Psychiatrists in Baltimore City County, MD
![Photo of TJ Park, DNP , PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb607cf5-82fd-4b85-825f-3569e2993205/1/320x400.png)
Accepting new patients! I'm Dr. Tae Joon "TJ" Park, specializing in adult mental health for individuals aged 18 to 64. My expertise extends to anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, psychosis, and thought disorders. I provide adult psychiatry and medication management, with a focus on therapeutic modalities like Adlerian therapy, coaching, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, psychopharmacological treatment, and solution-focused brief therapy.
Accepting new patients! I'm Dr. Tae Joon "TJ" Park, specializing in adult mental health for individuals aged 18 to 64. My expertise extends to anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, psychosis, and thought disorders. I provide adult psychiatry and medication management, with a focus on therapeutic modalities like Adlerian therapy, coaching, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, psychopharmacological treatment, and solution-focused brief therapy.
![Photo of Jamie McCracken, PMHNP, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63c1a1cb-0617-4b9f-b378-632f7eb259d3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jamie McCracken
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21213 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Family PMHNP (psychiatric nurse practitioner). I graduated from Georgia State University, earning my Masters of Science in Nursing. I am nationally certified as a PMHNP (psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner). I help patients gain a new perspective with some supportive therapy and with medications. I enjoy fostering knowledge and empowerment about mental health. The world is often a place we need to create glimmers of light on the positive things that make us smile. I help people refocus their reality to create more smiles. Positivity, compassion and a little help from medication can shape your future
Hello! I am a Family PMHNP (psychiatric nurse practitioner). I graduated from Georgia State University, earning my Masters of Science in Nursing. I am nationally certified as a PMHNP (psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner). I help patients gain a new perspective with some supportive therapy and with medications. I enjoy fostering knowledge and empowerment about mental health. The world is often a place we need to create glimmers of light on the positive things that make us smile. I help people refocus their reality to create more smiles. Positivity, compassion and a little help from medication can shape your future
![Photo of Thinh Nguyen - Living Deliberately, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecbe2956-71a8-42b2-a9e1-c7e39c5bc693/1/320x400.jpeg)
Living Deliberately, LLC is dedicated to client-focused and client-forward treatment. Our Nurse practitioners provide medication management with an eye towards holistic health practices. We work on creating stability in a warm and professional environment. In addition to medication management we also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for medicationaly resistant depression, anxiety and OCD.
Living Deliberately, LLC is dedicated to client-focused and client-forward treatment. Our Nurse practitioners provide medication management with an eye towards holistic health practices. We work on creating stability in a warm and professional environment. In addition to medication management we also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for medicationaly resistant depression, anxiety and OCD.
![Photo of Yekeen Odewale - New Day Health Systems, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bcbed2c-e6dd-432d-8f9e-52624a42c38c/2/320x400.jpeg)
New Day Health Systems
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21229
What Clients Can Expect: The utmost objective of the PMHNP-BC is to assist the client coordinate and manage their mental health necessities using the techniques of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery appropriate to the client's culture and developmental stage.
What Clients Can Expect: The utmost objective of the PMHNP-BC is to assist the client coordinate and manage their mental health necessities using the techniques of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery appropriate to the client's culture and developmental stage.
![Photo of Sara Jeurling, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2d5f9fa-e5b6-4c91-a90f-1ad5f900e4d2/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Jeurling earned her medical degree from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine and completed her residency training in psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System. She completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System and stayed there after graduation as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Jeurling subsequently worked at the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt treating both adult and child and adolescent patients with Eating Disorders.
Dr. Jeurling earned her medical degree from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine and completed her residency training in psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System. She completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System and stayed there after graduation as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Jeurling subsequently worked at the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt treating both adult and child and adolescent patients with Eating Disorders.
![Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e73b5fc4-91de-4af6-89a6-556a45bb7371/1/320x400.png)
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
![Photo of John K Kamau, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d04bffe-28b6-4200-b2e3-dd6278c71203/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is John. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about what I do. I have more than ten years of experience in healthcare. I provide Comprehensive Client-Focused Mental Health care to my clients using evidence-based practice. I offer psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy for a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
Hello, my name is John. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about what I do. I have more than ten years of experience in healthcare. I provide Comprehensive Client-Focused Mental Health care to my clients using evidence-based practice. I offer psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy for a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
![Photo of Kemi Omogoke, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebd6407e-de54-4ff7-adc8-3bd84afb24ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kemi Omogoke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21218 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a doctoral-prepared Board-certified Psychiatric NP with over 8 years of psych/mental healthcare experience. I am a Bowie State University Bachelor of Professional graduate, and I received my MSN and DNP at Walden University.
Hello! I am a doctoral-prepared Board-certified Psychiatric NP with over 8 years of psych/mental healthcare experience. I am a Bowie State University Bachelor of Professional graduate, and I received my MSN and DNP at Walden University.
![Photo of Florence Oriakhi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc2018f2-0733-48f9-944b-6f92dd9c3690/1/320x400.jpeg)
Florence is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Maryland. She graduated from University of Delaware. Mental Health services has been her passion since she graduated from Nursing school in 2011. Florence provides mental health services passionately with the goal to assist patient achieve symptoms remission in order to live a quality life. She sees children, Adolescents and Adults with psychiatric mental health problems and Behavioral issues.
Florence is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Maryland. She graduated from University of Delaware. Mental Health services has been her passion since she graduated from Nursing school in 2011. Florence provides mental health services passionately with the goal to assist patient achieve symptoms remission in order to live a quality life. She sees children, Adolescents and Adults with psychiatric mental health problems and Behavioral issues.
![Photo of Valmy Fotendong, FNP-BC, PMNHP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7842fd3d-6118-40b6-a410-a7b361929bb8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valmy Fotendong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMNHP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21233 (Online Only)
As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in nursing, I bring a dynamic approach to mental health care. My experience and interpersonal skills enable me to connect with patients from all walks of life, providing compassionate, confidential, and effective treatment.
As a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in nursing, I bring a dynamic approach to mental health care. My experience and interpersonal skills enable me to connect with patients from all walks of life, providing compassionate, confidential, and effective treatment.
![Photo of Mohammed Younus, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fa61a9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you suffer from Anxiety, Social phobia, Depression or ADHD, you are not alone, these are treatable illnesses and I have expertise to help you. Whether, you have never been treated or not totally satisfied with current treatment, there is help available. I treat Adults, Adolescents and Children
If you suffer from Anxiety, Social phobia, Depression or ADHD, you are not alone, these are treatable illnesses and I have expertise to help you. Whether, you have never been treated or not totally satisfied with current treatment, there is help available. I treat Adults, Adolescents and Children
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![Photo of Lindsay R Standeven, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5679e692-60cb-447f-bc27-9865dd16d7b8/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a board-certified adult psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry, with advanced training from Johns Hopkins Hospital. Earlier in my career I worked as the Clinical and Education Director at the Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, where I oversaw clinical staff and taught residents. I’m passionate about teaching and advocating for women’s mental health.
I’m a board-certified adult psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry, with advanced training from Johns Hopkins Hospital. Earlier in my career I worked as the Clinical and Education Director at the Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, where I oversaw clinical staff and taught residents. I’m passionate about teaching and advocating for women’s mental health.
![Photo of Lakeyia Daniels, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4245fb39-efa8-412f-9d6b-50a4255fea29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lakeyia Daniels is a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry. Ms. Lakeyia received her Bachelor of Science from Sojourner Douglas College as a Registered Nurse. During Lakeyia's nursing career, she developed a strong passion for psychiatric nursing after working in various settings. Due to Lakeyia's strong passion for psychiatric nursing, she was encouraged to pursue a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certificate at Walden University, where she received her Master of Science in Nursing.
Lakeyia Daniels is a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry. Ms. Lakeyia received her Bachelor of Science from Sojourner Douglas College as a Registered Nurse. During Lakeyia's nursing career, she developed a strong passion for psychiatric nursing after working in various settings. Due to Lakeyia's strong passion for psychiatric nursing, she was encouraged to pursue a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certificate at Walden University, where she received her Master of Science in Nursing.
![Photo of Cameron Williams, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33e9acdc-b33c-43a7-a68f-5963136793a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many people struggle with persistently low moods or high anxieties. Such problems can go on for decades and lead to less-than-ideal coping mechanisms. Often such troubles affect important relationships and life goals, which furthers the suffering of the individual. Along the way, people acquire diagnoses like depression, generalized anxiety, addictive disorders, personality disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, etc. They may also collect prescription medications that are supposed to help, yet provide inadequate relief. My aim is to provide a custom-built, integrative and cohesive treatment for individuals.
Many people struggle with persistently low moods or high anxieties. Such problems can go on for decades and lead to less-than-ideal coping mechanisms. Often such troubles affect important relationships and life goals, which furthers the suffering of the individual. Along the way, people acquire diagnoses like depression, generalized anxiety, addictive disorders, personality disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, etc. They may also collect prescription medications that are supposed to help, yet provide inadequate relief. My aim is to provide a custom-built, integrative and cohesive treatment for individuals.
![Photo of Meredith Barrett, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb674580-46c2-447c-86c8-ab453393b08e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith Barrett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself struggling to get by each day? Do you feel like you keep hitting a wall? Or that no matter what you do, you cannot climb your way out of the hole? To struggle is to be human, but it is possible to find balance. It is possible to find contentment and joy. It is possible to discover release, to experience freedom from mental anguish. Unrelieved mental and emotional hurdles make our worlds small, and tend to propel us further and further into isolation. I am here to listen, and to help you achieve mental wellness by giving you the tools you need to regain control of your life.
Do you find yourself struggling to get by each day? Do you feel like you keep hitting a wall? Or that no matter what you do, you cannot climb your way out of the hole? To struggle is to be human, but it is possible to find balance. It is possible to find contentment and joy. It is possible to discover release, to experience freedom from mental anguish. Unrelieved mental and emotional hurdles make our worlds small, and tend to propel us further and further into isolation. I am here to listen, and to help you achieve mental wellness by giving you the tools you need to regain control of your life.
Choice Health Systems LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21217
Do you need a provider that will assist you in meeting your mental health needs? If yes, I would be honored to be that provider for you. My greatest joy is establishing a rapport with each client and hearing the journey that led to this point. With a goal to form a partnership and collaborate on a treatment plan that meets the specific needs of that individual. I explain medical concepts to empower my clients to make informed choices about their care. At Choice Health Systems, we treat patients across the lifespan regardless of demographics. Our professionals are trained to develop tailored care and treatment for you.
Do you need a provider that will assist you in meeting your mental health needs? If yes, I would be honored to be that provider for you. My greatest joy is establishing a rapport with each client and hearing the journey that led to this point. With a goal to form a partnership and collaborate on a treatment plan that meets the specific needs of that individual. I explain medical concepts to empower my clients to make informed choices about their care. At Choice Health Systems, we treat patients across the lifespan regardless of demographics. Our professionals are trained to develop tailored care and treatment for you.
![Photo of Alicia Reed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9aff55f0-8abd-446c-8e63-bd05cc191f7f/1/320x400.png)
Alicia Reed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21214 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new patients! I have been helping adolescents and young adults navigate their mental health and I want to expand it through Thrive Tele-psychiatry. I hope being virtual can make it easier for patients to get the care they are looking for from the comfort of their own home.
I am currently accepting new patients! I have been helping adolescents and young adults navigate their mental health and I want to expand it through Thrive Tele-psychiatry. I hope being virtual can make it easier for patients to get the care they are looking for from the comfort of their own home.
Dasheara Duck
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN,, MSN, BC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21205 (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Dasheara Duck and I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My overall goal is to break the stigma in mental health. I help high performance individuals identify and manage, stress, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Many individuals lives changed forever after Covid-19 and many continue to seek normalcy years later. I am here to tell you that it is perfectly ok not to be ok! Many of us require assistance adjusting to our "new" normal. Many of us just need a jump start to a healthier life. Its time to strengthen our mental health to break the stigma and be who we are meant to be.
Hi, my name is Dasheara Duck and I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My overall goal is to break the stigma in mental health. I help high performance individuals identify and manage, stress, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Many individuals lives changed forever after Covid-19 and many continue to seek normalcy years later. I am here to tell you that it is perfectly ok not to be ok! Many of us require assistance adjusting to our "new" normal. Many of us just need a jump start to a healthier life. Its time to strengthen our mental health to break the stigma and be who we are meant to be.
![Photo of Coleen Schrepher, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0a4c8df-ff5e-4297-930e-1389b8ad6860/1/320x400.png)
Dr Coleen has over 16 years of clinical experience evaluating the pediatric population. Prior to becoming a physician, she worked as a physical therapist treating infants and children in varying critical care and rehabilitation settings. After completing her medical degree at Drexel College of Medicine, she attended Mt. Sinai, NYC and the University of Maryland for her residency and fellowship training.
Dr Coleen has over 16 years of clinical experience evaluating the pediatric population. Prior to becoming a physician, she worked as a physical therapist treating infants and children in varying critical care and rehabilitation settings. After completing her medical degree at Drexel College of Medicine, she attended Mt. Sinai, NYC and the University of Maryland for her residency and fellowship training.
![Photo of Scherra Boarman, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/095f0c2c-cde1-4da8-becd-e4561dd20a6e/1/320x400.png)
Scherra Boarman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21218 (Online Only)
Hi I'm Scherra, I will be fully dedicated and committed to you, as my patient, to ensure you feel your best again in a short period of time! As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I have years of experience in diverse roles in numerous care settings, from working in med-surg, ER, IMC, outpatient, and case management. Throughout these years of experience, I have faced numerous situations, where recognizing and understanding the importance of a patient’s overall mental health was an essential part in providing effective treatment.
Hi I'm Scherra, I will be fully dedicated and committed to you, as my patient, to ensure you feel your best again in a short period of time! As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I have years of experience in diverse roles in numerous care settings, from working in med-surg, ER, IMC, outpatient, and case management. Throughout these years of experience, I have faced numerous situations, where recognizing and understanding the importance of a patient’s overall mental health was an essential part in providing effective treatment.
See more therapy options for Baltimore City County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Baltimore City County, MD
300+
Average cost per session
$157
Psychiatrists in Baltimore City County, MD who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | ADHD |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Medication Management |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
82% | Aetna |
79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Baltimore City County, MD see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Baltimore City 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.