Psychiatrists in Georgia
I am a board-certified Psychiatric nurse counselor certified in SOZO inner healing, psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy with over thirty years of experience counseling clients in hospitals, churches, and private practice. I have experience in trauma, inner healing, depression, and anxiety. I want to see people walking in freedom and enjoying the life that God has given them. I have seen many people set free from addictions and other life-affecting issues such as depression and anxiety. I work with people of all backgrounds and faith.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric nurse counselor certified in SOZO inner healing, psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy with over thirty years of experience counseling clients in hospitals, churches, and private practice. I have experience in trauma, inner healing, depression, and anxiety. I want to see people walking in freedom and enjoying the life that God has given them. I have seen many people set free from addictions and other life-affecting issues such as depression and anxiety. I work with people of all backgrounds and faith.
Each client is unique and their treatment should be as well. Clients visiting me can receive a full range of psychiatric services including Genetic testing , Nutritional Psychiatry and TMS for treatment resistant depression. I am committed to educating my clients about their mental health and empowering them in the healing process. I believe mental health is mental power when clients understand how to use it, which can create a positive outcome.
Each client is unique and their treatment should be as well. Clients visiting me can receive a full range of psychiatric services including Genetic testing , Nutritional Psychiatry and TMS for treatment resistant depression. I am committed to educating my clients about their mental health and empowering them in the healing process. I believe mental health is mental power when clients understand how to use it, which can create a positive outcome.
LaRue Psychiatric Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, CNP
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30308 (Online Only)
Khalilah LaRue is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (Across the Lifespan). A graduate of The Ohio State University, Khalilah LaRue, PMHNP-BC also completed her psychiatric residency training program at OSU Medical Center (OSU Harding Hospital), Southeast Mental Healthcare Center, and OhioHealth. She remains active with Ohio State, as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, teaching Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students as well as resident physicians assistants. She a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
Khalilah LaRue is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (Across the Lifespan). A graduate of The Ohio State University, Khalilah LaRue, PMHNP-BC also completed her psychiatric residency training program at OSU Medical Center (OSU Harding Hospital), Southeast Mental Healthcare Center, and OhioHealth. She remains active with Ohio State, as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, teaching Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students as well as resident physicians assistants. She a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
Tommie Richardson is a board-certified Addiction Medicine Physician at LifeStance Health. Dr. Richardson is a physician specializing in addiction medicine, recovery and psychopharmacology. Dr. Richardson has over thirty years of experience in identifying, diagnosing and treating chemical dependence and psychiatric illness. Dr. Richardson currently has his private practice at the Smyrna office of LifeStance Health. Dr. Richardson has also worked at Tangu, Inc. , a private counseling and therapy service center.
Tommie Richardson is a board-certified Addiction Medicine Physician at LifeStance Health. Dr. Richardson is a physician specializing in addiction medicine, recovery and psychopharmacology. Dr. Richardson has over thirty years of experience in identifying, diagnosing and treating chemical dependence and psychiatric illness. Dr. Richardson currently has his private practice at the Smyrna office of LifeStance Health. Dr. Richardson has also worked at Tangu, Inc. , a private counseling and therapy service center.
Hardie Tatman is a Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing with LifeStance since 2014. She graduated from Washington and Lee University with a degree in psychology and completed her BSN (magna cum laude) and MSN (magna cum laude) at Emory University. In college, Hardie was involved in honor council, student government and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and Omicron Delta Kappa the National Leadership Honor Society. Hardie believes in a patient-centered approach to care, recognizing that people have different needs and goals in their treatment plan.
Hardie Tatman is a Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing with LifeStance since 2014. She graduated from Washington and Lee University with a degree in psychology and completed her BSN (magna cum laude) and MSN (magna cum laude) at Emory University. In college, Hardie was involved in honor council, student government and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and Omicron Delta Kappa the National Leadership Honor Society. Hardie believes in a patient-centered approach to care, recognizing that people have different needs and goals in their treatment plan.
Elevated Mental Health and Wellness center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Grayson, GA 30017 (Online Only)
We are a Mental Health Practice with a great passion for comprehensive and patient centered care. As psychiatric Nurse practitioners, we are able to diagnose and treat a multitude of mental health disorders. We utilize a variety of strategies and techniques to treat the patient as a whole; as we believe treatment for mental health is beyond medication management alone.
We are a Mental Health Practice with a great passion for comprehensive and patient centered care. As psychiatric Nurse practitioners, we are able to diagnose and treat a multitude of mental health disorders. We utilize a variety of strategies and techniques to treat the patient as a whole; as we believe treatment for mental health is beyond medication management alone.
Chao Li is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. Chao respects all clients and does not judge. Her approach involves collaborating with them to achieve their goals and work toward success. Outside of work, Chao enjoys hiking, hanging out with family, painting acrylic, and shopping.
Chao Li is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky who has been practicing since 2023. Chao respects all clients and does not judge. Her approach involves collaborating with them to achieve their goals and work toward success. Outside of work, Chao enjoys hiking, hanging out with family, painting acrylic, and shopping.
Julie Greene
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Buford, GA 30519 (Online Only)
Our mental health is impacted by our genetics, stressors in our environments, and our physical health, and when our minds are not healthy, our physical health and relationships with others suffer.
Our mental health is impacted by our genetics, stressors in our environments, and our physical health, and when our minds are not healthy, our physical health and relationships with others suffer.
Divive Mind Solution
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
This is my personal link to register: www.growtherapy.com/provider/w8xybfxhgrku/bisi-yinusa
This is my personal link to register: www.growtherapy.com/provider/w8xybfxhgrku/bisi-yinusa
I am passionate about my patient's mental health. I work with my patients to come up with a medication plan that is best for them. I have worked with patients of all ages with depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and many others.
I am passionate about my patient's mental health. I work with my patients to come up with a medication plan that is best for them. I have worked with patients of all ages with depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and many others.
The ultimate goal of patients with mental illness and substance abuse is to achieve the optimal level of their functionality. My practice aims at helping patients achieve their goals by promoting comprehensive care focusing on the whole person at all ages and stages of life. Providing a caring and compassionate care is paramount to our practice. I am a Licensed Psychiatrist with over 20 years experience & the Medical Director of Hope & Faith Wellness Clinic. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Clark Atlanta University & my Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN.
The ultimate goal of patients with mental illness and substance abuse is to achieve the optimal level of their functionality. My practice aims at helping patients achieve their goals by promoting comprehensive care focusing on the whole person at all ages and stages of life. Providing a caring and compassionate care is paramount to our practice. I am a Licensed Psychiatrist with over 20 years experience & the Medical Director of Hope & Faith Wellness Clinic. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Clark Atlanta University & my Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN.
15 Second Videos
Overflowing Health Behavioral
Glory Recovery Solutions
Judith Egbe
Charlie Health
Allen Family Healthcare
Cynthia McNeill
Fatimat Olumayowa Olufunmilayo Agbojeyin
Deborah Obinwa @ Psychiatric and Wellness Connect
Shakera Kathleen Snelling
Bettina Ervin Rodgers
Suparna Basu
Darnae Lovett
Healing Hands Integrated Psychiatric Services, LLC
Sophroneo Behavioral Health & TMS
Evelyn Booker
David Sogbamu
Oluwafunmilola Sulaimon
Linda Octavien
Olasimbo Babatope
Chidiebere Osondu
Hannah Moore
Oasis Health Services Psychiatry -GA,WA,MD
Sheeba Samuel
Matthew 'dusty' Dowdy
Alicia Johnson
Amaka Anara
Latrina Walden
Karen Brazell
Psych Atlanta Treatment Resistant DepressionClinic
Celestin Ekokobe
Cherry Psychiatry
Iman Hypolite M. D.
Valencia Mitonya Covington
Shanea McDaniel
Kevin LaNeal Buford
Atlanta Telepsychiatry
Aligned Cognition Healthcare Services, PC
Jasmine Munroe
Diana Jubilee Awuah
Jehovahs Behavioral Care LLC
Panchajanya Paul
Manifesting Minds, LLC
Tina Williams @ Vital Integrative Solutions
Melveena Johnson-Bolden
Judith Ngulefac
Clara C Ugwuibe-Ogunseye
Intown Atlanta Psychiatry
Margaret Ngumi
Angelo Sambunaris
Chenhang Zou
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.
Sun Kim, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of healthcare experience. She worked in various settings at acute care hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, home care, and outpatient clinics. Her mission is to assist her clients to live their lives to the fullest by providing her psychiatric expertise to them. Sun treats her clients with compassion and professionalism. She can provide consultation, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and counseling to her clients. She can speak both English and Korean fluently.
Sun Kim, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of healthcare experience. She worked in various settings at acute care hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, home care, and outpatient clinics. Her mission is to assist her clients to live their lives to the fullest by providing her psychiatric expertise to them. Sun treats her clients with compassion and professionalism. She can provide consultation, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and counseling to her clients. She can speak both English and Korean fluently.
Overflowing Health Behavioral
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conyers, GA 30013 (Online Only)
At Overflowing Health Behavioral, we believe there is no health without mental health. Our mission is to provide compassionate high quality care and support to all of our clients. We are a 100% tele-medicine practice with both weekend and weekday availability. We understand our clients live busy lives and that work and home life may make it difficult to schedule appointments during traditional office hours (8a-5p) as a solution, we offer flexible alternatives such as same day or after hours appointments (5p-8p). Our goal is to work closely with the patient to figure out what works best.
At Overflowing Health Behavioral, we believe there is no health without mental health. Our mission is to provide compassionate high quality care and support to all of our clients. We are a 100% tele-medicine practice with both weekend and weekday availability. We understand our clients live busy lives and that work and home life may make it difficult to schedule appointments during traditional office hours (8a-5p) as a solution, we offer flexible alternatives such as same day or after hours appointments (5p-8p). Our goal is to work closely with the patient to figure out what works best.
Graduate of the Medical College of Georgia BSN, Registered Nurse and MSN- Advanced Practice, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatry and Mental Health. Held a position as adjunct faculty with USC - Aiken School of nursing. Medical College of Georgia for over 10 years working with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment settings. Prior to joining LifeStance Health, she was employed 13+ years at the Charlie Norwood VAMC in Augusta and has extensive experience working with veterans and their families.
Graduate of the Medical College of Georgia BSN, Registered Nurse and MSN- Advanced Practice, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatry and Mental Health. Held a position as adjunct faculty with USC - Aiken School of nursing. Medical College of Georgia for over 10 years working with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment settings. Prior to joining LifeStance Health, she was employed 13+ years at the Charlie Norwood VAMC in Augusta and has extensive experience working with veterans and their families.
A qualified family nurse practitioner, Ms. Sydney Cunningham received two bachelor's degrees, one from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the other from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She then attended Kennesaw State University, where she received her master's degree in family nursing. Ms. Cunningham is available for examinations at Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals, located in Roswell, GA. She encourages open communication with her patients, which allows her to guide them through their treatment as active participants in their well-being.
A qualified family nurse practitioner, Ms. Sydney Cunningham received two bachelor's degrees, one from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the other from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She then attended Kennesaw State University, where she received her master's degree in family nursing. Ms. Cunningham is available for examinations at Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals, located in Roswell, GA. She encourages open communication with her patients, which allows her to guide them through their treatment as active participants in their well-being.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of clinical experience in Atlanta, GA. I have worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and inpatient units at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, Emory University Hospital, Wesley Woods Hospital, and Grady Hospital. My experience includes managing patients with treatment resistant mental illness and co-occurring medical illness. I have also been involved with several clinical research studies studying the effectiveness of various antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of clinical experience in Atlanta, GA. I have worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and inpatient units at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, Emory University Hospital, Wesley Woods Hospital, and Grady Hospital. My experience includes managing patients with treatment resistant mental illness and co-occurring medical illness. I have also been involved with several clinical research studies studying the effectiveness of various antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium.
Holly Hart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
Holly Hart graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing and is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She treats adults with a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse, and eating disorders using a combination of treatment options, including medication, supplements, therapy, psycho-education, and more. Services offered include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
Holly Hart graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing and is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She treats adults with a wide range of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, substance abuse, and eating disorders using a combination of treatment options, including medication, supplements, therapy, psycho-education, and more. Services offered include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
We are a Full Service Psychological Services Center with a large team of therapist to fit your needs and help you throughout your journey of recovery. Our facility offers 16 suites with Clinicians trained in every area of psychotherapy to serve you regardless of your diagnosis. We are able to accommodate multiple family members for same day appointments with therapist and doctors reducing your travel time between multiple offices for different appointments. We are a One-Stop-Shop providing excellent care, quality services and an array of skilled professionals of all ages, ethnicities and gender.
We are a Full Service Psychological Services Center with a large team of therapist to fit your needs and help you throughout your journey of recovery. Our facility offers 16 suites with Clinicians trained in every area of psychotherapy to serve you regardless of your diagnosis. We are able to accommodate multiple family members for same day appointments with therapist and doctors reducing your travel time between multiple offices for different appointments. We are a One-Stop-Shop providing excellent care, quality services and an array of skilled professionals of all ages, ethnicities and gender.
Joanne B Harris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conyers, GA 30094
My guiding principle in psychiatric treatment is that you should be heard and respected as an individual. We'll work together to develop a strategy that's attainable and tailored made for you.
My guiding principle in psychiatric treatment is that you should be heard and respected as an individual. We'll work together to develop a strategy that's attainable and tailored made for you.
See more therapy options for Georgia
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Georgia who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Medication Management |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | ADHD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
82% | Cigna and Evernorth |
76% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Georgia see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Georgia?
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.