Psychiatrists in Palos Heights, IL
Don't settle for a generic psychiatrist for drug and alcohol issues. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
Don't settle for a generic psychiatrist for drug and alcohol issues. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
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
Alexandra Baxter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Alexandra Baxter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Alexandra offers specialized care that blends nursing and psychiatric expertise. She provides comprehensive assessments, diagnoses mental health conditions, develops treatment plans, prescribes medications, and offers therapy to support patients’ mental well-being. Alexandra’s holistic approach emphasizes not just medication management but also patient education, counseling, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes.
Alexandra Baxter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Alexandra offers specialized care that blends nursing and psychiatric expertise. She provides comprehensive assessments, diagnoses mental health conditions, develops treatment plans, prescribes medications, and offers therapy to support patients’ mental well-being. Alexandra’s holistic approach emphasizes not just medication management but also patient education, counseling, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes.
Tasheia Williams is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing at Walden University. Among the most common myths related to mental health is the idea that one is either mentally healthy or mentally ill. Regardless of one’s state of being, they exist on a continuum. As a provider, Tasheia provides the most recent evidence-based practice treatment to fully help each patient that is struggling with mental health.
Tasheia Williams is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing at Walden University. Among the most common myths related to mental health is the idea that one is either mentally healthy or mentally ill. Regardless of one’s state of being, they exist on a continuum. As a provider, Tasheia provides the most recent evidence-based practice treatment to fully help each patient that is struggling with mental health.
Bayo Agbolade is a highly skilled Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in Illinois. Specializing in adult general psychiatry, Bayo caters to individuals aged 18 to 65+ with a comprehensive range of mental health needs. His clinical expertise spans various areas, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, mood and personality disorders, substance use disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With a commitment to holistic care, Bayo approaches each client with a personalized and comprehensive perspective.
Bayo Agbolade is a highly skilled Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in Illinois. Specializing in adult general psychiatry, Bayo caters to individuals aged 18 to 65+ with a comprehensive range of mental health needs. His clinical expertise spans various areas, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, mood and personality disorders, substance use disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With a commitment to holistic care, Bayo approaches each client with a personalized and comprehensive perspective.
Dr. Balin A. Durr, MD, is dedicated to fostering mental wellness across all age groups in Illinois, from young children to seniors. As a Boardcertified Psychiatrist with licensure in Illinois, her holisticcollaborative approach integrates traditional and alternative medicine, ensuring comprehensive care for her patients. Specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, Dr. Durr tailors treatment plans to the unique needs of each individual, promoting overall mindbody wellness. At LifeStance Health, Dr. Durr offers a range of services, including medication management, individual therapy, and family therapy.
Dr. Balin A. Durr, MD, is dedicated to fostering mental wellness across all age groups in Illinois, from young children to seniors. As a Boardcertified Psychiatrist with licensure in Illinois, her holisticcollaborative approach integrates traditional and alternative medicine, ensuring comprehensive care for her patients. Specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, Dr. Durr tailors treatment plans to the unique needs of each individual, promoting overall mindbody wellness. At LifeStance Health, Dr. Durr offers a range of services, including medication management, individual therapy, and family therapy.
Zoelife Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Hi! I am Queen **** 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. You shouldn’t have to struggle to also find a provider.
Hi! I am Queen **** 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. You shouldn’t have to struggle to also find a provider.
Chime Ajiere
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FPA, FNP-BC, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Palos Heights, IL 60463 (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.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Brightside Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60629 (Online Only)
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
Sunrise Family Practice Mind & Body Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 (Online Only)
I specialize in clients dedicated to nurturing their mental and physical well-being, navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and a strong desire for relief. I am committed to enhancing mental health for both adults and children. Driven by a profound longing for an improved quality of life, my ideal client is prepared for a comprehensive treatment approach that integrates medication management with accessible therapy strategies.
I specialize in clients dedicated to nurturing their mental and physical well-being, navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and a strong desire for relief. I am committed to enhancing mental health for both adults and children. Driven by a profound longing for an improved quality of life, my ideal client is prepared for a comprehensive treatment approach that integrates medication management with accessible therapy strategies.
Shumeka Hill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60629 (Online Only)
Relationship problems, struggles at work, and life events can challenge our ability to cope and ultimately to thrive in life. Patterns may emerge in your life that are confusing, that make you feel stuck, uncertain, and conflicted. Life transitions can tax our internal resources, and we may find ourselves lacking in fulfillment and happiness. Above all, I strive to support my clients to increase their life satisfaction, reduce their suffering, and strengthen their relationships and capacity for joy.
Relationship problems, struggles at work, and life events can challenge our ability to cope and ultimately to thrive in life. Patterns may emerge in your life that are confusing, that make you feel stuck, uncertain, and conflicted. Life transitions can tax our internal resources, and we may find ourselves lacking in fulfillment and happiness. Above all, I strive to support my clients to increase their life satisfaction, reduce their suffering, and strengthen their relationships and capacity for joy.
Sarah Tisser was born and raised in France and lived in Israel for 10 years. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children and adults. She has experience treating all psychiatric disorders, including perinatal mental health: She is PSI certified. Sarah also treats patients with sexual dysfunction due to anxiety and depression, and would adjust medications to avoid sexual side effects. She sees clients aged 6 years and up.
Sarah Tisser was born and raised in France and lived in Israel for 10 years. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children and adults. She has experience treating all psychiatric disorders, including perinatal mental health: She is PSI certified. Sarah also treats patients with sexual dysfunction due to anxiety and depression, and would adjust medications to avoid sexual side effects. She sees clients aged 6 years and up.
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.
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.
I am a state-licensed and nationally board-certified physician associate who forms strong therapeutic alliances with patients in order to provide high-quality, culturally competent care. I offer psychiatric evaluations and medication support using innovative modalities designed to diagnose and treat a variety of challenges. In addition to medication management, I specialize in the administration of psychedelic therapy (Spravato) for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. I also offer evaluations for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for those struggling with depression, OCD, anxious depression, and more.
I am a state-licensed and nationally board-certified physician associate who forms strong therapeutic alliances with patients in order to provide high-quality, culturally competent care. I offer psychiatric evaluations and medication support using innovative modalities designed to diagnose and treat a variety of challenges. In addition to medication management, I specialize in the administration of psychedelic therapy (Spravato) for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. I also offer evaluations for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for those struggling with depression, OCD, anxious depression, and more.
I strive to foster a collaborative relationship with each of my clients. I sincerely believe that a strong relationship between provider and patient begins with an understanding of how each client sees themselves - and their goals that they would like to personally achieve.
I strive to foster a collaborative relationship with each of my clients. I sincerely believe that a strong relationship between provider and patient begins with an understanding of how each client sees themselves - and their goals that they would like to personally achieve.
Inspire1Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60643
Hi! I’m Crystal Turner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have learned that, though the complexities that come with mental health are various, the commonality is the desire to be heard, seen, and treated as human and to attain the highest level of functioning in life.
Hi! I’m Crystal Turner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have learned that, though the complexities that come with mental health are various, the commonality is the desire to be heard, seen, and treated as human and to attain the highest level of functioning in life.
Best Option Behavioral Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Orland Park, IL 60462
Abosede Babalola specializes in evaluating and treating a comprehensive range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Dr. Babalola understands the emotional and physical suffering people experience with mental health disorders and dedicates herself to easing patients’ distress, offering empowerment and hope for mental well-being.
Abosede Babalola specializes in evaluating and treating a comprehensive range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Dr. Babalola understands the emotional and physical suffering people experience with mental health disorders and dedicates herself to easing patients’ distress, offering empowerment and hope for mental well-being.
Bosede Apata
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60629 (Online Only)
As a Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my journey in healthcare began in Nigeria, West Africa, and has been enriched by diverse experiences across the world. Starting as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I have built my career on a foundation of compassion, competence, and a deep commitment to holistic wellness. Through my education at Lake Michigan College, Indiana University Northwest, Governor’s State University, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, I have equipped myself with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care.
As a Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my journey in healthcare began in Nigeria, West Africa, and has been enriched by diverse experiences across the world. Starting as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I have built my career on a foundation of compassion, competence, and a deep commitment to holistic wellness. Through my education at Lake Michigan College, Indiana University Northwest, Governor’s State University, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, I have equipped myself with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care.
Dr. Phon Nguyen is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 2015. She graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine and completed her Residency and Fellowship at University of Illinois in Chicago health systems. Dr. Nguyen offers medication management services to help optimize patient care in addition to psychotherapeutic interventions. Dr. Nguyen specializes in women’s mental health and has experience working with pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling with a mental illness. Outside of work, Dr.
Dr. Phon Nguyen is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 2015. She graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine and completed her Residency and Fellowship at University of Illinois in Chicago health systems. Dr. Nguyen offers medication management services to help optimize patient care in addition to psychotherapeutic interventions. Dr. Nguyen specializes in women’s mental health and has experience working with pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling with a mental illness. Outside of work, Dr.
See more therapy options for Palos Heights
Nearby Searches for Palos Heights
- Darien
- Flossmoor
- Frankfort
- Harvey
- Homewood
- La Grange
- Mokena
- Oak Lawn
- Olympia Fields
- Orland Park
- Palos Park
- Tinley Park
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Palos Heights, IL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Palos Heights, IL who prioritize treating:
88% | Depression |
88% | Anxiety |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Medication Management |
63% | ADHD |
63% | Psychosis |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Carelon Behavioral Health |
86% | Aetna |
86% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Palos Heights, IL see their clients
88% | In Person and Online | |
12% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
57% | Male | |
43% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Palos Heights?
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.