Psychiatrists in Wheaton, IL
![Photo of Rana J Clarizio, MSN, CDCES , PMHNP, DNP stu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f4b598c-bd89-453f-b3ec-bf666629ac38/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rana J Clarizio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CDCES , PMHNP, DNP stu
Verified Verified
Wheaton, IL 60189
Rana Clarizio, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Diabetes Specialist (CDCES) With over 30 years of experience as a nurse, Rana Clarizio is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Diabetes Specialist (CDCES) dedicated to integrating the mind and body for holistic balance. Her practice is built on the foundation of providing empathetic mental health support to her patients. Rana sees patients from age 13 through the end of life, offering her expertise and compassionate care to those who need it most.
Rana Clarizio, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Diabetes Specialist (CDCES) With over 30 years of experience as a nurse, Rana Clarizio is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Diabetes Specialist (CDCES) dedicated to integrating the mind and body for holistic balance. Her practice is built on the foundation of providing empathetic mental health support to her patients. Rana sees patients from age 13 through the end of life, offering her expertise and compassionate care to those who need it most.
![Photo of Maureen Raiz, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb52efc0-baf3-430a-b103-06ab8617c7cf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen Raiz is a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Maureen provides a holistic approach, stigma-free, evidence-based, and compassionate care to individuals needing mental health services. She offers extensive psychiatric evaluations, supportive psychotherapy, psychopharmacological treatment initiation, and monitoring. Maureen has dedicated a significant amount of her career to providing mental health care to adults and older adults. Her ultimate goal is to improve access to mental health and help patients meet their goals. Outside of work, Maureen enjoys traveling to many different countries and experiencing different cultures.
Maureen Raiz is a Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Maureen provides a holistic approach, stigma-free, evidence-based, and compassionate care to individuals needing mental health services. She offers extensive psychiatric evaluations, supportive psychotherapy, psychopharmacological treatment initiation, and monitoring. Maureen has dedicated a significant amount of her career to providing mental health care to adults and older adults. Her ultimate goal is to improve access to mental health and help patients meet their goals. Outside of work, Maureen enjoys traveling to many different countries and experiencing different cultures.
![Photo of Margaret A. Tormay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b784a205-4b53-436c-b4be-1d87ca9944b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret A. Tormay, MD Dr. Tormay has been practicing psychiatry for over 30 years. She was raised on the East coast, graduating from Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts and the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, New York. She moved to Chicago in1985 for her psychiatry Residency at the University of Illinois. Dr. Tormay’s practice of psychiatry has always been informed by the Biopsychosocial Model of wellness and medicine developed by psychiatrist, George Engel, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
Margaret A. Tormay, MD Dr. Tormay has been practicing psychiatry for over 30 years. She was raised on the East coast, graduating from Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts and the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, New York. She moved to Chicago in1985 for her psychiatry Residency at the University of Illinois. Dr. Tormay’s practice of psychiatry has always been informed by the Biopsychosocial Model of wellness and medicine developed by psychiatrist, George Engel, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
![Photo of Tessa Castillo, ARPN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/553a7ce5-2a1f-4f6e-8bc4-358ef6963974/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tessa Castillo is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Tessa offers a combination of clinical expertise, psychopharmacological knowledge, and holistic care that enables her to address the complex needs of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Outside of work, Tessa loves cooking and baking, experimenting with new recipes, and baking delicious treats for her daughter. She also loves traveling, exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and trying new foods is her way to reward herself.
Tessa Castillo is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois. Tessa offers a combination of clinical expertise, psychopharmacological knowledge, and holistic care that enables her to address the complex needs of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Outside of work, Tessa loves cooking and baking, experimenting with new recipes, and baking delicious treats for her daughter. She also loves traveling, exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and trying new foods is her way to reward herself.
![Photo of Altrovise Martin, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec442748-1c6b-4e59-b4d9-7ad6c4b13d5c/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have an extensive background in psychiatric nursing, including inpatient and outpatient adult care and crisis stabilization. I treat children, adolescents, and adults, creating individualized care plans emphasizing client involvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have an extensive background in psychiatric nursing, including inpatient and outpatient adult care and crisis stabilization. I treat children, adolescents, and adults, creating individualized care plans emphasizing client involvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
![Photo of Jabeen Ali, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/047db158-34e3-4c5a-a971-388a9b1b5c06/1/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to provide attentive, compassionate, and holistic Child and Adolescent Psychiatric evaluations and treatment for children, adolescents, and their families. In this ever-changing world, hallmarked by the pandemic and widespread use of technology, my special interests are to support children during difficult adjustments to life events, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. My approach is open, understanding, and collaborative with children, adolescents, and their families to identify the struggles the child is experiencing and to determine various ways we can best support them to feel better so they may live their life more fully.
I strive to provide attentive, compassionate, and holistic Child and Adolescent Psychiatric evaluations and treatment for children, adolescents, and their families. In this ever-changing world, hallmarked by the pandemic and widespread use of technology, my special interests are to support children during difficult adjustments to life events, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. My approach is open, understanding, and collaborative with children, adolescents, and their families to identify the struggles the child is experiencing and to determine various ways we can best support them to feel better so they may live their life more fully.
![Photo of Rebecca Durkin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d295134-0776-43ff-93bd-65071e5c75a8/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in a patient centered and collaborative approach to psychiatric treatment. I specialize in medication management for adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression and Anxiety. However, I treat a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD and Substance Use Disorders.
I believe in a patient centered and collaborative approach to psychiatric treatment. I specialize in medication management for adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression and Anxiety. However, I treat a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD and Substance Use Disorders.
![Photo of Joseph Z Rahman, MSN, APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46cbcdf0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an advanced practice nurse practitioner with board certification in psychiatric-mental health. At Meier Clinics, I specialize in the psychiatric evaluation and medication management of patients across the lifespan. I strive to work collaboratively with professionals across disciplines to ensure that my patients are receiving comprehensive care. My goal is to educate and empower patients to be active participants in their treatment planning. I provide individualized care that addresses each person uniquely in light of their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.
I am an advanced practice nurse practitioner with board certification in psychiatric-mental health. At Meier Clinics, I specialize in the psychiatric evaluation and medication management of patients across the lifespan. I strive to work collaboratively with professionals across disciplines to ensure that my patients are receiving comprehensive care. My goal is to educate and empower patients to be active participants in their treatment planning. I provide individualized care that addresses each person uniquely in light of their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.
![Photo of Gary A Casaccio, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc45512-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
I work primarily with adults but will see adolescents 16 years old and above.
I work primarily with adults but will see adolescents 16 years old and above.
As a provider for Meier Clinics, I believe in treating the whole person - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I am dedicated to providing Christian care through psychiatric evaluations and medication management to compliment the counseling process.
As a provider for Meier Clinics, I believe in treating the whole person - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I am dedicated to providing Christian care through psychiatric evaluations and medication management to compliment the counseling process.
![Photo of David Lott - Lott Behavioral Health and Springview Ketamine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63cdf5af-3aea-4035-a892-f2b6977504af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lott Behavioral Health and Springview Ketamine
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
Lott Behavioral Health offers a personalized approach to treatment, developing a custom treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you are seeking help for addiction, depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation for yourself or your loved one.
Lott Behavioral Health offers a personalized approach to treatment, developing a custom treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you are seeking help for addiction, depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions, we're here to help. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation for yourself or your loved one.
![Photo of Kalindi Patel, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a7fe74f-c03f-4f34-9fea-9e2f67e178f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience of psychiatry across the lifespan. I value the importance of individualizing each patients’ care based on assessment data. I will then provide therapeutic interventions as necessary specific to that patient.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience of psychiatry across the lifespan. I value the importance of individualizing each patients’ care based on assessment data. I will then provide therapeutic interventions as necessary specific to that patient.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8efd7a5d-135b-41e0-8cde-81c19cf66e56/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/728f1f2b-c312-409e-9419-3a2b2cd458b5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
![Photo of Justin Jelinski, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/907dca8a-bbf8-408d-b523-f2461ddb508c/1/320x400.png)
Justin is a certified Physician Assistant with over 10 years of experience. He has worked with patients of all ages and is dedicated to not only finding the appropriate treatment for his patients, but also getting to the root of the issue at hand. Justin has a Bachelor of Science from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, and a Master of Science of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of St. Francis in New Mexico.
Justin is a certified Physician Assistant with over 10 years of experience. He has worked with patients of all ages and is dedicated to not only finding the appropriate treatment for his patients, but also getting to the root of the issue at hand. Justin has a Bachelor of Science from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, and a Master of Science of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of St. Francis in New Mexico.
![Photo of Louisa Olushoga, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a658592-019f-4881-b107-8894f127067b/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Olushoga is dedicated to helping women navigate the ups and downs of life, particularly during those pivotal moments when mental health and reproductive changes intersect. Whether it's dealing with mood swings, anxiety, pregnancy, infertility, or the emotional rollercoaster of menopause, Dr. Olushoga provides the support and care women need to feel understood and empowered. Her goal is to ensure women have the tools to thrive through every life transition.
Dr. Olushoga is dedicated to helping women navigate the ups and downs of life, particularly during those pivotal moments when mental health and reproductive changes intersect. Whether it's dealing with mood swings, anxiety, pregnancy, infertility, or the emotional rollercoaster of menopause, Dr. Olushoga provides the support and care women need to feel understood and empowered. Her goal is to ensure women have the tools to thrive through every life transition.
![Photo of Sarah Sims, PMHNP, BC, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/513695a1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Sims
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FPA
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Wheaton, IL 60187
Sarah Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Transcendent Psychiatry treats pediatric, adolescents, and adults. In her practice, she integrates a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, compassionate trauma informed care and various cognitive modalities to help you heal. She believes that high quality psychiatric care is more than just treating mental illness. It is a patient centered journey through transitioning mental illness to into mental wellness. Feel free to email us to schedule an intake.
Sarah Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Transcendent Psychiatry treats pediatric, adolescents, and adults. In her practice, she integrates a combination of evidence-based psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, compassionate trauma informed care and various cognitive modalities to help you heal. She believes that high quality psychiatric care is more than just treating mental illness. It is a patient centered journey through transitioning mental illness to into mental wellness. Feel free to email us to schedule an intake.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Psychiatrist MD - Limited same-day and next-day appointments. We specialize in delivering expert, professional care with the utmost discretion and confidentiality: we utilize our expertise to offer comprehensive options & unique solutions. Consultative and collaborative care available upon request.
Psychiatrist MD - Limited same-day and next-day appointments. We specialize in delivering expert, professional care with the utmost discretion and confidentiality: we utilize our expertise to offer comprehensive options & unique solutions. Consultative and collaborative care available upon request.
![Photo of Dr. Michelle K. Cook (Murphy), MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9ff0db7-f04e-499a-aa3b-5bacbc078592/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in an intuitive "inner intelligence" that binds us together and allows us to heal and be healed. This means that a diagnosis or a prescription pad isn't sufficient to treat complex mind-body-heart challenges such as depression or anxiety. My work is focused on creating and utilizing deep therapeutic relationships to discover and bring light to the shadows of the unconscious. These unconscious processes often contributing to dis-ease in day-to-day life. I believe we are all fellow-travelers seeking our own highest truth. I am accepting patients in IL, MN, MT, SD, IA, FL, VA, CA, OR, NE.
I believe in an intuitive "inner intelligence" that binds us together and allows us to heal and be healed. This means that a diagnosis or a prescription pad isn't sufficient to treat complex mind-body-heart challenges such as depression or anxiety. My work is focused on creating and utilizing deep therapeutic relationships to discover and bring light to the shadows of the unconscious. These unconscious processes often contributing to dis-ease in day-to-day life. I believe we are all fellow-travelers seeking our own highest truth. I am accepting patients in IL, MN, MT, SD, IA, FL, VA, CA, OR, NE.
See more therapy options for Wheaton
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Wheaton, IL
10+
Psychiatrists in Wheaton, IL who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
94% | Anxiety |
78% | ADHD |
72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
73% | Aetna |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Wheaton, IL see their clients
95% | In Person and Online | |
5% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Wheaton?
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.