Psychiatrists in Austin, TX
![Photo of Trenice Johnson, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e71f488-367f-4822-8984-e19984cf8008/1/320x400.jpeg)
Trenice Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704 (Online Only)
Dr. Trenice Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is an experienced national board certified nurse practitioner who has practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services. She strongly believes in the importance of mental healthcare and she is thrilled to continue to embark upon. Helping clients with the goals of developing insight into their emotions and behaviors during the course of their treatment, while allowing her to gain trust and respect from those whom suffer from the problems of stress, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and culture stress problems.
Dr. Trenice Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is an experienced national board certified nurse practitioner who has practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services. She strongly believes in the importance of mental healthcare and she is thrilled to continue to embark upon. Helping clients with the goals of developing insight into their emotions and behaviors during the course of their treatment, while allowing her to gain trust and respect from those whom suffer from the problems of stress, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and culture stress problems.
![Photo of Munira Jiwani, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2df0d20a-63b1-4f96-b944-0a5b677518f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Munira Jiwani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78704 (Online Only)
Imagine facing life’s challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, or significant life transitions. My ideal client seeks understanding and practical solutions for mental health concerns. They aim to regain control, rediscover hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They want a compassionate partner who listens, understands, and tailors treatment to their unique needs and goals. If you’re looking for a therapeutic environment where you feel respected and empowered, you're in the right place.
Imagine facing life’s challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, or significant life transitions. My ideal client seeks understanding and practical solutions for mental health concerns. They aim to regain control, rediscover hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They want a compassionate partner who listens, understands, and tailors treatment to their unique needs and goals. If you’re looking for a therapeutic environment where you feel respected and empowered, you're in the right place.
![Photo of Mary-Jane C Warren, RN/BSN, MSN/MBA, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5f6633f-28cc-4784-bba3-0429a4e45069/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary-Jane C Warren
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN/BSN, MSN/MBA, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78701
Not accepting new clients
I tend to have a trauma focused approach, which is to say that I specialize in treating humans. I believe it is essential to pay attention to the mind and body as a unified whole ;my goals are to work with patients to achieve their full potential and wellbeing. I have expertise in prescribing medications, but see them as only one part of the larger picture.
I tend to have a trauma focused approach, which is to say that I specialize in treating humans. I believe it is essential to pay attention to the mind and body as a unified whole ;my goals are to work with patients to achieve their full potential and wellbeing. I have expertise in prescribing medications, but see them as only one part of the larger picture.
![Photo of Aarion Josey - Good Life Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc538eab-b168-48d6-9e4a-049951990dd2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Good Life Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of nursing experience. As a CPR instructor and mother, I bring both professional expertise and personal empathy to my practice. I have specialized in substance use disorder and have worked extensively with the mental health population. My passion lies in treating adolescents to adults, providing them with comprehensive and compassionate care.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over a decade of nursing experience. As a CPR instructor and mother, I bring both professional expertise and personal empathy to my practice. I have specialized in substance use disorder and have worked extensively with the mental health population. My passion lies in treating adolescents to adults, providing them with comprehensive and compassionate care.
![Photo of Anita Padilla Weekend Availability, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, CIMHP, ADHDCSP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c85e0c48-4d29-4f58-9a7c-c5f63374f1a1/1/320x400.png)
Anita Padilla Weekend Availability
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, CIMHP, ADHDCSP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701 (Online Only)
Thank you for your consideration as your next provider. I appreciate that it is difficult to find the right fit for your mental health concerns. One of the main concerns I have heard over the years is that patients do not feel heard when they reach out for help. I have carried this with me throughout my career. I spend the time to truly listen and understand your concerns. I work with you to identify a treatment plan you are comfortable with. The outcomes are better if you trust your provider and you work together to achieve remission.
Thank you for your consideration as your next provider. I appreciate that it is difficult to find the right fit for your mental health concerns. One of the main concerns I have heard over the years is that patients do not feel heard when they reach out for help. I have carried this with me throughout my career. I spend the time to truly listen and understand your concerns. I work with you to identify a treatment plan you are comfortable with. The outcomes are better if you trust your provider and you work together to achieve remission.
![Photo of Samuel Omolade, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1421f54-27b0-438d-a20f-b4732c2ddce7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samuel Omolade
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731 (Online Only)
I have over 7 years of experience in the mental health field, working as a behavioral health nurse at Jacobi Medical Center, Nix Hospital, Perimeter Behavioral Health, and as a consultant at King Haven Counseling Group. I am a highly skilled and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a wealth of experience in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. I have demonstrated my proficiency in helping individuals struggling with anxiety by implementing evidence-based treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication management.
I have over 7 years of experience in the mental health field, working as a behavioral health nurse at Jacobi Medical Center, Nix Hospital, Perimeter Behavioral Health, and as a consultant at King Haven Counseling Group. I am a highly skilled and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a wealth of experience in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions. I have demonstrated my proficiency in helping individuals struggling with anxiety by implementing evidence-based treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication management.
![Photo of Amanda Dush - Amanda Anazia - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/968e586b-df7e-4da4-8f62-675e49742898/3/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Anazia - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
Amanda Anazia MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a certified family nurse practitioner. She is a part of the inaugural class of 2012 where she received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Texas State University. Amanda obtained her MSN from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, where she specialized in Family in 2020. She also obtained a Post-Master’s Certificate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston where she specialized as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2021.
Amanda Anazia MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a certified family nurse practitioner. She is a part of the inaugural class of 2012 where she received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Texas State University. Amanda obtained her MSN from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, where she specialized in Family in 2020. She also obtained a Post-Master’s Certificate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston where she specialized as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2021.
![Photo of Jedidiah C Becker, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e2ffdcf-19ee-4c6c-a6a3-41cdb16d5ef0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our mental health cannot be neatly separated from our physical bodies or from the unique events that have shaped us as individuals. While psychiatric medications have helped millions of individuals find relief from chronic mental illness and reclaim control of their lives, almost anyone who has struggled with depression or anxiety knows that medications alone are rarely enough to achieve the balanced, fulfilling lives that they desire. The question then becomes, “What else can be done?”
Our mental health cannot be neatly separated from our physical bodies or from the unique events that have shaped us as individuals. While psychiatric medications have helped millions of individuals find relief from chronic mental illness and reclaim control of their lives, almost anyone who has struggled with depression or anxiety knows that medications alone are rarely enough to achieve the balanced, fulfilling lives that they desire. The question then becomes, “What else can be done?”
![Photo of Meredith M. Langguth, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/273eb190-289c-4a62-a463-28e4244de05a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith M. Langguth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78752
Meredith Langguth is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is committed to building compassionate and effective therapeutic alliances with her patients. Meredith applies a patient-centered approach that combines evidence-based treatments with the patient’s own individual goals to promote the best possible outcomes.
Meredith Langguth is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is committed to building compassionate and effective therapeutic alliances with her patients. Meredith applies a patient-centered approach that combines evidence-based treatments with the patient’s own individual goals to promote the best possible outcomes.
![Photo of Kristin Yeung Lasseter - Reproductive Psychiatry and Counseling, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49717bbb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Reproductive Psychiatry and Counseling
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704
If you or your partner are struggling with mental wellness during infertility, pregnancy loss, or pregnancy/postpartum, during perimenopause or experiencing premenstrual difficulties please consider reaching out for more care. We often try to be strong and work through issues alone without realizing the significant impact our own mental health has on our children and family. Receiving quality treatment can help you to improve your wellness, and by extension, the wellness of your baby, in the safest ways.
If you or your partner are struggling with mental wellness during infertility, pregnancy loss, or pregnancy/postpartum, during perimenopause or experiencing premenstrual difficulties please consider reaching out for more care. We often try to be strong and work through issues alone without realizing the significant impact our own mental health has on our children and family. Receiving quality treatment can help you to improve your wellness, and by extension, the wellness of your baby, in the safest ways.
![Photo of Diem Pham, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08d2cf65-5372-4abe-8749-63272921b0fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I believe in patient-centered, individualized, & holistic approaches to one's well-being. I will take my time in assessing your mental, physical, environmental and spiritual needs. I encourage utilizing physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness in addition to conventional treatments such as medication management or psychotherapy. My hope is to help you identify your strengths and challenges to create a roadmap in establishing customized goals and treatment plan.
Board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I believe in patient-centered, individualized, & holistic approaches to one's well-being. I will take my time in assessing your mental, physical, environmental and spiritual needs. I encourage utilizing physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness in addition to conventional treatments such as medication management or psychotherapy. My hope is to help you identify your strengths and challenges to create a roadmap in establishing customized goals and treatment plan.
15 Second Videos
Anita Padilla Weekend Availability
Samuel Omolade
Melanie Foutz
Bayo Owens
Pondworks - Bernard Kim MD
Bruce Bassi
Sonia Ike
Blake Grant
Candyce Willis
Pooja Memula
VPP Clinic | Dr Arif Mirza MD
Sheilah Liech
Isela Werchan
Anabel Winiecki
Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry Austin - We Are Open!
Josh Ingleby
Anand Jayanti
Elizabeth Ssemanda
Casey Coton
Matthew Edward Masters Jr
Hyojin Han
Jennifer Schaefer
Anita Padilla Weekend Availability
Amelia Harding
Ronil Shah
Dr Lynda Parker - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Katharine Conrad
Shana Alexander
Nnamdi Ofoeze
Meredith Tompkins
Brightside Health
Keilah Baker Ford Dnp Pmhnp
Dr Terry Eagan - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry - Cedar Park
Robert E Feinstein
Renda Joy Holladay
Aaron Cummins
Salvi Marie Alday
Insightful Psychiatry
Dr Lynda Michele - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Optimal Life Care, PLLC
Seeta Patel
Fredric Matthew Johnson
Venita Ninemire
Olivier Djoumessi
Halee Fullerton
VICCpsychiatry, pllc
Beverly Alomepe
Fresh Start Psychiatry and Recovery
Stefani Reinold
![Photo of Tajuana Shuler, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d78fe611-d39f-4342-a589-92e440f80885/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tajuana Shuler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701 (Online Only)
Navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, or life transitions can be daunting. My ideal client is someone looking for practical solutions and empathetic support in their mental health journey. They aim to regain control, find hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They value a therapeutic partnership that respects their individuality and personal goals. At Legion Health, we provide a compassionate and empowering environment where your unique needs are prioritized.
Navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, or life transitions can be daunting. My ideal client is someone looking for practical solutions and empathetic support in their mental health journey. They aim to regain control, find hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They value a therapeutic partnership that respects their individuality and personal goals. At Legion Health, we provide a compassionate and empowering environment where your unique needs are prioritized.
![Photo of Candice Schrodetzki, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64bb21c9-241d-4d85-b711-ff1a0b59c803/2/320x400.jpeg)
Candice Schrodetzki
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78704 (Online Only)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help all age groups. As a graduate from the University of Texas Health Science-Houston, I understand the need to listen and create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs. I take a holistic approach to treating mental health while incorporating modern day therapies. I specialize in OCD, ADHD, stress, and anxiety disorders. I am passionate about the LGBTQ+ community, and want each and every person to feel safe and comfortable while under my care.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help all age groups. As a graduate from the University of Texas Health Science-Houston, I understand the need to listen and create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs. I take a holistic approach to treating mental health while incorporating modern day therapies. I specialize in OCD, ADHD, stress, and anxiety disorders. I am passionate about the LGBTQ+ community, and want each and every person to feel safe and comfortable while under my care.
![Photo of Jessica Boice, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7eb0fb58-7928-492a-961b-9ebe15612dae/1/320x400.jpeg)
What drew me to become a physician assistant was to help my patients feel heard. I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients to develop a treatment plan that maximizes personal growth and health outcomes. My care philosophy takes a three-pronged approach; by combining therapy, non-pharmacological modalities, and medical management, I can help you feel more adjusted and capable to conquer life.
What drew me to become a physician assistant was to help my patients feel heard. I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients to develop a treatment plan that maximizes personal growth and health outcomes. My care philosophy takes a three-pronged approach; by combining therapy, non-pharmacological modalities, and medical management, I can help you feel more adjusted and capable to conquer life.
![Photo of Lisa D'Amura, APRN, PMHNP, Dr Whit, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a82f25e-6989-4039-bee6-35f3b34a9845/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa D'Amura
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, Dr Whit
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78737
Lisa D’Amura is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned both her Bachelors (2003) and Masters (2017) Degrees of Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin. She has experience working with a wide variety of patients in both in-patient and out-patient mental health. Before her move to psychiatric nursing Lisa was a Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant and volunteer with a grassroots mental health organization-PSI.
Lisa D’Amura is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned both her Bachelors (2003) and Masters (2017) Degrees of Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin. She has experience working with a wide variety of patients in both in-patient and out-patient mental health. Before her move to psychiatric nursing Lisa was a Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant and volunteer with a grassroots mental health organization-PSI.
![Photo of Shalanda Cross- Psychiatry Texas, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d727359-d43b-4601-aa1a-fd1637c8f4a6/1/320x400.png)
Shalanda Cross- Psychiatry Texas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701
A board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in patient advocacy, behavioral interventions, and mood disorders. It is important as a provider that patients have a safe environment to discuss mental health issues without feeling stigmatized. Patients will work collaboratively to address unhealthy thoughts and actions, work towards improving mood disorders, create healthy goals, and regain self-confidence.
A board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specializing in patient advocacy, behavioral interventions, and mood disorders. It is important as a provider that patients have a safe environment to discuss mental health issues without feeling stigmatized. Patients will work collaboratively to address unhealthy thoughts and actions, work towards improving mood disorders, create healthy goals, and regain self-confidence.
![Photo of Cynthia Playfair, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10db073b-1b33-40d6-b89e-21bdb69ffbd8/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’ve been working in psychiatry for over 30 years. I love what I do. In addition to prescribing medication, I provide psychotherapy and psychoanalytic treatment. As a board-certified psychoanalyst, I also provide treatment and consultation to other mental health professionals. I treat the whole person, individualizing different theories and techniques. I believe many new therapies are shiny re-inventions of tried-and-true effective approaches.
I’ve been working in psychiatry for over 30 years. I love what I do. In addition to prescribing medication, I provide psychotherapy and psychoanalytic treatment. As a board-certified psychoanalyst, I also provide treatment and consultation to other mental health professionals. I treat the whole person, individualizing different theories and techniques. I believe many new therapies are shiny re-inventions of tried-and-true effective approaches.
![Photo of Mary Glenney, PMHCNS, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad60a868-e40c-45ff-9019-c7e8f6f51e1c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Glenney is a Nurse Practitioner in Texas who has been practicing since 1996. She has a Master of Science degree in Nursing, a Master of Science in psychology and a post-master certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Mary offers years of experience in multiple settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and crisis management. She is comfortable treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Mary's diverse education allows her to take a holistic approach to mental health treatment. Outside of work, Mary enjoys music, spending time with friends and family, and sports.
Mary Glenney is a Nurse Practitioner in Texas who has been practicing since 1996. She has a Master of Science degree in Nursing, a Master of Science in psychology and a post-master certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Mary offers years of experience in multiple settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and crisis management. She is comfortable treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Mary's diverse education allows her to take a holistic approach to mental health treatment. Outside of work, Mary enjoys music, spending time with friends and family, and sports.
![Photo of Munira Jiwani, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27f93ce5-8cd6-423c-801c-ce604251bfe9/1/320x400.png)
Munira Jiwani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701 (Online Only)
Imagine facing life’s challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, or significant life transitions. My ideal client seeks understanding and practical solutions for mental health concerns. They aim to regain control, rediscover hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They want a compassionate partner who listens, understands, and tailors treatment to their unique needs and goals. If you’re looking for a therapeutic environment where you feel respected and empowered, you're in the right place.
Imagine facing life’s challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, or significant life transitions. My ideal client seeks understanding and practical solutions for mental health concerns. They aim to regain control, rediscover hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They want a compassionate partner who listens, understands, and tailors treatment to their unique needs and goals. If you’re looking for a therapeutic environment where you feel respected and empowered, you're in the right place.
![Photo of Zhan Yang, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a74cee7-6e71-445d-86d1-9c24f0c6064f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry and family medicine since 2013. I offer medication management services both in person and through telepsychiatry to ages 12 and older. My approach focuses on integrated mental health and physical well beings. Prior to private practice, I worked in a variety of psychiatric settings with various age groups, including both acute psychiatric hospitals and long-term care facilities.
I am a board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry and family medicine since 2013. I offer medication management services both in person and through telepsychiatry to ages 12 and older. My approach focuses on integrated mental health and physical well beings. Prior to private practice, I worked in a variety of psychiatric settings with various age groups, including both acute psychiatric hospitals and long-term care facilities.
See more therapy options for Austin
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Austin, TX
300+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Austin, TX who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Medication Management |
73% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
87% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Austin, TX see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
29% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Austin?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.