Psychiatrists in Edgewater, MD
Gabtel Healthcare LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edgewater, MD 21037 (Online Only)
Perpetua Anthony PMHNP -BC, FNP- C, MSN, CRNP, is a dual board certified Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of excellent experience as healthcare professional. She is certified as a Psychiatric nurse practitioner and Family nurse practitioner. She can provide you with both medical and mental need services. She is knowledgeable in evaluating and treating psychiatric/ behavioral disorders, substance/alcohol/ Opioid/ addiction in inpatient and Outpatient settings, Memory Care/Long Term care/Assisted Living Facilities.
Perpetua Anthony PMHNP -BC, FNP- C, MSN, CRNP, is a dual board certified Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of excellent experience as healthcare professional. She is certified as a Psychiatric nurse practitioner and Family nurse practitioner. She can provide you with both medical and mental need services. She is knowledgeable in evaluating and treating psychiatric/ behavioral disorders, substance/alcohol/ Opioid/ addiction in inpatient and Outpatient settings, Memory Care/Long Term care/Assisted Living Facilities.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
**I am out of network with all insurances.** Hello and welcome to Elite Excellence Psychiatry. I am Dr. Maria Trent Corey, MD, a double board certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. I'm warm, friendly and I'm here to help you get through some of life's most difficult moments. I'm committed to educating you about your mental health, your treatment options, and ways to maintain your overall health and wellness. My goal is to empower you to achieve your most elite, excellent existence through consistent, balanced care of the mind, body, and spirit.
**I am out of network with all insurances.** Hello and welcome to Elite Excellence Psychiatry. I am Dr. Maria Trent Corey, MD, a double board certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. I'm warm, friendly and I'm here to help you get through some of life's most difficult moments. I'm committed to educating you about your mental health, your treatment options, and ways to maintain your overall health and wellness. My goal is to empower you to achieve your most elite, excellent existence through consistent, balanced care of the mind, body, and spirit.
I am a trained family and mental healthcare provider who believes in patient-centered care despite cultural diversities. I have my specializations in primary/family care as well as mental and behavioral health medications management. I am mostly referred to as Dr. B. I started my medical career as a registered nurse and worked in different capacities, as a nursing home nurse, various hospitals, dialysis nurse, and an advocate for the proper health and well-being of diverse people requiring adequate healthcare.
I am a trained family and mental healthcare provider who believes in patient-centered care despite cultural diversities. I have my specializations in primary/family care as well as mental and behavioral health medications management. I am mostly referred to as Dr. B. I started my medical career as a registered nurse and worked in different capacities, as a nursing home nurse, various hospitals, dialysis nurse, and an advocate for the proper health and well-being of diverse people requiring adequate healthcare.
Remarkable Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, -BC, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bowie, MD 20716 (Online Only)
We are a provider of behavioral healthcare services through telehealth. We take pride and joy in supporting every individual by providing them with the tools and imparting to them the skills to cope with their behavioral health issues. Remarkable Behavioral Health believes in the combined efforts with its clients, their families, and other healthcare providers in managing the presented behavioral health concern. You can trust our behavioral health experts to lead you to live better and healthier lives because they are all licensed, proficient professionals in their field.
We are a provider of behavioral healthcare services through telehealth. We take pride and joy in supporting every individual by providing them with the tools and imparting to them the skills to cope with their behavioral health issues. Remarkable Behavioral Health believes in the combined efforts with its clients, their families, and other healthcare providers in managing the presented behavioral health concern. You can trust our behavioral health experts to lead you to live better and healthier lives because they are all licensed, proficient professionals in their field.
Proximity Health Care Services is a mental health clinic supporting kids, teen, young adults, caregivers and parents struggling with a variety of mental health challenges. At our practice, we provide different kinds of mental health services at your comfort. We work to enhance the quality of life of our patients by enabling them to maintain their health, well-being, independence, and participation in the community.
Proximity Health Care Services is a mental health clinic supporting kids, teen, young adults, caregivers and parents struggling with a variety of mental health challenges. At our practice, we provide different kinds of mental health services at your comfort. We work to enhance the quality of life of our patients by enabling them to maintain their health, well-being, independence, and participation in the community.
Accepting New Patients! Hello, I'm Dr. Arvind Shah, a dedicated psychiatrist with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. My passion lies in helping individuals achieve optimal well-being, free from judgment or inequity. Specializing in trauma, PTSD, and substance use disorder, I offer comprehensive services and medication management. My expertise also encompasses a wide range of specialties, including ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, self-esteem, developmental disorders, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and many more.
Accepting New Patients! Hello, I'm Dr. Arvind Shah, a dedicated psychiatrist with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. My passion lies in helping individuals achieve optimal well-being, free from judgment or inequity. Specializing in trauma, PTSD, and substance use disorder, I offer comprehensive services and medication management. My expertise also encompasses a wide range of specialties, including ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, self-esteem, developmental disorders, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and many more.
Jason R. Brody
Physician Assistant, PA-C, CAQ-Psy
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401 (Online Only)
Jason Brody grew up in Queens, NY and completed his BA in Religious Studies at Yale University and his MDiv at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He became interested in medicine while working as a Medical Scribe and graduated from Chatham University’s Physician Assistant Program in Pittsburgh. As a Psychiatric PA, he enjoys getting to know his patients and hearing their stories. He believes in collaborative decision making when prescribing medications and caring for people. He is also involved in Clinical Trial Research for new psychiatric and neurological medications.
Jason Brody grew up in Queens, NY and completed his BA in Religious Studies at Yale University and his MDiv at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He became interested in medicine while working as a Medical Scribe and graduated from Chatham University’s Physician Assistant Program in Pittsburgh. As a Psychiatric PA, he enjoys getting to know his patients and hearing their stories. He believes in collaborative decision making when prescribing medications and caring for people. He is also involved in Clinical Trial Research for new psychiatric and neurological medications.
Ashley Fenton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401
As a dual certified primary care and psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as licensed clinical social worker, I believe in taking a biopsychosocial approach to care. Our physical health and mental health are so closely intertwined and influenced by both social and environmental factors.
As a dual certified primary care and psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as licensed clinical social worker, I believe in taking a biopsychosocial approach to care. Our physical health and mental health are so closely intertwined and influenced by both social and environmental factors.
Bahattin Ergin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP, ARNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401 (Online Only)
Hello. My name is Bahattin Ergin (Bobby). I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a wide range of medication management experience across lifespan, including ADHD, OCD, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In my role as a medication management provider within mental healthcare, I prioritize a patient-centered methodology, ensuring that pharmacological treatments are precisely tailored to meet individual needs. My approach encompasses a comprehensive evaluation, collaborative medication planning, and ongoing assessment to adjust treatment in response to the patient's changing health status.
Hello. My name is Bahattin Ergin (Bobby). I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a wide range of medication management experience across lifespan, including ADHD, OCD, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In my role as a medication management provider within mental healthcare, I prioritize a patient-centered methodology, ensuring that pharmacological treatments are precisely tailored to meet individual needs. My approach encompasses a comprehensive evaluation, collaborative medication planning, and ongoing assessment to adjust treatment in response to the patient's changing health status.
Kandice King is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that specializes in working with children and adults with various struggles like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral health concerns. She works with the patient to give them the reassurance and support they need to establish a medication regimen that helps them cope with different mental health concerns. She understands the importance of being one’s best self in today's world and works hard to customize the most effective individualized treatment plan.
Kandice King is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that specializes in working with children and adults with various struggles like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral health concerns. She works with the patient to give them the reassurance and support they need to establish a medication regimen that helps them cope with different mental health concerns. She understands the importance of being one’s best self in today's world and works hard to customize the most effective individualized treatment plan.
I have openings for medication management, but unfortunately a waitlist for therapy at this time. I am in-network with some Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare plans. I am also happy to provide a superbill that can be submitted to insurance for any out-of-network benefits. Email preferred. Hi, I'm Melissa (aka Dr. Shepard)! Since deciding to pursue psychiatry, I've made it my mission to end mental health stigma and make mental health treatment less scary.
I have openings for medication management, but unfortunately a waitlist for therapy at this time. I am in-network with some Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare plans. I am also happy to provide a superbill that can be submitted to insurance for any out-of-network benefits. Email preferred. Hi, I'm Melissa (aka Dr. Shepard)! Since deciding to pursue psychiatry, I've made it my mission to end mental health stigma and make mental health treatment less scary.
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Dr. Hall is a child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist who has been practicing for the past 15 years in both the public and private sector. He has experience treating a wide range and presentation of most child/adolescent and adult mental health disorders including: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, thought disorders, disruptive behavioral disorders, and insomnia. He enjoys working with clients on the autistic spectrum as well as adolescents who are dealing with transgender issues. He uses genetic testing as indicated.
Dr. Hall is a child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist who has been practicing for the past 15 years in both the public and private sector. He has experience treating a wide range and presentation of most child/adolescent and adult mental health disorders including: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, thought disorders, disruptive behavioral disorders, and insomnia. He enjoys working with clients on the autistic spectrum as well as adolescents who are dealing with transgender issues. He uses genetic testing as indicated.
The Mood Center blends tried-and-true methods with cutting-edge science and wellness practices to create the ultimate healing experience. Our highly trained medical professionals deliver unsurpassed care tailor-made for each patient. We recognize the importance of restoring the architecture of the mind through medical treatment with spiritual and emotional therapeutic support. We specialize in treating Depression, MDD, TRD, Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Chronic Pain, Migraines, and many other conditions.
The Mood Center blends tried-and-true methods with cutting-edge science and wellness practices to create the ultimate healing experience. Our highly trained medical professionals deliver unsurpassed care tailor-made for each patient. We recognize the importance of restoring the architecture of the mind through medical treatment with spiritual and emotional therapeutic support. We specialize in treating Depression, MDD, TRD, Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Chronic Pain, Migraines, and many other conditions.
Are you experiencing difficulty with managing life stressors, career, family, raising a child(ren), physical and mental health? Let me help you take a step to improve your mental health to provide the mental clarity to handle life stressors more efficiently. It brings me joy to help others reach their full potential. Let me help you! I am a dual-board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from SUNY Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2004. Shortly thereafter, I obtained my master’s degree while working in an acute care setting for four years.
Are you experiencing difficulty with managing life stressors, career, family, raising a child(ren), physical and mental health? Let me help you take a step to improve your mental health to provide the mental clarity to handle life stressors more efficiently. It brings me joy to help others reach their full potential. Let me help you! I am a dual-board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from SUNY Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2004. Shortly thereafter, I obtained my master’s degree while working in an acute care setting for four years.
I truly believe in the power of collaborative therapeutic work and informed decision-making process when it comes to co- creating an individualized treatment plan that will yield personalized goals and treatment outcomes that are meaningful for the person. I have decades of experience using psychotherapy modalities as well as medications. I have enjoyed helping and supporting adults with concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder, women and LGBTQIA+ mental health, veterans, suicidal behaviors, anxiety, and mood disorders.
I truly believe in the power of collaborative therapeutic work and informed decision-making process when it comes to co- creating an individualized treatment plan that will yield personalized goals and treatment outcomes that are meaningful for the person. I have decades of experience using psychotherapy modalities as well as medications. I have enjoyed helping and supporting adults with concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder, women and LGBTQIA+ mental health, veterans, suicidal behaviors, anxiety, and mood disorders.
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401 (Online Only)
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Maryland for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment for a virtual online visit today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Accepting some insurances insurances.
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Maryland for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment for a virtual online visit today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Accepting some insurances insurances.
Michelle L. Briggs, Nurse Practitioner, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21402 (Online Only)
I am a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner with 30 years experience in the field. I am a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland Schools of Nursing. I have practiced in inpatient, emergency room, mobile crisis, home care, day hospital, and out patient settings. I am licensed to provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management and psychotherapy to ages 16 and over. I have specialized in geriatric, adult and young adult , substance misuse, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, adoption, grief, gender identity and family crisis. I recently became certified as a psychedelic assisted therapist.
I am a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner with 30 years experience in the field. I am a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland Schools of Nursing. I have practiced in inpatient, emergency room, mobile crisis, home care, day hospital, and out patient settings. I am licensed to provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management and psychotherapy to ages 16 and over. I have specialized in geriatric, adult and young adult , substance misuse, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, adoption, grief, gender identity and family crisis. I recently became certified as a psychedelic assisted therapist.
Fidelils Atianjoh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dr. Fidelis Atianjoh is a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He has a rich background in psychiatry both clinically and academically. He earned a PhD in Neuroscience (Howard University) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with special interest in Psychiatry. Fidelis is a professional with a passion to treat patients of all ages suffering from mental disorders. He is endowed with special attributes like respect, candor, smiles, patience, listening and collaboration which enhance his ability to build therapeutic relationships with his patients.
Dr. Fidelis Atianjoh is a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He has a rich background in psychiatry both clinically and academically. He earned a PhD in Neuroscience (Howard University) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with special interest in Psychiatry. Fidelis is a professional with a passion to treat patients of all ages suffering from mental disorders. He is endowed with special attributes like respect, candor, smiles, patience, listening and collaboration which enhance his ability to build therapeutic relationships with his patients.
Katherine Maas, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Georgetown in 2014. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice from George Mason University in 2020. Katherine’s past nursing experience includes critical care, cardiology, community health, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. She treats psychiatric patients across the lifespan. Katherine employs a variety of approaches and methodologies while working collaboratively with her patient to design appropriate and effective treatment plans.
Katherine Maas, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Georgetown in 2014. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice from George Mason University in 2020. Katherine’s past nursing experience includes critical care, cardiology, community health, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. She treats psychiatric patients across the lifespan. Katherine employs a variety of approaches and methodologies while working collaboratively with her patient to design appropriate and effective treatment plans.
See more therapy options for Edgewater
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Edgewater, MD
< 10
Psychiatrists in Edgewater, MD who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Grief |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Wellpoint | Amerigroup |
100% | Medicaid |
100% | Medicare |
How Psychiatrists in Edgewater, MD see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Edgewater?
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.