral health services and providing individualized care that addresses the whole person.
MindBodySoul Medical Weight Loss
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
Being overweight is without a doubt a big health issue. It influences you physically, mentally, and even socially. The excess weight makes you apply more effort in doing basic things like rising from your bed or bending down to pick up things. You find yourself out of breath when you go up the stairs to the second flooring of your house. You start to feel some pains and pains in your neck and back. Your excess weight can also influence your mental health. You know the negative health effects of being overweight and these thoughts often cross your mind and leave you nervous and uneasy.
Being overweight is without a doubt a big health issue. It influences you physically, mentally, and even socially. The excess weight makes you apply more effort in doing basic things like rising from your bed or bending down to pick up things. You find yourself out of breath when you go up the stairs to the second flooring of your house. You start to feel some pains and pains in your neck and back. Your excess weight can also influence your mental health. You know the negative health effects of being overweight and these thoughts often cross your mind and leave you nervous and uneasy.
The Neuropsychiatric Clinic of Atlantis
Psychiatrist, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Villa Rica, GA 30180
Diana Manjarres is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner authenticated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She worked as a critical care nurse for many years. She noticed how patients with histories of mental illness (from anxiety, depression, to schizophrenia) were easily dismissed in hospital settings. She found herself being an advocate for this patient population. She hopes to help her patients take a pause and just breathe again. She says "Sometimes, we go through life surviving and I hope that, through my services, I can help people start living - truly living for themselves."
Diana Manjarres is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner authenticated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She worked as a critical care nurse for many years. She noticed how patients with histories of mental illness (from anxiety, depression, to schizophrenia) were easily dismissed in hospital settings. She found herself being an advocate for this patient population. She hopes to help her patients take a pause and just breathe again. She says "Sometimes, we go through life surviving and I hope that, through my services, I can help people start living - truly living for themselves."
I have over 12 years of adult nursing experience. I have spent the last 10 years in an adult medical ICU treating the oncology population. My focus is communication and active listening to understand their concern. Educating patients on their diagnosis with individualized treatment plans provide better outcomes.
I have over 12 years of adult nursing experience. I have spent the last 10 years in an adult medical ICU treating the oncology population. My focus is communication and active listening to understand their concern. Educating patients on their diagnosis with individualized treatment plans provide better outcomes.
Stacey Mitchell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I decided to become a nurse to have a positive impact on the lives of my clients. My favorite quote is “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage do.” – Unknown. I have experience working with patients struggling with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, gender dysphoria, panic attacks, ADHD (children and adults) and PANDAS. I enjoy working with all conditions. I also work with patients dealing with substance use disorders.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I decided to become a nurse to have a positive impact on the lives of my clients. My favorite quote is “Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage do.” – Unknown. I have experience working with patients struggling with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, gender dysphoria, panic attacks, ADHD (children and adults) and PANDAS. I enjoy working with all conditions. I also work with patients dealing with substance use disorders.
Healing Hands Integrated Psychiatric Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328 (Online Only)
As a doctoral trained psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner as well as family nurse practitioner with combined 18 years of experience in providing healthcare and mental health services; I will like to work one-on-one with you in providing an affordable tele-psychiatry care to you in the privacy of your own chosen location, reduce avoidable trip to the emergency room due to crisis, reduce delay in your mental health care, improve continuity of care and follow up needs, reduce the need to take time off from work and childcare, and reduce potential transportation barriers. Give us a trial!
As a doctoral trained psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner as well as family nurse practitioner with combined 18 years of experience in providing healthcare and mental health services; I will like to work one-on-one with you in providing an affordable tele-psychiatry care to you in the privacy of your own chosen location, reduce avoidable trip to the emergency room due to crisis, reduce delay in your mental health care, improve continuity of care and follow up needs, reduce the need to take time off from work and childcare, and reduce potential transportation barriers. Give us a trial!
Visionary Behavioral Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winder, GA 30680
It is my pleasure and divine intervention to work with individuals in the community that have dealt with disparities in care for treatment of mental health disorders, substance abuse treatment, and struggles with addiction. I want to revolutionize the way mental health care is delivered, and provide each individual with an exceptional experience. I am a licensed prescriber in the State of Georgia, some of the conditions I treat are, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. Currently offering, initiation of medication therapy, medication management, MAT, and Psychotherapy.
It is my pleasure and divine intervention to work with individuals in the community that have dealt with disparities in care for treatment of mental health disorders, substance abuse treatment, and struggles with addiction. I want to revolutionize the way mental health care is delivered, and provide each individual with an exceptional experience. I am a licensed prescriber in the State of Georgia, some of the conditions I treat are, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. Currently offering, initiation of medication therapy, medication management, MAT, and Psychotherapy.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science from University of Alabama at Birmingham. I have been a provider for over 25 years first as an RN working with clients having experienced catastrophic injuries or life-limiting disease in palliative care and trauma and then as a Nurse Practitioner in both Psychiatry and Palliative Care. I have followed clients in residential, PHP/IOP, and outpatient levels of care for mental health and alcohol/substance use treatment.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science from University of Alabama at Birmingham. I have been a provider for over 25 years first as an RN working with clients having experienced catastrophic injuries or life-limiting disease in palliative care and trauma and then as a Nurse Practitioner in both Psychiatry and Palliative Care. I have followed clients in residential, PHP/IOP, and outpatient levels of care for mental health and alcohol/substance use treatment.
I believe in providing the best care possible to all clients. Everyone should leave my office, feeling better than before. Together, we will develop treatment plans that work for you. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in providing medication management services to individuals (children, adolescents and adults) that suffer form mental health illnesses. If you are in need of services or just have questions, I am here for you.
I believe in providing the best care possible to all clients. Everyone should leave my office, feeling better than before. Together, we will develop treatment plans that work for you. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in providing medication management services to individuals (children, adolescents and adults) that suffer form mental health illnesses. If you are in need of services or just have questions, I am here for you.
See more therapy options for Jackson County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Jackson County, GA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Jackson County, GA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
50% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
50% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
24 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Jackson County, GA see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Jackson 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.