Psychiatrists in Redondo Beach, CA
Volker Nabavi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90278 (Online Only)
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
I treat children, adolescents, and adults with the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, psychosis, PTSD, and perinatal mental illness. I strive to take a holistic approach to treatment, taking a careful history to ensure all aspects of an individual’s wellbeing are considered, including environmental stressors, physical health, and lifestyle factors. I use medication management in conjunction with therapeutic interventions, utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
I treat children, adolescents, and adults with the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, psychosis, PTSD, and perinatal mental illness. I strive to take a holistic approach to treatment, taking a careful history to ensure all aspects of an individual’s wellbeing are considered, including environmental stressors, physical health, and lifestyle factors. I use medication management in conjunction with therapeutic interventions, utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
Dr. Michael Rogachevsky has been practicing psychiatry for two decades with an emphasis in General Psychiatry. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and specializes in treating patients with Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. He focuses primarily on the biopsychosocial approach, psychopharmacology as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Rogachevsky completed his residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and Charles Drew University in Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Michael Rogachevsky has been practicing psychiatry for two decades with an emphasis in General Psychiatry. He is board-certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and specializes in treating patients with Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. He focuses primarily on the biopsychosocial approach, psychopharmacology as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Rogachevsky completed his residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and Charles Drew University in Los Angeles, CA.
Ngozi Onyenuforo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Ngozi Onyenuforo, a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) 95022632. My approach to care is holistic, integrating evidence-based treatment with a faith-based, Christian perspective. I specialize in medication management and therapy for mood disorders, anxiety, and co-occurring conditions, and I am committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower you on your path to mental wellness while honoring your faith and values.
Hello, I'm Ngozi Onyenuforo, a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) 95022632. My approach to care is holistic, integrating evidence-based treatment with a faith-based, Christian perspective. I specialize in medication management and therapy for mood disorders, anxiety, and co-occurring conditions, and I am committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower you on your path to mental wellness while honoring your faith and values.
Are you looking for personalized mental health treatment? A psychiatrist who cares, listens, and understands? Then it sounds like your needs are why I became a doctor. I strive to help people take control of their mental health by listening to their experience, coming to a mutual understanding about their struggles, and working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with their values. My practice, Regeneration Psychiatry, is based in Redondo Beach and we are happy to serve the Greater Los Angeles area.
Are you looking for personalized mental health treatment? A psychiatrist who cares, listens, and understands? Then it sounds like your needs are why I became a doctor. I strive to help people take control of their mental health by listening to their experience, coming to a mutual understanding about their struggles, and working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with their values. My practice, Regeneration Psychiatry, is based in Redondo Beach and we are happy to serve the Greater Los Angeles area.
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Altitude Wellness's Dr. Stephens is a board-certified psychiatrist who received specialty training at UCLA and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is a compassionate and experienced physician with years of clinical experience. Dr. Stephens understands the unique challenges that come with mental illness, and he provides a safe and non-judgmental space for his patients to explore their feelings and work towards healing. His approach is tailored to each individual, using evidence-based techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Are you looking for personalized mental health treatment? A psychiatrist who cares, listens, and understands? As a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults, I am experienced in a wide range of psychopathologies including ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and women’s mental health (peripartum and postpartum illness). I work closely with my patients to create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with their values. My office is based in Redondo Beach and we are happy to serve the Greater Los Angeles area.
Are you looking for personalized mental health treatment? A psychiatrist who cares, listens, and understands? As a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults, I am experienced in a wide range of psychopathologies including ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and women’s mental health (peripartum and postpartum illness). I work closely with my patients to create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with their values. My office is based in Redondo Beach and we are happy to serve the Greater Los Angeles area.
Kathleen McDermott, Evolve Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, RN, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing from CSU Fullerton, CSULB, & CSULA, a Master's in Psychiatric Nursing from Columbia University, and Bachelors degrees from Villanova (Psychology) and SUNY-Stonybrook (Nursing). I offer person-centered, trauma-informed care, specializing in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and psychopharmacological medication management. I use integrative treatment strategies that are individualized, healing-centered, and evidenced-based to help people manage symptoms with medication management, supportive therapy, and holistic alternative approaches.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing from CSU Fullerton, CSULB, & CSULA, a Master's in Psychiatric Nursing from Columbia University, and Bachelors degrees from Villanova (Psychology) and SUNY-Stonybrook (Nursing). I offer person-centered, trauma-informed care, specializing in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and psychopharmacological medication management. I use integrative treatment strategies that are individualized, healing-centered, and evidenced-based to help people manage symptoms with medication management, supportive therapy, and holistic alternative approaches.
Dr. Gil Hoftman
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Not accepting new clients
If you are looking for a highly specialized child & adolescent and adult psychiatrist with expertise in psychosis risk states, psychosis and schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders like anxiety, ADHD, and autism; and treating depression and OCD with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), please come see me. I also offer supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing. I will not push medications on you. I have a PhD in developmental neuroscience, expertise in neurobehavioral genetics, and I am board certified in General Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from UCLA and Pitt/Carnegie Mellon.
If you are looking for a highly specialized child & adolescent and adult psychiatrist with expertise in psychosis risk states, psychosis and schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders like anxiety, ADHD, and autism; and treating depression and OCD with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), please come see me. I also offer supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing. I will not push medications on you. I have a PhD in developmental neuroscience, expertise in neurobehavioral genetics, and I am board certified in General Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from UCLA and Pitt/Carnegie Mellon.
Janet is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner focused on treating anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and women’s mental health. She believes therapy is critical to one's mental health journey, as it helps solidify new views and coping skills.
Janet is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner focused on treating anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and women’s mental health. She believes therapy is critical to one's mental health journey, as it helps solidify new views and coping skills.
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist who provides culturally sensitive integrative mental health care by listening with empathy, inquiring with curiosity, and understanding with humility. I have experience in working with diverse cultural backgrounds, with an added focus on Asian Americans, and understand the struggles one may face in wanting to assimilate while retaining their cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety/depression/trauma, managing family expectations, navigating transitions, or striving for a fulfilling life, I'm dedicated to walking this path with you.
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist who provides culturally sensitive integrative mental health care by listening with empathy, inquiring with curiosity, and understanding with humility. I have experience in working with diverse cultural backgrounds, with an added focus on Asian Americans, and understand the struggles one may face in wanting to assimilate while retaining their cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety/depression/trauma, managing family expectations, navigating transitions, or striving for a fulfilling life, I'm dedicated to walking this path with you.
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Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
I'm a psychiatrist trained in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions in adults, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, addiction, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, and borderline and other personality orders. I have special interests in working with trans and gender expansive individuals and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, people struggling with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and people wtih OCD.
I'm a psychiatrist trained in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of mental health conditions in adults, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, addiction, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, and borderline and other personality orders. I have special interests in working with trans and gender expansive individuals and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, people struggling with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and people wtih OCD.
As an adult psychiatrist, I seek to understand my patients' lives and take a compassionate, thoughtful approach to developing personalized treatment plans. I find purpose in using my expertise to help guide my patients toward achieving their goals and improving their overall well-being. Being attentive to various aspects that may impact my patients' mental health, my treatment plans are tailored and may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
As an adult psychiatrist, I seek to understand my patients' lives and take a compassionate, thoughtful approach to developing personalized treatment plans. I find purpose in using my expertise to help guide my patients toward achieving their goals and improving their overall well-being. Being attentive to various aspects that may impact my patients' mental health, my treatment plans are tailored and may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Feng is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who trained at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Boston University School of Medicine. She is a co-founder of Regeneration Psychiatry, a group psychiatric practice located in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and women's mental health issues. She also specializes in treating Asian and Asian-American patients. Dr. Feng is bilingual in English and Mandarin.
Dr. Feng is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who trained at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Boston University School of Medicine. She is a co-founder of Regeneration Psychiatry, a group psychiatric practice located in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and women's mental health issues. She also specializes in treating Asian and Asian-American patients. Dr. Feng is bilingual in English and Mandarin.
Dr. Narendra B. Reddy has been working as an Adult Psychiatrist for the past 28 years. He has vast experience treating conditions including Affective Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Schizophrenia, and other Psychotic conditions. He received his M.D. from Kakatiya Medical College, India, and completed his residency at Harlem Hospital in New York where he served as Chief Resident. At Catholic Health Initiative, he was on the Physician Excellence Committee for many years and worked hard towards improving patient care.
Dr. Narendra B. Reddy has been working as an Adult Psychiatrist for the past 28 years. He has vast experience treating conditions including Affective Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Schizophrenia, and other Psychotic conditions. He received his M.D. from Kakatiya Medical College, India, and completed his residency at Harlem Hospital in New York where he served as Chief Resident. At Catholic Health Initiative, he was on the Physician Excellence Committee for many years and worked hard towards improving patient care.
Dr. Mustafa Hakami emphasizes the importance of building trusting relationships with his patients, assessing their symptoms, and exploring their lives to collaboratively develop tailored treatment plans. In pediatric cases, Dr. Hakami focuses on adolescent development, trauma, and family dynamics, incorporating mindfulness into his practice. His ultimate goal is to help patients achieve better mental health and an improved quality of life.
Dr. Mustafa Hakami emphasizes the importance of building trusting relationships with his patients, assessing their symptoms, and exploring their lives to collaboratively develop tailored treatment plans. In pediatric cases, Dr. Hakami focuses on adolescent development, trauma, and family dynamics, incorporating mindfulness into his practice. His ultimate goal is to help patients achieve better mental health and an improved quality of life.
Dr. Pascal Stirnimann is a boardcertified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2022. He has a BA in Psychology from University of Miami, a Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. Dr. Stirnimann specializes in the treatment of young adults, adolescents, and children, as well as other vulnerable populations including those in foster care and emancipated minors. He has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including training at a women’s shelter. Dr.
Dr. Pascal Stirnimann is a boardcertified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2022. He has a BA in Psychology from University of Miami, a Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. Dr. Stirnimann specializes in the treatment of young adults, adolescents, and children, as well as other vulnerable populations including those in foster care and emancipated minors. He has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including training at a women’s shelter. Dr.
I'm here to improve your quality of life and help you become the best version of yourself. After 14 years, I've found success through 1) really listening, 2) having empathy, and 3) offering the best evidence-based and personalized tools to match the individual needs of each client. My specialties include depression, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, trauma, eating disorders, and ADHD. I hold a master’s degree from UCLA, where I learned the value of evidence-based practice and striving for the utmost quality of care. I am dual-certified as both a family and psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner.
I'm here to improve your quality of life and help you become the best version of yourself. After 14 years, I've found success through 1) really listening, 2) having empathy, and 3) offering the best evidence-based and personalized tools to match the individual needs of each client. My specialties include depression, anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder, trauma, eating disorders, and ADHD. I hold a master’s degree from UCLA, where I learned the value of evidence-based practice and striving for the utmost quality of care. I am dual-certified as both a family and psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adolescent, young adult, and adult mental health. I have expertise in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and multiple therapy modalities.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a UCLA-trained, board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adolescent, young adult, and adult mental health. I have expertise in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and multiple therapy modalities.
See more therapy options for Redondo Beach
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Redondo Beach, CA
50+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Redondo Beach, CA who prioritize treating:
97% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
88% | ADHD |
85% | Trauma and PTSD |
83% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | Cigna and Evernorth |
93% | Aetna |
80% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Redondo Beach, CA see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
54% | Female | |
46% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Redondo Beach?
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.