Psychiatrists in La Salle, IL
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Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. I typically work with patients across the lifespan who are struggling with a variety of mental health conditions.
Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. I typically work with patients across the lifespan who are struggling with a variety of mental health conditions.
Online Psychiatrists
I am a dual board certified psychiatric and family practice nurse practitioner who has worked in Primary Care, Psychiatry and Substance Abuse over the last several years. My areas of expertise are mood, depression and anxiety disorders. My extensive experience, knowledge and multicultural sensitivity, have shaped my approach to treatment as individualized and holistic. I am combining integrative methods with psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic modalities to address complex mental health difficulties and treat them successfully.
I am a dual board certified psychiatric and family practice nurse practitioner who has worked in Primary Care, Psychiatry and Substance Abuse over the last several years. My areas of expertise are mood, depression and anxiety disorders. My extensive experience, knowledge and multicultural sensitivity, have shaped my approach to treatment as individualized and holistic. I am combining integrative methods with psychopharmacology and psychotherapeutic modalities to address complex mental health difficulties and treat them successfully.
Adriana Gilli is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe psychiatric medication for children, adolescents, and adults. Some of her practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Panic Attacks, and Insomnia. Adriana's practice style can be traditional (prescribing up to date psychiatric medications) or alternative medicine (natural treatments including but not limited to vitamins, supplements, lifestyle modification, nutrition, exercise, and stress management).
Adriana Gilli is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe psychiatric medication for children, adolescents, and adults. Some of her practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Panic Attacks, and Insomnia. Adriana's practice style can be traditional (prescribing up to date psychiatric medications) or alternative medicine (natural treatments including but not limited to vitamins, supplements, lifestyle modification, nutrition, exercise, and stress management).
Karyn Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60631 (Online Only)
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have worked with patients of all ages and in multiple settings. I have 13 years of nursing experience working in various areas including home health, psychiatric in/outpatient settings, eating disorders, residential, and substance abuse. Based out of a Chicago suburb, I have experience working with multiple diagnosis including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and PTSD. I try to bring a holistic approach to my patient's care and ongoing treatment. I like to set the tone with a safe, honest, open, and non-judgmental environment.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have worked with patients of all ages and in multiple settings. I have 13 years of nursing experience working in various areas including home health, psychiatric in/outpatient settings, eating disorders, residential, and substance abuse. Based out of a Chicago suburb, I have experience working with multiple diagnosis including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and PTSD. I try to bring a holistic approach to my patient's care and ongoing treatment. I like to set the tone with a safe, honest, open, and non-judgmental environment.
Carrie Helle Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Aurora, IL 60502 (Online Only)
Are you seeking a supportive partner on your journey to mental well-being? Look no further. As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in providing personalized, compassionate care to individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges. That is why I take the time to listen, empathize, and tailor our approach to meet your individual needs. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or other mental health concerns, I am here to help.
Are you seeking a supportive partner on your journey to mental well-being? Look no further. As a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I specialize in providing personalized, compassionate care to individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges. That is why I take the time to listen, empathize, and tailor our approach to meet your individual needs. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or other mental health concerns, I am here to help.
Mofoluwa Amiyan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Orland Park, IL 60467
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to help the patient get the best solutions that will make them feel their best. Whether that is psychiatric evaluations and/ or treatments for any mental health problem; my style of giving help is by doing it with lots of care and deep listening, and viewing each of my patients as unique individual people. This is very important because a successful treatment results from having an understanding on someone's needs, environment, and circumstance(s).
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My goal as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is to help the patient get the best solutions that will make them feel their best. Whether that is psychiatric evaluations and/ or treatments for any mental health problem; my style of giving help is by doing it with lots of care and deep listening, and viewing each of my patients as unique individual people. This is very important because a successful treatment results from having an understanding on someone's needs, environment, and circumstance(s).
Pollyanna C Vujovic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, IL 60175
I am passionate about life and people! My goal is to make a real difference in patients' lives with comprehensive, compassionate care in a relaxed setting. I will evaluate your specific concerns, work with you to develop a clear and practical plan, and support you through the process of improving your life so you function at your very best. My role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner revolves largely around medication management and psychotherapy, utilizing evidence-based treatments for a wide variety of mental health problems. This creates a strong therapeutic alliance with high patient satisfaction.
I am passionate about life and people! My goal is to make a real difference in patients' lives with comprehensive, compassionate care in a relaxed setting. I will evaluate your specific concerns, work with you to develop a clear and practical plan, and support you through the process of improving your life so you function at your very best. My role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner revolves largely around medication management and psychotherapy, utilizing evidence-based treatments for a wide variety of mental health problems. This creates a strong therapeutic alliance with high patient satisfaction.
Grant Tyler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Lake In The Hills, IL 60156
I am a Nurse Practitioner and have been providing mental health services for 10 years in outpatient and in home settings. I see Individuals, Couples, Families and I address Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Mood Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Grant Tyler is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with almost 20 years of service in the medical profession. Having experience as a FNP, Grant has a strong foundation in both primary care and preventative medicine.
I am a Nurse Practitioner and have been providing mental health services for 10 years in outpatient and in home settings. I see Individuals, Couples, Families and I address Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Mood Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Grant Tyler is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with almost 20 years of service in the medical profession. Having experience as a FNP, Grant has a strong foundation in both primary care and preventative medicine.
I am a doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and have been practicing since 2022 in outpatient and in-home settings. I work with individuals to address anxiety, depression, hyperactive disorder (ADD/ADHD), mood disorder, and psychosis. I completed my graduate studies at Rush University College of Nursing and have 15 years of experience working with adolescent and adult patients with mental health concerns.
I am a doctoral-prepared board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and have been practicing since 2022 in outpatient and in-home settings. I work with individuals to address anxiety, depression, hyperactive disorder (ADD/ADHD), mood disorder, and psychosis. I completed my graduate studies at Rush University College of Nursing and have 15 years of experience working with adolescent and adult patients with mental health concerns.
In reflective fashion, Kermit the Frog once sang, “it’s not easy being green”. If we replace “green” with anxious, angry, sad, depressed, lonely, or hurt, we feel the truth of the lyric. But for many of us that feel “green” over time, it can start to feel like it’s not easy being “me”. To make things even more difficult, most of the things that make us, “us”, are physically unseen; our personalities, our traumas (known or unknown), our beliefs, our emotions and thoughts. Navigating the “unseen” aspects in us is what fuels my passion in psychiatry, and to offer any support in that journey, is an honor.
In reflective fashion, Kermit the Frog once sang, “it’s not easy being green”. If we replace “green” with anxious, angry, sad, depressed, lonely, or hurt, we feel the truth of the lyric. But for many of us that feel “green” over time, it can start to feel like it’s not easy being “me”. To make things even more difficult, most of the things that make us, “us”, are physically unseen; our personalities, our traumas (known or unknown), our beliefs, our emotions and thoughts. Navigating the “unseen” aspects in us is what fuels my passion in psychiatry, and to offer any support in that journey, is an honor.
I work with people interested in forming a relationship, primarily through therapy or therapy combined with medication work. I employ a whole-body approach and I can incorporate complementary modalities for integrative healing. I approach with understanding mental health issues through individual lens as well as family, social and cultural context. I love working with students, those from different cultural backgrounds, as well as those in the education and medical/mental health professions. My goal is to facilitate each person to find their own path in the midst of their healthcare journey.
I work with people interested in forming a relationship, primarily through therapy or therapy combined with medication work. I employ a whole-body approach and I can incorporate complementary modalities for integrative healing. I approach with understanding mental health issues through individual lens as well as family, social and cultural context. I love working with students, those from different cultural backgrounds, as well as those in the education and medical/mental health professions. My goal is to facilitate each person to find their own path in the midst of their healthcare journey.
Nayyar Afroz, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent and general psychiatrist who graduated from Dow Medical College in Pakistan. She moved to the US and finished her residency at the University of Illinois Chicago campus followed by a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Chicago. She has been practicing for over 17 years in private, community, and public sector roles. She utilizes insight oriented, interpersonal mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral approaches. She has a passion for working with young adults and adults with mood, anxiety, and trauma.
Nayyar Afroz, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent and general psychiatrist who graduated from Dow Medical College in Pakistan. She moved to the US and finished her residency at the University of Illinois Chicago campus followed by a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Chicago. She has been practicing for over 17 years in private, community, and public sector roles. She utilizes insight oriented, interpersonal mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral approaches. She has a passion for working with young adults and adults with mood, anxiety, and trauma.
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, IL 60004 (Online Only)
Accepting new Illinois patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. I treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make an appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurances.
Accepting new Illinois patients via telehealth visits for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. I treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make an appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurances.
Dr. Ashok Nagella is an ABPN Board Certified Psychiatrist that specializes in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry but does see clients up to age of 40. He has been in practice for 20 years in various settings from inpatient to outpatient psychiatry, has supervised and taught psychiatry residents and medical students, and has worked with a very diverse clientele from private practice settings to community mental health. Dr. Nagella grew up and attended school in the Chicago area. He attended the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for his Doctor of Medicine degree then completed his Adult Psychiatry residency.
Dr. Ashok Nagella is an ABPN Board Certified Psychiatrist that specializes in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry but does see clients up to age of 40. He has been in practice for 20 years in various settings from inpatient to outpatient psychiatry, has supervised and taught psychiatry residents and medical students, and has worked with a very diverse clientele from private practice settings to community mental health. Dr. Nagella grew up and attended school in the Chicago area. He attended the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for his Doctor of Medicine degree then completed his Adult Psychiatry residency.
30 years of experience with adults and adolescents; wholistic approach; average time to improvement - 7 days; easy to reach with direct access to pager. Dr. Michael Binder is a graduate of the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and former Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. He is an innovative neuropsychiatrist who published the first comprehensive psychophysiological hypothesis of psychiatric disorders, an advance that catapulted his success rate to nearly 100%. Dr. Binder offers both psychotherapy and medication management with attention to mind, body, and spirit.
30 years of experience with adults and adolescents; wholistic approach; average time to improvement - 7 days; easy to reach with direct access to pager. Dr. Michael Binder is a graduate of the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and former Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. He is an innovative neuropsychiatrist who published the first comprehensive psychophysiological hypothesis of psychiatric disorders, an advance that catapulted his success rate to nearly 100%. Dr. Binder offers both psychotherapy and medication management with attention to mind, body, and spirit.
Zoelife Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Frankfort, IL 60423
Hi! I am Queen **** Our clinic is accepting new patients****We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders. Email us or call us today to book an appointment. You shouldn’t have to struggle to also find a provider.
Hi! I am Queen **** Our clinic is accepting new patients****We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders. Email us or call us today to book an appointment. You shouldn’t have to struggle to also find a provider.
Dr. Tahseen Mohammed is a General and Child & Adolescent psychiatrist with over eighteen years of experience, and a diplomate in both disciplines through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Dr. Mohammed completed a residency in General Psychiatry at University of Chicago and a fellowship in Child & Adolescent psychiatry at University of Illinois at Chicago. His experiences include serving as Medical Director of the Pediatric Bipolar disorder program at UIC, Medical Director of inpatient and outpatient services at Northwest Community hospital .
Dr. Tahseen Mohammed is a General and Child & Adolescent psychiatrist with over eighteen years of experience, and a diplomate in both disciplines through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Dr. Mohammed completed a residency in General Psychiatry at University of Chicago and a fellowship in Child & Adolescent psychiatry at University of Illinois at Chicago. His experiences include serving as Medical Director of the Pediatric Bipolar disorder program at UIC, Medical Director of inpatient and outpatient services at Northwest Community hospital .
Mental Health Group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Melrose Park, IL 60160 (Online Only)
Mental Health Group, located at 9933 Franklin Suite 2B, Franklin Park, IL 60131, offers a compassionate and professional environment for those seeking mental health support. Our clinic specializes in a wide range of psychiatric services aimed at providing personalized care for our clients. With a team of experienced professionals, we are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues, ensuring that each individual receives the attention and care they need to achieve mental well-being.
Mental Health Group, located at 9933 Franklin Suite 2B, Franklin Park, IL 60131, offers a compassionate and professional environment for those seeking mental health support. Our clinic specializes in a wide range of psychiatric services aimed at providing personalized care for our clients. With a team of experienced professionals, we are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues, ensuring that each individual receives the attention and care they need to achieve mental well-being.
Victoria (Tori) Brueggert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Morris, IL 60450
I am dual certified in Adult Primary Care as well as Mental Health. My passion lies with women's health, focusing on the perinatal period. I am certified through Postpartum Support International. While women's health is my focus, I also see men and young adults with a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited too, anxiety, depression and ADHD.
I am dual certified in Adult Primary Care as well as Mental Health. My passion lies with women's health, focusing on the perinatal period. I am certified through Postpartum Support International. While women's health is my focus, I also see men and young adults with a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited too, anxiety, depression and ADHD.
Dr. Rebecca Gilfillan is a board certified psychiatrist, with expertise in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. She received her psychiatric training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is currently an attending psychiatrist and the psychiatric medical student site director at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. She has a strong background in both medication management and psychotherapy, and believes in tailoring treatments to the individual, considering holistic and lifestyle changes equally as important as medications.
Dr. Rebecca Gilfillan is a board certified psychiatrist, with expertise in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. She received her psychiatric training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is currently an attending psychiatrist and the psychiatric medical student site director at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. She has a strong background in both medication management and psychotherapy, and believes in tailoring treatments to the individual, considering holistic and lifestyle changes equally as important as medications.
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FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in La Salle?
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.