Psychiatrists in Chevy Chase, MD
![Photo of Jill Savege Scharff, MD, FABP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4ed30a4-216f-4ba9-8ffc-ff44a11198c6/3/320x400.jpeg)
I offer psychoanalysis and psychotherapy and I do not prescribe medication. Together, we focus on understanding your symptoms and mastering your upsetting impulses, conflicts, and relationships. You will learn to modify the way that early relationships affect current relationships. You’ll make links between your thoughts, feelings, and experiences now and in the past, decode your dreams, recognize your ways of protecting yourself, and acknowledge how you have been held back so you can then move forward in career, friendship, and love.
I offer psychoanalysis and psychotherapy and I do not prescribe medication. Together, we focus on understanding your symptoms and mastering your upsetting impulses, conflicts, and relationships. You will learn to modify the way that early relationships affect current relationships. You’ll make links between your thoughts, feelings, and experiences now and in the past, decode your dreams, recognize your ways of protecting yourself, and acknowledge how you have been held back so you can then move forward in career, friendship, and love.
![Photo of Hedy Howard, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f59509-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with my patients in an individualized collaborative process to understand the roots of the problem they are having and to design the best treatment plan. The goal is to restore health and alleviate pain but also to achieve the insight and self understanding that provides the freedom to be one's best self, to make the best choices in all aspects of life.
I work with my patients in an individualized collaborative process to understand the roots of the problem they are having and to design the best treatment plan. The goal is to restore health and alleviate pain but also to achieve the insight and self understanding that provides the freedom to be one's best self, to make the best choices in all aspects of life.
![Photo of Douglas A Chavis, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5d2529-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I can work with you on your struggles with anxiety, depression, or issues around intimacy, relationships, and sexuality. Or. I can work with your child or adolescent who may by overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, drug use, school difficulties, social difficulties, or conflicts with parents. If you are a couple I can help you resolve the intense pain of a difficult and conflicted relationship. I can also help if your family is struggling with loss, a disruptive parent or child, sibling squabbles or parent-child conflict.
I can work with you on your struggles with anxiety, depression, or issues around intimacy, relationships, and sexuality. Or. I can work with your child or adolescent who may by overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, drug use, school difficulties, social difficulties, or conflicts with parents. If you are a couple I can help you resolve the intense pain of a difficult and conflicted relationship. I can also help if your family is struggling with loss, a disruptive parent or child, sibling squabbles or parent-child conflict.
![Photo of Titilayo Raji, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58318f51-75df-4d68-aa29-ddec6b27e200/2/320x400.jpeg)
Titi Raji is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland who has been practicing since 2019. She holds a DNP, PMHNP from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, an FNP from St Joseph College of Maine, and a BSN from Marymount University. Titi believes in providing individualized quality and compassionate mental health care services to clients and families in need through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education. She strives to provide patient-focused care in a supportive atmosphere in which patients, family members, and professionals are treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Titi Raji is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland who has been practicing since 2019. She holds a DNP, PMHNP from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, an FNP from St Joseph College of Maine, and a BSN from Marymount University. Titi believes in providing individualized quality and compassionate mental health care services to clients and families in need through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education. She strives to provide patient-focused care in a supportive atmosphere in which patients, family members, and professionals are treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
![Photo of Elspeth Dwyer, MS, CRNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22cc9f96-5368-49b1-8469-4650d4bcab4f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elspeth Dwyer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, CRNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, specializing in psychopharmacology. I received both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in nursing from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner I worked as a psychotherapist and have my MSW from Boston College. I have extensive experience working in inpatient, partial hospital, outpatient and college health settings. I have a special interest in women's mental health across the lifespan, including the perinatal and postpartum period. I also especially enjoy working with young adults and college students.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, specializing in psychopharmacology. I received both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in nursing from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner I worked as a psychotherapist and have my MSW from Boston College. I have extensive experience working in inpatient, partial hospital, outpatient and college health settings. I have a special interest in women's mental health across the lifespan, including the perinatal and postpartum period. I also especially enjoy working with young adults and college students.
![Photo of David E Scharff, MD, FABP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71cd2e21-7b12-43ab-af02-af890976f126/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a psychoanalyst who works with adults, children, couples and families, and have a subspecialty in sexual difficulties. I have taught and written about issues across many areas of the life cycle, and am probably best known for my treatment and teaching about couple and family difficulties. Although I am a psychiatrist, I only prescribe for patients I treat with psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
I'm a psychoanalyst who works with adults, children, couples and families, and have a subspecialty in sexual difficulties. I have taught and written about issues across many areas of the life cycle, and am probably best known for my treatment and teaching about couple and family difficulties. Although I am a psychiatrist, I only prescribe for patients I treat with psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
![Photo of Robert M. Post, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/797e314d-996c-43aa-8dba-d55ca2b8decf/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Post is world-renowned psychiatrist known for providing one-time consultations for children and adults with difficult-to-treat mood disorders such as unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. He has published over 1080 articles on these topics and continues to conduct research and publish work to contribute to the scientific advancement of treatments for these disorders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he is providing consults via telemedicine.
Dr. Post is world-renowned psychiatrist known for providing one-time consultations for children and adults with difficult-to-treat mood disorders such as unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. He has published over 1080 articles on these topics and continues to conduct research and publish work to contribute to the scientific advancement of treatments for these disorders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he is providing consults via telemedicine.
![Photo of Falk W Lohoff, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e214bbe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am double Board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine and specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD and addictions. I completed my training at the University of Pennsylvania and have special interest in neuropsychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My overall goal is to alleviate your symptoms and increase your quality of life.
I am double Board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine and specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD and addictions. I completed my training at the University of Pennsylvania and have special interest in neuropsychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My overall goal is to alleviate your symptoms and increase your quality of life.
![Photo of Jeanne Holzgrefe, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb91863-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and transitions in life. I also have extensive experience with a variety of other mental health issues. Therapy, I believe, is a collaborative exploration of important aspects of one's present and past, in order to develop alternative coping mechanisms and strategies for growth, to relieve suffering, to foster healthy relationships, and to attain one's personal goals. I have had much success in helping patients along a path to better mental health and functioning.
I am a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and transitions in life. I also have extensive experience with a variety of other mental health issues. Therapy, I believe, is a collaborative exploration of important aspects of one's present and past, in order to develop alternative coping mechanisms and strategies for growth, to relieve suffering, to foster healthy relationships, and to attain one's personal goals. I have had much success in helping patients along a path to better mental health and functioning.
![Photo of June Ottley, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d55bb9d-4ff9-4aba-a224-8f37a9cb1062/1/320x400.png)
June Ottley is certified as an Adult, Geriatric and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland who has been practicing since 2015. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner from the University of Maryland. She later returned to advance her education and clinical expertise, by obtaining a Post Master's degree from the University of Cincinnati.
June Ottley is certified as an Adult, Geriatric and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland who has been practicing since 2015. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner from the University of Maryland. She later returned to advance her education and clinical expertise, by obtaining a Post Master's degree from the University of Cincinnati.
![Photo of Lanika Whyte - Holistic Care Consulting Reimagined LLC, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7235a7cc-46e6-42f6-a4d4-11543e83924f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holistic Care Consulting Reimagined LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Promoting holistic mental wellness through tailor made care!
Promoting holistic mental wellness through tailor made care!
15 Second Videos
Jill Savege Scharff
Holistic Care Consulting Reimagined LLC
Megan Bowers
Iman Hypolite M. D.
Katarina (Kat) Mijic-Barisic
AIM Behavioral Health Services
![Photo of Mekeshia D. Bates - Gift of Dreams Wellness and Consulting, LLC, DNP, MDiv, MPH, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b82e6129-d804-42dc-af56-b3f8ca3709d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gift of Dreams Wellness and Consulting, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MDiv, MPH, MSN
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
At The Gift of Dreams, you will have your specific needs met in a way that is collaborative, comfortable, and conscientious. Dr. Mekeshia Bates will work with you and for you to ensure that you are meeting your individual therapeutic goals and becoming the person you have always been capable of being. In unison, you and Dr. Bates will work to remove negative behavioral and thought patterns that give rise to problems in your life, helping you to become a happier, more fulfilled person. She will always help you to make your dreams your reality!
At The Gift of Dreams, you will have your specific needs met in a way that is collaborative, comfortable, and conscientious. Dr. Mekeshia Bates will work with you and for you to ensure that you are meeting your individual therapeutic goals and becoming the person you have always been capable of being. In unison, you and Dr. Bates will work to remove negative behavioral and thought patterns that give rise to problems in your life, helping you to become a happier, more fulfilled person. She will always help you to make your dreams your reality!
![Photo of Eric Taswell, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db302b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
"No man is an island...", John Donne wrote. No woman, either. From birth, we depend upon relationships to give life meaning. But life sometimes leaves us feeling alone with our troubles. We may feel misunderstood, sad, worried, scared or angry. We may struggle with our direction, fall short of our hopes, suffer a loss. Yet our social connections are at the core of our humanity. That is why I believe talking can help to relieve suffering and create new directions. I strive to help by listening carefully and reflecting with you to better understand obstacles to a more fulfilling life.
"No man is an island...", John Donne wrote. No woman, either. From birth, we depend upon relationships to give life meaning. But life sometimes leaves us feeling alone with our troubles. We may feel misunderstood, sad, worried, scared or angry. We may struggle with our direction, fall short of our hopes, suffer a loss. Yet our social connections are at the core of our humanity. That is why I believe talking can help to relieve suffering and create new directions. I strive to help by listening carefully and reflecting with you to better understand obstacles to a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Robert M Post, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dcf4a79e-5426-4648-b55e-0e44bd90df5a/3/320x400.png)
I do virtual consultations for children and adults with difficult-to-treat mood and anxiety disorders, especially unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. After reviewing your history, current and past medications, I will make a series of suggestions along with back up options in case the first things do not work out well enough for you. I will send this in a detailed email back to you so you can share it with and put it into action with your treating physician.
I do virtual consultations for children and adults with difficult-to-treat mood and anxiety disorders, especially unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. After reviewing your history, current and past medications, I will make a series of suggestions along with back up options in case the first things do not work out well enough for you. I will send this in a detailed email back to you so you can share it with and put it into action with your treating physician.
![Photo of Dr. Michael Dickson, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39726c18-3642-402a-9488-8e93f7342c34/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Michael Dickson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I have 8+ years of experience in mental health. I help my clients navigate emotional and psychological challenges by providing high-quality evidence-based care. My expertise spans multiple treatment areas, including depression, anxiety, other mood disorders and ADHD. My practice is dedicated to fostering a nurturing safe space for clients to share their stories, seek guidance, and, ultimately, work towards a brighter future.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I have 8+ years of experience in mental health. I help my clients navigate emotional and psychological challenges by providing high-quality evidence-based care. My expertise spans multiple treatment areas, including depression, anxiety, other mood disorders and ADHD. My practice is dedicated to fostering a nurturing safe space for clients to share their stories, seek guidance, and, ultimately, work towards a brighter future.
![Photo of Harry Gill, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5c33be6-adf6-4868-b897-3037819a7a74/1/320x400.png)
My Physician Assistant and I are accepting new patients for medication management via telemedicine in DC, Maryland, Virginia and Georgia. I also see patients for psychotherapy independently. We strive to continuously optimize your treatment plan and minimize medication use. Most emotional problems are multi-determined; that is, they frequently stem from more than one source. To best address these problems first requires an understanding of early development and its effects on the brain as well as relational and environmental stressors that affect us all.
My Physician Assistant and I are accepting new patients for medication management via telemedicine in DC, Maryland, Virginia and Georgia. I also see patients for psychotherapy independently. We strive to continuously optimize your treatment plan and minimize medication use. Most emotional problems are multi-determined; that is, they frequently stem from more than one source. To best address these problems first requires an understanding of early development and its effects on the brain as well as relational and environmental stressors that affect us all.
![Photo of Gonzalo Laje, MD, MHSc, MHCM, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3a43d51-d516-487f-94b0-ff607c412210/1/320x400.png)
Have you or your loved one been experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties? Through a thorough diagnostic process and integrated treatment, I believe we can restore health and well-being. My name is Gonzalo Laje, and I am a double-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in psychopharmacology. I trained at NYU/Bellevue Hospital and NIMH/Children's in DC and earned degrees from Duke and Harvard University. I evaluate and treat patients of all ages and severities, emphasizing difficult-to-treat cases. My goal is to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Have you or your loved one been experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties? Through a thorough diagnostic process and integrated treatment, I believe we can restore health and well-being. My name is Gonzalo Laje, and I am a double-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in psychopharmacology. I trained at NYU/Bellevue Hospital and NIMH/Children's in DC and earned degrees from Duke and Harvard University. I evaluate and treat patients of all ages and severities, emphasizing difficult-to-treat cases. My goal is to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Terri Lee Pargot, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c344b8c1-d41a-4b39-90b2-f19d555e0396/4/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, uncertainty about your future? Are there problems in your relationships that you are having trouble understanding or working on by yourself? As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist I have been working with patients for over 30 years. I treat a wide range of emotional conflicts and their manifestations including depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. Anxiety comes in many forms - e.g. chronic feelings of being anxious, panic attacks, social or performance anxiety, PTSD, OCD. I also treat adult patients with ADHD, eating disorders and sexual issues.
Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, uncertainty about your future? Are there problems in your relationships that you are having trouble understanding or working on by yourself? As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist I have been working with patients for over 30 years. I treat a wide range of emotional conflicts and their manifestations including depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety. Anxiety comes in many forms - e.g. chronic feelings of being anxious, panic attacks, social or performance anxiety, PTSD, OCD. I also treat adult patients with ADHD, eating disorders and sexual issues.
![Photo of Omiah Behavioral Health Wellness Llc - Omiah Behavioral Health & Wellness LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ceb6dd02-e404-47df-8681-45b9b8158687/2/320x400.jpeg)
Omiah Behavioral Health & Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Accepting New Clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals regarding treatment, uphold the dignity and integrity of each client, and are invested in your journey towards mental health wellness.
Accepting New Clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals regarding treatment, uphold the dignity and integrity of each client, and are invested in your journey towards mental health wellness.
![Photo of Barbara Byers, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f67e3b-e375-4438-bcae-6d9155d94dce/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an adult psychiatrist who also specializes in reproductive psychiatry. I work with women who have mood and anxiey issues related to reproductive changes including pregnancy, posptpartum, and infertility, as well as PMS and menopause. I also treat general patients who have mood and axiety symptoms as well.
I am an adult psychiatrist who also specializes in reproductive psychiatry. I work with women who have mood and anxiey issues related to reproductive changes including pregnancy, posptpartum, and infertility, as well as PMS and menopause. I also treat general patients who have mood and axiety symptoms as well.
See more therapy options for Chevy Chase
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Chevy Chase, MD
40+
Average cost per session
$302
Psychiatrists in Chevy Chase, MD who prioritize treating:
90% | Depression |
83% | Anxiety |
75% | Medication Management |
71% | ADHD |
65% | Bipolar Disorder |
63% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
56% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
78% | Cigna and Evernorth |
61% | Optum |
56% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Chevy Chase, MD see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
54% | Female | |
46% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Chevy Chase?
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.