Psychiatrists in Oxford, MS
![Photo of Katherine Pannel, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f686bc5-5adf-43d2-b292-49f1f62e0958/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
![Photo of Jennifer Floyd, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81bcb869-1363-4b12-9797-6030b0fc8e4d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients. Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
Accepting New Patients. Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
![Photo of Olamide Alabi - Transcultural Care, DNP, PMHNP, MILD, BSN, BA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4489526e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Transcultural Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, MILD, BSN, BA
Verified Verified
Oxford, MS 38655
I am a Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in Mississippi & Tennessee. I see clients for psychotherapy, medication assessment and management. I take a sensitive approach, informed by an understanding that treatment is a partnership. My practice is open to clients with a wide variety of psychiatric concerns including ADHD, Alzheimer's, anxiety, bipolar, dementia, depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders. I enjoy treating patients collaboratively and holistically with communication, a key component to my practice. I honor my patients' input in tailoring treatment to suit their needs and I am respectful of their work with other health professionals.
I am a Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in Mississippi & Tennessee. I see clients for psychotherapy, medication assessment and management. I take a sensitive approach, informed by an understanding that treatment is a partnership. My practice is open to clients with a wide variety of psychiatric concerns including ADHD, Alzheimer's, anxiety, bipolar, dementia, depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders. I enjoy treating patients collaboratively and holistically with communication, a key component to my practice. I honor my patients' input in tailoring treatment to suit their needs and I am respectful of their work with other health professionals.
![Photo of Stephen Pannel, DO, ABPN, ABAM, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fee8ead-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
When a child or teenager has mental-health needs, our first goal is getting to know this young person and understanding where he or she is coming from. Each individual brings a unique combination of biological, psychological and social factors. We explore those three dimensions as we learn about a young person’s mental-health needs and whether they will be best served by therapy, medication, or a combination of both. At Right Track Medical Group we understand the importance of privacy in mental healthcare, and design our clinics with our patients’ privacy in mind.
When a child or teenager has mental-health needs, our first goal is getting to know this young person and understanding where he or she is coming from. Each individual brings a unique combination of biological, psychological and social factors. We explore those three dimensions as we learn about a young person’s mental-health needs and whether they will be best served by therapy, medication, or a combination of both. At Right Track Medical Group we understand the importance of privacy in mental healthcare, and design our clinics with our patients’ privacy in mind.
![Photo of Brantley Catlette, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0879dbe-6931-49fa-9350-ace1c89e813f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brantley Catlette
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oxford, MS 38655
Whether you are a student looking for a local provider or a Mississippi resident, we provide accessible and individualized care. Our online scheduling is there for you to easily make your first appointment. Brantley is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He is dually certified as a family nurse practitioner, and he has been an RN since 2004. His gentle, caring approach puts people at ease as they navigate finding the right treatment.
Whether you are a student looking for a local provider or a Mississippi resident, we provide accessible and individualized care. Our online scheduling is there for you to easily make your first appointment. Brantley is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He is dually certified as a family nurse practitioner, and he has been an RN since 2004. His gentle, caring approach puts people at ease as they navigate finding the right treatment.
![Photo of Ann (Jeni) Laney Wallace Bond, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee670966-d7c0-4bd1-aeaf-1618d0ccf512/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ann (Jeni) Laney Wallace Bond
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oxford, MS 38655
Accepting New Patients. Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
Accepting New Patients. Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
![Photo of Dianna Douglass, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65c6bcaf-cc69-40db-a3ae-50c024f2d348/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients. Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
Accepting New Patients. Have you found it difficult to get the help you need quickly and easily? Have you ever struggled to find the best mental-health treatment for you or someone you love? We understand that it’s difficult to get the help you need quickly in North Mississippi, and that’s why here at Right Track Medical Group, we strive to be there for you when you or a loved one needs help. We aim to give you the best personalized care plan as swiftly as possible without sacrificing quality care.
![Photo of Alex Blackburn - In Focus Psychiatry , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9de7b660-d7ea-4997-9c97-7b03646aaf2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
At In Focus Psychiatry we provide welcoming environment to children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Our providers treat autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, dementia, attention-deficit disorders, impulse-control disorders, eating disorders, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, gender identity issues, and anxiety disorders.
At In Focus Psychiatry we provide welcoming environment to children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Our providers treat autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, dementia, attention-deficit disorders, impulse-control disorders, eating disorders, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, gender identity issues, and anxiety disorders.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f326798b-823d-49a4-9c59-c82f76f16dea/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 Casey Hester - Life Balance, PLLC, PMHMP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fe47d02-e89a-43be-bf81-e289ab3f3056/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life Balance PLLC, located in Oxford, Mississippi, provides the community and surrounding area with high-quality psychiatric treatment for clients twelve years of age and up. Our clients include people throughout Northern Mississippi as well as Ole Miss students, faculty, and staff. While we provide medication management for mental health purposes, we also cooperate with other local medical providers and counselors to ensure that our clients enjoy well-balanced lives. Our family-owned and operated business has been in the making for a long time, and we are excited to serve all your mental health needs.
Life Balance PLLC, located in Oxford, Mississippi, provides the community and surrounding area with high-quality psychiatric treatment for clients twelve years of age and up. Our clients include people throughout Northern Mississippi as well as Ole Miss students, faculty, and staff. While we provide medication management for mental health purposes, we also cooperate with other local medical providers and counselors to ensure that our clients enjoy well-balanced lives. Our family-owned and operated business has been in the making for a long time, and we are excited to serve all your mental health needs.
![Photo of Krisna Hervey, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87e6b4c8-ef63-4f98-af40-cd44e891d80c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Krisna Hervey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management. She has over a decade of experience in the mental health and medical field. Krisna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Mississippi in 2011. She also received her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2015. Krisna’s clinical expertise includes treating both children and adults that come to her with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, sleep behaviors, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.
Krisna Hervey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in medication management. She has over a decade of experience in the mental health and medical field. Krisna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Mississippi in 2011. She also received her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2015. Krisna’s clinical expertise includes treating both children and adults that come to her with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, sleep behaviors, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.
15 Second Videos
Katherine Pannel
Jennifer Floyd
Stephen Pannel
Ann (Jeni) Laney Wallace Bond
Dianna Douglass
Chenhang Zou
Toni Williams
![Photo of Erin Harrell, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac0cdcbb-1317-48b2-8d71-0e2821a49eba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Harrell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oxford, MS 38655
We provide a welcoming environment to children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Our providers treat autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, dementia, attention-deficit disorders, impulse-control disorders, eating disorders, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, gender identity issues, and anxiety disorders.
We provide a welcoming environment to children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Our providers treat autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, dementia, attention-deficit disorders, impulse-control disorders, eating disorders, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, gender identity issues, and anxiety disorders.
![Photo of Toni Williams, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f1f3d1e-575f-4825-b29a-5fcba2d6277b/1/320x400.png)
Toni Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oxford, MS 38655 (Online Only)
Welcome, my name is Toni Williams Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP. Toni Williams is a Board-Certified Doctor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Toni Williams has been in the nursing arena for over 19 years. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked as a registered nurse for 10 years with a background in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Oncology, and Corrections. She also worked in several leadership roles in nursing as a Clinical Educator and a Regional Nursing Director of Education. Toni Williams became a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) in 2014.
Welcome, my name is Toni Williams Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP. Toni Williams is a Board-Certified Doctor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Toni Williams has been in the nursing arena for over 19 years. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked as a registered nurse for 10 years with a background in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Oncology, and Corrections. She also worked in several leadership roles in nursing as a Clinical Educator and a Regional Nursing Director of Education. Toni Williams became a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) in 2014.
![Photo of Paige Pounds, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb612582-e5a2-4f23-a412-589de9846089/2/320x400.png)
I provide medication management services with brief therapy to those suffering with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, ADHD, binge-eating disorder, and other issues related to mental health.
I provide medication management services with brief therapy to those suffering with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sleep disorders, ADHD, binge-eating disorder, and other issues related to mental health.
![Photo of Colby Ponder, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9894e8f-47c3-48b1-9edc-e5723490e265/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! My name is Colby Ponder and I am a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who provides medication management and brief talk therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults ages six and older in Mississippi. At Sound Mind Psychiatry, we offer in-person and telehealth services.
Welcome! My name is Colby Ponder and I am a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who provides medication management and brief talk therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults ages six and older in Mississippi. At Sound Mind Psychiatry, we offer in-person and telehealth services.
![Photo of Gloria Areghan Ogiamien - Ovathera, PhD, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ffef658b-c0f8-416d-8e9c-373b9dee9d31/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ovathera
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Oxford, MS 38655 (Online Only)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) provoke monthly symptoms of anxiety and depression among other symptoms. If you are experiencing severe mood swings, irritability and thinking you are losing your mind, I can help. We provide integrative care that includes using lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, medication management. Our goal is to get you from where you are to where you want to be. We manage you mood and physical symptoms associated with PMDD/PMS including anxiety and depression.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) provoke monthly symptoms of anxiety and depression among other symptoms. If you are experiencing severe mood swings, irritability and thinking you are losing your mind, I can help. We provide integrative care that includes using lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, medication management. Our goal is to get you from where you are to where you want to be. We manage you mood and physical symptoms associated with PMDD/PMS including anxiety and depression.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Dianna Smith, PMHNP, DNP-c, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f54f378-58e6-4b81-8228-68e063884fd7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dianna Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP-c
Verified Verified
Abbeville, MS 38601 (Online Only)
Dianna Smith, MSN, PMHNP-C, DNP-c is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of professional nursing experience caring for psychiatric, mental health/behavioral, developmental/intellectual disability, and substance abuse clients in the community and acute settings. She loves providing direct care and values her expanded capacity to serve as a Provider. Diana states she is honored and reverent that her practice role allows the responsibility of managing and facilitating care;
Dianna Smith, MSN, PMHNP-C, DNP-c is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of professional nursing experience caring for psychiatric, mental health/behavioral, developmental/intellectual disability, and substance abuse clients in the community and acute settings. She loves providing direct care and values her expanded capacity to serve as a Provider. Diana states she is honored and reverent that her practice role allows the responsibility of managing and facilitating care;
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Summer Jennings, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fb9cacb-a698-47d4-a7c8-97a76722d3cc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Summer is a master’s level and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications to children, adolescents, and adults. Her specialties allow her to address an array of mental health issues across the life span. Her experience includes both inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment.
Summer is a master’s level and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications to children, adolescents, and adults. Her specialties allow her to address an array of mental health issues across the life span. Her experience includes both inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment.
![Photo of Ginnifer P Hutcheson, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0142af-d3c0-49e0-8056-336c80d3c5f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ginnifer P Hutcheson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Hernando, MS 38632
I am a doctoral-prepared, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 16 years of experience in the mental health field. My background is in both hospital and private practice settings. I strive to create meaningful connections with my patients. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood. We will work together as a team to come up with a great plan of action. I will ensure that you are provided thorough education about your diagnosis, medication, and treatment plan.
I am a doctoral-prepared, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 16 years of experience in the mental health field. My background is in both hospital and private practice settings. I strive to create meaningful connections with my patients. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood. We will work together as a team to come up with a great plan of action. I will ensure that you are provided thorough education about your diagnosis, medication, and treatment plan.
![Photo of Destinee Woods, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95594466-5335-45a8-bfab-ee5bb6c46006/1/320x400.jpeg)
Destinee Woods
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southaven, MS 38672
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a wealth of experience working with clients of all ages in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My journey in the mental health field began at the San Antonio State Hospital in San Antonio, TX. I have a passion for special needs children and their families.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have a wealth of experience working with clients of all ages in both inpatient and outpatient settings. My journey in the mental health field began at the San Antonio State Hospital in San Antonio, TX. I have a passion for special needs children and their families.
See more therapy options for Oxford
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Oxford, MS
10+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in Oxford, MS who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
81% | ADHD |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Medication Management |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
86% | Aetna |
86% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
86% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Oxford, MS see their clients
88% | In Person and Online | |
12% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
18% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Oxford?
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.