Psychiatrists in Passadumkeag, ME
![Photo of Jennifer Lynn Ferguson - Art of Wellness Mental Health Care, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce4cce4c-cf31-4916-9ed3-876f5d89966a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Art of Wellness Mental Health Care, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Passadumkeag, ME 04475 (Online Only)
Tele-Psych medication management. Are you struggling to make it to appointments? Life is busy and I am here to help with convenient, virtual, personalized care that ensures well-being. Jennifer Ferguson is a distinguished psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, who has graduated with honors. With over a decade in healthcare, she adeptly treats diverse mental health issues, prioritizing patient satisfaction. Passionate about accessible, affordable care, she values the therapeutic bond, respecting each client's uniqueness, regardless of background.
Tele-Psych medication management. Are you struggling to make it to appointments? Life is busy and I am here to help with convenient, virtual, personalized care that ensures well-being. Jennifer Ferguson is a distinguished psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, who has graduated with honors. With over a decade in healthcare, she adeptly treats diverse mental health issues, prioritizing patient satisfaction. Passionate about accessible, affordable care, she values the therapeutic bond, respecting each client's uniqueness, regardless of background.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Julia Gallant, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20a789e6-cafe-495b-af41-011adcda4da8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Gallant
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bangor, ME 04401 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to Eastern Sky Wellness, a telepsychiatry practice for adult residents of Maine. I offer diagnostic and medication services for adults with conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar spectrum, and ADHD. Clients who come to me are often feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and are looking for support. They might be on medication that isn't working and want another opinion, or perhaps want to explore the idea of discontinuing current long-term medication(s). Many are doing well with their medication and just need a new prescriber. Regardless, everyone wants to feel and function at their best.
Welcome to Eastern Sky Wellness, a telepsychiatry practice for adult residents of Maine. I offer diagnostic and medication services for adults with conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar spectrum, and ADHD. Clients who come to me are often feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and are looking for support. They might be on medication that isn't working and want another opinion, or perhaps want to explore the idea of discontinuing current long-term medication(s). Many are doing well with their medication and just need a new prescriber. Regardless, everyone wants to feel and function at their best.
![Photo of Shelly Miller, MSN, AGPCNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b2268de-5765-4d67-85c1-633025e2e680/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shelly Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, AGPCNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houlton, ME 04730
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner I provide medication management for a variety of mental health concerns. By providing sensitive, compassionate care and education, I partner with clients to move toward a better state of wellness. I have a particular interest in professional burn out, cancer survivorship and end of life treatment
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner I provide medication management for a variety of mental health concerns. By providing sensitive, compassionate care and education, I partner with clients to move toward a better state of wellness. I have a particular interest in professional burn out, cancer survivorship and end of life treatment
![Photo of Shannon Murray - Acadia Psychiatry, CRNA, PMHNP, APRN, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f9be1bc-5ab7-4a82-914a-405238b43727/1/320x400.jpeg)
Acadia Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNA, PMHNP, APRN, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mount Desert, ME 04660
Now accepting and In-Network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, MaineCare, United Healthcare/Optum, Magellan, Community Health Options, Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare Part B. I offer telehealth and In-Person appointments. I believe in working with my clients as a team to accomplish and work towards meeting your mental health goals.
Now accepting and In-Network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, MaineCare, United Healthcare/Optum, Magellan, Community Health Options, Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare Part B. I offer telehealth and In-Person appointments. I believe in working with my clients as a team to accomplish and work towards meeting your mental health goals.
![Photo of Lina M Zapata Samarel, PMHNP, FNP, MBA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f167614-d5a2-46cb-8ae0-3b37300afbab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lina M Zapata Samarel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MBA
Verified Verified
Bangor, ME 04401 (Online Only)
Areas of interest include medication management and psychiatric evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorders. Lina’s approach to treating patients focuses on individual treatment plans and on integrative psychiatry by applying evidence-based psychopharmacological, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle modifications. Lina will listen to you with empathy and will partner with you on your wellness journey.
Areas of interest include medication management and psychiatric evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorders. Lina’s approach to treating patients focuses on individual treatment plans and on integrative psychiatry by applying evidence-based psychopharmacological, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle modifications. Lina will listen to you with empathy and will partner with you on your wellness journey.
![Photo of Alicia Soucy, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/851d501e-627f-43ec-a97a-be595d97c258/1/320x400.png)
Alicia Soucy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bangor, ME 04401 (Online Only)
I provide medication management services to individuals over the age of 18. At this time, I am not providing intensive therapy or therapy only. I provide treatment for all mental disorders including depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma disorders. I am dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate, personalized and evidence-based care. I emphasize the importance of developing a trusting relationship to help all clients reach their health goals.
I provide medication management services to individuals over the age of 18. At this time, I am not providing intensive therapy or therapy only. I provide treatment for all mental disorders including depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma disorders. I am dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate, personalized and evidence-based care. I emphasize the importance of developing a trusting relationship to help all clients reach their health goals.
![Photo of Dolores Van Bourgondien - Open Door Wellness, PMHNP, ANP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c9c7102-b4ca-4052-b0b0-6652c3eb1e5f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Open Door Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ANP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rockland, ME 04841
My goal is to provide help and solutions to those clients suffering from burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression and PTSD especially those who use maladaptive behaviors to cope. Together we will discover and expose the root causes and create concrete and positive strategies to increase coping and resilience. In addition to being a PMHNP I am also trauma trained and continue to add additional training yearly. I can provide medication management to alleviate symptoms while we do therapy to uncover the root causes. You will learn concrete take home tools to increase resiliency and coping.
My goal is to provide help and solutions to those clients suffering from burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression and PTSD especially those who use maladaptive behaviors to cope. Together we will discover and expose the root causes and create concrete and positive strategies to increase coping and resilience. In addition to being a PMHNP I am also trauma trained and continue to add additional training yearly. I can provide medication management to alleviate symptoms while we do therapy to uncover the root causes. You will learn concrete take home tools to increase resiliency and coping.
![Photo of Brownson Irondi, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, MBA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa6baa46-56c7-4fcb-bc1a-3d6b07ccef91/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brownson Irondi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC, MBA
Verified Verified
Houlton, ME 04730 (Online Only)
Dr. Brownson Irondi is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who graduated from the post master's psychiatry, and mental health program of University of New Hampshire. Prior to that, obtained his FNP-BC, and DNP degrees from Wagner College in New York. Dr. Irondi has training and experience in treatment and therapy for patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan including, PTSD/trauma, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Dr. Irondi possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients and families.
Dr. Brownson Irondi is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who graduated from the post master's psychiatry, and mental health program of University of New Hampshire. Prior to that, obtained his FNP-BC, and DNP degrees from Wagner College in New York. Dr. Irondi has training and experience in treatment and therapy for patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan including, PTSD/trauma, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Dr. Irondi possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients and families.
![Photo of Janet Zalanskas, PMH NP, PMH CS, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00d8f702-0864-4d26-8a3b-0356028d26e6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janet Zalanskas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMH NP, PMH CS, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
Waterville, ME 04901
People looking to clarify diagnosis and for psychiatric medication. Helping patients to minimize side effects from medications.
People looking to clarify diagnosis and for psychiatric medication. Helping patients to minimize side effects from medications.
![Photo of Sarah Jewell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/824c4ae7-4836-4eb8-9a5b-3fd5117a4fd0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Dr. Sarah Jewell, and I am dual certified as a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner. I enjoy helping others by reducing their anxiety and depression symptoms and helping them realize better days are ahead. By using active listening, motivational interviewing, and supportive techniques, my patients will feel more positive about life. I have many years of experience working with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia.
Hello! My name is Dr. Sarah Jewell, and I am dual certified as a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner. I enjoy helping others by reducing their anxiety and depression symptoms and helping them realize better days are ahead. By using active listening, motivational interviewing, and supportive techniques, my patients will feel more positive about life. I have many years of experience working with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia.
![Photo of Kati Boucher - Arbor Psychiatry Pllc, PMHNP, MS, , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa808165-c0ec-4b2e-8a76-3f0d352831ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Arbor Psychiatry Pllc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MS,
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orono, ME 04473
I believe that everyone has a right to transparent and caring mental health treatment. Mental health is just as important as physical health and often there is significant overlap, when the mind is not healthy the body suffers. I have experience working with children and adults, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I work with patients on a variety of concerns: anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, grief, addiction as well as other disorders. I believe that with support and guidance mental illness should not hold back anyone from living a fulfilling and happy life. I offer both in-person and telehealth.
I believe that everyone has a right to transparent and caring mental health treatment. Mental health is just as important as physical health and often there is significant overlap, when the mind is not healthy the body suffers. I have experience working with children and adults, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I work with patients on a variety of concerns: anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, grief, addiction as well as other disorders. I believe that with support and guidance mental illness should not hold back anyone from living a fulfilling and happy life. I offer both in-person and telehealth.
![Photo of Dr. Marianne Bernadino, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/210e970a-4a13-4b23-b980-f0754fad3e0b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bernadino is an Interventional Psychiatrist practicing in Camden, Maine. She is currently accepting new patients for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy and Spravato. Her availability for medication management fluctuates. For current availability, please call the office.
Dr. Bernadino is an Interventional Psychiatrist practicing in Camden, Maine. She is currently accepting new patients for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine therapy and Spravato. Her availability for medication management fluctuates. For current availability, please call the office.
![Photo of Layla Billings, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03952b68-435c-4b64-8809-07e83d4b4832/1/320x400.jpeg)
Layla Billings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farmington, ME 04938
You've been struggling for a long time and it's overwhelming. You hold it together to show up for work, keep your life together, but this is not sustainable. It feels like telling your story to someone new takes way more energy than you have, and you've reached out for help in the past with mixed results. You don't want someone who just throws out one medication after another, but you know medicine could help and you want to try. You need someone who listens and truly gets what's going on with you, who can help you embody your best self and feel ready to manage what life throws at you.
You've been struggling for a long time and it's overwhelming. You hold it together to show up for work, keep your life together, but this is not sustainable. It feels like telling your story to someone new takes way more energy than you have, and you've reached out for help in the past with mixed results. You don't want someone who just throws out one medication after another, but you know medicine could help and you want to try. You need someone who listens and truly gets what's going on with you, who can help you embody your best self and feel ready to manage what life throws at you.
![Photo of Lori Lalime - Aurora Behavioral Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ca3f403-1f12-4de8-88a9-ed84e46db498/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aurora Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ellsworth, ME 04605 (Online Only)
I believe that mental health is as important as physical health. I have worked with all ages, both inpatient and outpatient and would be honored to be your partner in healing and happiness. I work with patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, trauma and grief as well as psychotic disorders. I believe that every person deserves to live the best life that they can and that mental illness should not be a barrier to a happy life. I deliver care via telehealth. I currently am only accepting credit card payment but am happy to provide a detailed bill for submission to insurance if requested.
I believe that mental health is as important as physical health. I have worked with all ages, both inpatient and outpatient and would be honored to be your partner in healing and happiness. I work with patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, trauma and grief as well as psychotic disorders. I believe that every person deserves to live the best life that they can and that mental illness should not be a barrier to a happy life. I deliver care via telehealth. I currently am only accepting credit card payment but am happy to provide a detailed bill for submission to insurance if requested.
![Photo of Bobby Morton, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/496040b8-481a-4aa1-b98b-b479ff62d6a0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Bobby Morton, I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I utilize evidence-based approaches to help people manage their mental health struggles. In addition to medication management, I also provide Behavioral Activation Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as other supportive therapies. I work with patients between the ages of 13 and 65. I treat most conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and thought disorders.
Hello, my name is Bobby Morton, I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I utilize evidence-based approaches to help people manage their mental health struggles. In addition to medication management, I also provide Behavioral Activation Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as other supportive therapies. I work with patients between the ages of 13 and 65. I treat most conditions including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and thought disorders.
![Photo of Theresa Rush, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91891ee1-e87b-40d4-b216-e1fbde9a501a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Theresa Rush
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hallowell, ME 04347 (Online Only)
A Grateful Mind LLC: As a Maine-based telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide high-quality psychiatric evaluations and medication management to clients statewide. My practice emphasizes tailored care based on thorough assessments and evidence-based practices to support your mental health and well-being. Please note that while I offer comprehensive psychiatric care, I do not prescribe or manage stimulants or benzodiazepines. This focus allows me to concentrate on other areas of mental health treatment, ensuring personalized and effective care.
A Grateful Mind LLC: As a Maine-based telehealth Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide high-quality psychiatric evaluations and medication management to clients statewide. My practice emphasizes tailored care based on thorough assessments and evidence-based practices to support your mental health and well-being. Please note that while I offer comprehensive psychiatric care, I do not prescribe or manage stimulants or benzodiazepines. This focus allows me to concentrate on other areas of mental health treatment, ensuring personalized and effective care.
![Photo of Pascale Kidane - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, MSN, APRN, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ada93f1-2538-4944-904c-9e98088b515c/2/320x400.jpeg)
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, CNP
Verified Verified
Augusta, ME 04330 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits for entire state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We 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 your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Accepting Optum/UHC/UBH insurances.
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits for entire state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We 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 your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Accepting Optum/UHC/UBH insurances.
![Photo of Courtney McClendon, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85da21e3-3d68-4db0-8e99-7a83947c3417/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new clients of all ages! Embracing mental health care is not just about managing symptoms—it’s a pathway to understanding oneself, cultivating resilience, and developing coping strategies for life's challenges. I am Heather McClendon, APRN, PMHNP-BC - I work with all patients aged 6 and up, providing psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, brief psychotherapy, and psychotropic medication management. Specialties include, but are not limited to; depression disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, sleep disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and more.
Accepting new clients of all ages! Embracing mental health care is not just about managing symptoms—it’s a pathway to understanding oneself, cultivating resilience, and developing coping strategies for life's challenges. I am Heather McClendon, APRN, PMHNP-BC - I work with all patients aged 6 and up, providing psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, brief psychotherapy, and psychotropic medication management. Specialties include, but are not limited to; depression disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, sleep disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and more.
![Photo of Tonya Shantel Escobar, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8887ba60-c35f-4ba3-bd60-54f80cc9a2c6/1/320x400.png)
Tonya Shantel Escobar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bangor, ME 04401 (Online Only)
www.healthymindsrx.com Visit my website first. I offer quick convenient telehealth utilizing a professional approach. As a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse, with the ability to Prescribe Psych MEDS if needed.
www.healthymindsrx.com Visit my website first. I offer quick convenient telehealth utilizing a professional approach. As a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse, with the ability to Prescribe Psych MEDS if needed.
![Photo of Adam Horn, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cda3404-0b68-411f-a9db-8e179a3a7c38/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adam Horn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bangor, ME 04401 (Online Only)
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
Adam is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction issues. He has more than 25 years of experience in mental health, as a psychotherapist with a Cognitive Behavioral approach and as a nurse practitioner. He has helped people from all walks of life, all sorts of life experiences, from the coasts of Washington State to hills of Tennessee and Virginia; urban and rural. He believes our pasts do not dictate our futures; and through a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we are all capable of change and creating a better life.
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Passadumkeag, ME
< 10
Psychiatrists in Passadumkeag, ME who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
2 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Harvard Pilgrim |
How Psychiatrists in Passadumkeag, ME see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Passadumkeag?
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.