Psychiatrists in Jackson, MI
![Photo of Manzar Rajput - Great Lakes Psychiatric Associates, PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9275e218-e4b6-4404-9ef7-850e3acbe979/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rajput is a highly experienced and globally respected psychiatrist. He completed a prestigious fellowship at Stanford University and holds board certifications in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. Over the past 24 years, Dr. Rajput has been at the forefront of treating a wide range of psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar illness, and ADHD. His goal is to bring people to their full potential, enabling them to enjoy life and achieve their goals. He possesses the expertise to provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and prescribe necessary medications to improve patients' quality of life.
Dr. Rajput is a highly experienced and globally respected psychiatrist. He completed a prestigious fellowship at Stanford University and holds board certifications in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. Over the past 24 years, Dr. Rajput has been at the forefront of treating a wide range of psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar illness, and ADHD. His goal is to bring people to their full potential, enabling them to enjoy life and achieve their goals. He possesses the expertise to provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and prescribe necessary medications to improve patients' quality of life.
Psychiatric patients have a wide range of symptoms, and come from every walk of life. Ultimately, psychiatry is about helping people who are having difficulty reaching their potential. While the focus is on symptoms and their treatment, the goal is to improve the ability to function. Thus, I am interested particularly in people who want to improve themselves.
Psychiatric patients have a wide range of symptoms, and come from every walk of life. Ultimately, psychiatry is about helping people who are having difficulty reaching their potential. While the focus is on symptoms and their treatment, the goal is to improve the ability to function. Thus, I am interested particularly in people who want to improve themselves.
![Photo of Philicia Richmond Great Lakes Psychiatric Associates, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f76b1fe-6a1a-40ed-a973-32822343a1a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Philicia Richmond Great Lakes Psychiatric Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Jackson, MI 49201
Philicia Richmond, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of practice experience at Henry Ford in Jackson, Michigan who specializes in adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She has honed her skills in providing comprehensive psychiatric care and is dedicated to addressing a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, ADHD, dementia, schizophrenia, and social anxiety, among others.
Philicia Richmond, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of practice experience at Henry Ford in Jackson, Michigan who specializes in adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She has honed her skills in providing comprehensive psychiatric care and is dedicated to addressing a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, ADHD, dementia, schizophrenia, and social anxiety, among others.
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/339f8975-8331-4429-8afc-8648f452d4ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Dr. Anjuli Shah, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a8ce68f-7d97-43a3-bca0-f1b29834373c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shah is more than your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.
Dr. Shah is more than your typical psychiatrist. She embraces a harmonious blend of innovative practices alongside traditional clinical approaches, attuned to your individual needs. To provide bespoke treatment, Dr. Shah is trained in a diversity of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and trauma-focused therapy as well as motivational interviewing. With Board certification in psychiatry, Dr. Shah stands as your expert ally, ready to unlock mental and emotional health through a truly whole-person approach.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dad6e98-7474-47c5-8fbf-edee274faf50/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of LaToshia L. Baruti - Integrated Solutions II, LLC, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/052ffd7a-7701-4812-ad4c-49183d55d660/2/320x400.jpeg)
Integrated Solutions II, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jackson, MI 49202 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Our approach at Integrated Solutions, II centers on integrative care, a healing process for medical and psychiatric ailments that lends itself to the broader concepts of health promotion (e.g. lifestyle counseling and dietary guidance) and prevention of illness. This fundamental principle has served as the platform of our clients and company success for many years. In other words, we focus on every aspect of the person. We are supported by a team of expert clinicians, both locally and nationally, we bring a collection of skill-sets equipped to manage the most perplexing issues.
Our approach at Integrated Solutions, II centers on integrative care, a healing process for medical and psychiatric ailments that lends itself to the broader concepts of health promotion (e.g. lifestyle counseling and dietary guidance) and prevention of illness. This fundamental principle has served as the platform of our clients and company success for many years. In other words, we focus on every aspect of the person. We are supported by a team of expert clinicians, both locally and nationally, we bring a collection of skill-sets equipped to manage the most perplexing issues.
![Photo of Angela Braun - Arbor Video Psych and ADHD, PAC, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1f39498-6abb-4400-8d80-5441ab0fb703/1/320x400.png)
New patient openings within a week. See openings and book an online appointment at AnnArborPsych.com. FOCUS: ADHD, Anxiety, Mood, PTSD. While I employ research based diagnostic and treatment modalities, my training goes far beyond this to encompass expertise both on the medical side and psychiatric side. I have additional trainings, including with Dr. Akash Kumar MD known for his multi layered diagnostic approach to assess nutritional, medical, psychiatric, and cognitive dimensions. Because of my background, I am uniquely able to look at the oft missed root causes of subtle medical conditions that contribute to emotional difficulty.
New patient openings within a week. See openings and book an online appointment at AnnArborPsych.com. FOCUS: ADHD, Anxiety, Mood, PTSD. While I employ research based diagnostic and treatment modalities, my training goes far beyond this to encompass expertise both on the medical side and psychiatric side. I have additional trainings, including with Dr. Akash Kumar MD known for his multi layered diagnostic approach to assess nutritional, medical, psychiatric, and cognitive dimensions. Because of my background, I am uniquely able to look at the oft missed root causes of subtle medical conditions that contribute to emotional difficulty.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Lauren Henderson, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d07dbfe-e65a-43e5-8e1a-d62445ccacd6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lauren Henderson is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2022. She received her medical degree at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency program at Authority Health Residency Program. Dr. Henderson diagnoses and treats adolescents and adults. She treats patients with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, psychosis, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar depression, PTSD, grief, and psycho-oncology.
Dr. Lauren Henderson is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2022. She received her medical degree at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency program at Authority Health Residency Program. Dr. Henderson diagnoses and treats adolescents and adults. She treats patients with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, psychosis, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar depression, PTSD, grief, and psycho-oncology.
![Photo of Vantis Telemedicine - Vantis Telemedicine, PMHNP, PhD, LCSW, LMSW, NP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7b24de9-1f40-4cc5-90d1-2ae4aa37cd95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vantis Telemedicine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD, LCSW, LMSW, NP-C
Verified Verified
Troy, MI 48083
Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? We get it. Mental health struggles are no joke, but you don't have to face them alone. At Vantis Telemedicine, our team of compassionate psychiatric experts is here to help you find the light. With evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, we'll walk with you on your journey to wellness.
Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? We get it. Mental health struggles are no joke, but you don't have to face them alone. At Vantis Telemedicine, our team of compassionate psychiatric experts is here to help you find the light. With evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, we'll walk with you on your journey to wellness.
![Photo of Nicole Rea, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d33fdbf-5166-4e94-89b7-cb3ea4e040c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I completed my nursing degree in 2010, then pursued advanced education, earning my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing from Spring Arbor University. Throughout my career and training, I have gained clinical experience in various psychiatric settings including inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, and community mental health centers. I prioritize building trusting therapeutic relationships with my patients and collaboratively making decisions that best meet your needs.
Hello! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I completed my nursing degree in 2010, then pursued advanced education, earning my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing from Spring Arbor University. Throughout my career and training, I have gained clinical experience in various psychiatric settings including inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, and community mental health centers. I prioritize building trusting therapeutic relationships with my patients and collaboratively making decisions that best meet your needs.
![Photo of Roy Meland, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38a7555c-6d71-48ac-aac5-a34a3e36e553/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Roy Meland is a seasoned clinical psychiatrist, serving the Greater Lansing area since 1999. He completed his training at Michigan State University before embarking on a diverse career journey. With experience spanning practice through community mental health, addiction medicine, rehabilitation psychiatry, and private practice, Dr. Meland brings a comprehensive understanding and compassionate approach to his patients' care. His dedication to mental health advocacy and personalized treatment has earned him respect and recognition in his field, having served on local and national boards developing best mental health practices.
Dr. Roy Meland is a seasoned clinical psychiatrist, serving the Greater Lansing area since 1999. He completed his training at Michigan State University before embarking on a diverse career journey. With experience spanning practice through community mental health, addiction medicine, rehabilitation psychiatry, and private practice, Dr. Meland brings a comprehensive understanding and compassionate approach to his patients' care. His dedication to mental health advocacy and personalized treatment has earned him respect and recognition in his field, having served on local and national boards developing best mental health practices.
![Photo of Chidinma (Chichi) Okogbue, NP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01efc595-b210-4667-8287-f56c235edccc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chidinma (Chichi) Okogbue
Psychiatric Nurse, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (Online Only)
If you are feeling down, overwhelmed, feeling disconnected from yourself, have a hard time concentrating, wondering what needs to be done. Chichi believes in helping you figure it out and will work with you to plan the best care that suits you. I am a mental health nurse practitioner and I provide medication management for various mental health conditions. I have experience in managing anxiety, depression, ODD, Bipolar disorder, OCD, psychosis, ADHD, as well as other mental health conditions.
If you are feeling down, overwhelmed, feeling disconnected from yourself, have a hard time concentrating, wondering what needs to be done. Chichi believes in helping you figure it out and will work with you to plan the best care that suits you. I am a mental health nurse practitioner and I provide medication management for various mental health conditions. I have experience in managing anxiety, depression, ODD, Bipolar disorder, OCD, psychosis, ADHD, as well as other mental health conditions.
![Photo of Lindsay-Rose Dykema, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c34f0b0c-080b-4a8a-b69e-58cdd489f677/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay-Rose Dykema is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her residency training at Columbia University. Lindsay-Rose is a queer psychiatrist and prison/police abolitionist who dabbles in narrative poetry and creative nonfiction. Her work has been published in psychiatric and leftist journals, poetry anthologies, and Slate Magazine. She will always offer a safe and affirming space. In her spare time, Lindsay-Rose enjoys yoga, running, writing (poetry and creative nonfiction), belting showtunes, petting cats.
Lindsay-Rose Dykema is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her residency training at Columbia University. Lindsay-Rose is a queer psychiatrist and prison/police abolitionist who dabbles in narrative poetry and creative nonfiction. Her work has been published in psychiatric and leftist journals, poetry anthologies, and Slate Magazine. She will always offer a safe and affirming space. In her spare time, Lindsay-Rose enjoys yoga, running, writing (poetry and creative nonfiction), belting showtunes, petting cats.
![Photo of Bridget Mary Hehir, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25c7d97a-7188-417e-8d85-b563d260b7a2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bridget Mary Hehir
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
As a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to providing holistic mental health care to people of all ages. With a focus on understanding the unique needs and challenges of each individual, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for my patients. I firmly believe in the mind-body connection. Integrating mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications, I help my clients achieve balance and resilience.
As a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am committed to providing holistic mental health care to people of all ages. With a focus on understanding the unique needs and challenges of each individual, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for my patients. I firmly believe in the mind-body connection. Integrating mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications, I help my clients achieve balance and resilience.
![Photo of Dawn Smith, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f67e73cd-e100-40ef-a0aa-5049dbf10562/1/320x400.png)
Dawn Smith is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicing in mid-Michigan. She specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychotic disorders, and panic disorders. Dawn works with people needing mental health support aged 6-65 years. Dawn is committed to providing holistic care, integrating mind, body, spirit, behaviors, and emotions for an integrated treatment plan. She has experience providing care in a variety of settings for mental health treatment including residential, long term, outpatient clinics, public health, and personal experience with family members and community.
Dawn Smith is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicing in mid-Michigan. She specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychotic disorders, and panic disorders. Dawn works with people needing mental health support aged 6-65 years. Dawn is committed to providing holistic care, integrating mind, body, spirit, behaviors, and emotions for an integrated treatment plan. She has experience providing care in a variety of settings for mental health treatment including residential, long term, outpatient clinics, public health, and personal experience with family members and community.
Family mental health services for all ages including individual counseling, medication management and advanced psychiatric care options such as TMS and Spravato.
Family mental health services for all ages including individual counseling, medication management and advanced psychiatric care options such as TMS and Spravato.
![Photo of Sarah Jukaku, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea76c475-e054-4a1c-a5d0-e6fc483b144c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our work together begins with an in-depth evaluation and thorough assessment of you, as the whole person that you are, aiming to understand your history and how you interact with the world around you in the context of the challenges you are facing today. Emerging from the evaluation, we will develop a shared understanding of any relevant diagnoses and work in partnership to create a highly personalized, evidence-based treatment plan that combines diverse modalities to build and support your mental health.
Our work together begins with an in-depth evaluation and thorough assessment of you, as the whole person that you are, aiming to understand your history and how you interact with the world around you in the context of the challenges you are facing today. Emerging from the evaluation, we will develop a shared understanding of any relevant diagnoses and work in partnership to create a highly personalized, evidence-based treatment plan that combines diverse modalities to build and support your mental health.
![Photo of Don Oscar Smith - A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services, LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d64cac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist specializing in the true integration of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy. I believe in active collaboration with patients to achieve treatment goals, while reducing the need for psychotropic medication when appropriate. I encourage patients, within an empathic and supportive environment, to gain a better understanding of themselves in order to facilitate positive change.
I'm a board-certified adult and child psychiatrist specializing in the true integration of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy. I believe in active collaboration with patients to achieve treatment goals, while reducing the need for psychotropic medication when appropriate. I encourage patients, within an empathic and supportive environment, to gain a better understanding of themselves in order to facilitate positive change.
![Photo of Amita Kapoor, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ca9fcf6-ee28-48b0-8950-8fb27dd1ad69/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amita Kapoor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brighton, MI 48116
My vision is to reach out to individuals in the community to provide compassionate and timely mental health care. My treatment approach is based on accepting every individual as and where they are and helping them through their journey towards a complete and more holistic version of themselves. I understand that addressing mental health needs can be a challenge and am willing to go above and beyond to provide better mental health for you, by not only utilizing my skills and experience built on trusted and established first-line treatment options, but also thinking out of the box by exploring new avenues.
My vision is to reach out to individuals in the community to provide compassionate and timely mental health care. My treatment approach is based on accepting every individual as and where they are and helping them through their journey towards a complete and more holistic version of themselves. I understand that addressing mental health needs can be a challenge and am willing to go above and beyond to provide better mental health for you, by not only utilizing my skills and experience built on trusted and established first-line treatment options, but also thinking out of the box by exploring new avenues.
See more therapy options for Jackson
Nearby Searches for Jackson
See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Jackson, MI
< 10
Psychiatrists in Jackson, MI who prioritize treating:
88% | Depression |
88% | Anxiety |
88% | Bipolar Disorder |
88% | Stress |
75% | Grief |
75% | Suicidal Ideation |
75% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Jackson, MI see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
16% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Jackson?
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.