Psychiatrists in Oak Forest, IL
![Photo of Chidinma Uloma Oji - Timelycare and Behavioral services, MSN, APRN , PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1027e937-9779-4ab8-98f8-a16a1b6695e5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Timelycare and Behavioral services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN , PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Oak Forest, IL 60452
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, PTSD to name a few are some of the mental health issues people struggle with every day. These mental health issues can have a negative impact on general wellbeing. You deserve to be happy, have confidence, self-love, and enjoy life. As a provider, I utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose and formulate individualized treatment plan that will work out for you.
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, PTSD to name a few are some of the mental health issues people struggle with every day. These mental health issues can have a negative impact on general wellbeing. You deserve to be happy, have confidence, self-love, and enjoy life. As a provider, I utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose and formulate individualized treatment plan that will work out for you.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Kimberly Lopez, CNP, APRN, ADHDCCS, CCTP-II, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/058ddce2-3b04-4de0-9dac-cb4f7cf27dfc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Lopez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP, APRN, ADHDCCS, CCTP-II, DNP
Verified Verified
Orland Park, IL 60467
I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS), Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Certified Complex PTSD and Trauma (CCTP-II). I assess, diagnose, and treat all ages of life; from pediatric to geriatric. Each patient is unique in what their needs are, and will be treated to meet those needs.
I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS), Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Certified Complex PTSD and Trauma (CCTP-II). I assess, diagnose, and treat all ages of life; from pediatric to geriatric. Each patient is unique in what their needs are, and will be treated to meet those needs.
![Photo of Deep Buch, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bfe0497-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Deep Buch, and I have been working as a general psychiatrist for the past 5 years. I am from Chicago originally and have spent most of my life in/ around the city. Naturally, I am a Cubs fan and enjoy running in my spare time. I have spent time working all over the city from Lincoln Park to Humboldt Park with various types of patients. I specialize in working with people suffering from substance abuse issues, in particular opiate/heroin abuse. I have also worked with several veteran populations when fortunate enough to do so. I enjoy getting to know the patients I work with as I believe every human interactio
My name is Deep Buch, and I have been working as a general psychiatrist for the past 5 years. I am from Chicago originally and have spent most of my life in/ around the city. Naturally, I am a Cubs fan and enjoy running in my spare time. I have spent time working all over the city from Lincoln Park to Humboldt Park with various types of patients. I specialize in working with people suffering from substance abuse issues, in particular opiate/heroin abuse. I have also worked with several veteran populations when fortunate enough to do so. I enjoy getting to know the patients I work with as I believe every human interactio
![Photo of Dominique Holmes, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4211fccf-da3d-4a32-8dbb-a75bdd3e28a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I understand the importance of treating the whole person. Sometimes life can feel so complex that we forget laughter can be the best medicine. What makes you laugh? For me it’s a good stand up comedy show with one of my favorite comedians. What makes you happy? For me it’s a clear schedule and my comfy couch. What motivates you? For me it’s touching lives one by one even it’s it’s via tele-visit.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I understand the importance of treating the whole person. Sometimes life can feel so complex that we forget laughter can be the best medicine. What makes you laugh? For me it’s a good stand up comedy show with one of my favorite comedians. What makes you happy? For me it’s a clear schedule and my comfy couch. What motivates you? For me it’s touching lives one by one even it’s it’s via tele-visit.
![Photo of Yemi Lasaki - Yemi Lasaki (Now Accepting New Patients), APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d156eef9-3af4-4772-a33d-1e8fcb6da7de/1/320x400.jpeg)
Yemi Lasaki (Now Accepting New Patients)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frankfort, IL 60423
Hi, I'm Yemi. Do you often feel persistently sad? Is finding joy in your daily activities a struggle? Are you frequently anxious? As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I support individuals with mood and other psychiatric disorders. I'm passionate about helping you manage depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other comorbidities. We'll work together to uncover underlying issues, evaluate your symptoms, and consider any coexisting conditions in a comfortable environment. Then, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan with evidence-based methods and/or medication to manage your care.
Hi, I'm Yemi. Do you often feel persistently sad? Is finding joy in your daily activities a struggle? Are you frequently anxious? As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I support individuals with mood and other psychiatric disorders. I'm passionate about helping you manage depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other comorbidities. We'll work together to uncover underlying issues, evaluate your symptoms, and consider any coexisting conditions in a comfortable environment. Then, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan with evidence-based methods and/or medication to manage your care.
![Photo of Zoelife Psychiatric Services- Ally Wade, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90bd2e50-62b8-4c2c-8b89-c8590cb49bb3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Zoelife Psychiatric Services- Ally Wade
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Orland Park, IL 60462 (Online Only)
Our clinic is accepting new patients. We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders. Email us or call us today to book an appointment.
Our clinic is accepting new patients. We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders. Email us or call us today to book an appointment.
![Photo of Mofoluwa Amiyan, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51b25dd1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mofoluwa Amiyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Orland Park, IL 60467 (Online Only)
My goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to help the patient get the best solutions that will make them feel their best. Whether that is psychiatric evaluations and/ or treatments for any mental health problem; my style of giving help is by doing it with lots of care and deep listening, and viewing each of my patients as unique individual people. This is very important because a successful treatment results from having an understanding on someone's needs, environment, and circumstance(s).
My goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to help the patient get the best solutions that will make them feel their best. Whether that is psychiatric evaluations and/ or treatments for any mental health problem; my style of giving help is by doing it with lots of care and deep listening, and viewing each of my patients as unique individual people. This is very important because a successful treatment results from having an understanding on someone's needs, environment, and circumstance(s).
![Photo of Kimberly Lopez, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa02e20f-22c5-4675-a6fb-9b6b42053906/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Kimberly Lopez, and I am a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. I love working with all age groups, from pediatric to geriatric. I have almost two years of experience in the nurse practitioner role, but I have a little over 10 years of critical care nursing before I became a nurse practitioner. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, where I still reside. I am the first in my family to graduate from college.
Hi, my name is Kimberly Lopez, and I am a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. I love working with all age groups, from pediatric to geriatric. I have almost two years of experience in the nurse practitioner role, but I have a little over 10 years of critical care nursing before I became a nurse practitioner. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, where I still reside. I am the first in my family to graduate from college.
![Photo of Tomeka Hill, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61c32741-e3b9-4d9e-ab49-1c32e5900f3c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tomeka Hill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
Olympia Fields, IL 60461 (Online Only)
My focus areas for mental health treatment include psychotherapeutic treatment and medication management for the following: anxiety, depression, PTSD, attention deficit disorder, and substance use disorder. I use evidence-based strategies to support issues such as trauma focused care. Motivational interviewing, strength-based care, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral strategies. My goal is to provide improvement in your overall health.
My focus areas for mental health treatment include psychotherapeutic treatment and medication management for the following: anxiety, depression, PTSD, attention deficit disorder, and substance use disorder. I use evidence-based strategies to support issues such as trauma focused care. Motivational interviewing, strength-based care, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral strategies. My goal is to provide improvement in your overall health.
![Photo of Doug Nyenke, APRN, PMHNPBC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69d9b715-0a18-4309-ba9f-6fcca837f600/2/320x400.jpeg)
Doug Nyenke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60643
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a robust foundation in nursing, spanning over sixteen years across critical care and telemetry care units. My specialization includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders, with a commitment to medication management and supportive therapy. I’m also an Army veteran with eleven-plus years of leadership experience. My combined nursing and military experiences have broadened my skill set, teaching me to be creative, personable, and hardworking. I greatly value a team-based approach to patient care.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a robust foundation in nursing, spanning over sixteen years across critical care and telemetry care units. My specialization includes treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders, with a commitment to medication management and supportive therapy. I’m also an Army veteran with eleven-plus years of leadership experience. My combined nursing and military experiences have broadened my skill set, teaching me to be creative, personable, and hardworking. I greatly value a team-based approach to patient care.
![Photo of Michael Bonifacio, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3283b663-d5ed-4997-b488-5d6a24bb36bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael G. Bonifacio is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Michael strongly believes in a people-centered, compassionate, and holistic approach to mental healthcare. With more than two decades of experience as a healthcare professional, he leverages his comprehensive skill set to devise treatment plans with his clients that foster understanding, personal growth, and long-lasting positive outcomes. Michael specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Outside of work, Michael enjoys cooking, traveling, and practicing aikido.
Michael G. Bonifacio is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Michael strongly believes in a people-centered, compassionate, and holistic approach to mental healthcare. With more than two decades of experience as a healthcare professional, he leverages his comprehensive skill set to devise treatment plans with his clients that foster understanding, personal growth, and long-lasting positive outcomes. Michael specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Outside of work, Michael enjoys cooking, traveling, and practicing aikido.
![Photo of Dr. Rosalynn Anderson Integrity Healthcare, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f498df19-e25b-4ffa-9c5c-fc9502453d48/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rosalynn Anderson Integrity Healthcare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, FPA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tinley Park, IL 60477 (Online Only)
I am accepting New Patients! A communicative Healthcare provider with a twenty-plus-year background assisting vulnerable patients with varying degrees of mental illness and substance-alcohol dependency. Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine. Well-versed in developing and implementing effective treatment plans and monitoring patient progress. Caring, compassionate professional dedicated to administering quality patient care to promote healing and health wellness.
I am accepting New Patients! A communicative Healthcare provider with a twenty-plus-year background assisting vulnerable patients with varying degrees of mental illness and substance-alcohol dependency. Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine. Well-versed in developing and implementing effective treatment plans and monitoring patient progress. Caring, compassionate professional dedicated to administering quality patient care to promote healing and health wellness.
![Photo of Theresa Olusola - Psygenic Health , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cde26d76-a682-41d4-9470-8b9f135393f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psygenic Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Homewood, IL 60430 (Online Only)
My objective as a provider is to assist you in finding the answers that will enable you to recover as quickly as possible. My approach centers around my manner of listening and belief in assisting with genuine care. I cherish the opportunity to deliver the best care possible to all my clients.
My objective as a provider is to assist you in finding the answers that will enable you to recover as quickly as possible. My approach centers around my manner of listening and belief in assisting with genuine care. I cherish the opportunity to deliver the best care possible to all my clients.
![Photo of Michael Swiatkowski, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dee3dcac-c5d8-476e-9b13-52e8a9848532/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is hard; I'm sure you've noticed. If you are one of the millions of Americans who doesn't like the way you feel, I may be able to help in some way. Most patients make an appointment because they are having difficulty in school, at home, at work, or in retirement. Some have seen a psychiatrist their whole life. Others are looking for the first time.
Life is hard; I'm sure you've noticed. If you are one of the millions of Americans who doesn't like the way you feel, I may be able to help in some way. Most patients make an appointment because they are having difficulty in school, at home, at work, or in retirement. Some have seen a psychiatrist their whole life. Others are looking for the first time.
![Photo of Dr. Rachel Klauber, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c8095fa-5e94-4f25-b709-436fa6de641e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I primarily treat adult patient with mood and anxiety disorders with medication management and brief psychotherapy interventions. My primary goal for patients is to improve symptoms to minimize impact on social and occupational functioning. I prefer to collaborate with each patient to identify individualized symptom management goals and select the best course of treatment.
I primarily treat adult patient with mood and anxiety disorders with medication management and brief psychotherapy interventions. My primary goal for patients is to improve symptoms to minimize impact on social and occupational functioning. I prefer to collaborate with each patient to identify individualized symptom management goals and select the best course of treatment.
![Photo of Lexxie Gramke, PhD, PMHNPBC, AGPCNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3c4fd4d-a274-44b5-962b-171ee24263db/1/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to help all of my patients live their fullest and most fulfilling lives. As a nurse practitioner certified in both psychiatry-mental health and primary care, I use a holistic approach to care, as mental health and physical health are often interconnected.
My goal is to help all of my patients live their fullest and most fulfilling lives. As a nurse practitioner certified in both psychiatry-mental health and primary care, I use a holistic approach to care, as mental health and physical health are often interconnected.
![Photo of Kim Anderson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77ddf4ac-29ac-4889-9eec-611827965e93/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frankfort, IL 60423 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Kim! I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. I have over a decade of healthcare experience. I believe in providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values.
Hi, I’m Kim! I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. I have over a decade of healthcare experience. I believe in providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values.
Ngozi Ubaghara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, FPA
Verified Verified
Matteson, IL 60443
We are committed to providing whole-person care to our patients, addressing medical, nutritional, hormonal, and environmental causes of symptoms. We will meet individuals where they are and empower them to reach their full potential.
We are committed to providing whole-person care to our patients, addressing medical, nutritional, hormonal, and environmental causes of symptoms. We will meet individuals where they are and empower them to reach their full potential.
![Photo of Elizabeth Adekoya (Now Accepting New Patients), PMHNP, BC, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd04b251-45d1-436d-8f89-b9e7032c8bc6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Adekoya (Now Accepting New Patients)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frankfort, IL 60423
Hi there, I'm Elizabeth. Do you suffer from persistent sadness? Are you struggling to find joy in your day to day life? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying, afraid or anxious? Are you in search of a provider that is both compassionate and adequately skilled to help you treat and manage your symptoms? I am a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner and help adult individuals with mood disorders and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am compassionate about helping you manage your depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
Hi there, I'm Elizabeth. Do you suffer from persistent sadness? Are you struggling to find joy in your day to day life? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying, afraid or anxious? Are you in search of a provider that is both compassionate and adequately skilled to help you treat and manage your symptoms? I am a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner and help adult individuals with mood disorders and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am compassionate about helping you manage your depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
![Photo of Sherann Ivy - Sunshine Psychiatry, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53036dae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sunshine Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Orland Park, IL 60462
*****NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**** Whether you need psychiatric evaluation and treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or another mental health problem, as your provider, my goal is to help you get the solutions that will let you feel better soon. The belief in giving help with deep caring, and my style of listening, form the soul of my practice today. I see all patients as unique in their own way, and I value the privilege of giving the best care that my private practice in psychiatric medicine can provide.
*****NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS**** Whether you need psychiatric evaluation and treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, or another mental health problem, as your provider, my goal is to help you get the solutions that will let you feel better soon. The belief in giving help with deep caring, and my style of listening, form the soul of my practice today. I see all patients as unique in their own way, and I value the privilege of giving the best care that my private practice in psychiatric medicine can provide.
See more therapy options for Oak Forest
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Oak Forest, IL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Oak Forest, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Oak Forest, IL see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Oak Forest?
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.