Psychiatrists in Cleveland, OH
![Photo of Daija Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/439281f2-c7da-4739-9d9d-e1cdf5ccd01e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Daija Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44103 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Daija Jones, Founder of Cultivating & Curing the Mind LLC. I have a background in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Prisons, and Mental Health. I found my passion to serve in the Mental Health field through working in the Emergency Rooms as well as working in the Prisons. Mental Health has been one of the greatest healthcare struggles across the country for years and that is why I put in the work to join the fight.
Hello, my name is Daija Jones, Founder of Cultivating & Curing the Mind LLC. I have a background in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Prisons, and Mental Health. I found my passion to serve in the Mental Health field through working in the Emergency Rooms as well as working in the Prisons. Mental Health has been one of the greatest healthcare struggles across the country for years and that is why I put in the work to join the fight.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5433bd7-ccb9-4654-8d23-2cf7cbe4e053/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Jessie Maumburudze, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/796980a9-f618-4df5-b8c9-fc5107b2e890/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessie Maumburudze
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Hi! I am dual Board certified in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Master's in Nursing degree and post graduate degree at Ursuline College, Ohio.
Hi! I am dual Board certified in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my Master's in Nursing degree and post graduate degree at Ursuline College, Ohio.
![Photo of Amanda Bowsman, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90cb3978-e85a-47d0-845b-e80cb3317e5f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Bowsman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44113 (Online Only)
Welcome ! My name is Amanda and I have 17 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings including psychiatry, medical-surgical nursing, oncology, and critical care. I obtained my MSN in Psychiatry from Indiana Wesleyan University and my BSN from Ohio University. I have worked in community mental health and inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
Welcome ! My name is Amanda and I have 17 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings including psychiatry, medical-surgical nursing, oncology, and critical care. I obtained my MSN in Psychiatry from Indiana Wesleyan University and my BSN from Ohio University. I have worked in community mental health and inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
![Photo of Nytisha Smith, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d12b29f-b836-4b88-b72d-9b80b0289c6f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nytisha Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44102 (Online Only)
Nytisha Smith is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Case Western University where she obtained her degree as a registered nurse and her Master degree for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. She now practices full time, and works with patients between the ages of 4-26 to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Nytisha uses a combination of medication management and psychotherapy to make sure that her patients have a well balanced care plan that they feel good about. She likes for her patients to feel as though she is a partner in their care.
Nytisha Smith is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Case Western University where she obtained her degree as a registered nurse and her Master degree for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. She now practices full time, and works with patients between the ages of 4-26 to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Nytisha uses a combination of medication management and psychotherapy to make sure that her patients have a well balanced care plan that they feel good about. She likes for her patients to feel as though she is a partner in their care.
![Photo of Mina Devine, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f666d2d7-e4e3-4a38-85be-a33d5b3fd5c9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mina Devine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
I am a Doctorate Prepared, Family Board Certified, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I see clients from ages 5 to 75 years old. I am a clinician that strives to provide care with honesty and compassion. I will actively listen to your needs and be honest with you about the ways I can help. I welcome full transparency from my clients. I really want to know how you are feeling and how treatment is working for you.
I am a Doctorate Prepared, Family Board Certified, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I see clients from ages 5 to 75 years old. I am a clinician that strives to provide care with honesty and compassion. I will actively listen to your needs and be honest with you about the ways I can help. I welcome full transparency from my clients. I really want to know how you are feeling and how treatment is working for you.
![Photo of Selena Willen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/386e1274-d7f4-42ef-965a-4e3923a7e006/1/320x400.png)
My name is Skye Willen, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong passion for working with both pediatric and adult populations. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health care, helping individuals achieve well-being and improve their quality of life. In my free time, I love to travel and take photographs. I also enjoy reading, hiking, swimming, and skiing. Walking my dog and spending time with my family are some of my favorite ways to relax and recharge.
My name is Skye Willen, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a strong passion for working with both pediatric and adult populations. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health care, helping individuals achieve well-being and improve their quality of life. In my free time, I love to travel and take photographs. I also enjoy reading, hiking, swimming, and skiing. Walking my dog and spending time with my family are some of my favorite ways to relax and recharge.
![Photo of Vinod Bhandari - TelaMD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33a47ee9-e63c-4216-8394-39d71d8faa78/2/320x400.jpeg)
TelaMD offers Mental Health Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a provider at your convenience. We have a waiting period of only a few days and are currently accepting patients. Please call us at (216) 238-3555 if you would like to set up an appointment.
TelaMD offers Mental Health Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a provider at your convenience. We have a waiting period of only a few days and are currently accepting patients. Please call us at (216) 238-3555 if you would like to set up an appointment.
![Photo of Berline Frye, PMHNP, AGNP-BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d83b7a55-259c-4f55-9c9a-bf7c1f450145/1/320x400.jpeg)
Berline Frye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, AGNP-BC, MSN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Are you looking for a provider that listens to you ,gives you time and pay attention to your mental health needs? Have you tried to navigate the difficult world of finding a Mental provider that spends more than 15 minutes to ensure you have a correct diagnosis and treatment. Look no more! I provide diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and therapy services in a safe environment. After trying so long to find help for my own Loved ones, I made it my mission to do things differently, work harder to foster a safe environment for all patients, truly care for patients, and share good practices in empathy and understanding.
Are you looking for a provider that listens to you ,gives you time and pay attention to your mental health needs? Have you tried to navigate the difficult world of finding a Mental provider that spends more than 15 minutes to ensure you have a correct diagnosis and treatment. Look no more! I provide diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and therapy services in a safe environment. After trying so long to find help for my own Loved ones, I made it my mission to do things differently, work harder to foster a safe environment for all patients, truly care for patients, and share good practices in empathy and understanding.
![Photo of Angela R Combs, MSN, PMHNPBC, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cffcb6d-1cf7-46b2-ab32-1b274f69cdf5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela R Combs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Hello! Book with me now through my website! I am a medication provider. I am excited to meet you and looking forward to the opportunity to work with you! I believe care is unique to each person and I believe that you deserve the privacy and respect you want. I know that sometimes it is overwhelming to speak to a new person or to tell your story over and over. I know that there are parts of your story that are not my business to ask. When we meet, I will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing, how long the symptoms have lasted, and if there is a family history of people with these symptoms. Come as you are, let's talk.
Hello! Book with me now through my website! I am a medication provider. I am excited to meet you and looking forward to the opportunity to work with you! I believe care is unique to each person and I believe that you deserve the privacy and respect you want. I know that sometimes it is overwhelming to speak to a new person or to tell your story over and over. I know that there are parts of your story that are not my business to ask. When we meet, I will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing, how long the symptoms have lasted, and if there is a family history of people with these symptoms. Come as you are, let's talk.
![Photo of Steven Gatte, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a50d48e-b28c-4fff-b8f5-cabbe53ace8c/1/320x400.png)
Steven Gatte I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about supporting my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth. I specialize in Psychiatry as well as addiction. I have a wide variety of experience within psychiatry including but not limited to bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD to name a few. I also have numerous years of experience in the field of addiction including but not limited to marijuana use, opioid use, cocaine use, alcohol use, methamphetamine use, benzodiazepine use disorders to name a few.
Steven Gatte I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about supporting my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth. I specialize in Psychiatry as well as addiction. I have a wide variety of experience within psychiatry including but not limited to bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD to name a few. I also have numerous years of experience in the field of addiction including but not limited to marijuana use, opioid use, cocaine use, alcohol use, methamphetamine use, benzodiazepine use disorders to name a few.
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![Photo of Olivetta Uradu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17035e55-8cdb-4a69-bd95-a2424cbfb871/1/320x400.jpeg)
Start your mental health treatment with Dr. Olivetta Uradu. Board-certified psychiatrist, trained at Howard University College of Medicine and Yale University. Dr. Uradu provides culturally sensitive mental health care to adults of various backgrounds with an expertise in women's mental health and addiction. Her treatment is guided by a conscious, equitable and collaborative philosophy to mental health. With Dr. Uradu, you can anticipate a compassionate approach to your care.
Start your mental health treatment with Dr. Olivetta Uradu. Board-certified psychiatrist, trained at Howard University College of Medicine and Yale University. Dr. Uradu provides culturally sensitive mental health care to adults of various backgrounds with an expertise in women's mental health and addiction. Her treatment is guided by a conscious, equitable and collaborative philosophy to mental health. With Dr. Uradu, you can anticipate a compassionate approach to your care.
![Photo of Akeem Adeniyi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4a21826-ddbc-49a3-b944-532423dc06db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Akeem Adeniyi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm a licensed Professional Psychiatry NP base in Lima, Ohio. I received two Masters degree from University of Cincinnati, one in Family practice NP, and one as a Psychiatry NP and board certified by ANCC and AANP. I have been practicing for 5 years has Psych NP and i have been opportune to be of service to many patients. It is a great privilege in helping others, as bringing happiness to others through my job bring happiness to me as well. I am passionate about mental health and look forward to meeting you today!
Hi! I'm a licensed Professional Psychiatry NP base in Lima, Ohio. I received two Masters degree from University of Cincinnati, one in Family practice NP, and one as a Psychiatry NP and board certified by ANCC and AANP. I have been practicing for 5 years has Psych NP and i have been opportune to be of service to many patients. It is a great privilege in helping others, as bringing happiness to others through my job bring happiness to me as well. I am passionate about mental health and look forward to meeting you today!
![Photo of Michelle Meyer, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f05f630-a182-4a28-acdb-8cad19bd15a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Meyer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing anxiety or depression and feeling like you're not where you want to be in life? Do you need support and guidance to achieve the life you desire? I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome their mental health symptoms. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, I can prescribe medication if needed. I believe medication is a helpful tool in the healing process toward achieving optimal well-being. Let's work together towards your goals.
Are you experiencing anxiety or depression and feeling like you're not where you want to be in life? Do you need support and guidance to achieve the life you desire? I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome their mental health symptoms. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, I can prescribe medication if needed. I believe medication is a helpful tool in the healing process toward achieving optimal well-being. Let's work together towards your goals.
![Photo of Summer Lawson - Summer, Psyched, PsychedCbus via Grow Therapy, MSN BS, MSW BA, LISWd, APRNCNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95435c29-7c57-4ecc-8aa3-2fae7c874029/2/320x400.jpeg)
Summer, Psyched, PsychedCbus via Grow Therapy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN BS, MSW BA, LISWd, APRNCNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Hi, I am Summer, your new psychiatric mental health provider, therapist, counselor, and coach. Congratulations, you are here! Get ready to get PSYCHED, because you have navigated yourself to the right place. You want to re-ignite that passion. Whether you are an executive professional, a medical practitioner, SAHM, career academic, in between life phases, or … As person who has realized life is not what it can be anymore, let’s work together and get that drive back. Know, right now you are doing the best you can and “go you” for recognizing you have the potential to do it more efficiently. Work smarter, not harder as they say.
Hi, I am Summer, your new psychiatric mental health provider, therapist, counselor, and coach. Congratulations, you are here! Get ready to get PSYCHED, because you have navigated yourself to the right place. You want to re-ignite that passion. Whether you are an executive professional, a medical practitioner, SAHM, career academic, in between life phases, or … As person who has realized life is not what it can be anymore, let’s work together and get that drive back. Know, right now you are doing the best you can and “go you” for recognizing you have the potential to do it more efficiently. Work smarter, not harder as they say.
![Photo of Nicholas Eilbeck, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c6e83f6-0f9e-4128-b5bb-801767e57904/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Eilbeck serves as Division Associate Medical Director for LifeStance Health. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he also was Chief Fellow. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Eilbeck served as Chief Resident during his adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
Dr. Eilbeck serves as Division Associate Medical Director for LifeStance Health. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, where he also was Chief Fellow. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After completing medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Eilbeck served as Chief Resident during his adult psychiatry training at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
![Photo of Navjoth Karuvannur, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3b4696a-6a84-4af3-9b5f-0259ed3b2cf8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Karuvannur (Dr. K) is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2018. He is dual board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He trained in adult psychiatry at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY where he served as the education committee representative. He completed his child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Cleveland Clinic where he served as chief fellow. He is a member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association.
Dr. Karuvannur (Dr. K) is a Psychiatrist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2018. He is dual board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He trained in adult psychiatry at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY where he served as the education committee representative. He completed his child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Cleveland Clinic where he served as chief fellow. He is a member of the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Ohio Psychiatric Physician’s Association.
![Photo of Rashid Shaibu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4d16486-6928-46f6-b093-8f326559847d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rashid Shaibu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
Hello, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) . I obtained my Family Nurse Practitioner certification from The Ohio State University (OSU) and my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from Northern Kentucky University (NKU).
Hello, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) . I obtained my Family Nurse Practitioner certification from The Ohio State University (OSU) and my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from Northern Kentucky University (NKU).
![Photo of April DeBiasi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55d28c67-965d-4d8a-a8c2-fc8e9093dd23/1/320x400.jpeg)
April DeBiasi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44114 (Online Only)
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
April DeBiasi is a nurse practitioner dually board certified in psychiatric and mental health as well as Adult-Geriatric primary care nurse practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.She sees adults ages 18 to 100 and she specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorder, dementia, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.
![Photo of Ariel Mintz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25622de7-5d42-48af-b2a5-334c64d497f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ariel Mintz, dual certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, attended medical school at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. He trained in General Psychiatry at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic. He previously founded and worked at Kesher Psychiatry, an early adopter of telepsychiatry.
Dr. Ariel Mintz, dual certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, attended medical school at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. He trained in General Psychiatry at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota and completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic. He previously founded and worked at Kesher Psychiatry, an early adopter of telepsychiatry.
See more therapy options for Cleveland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Cleveland, OH
100+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Cleveland, OH who prioritize treating:
97% | Depression |
97% | Anxiety |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Trauma and PTSD |
77% | Medication Management |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
98% | Cigna and Evernorth |
93% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Cleveland, OH see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Female | |
34% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Cleveland?
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.