Psychiatrists in Angier, NC
![Photo of M. Katie Macaluso, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a990d099-fbfb-420f-9f15-4f972edfbb65/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Macaluso is a physician assistant who specializes in medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. She completed her PA program at Philadelphia University and began her career in psychiatry working in a crisis response center. She has treated patients in inpatient, detox, rehab and outpatient settings. She has worked with an array of patient populations and treats conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood, and psychotic disorders. She collaborates with a NC board certified physician as required by the states and utilizes evidence-based approach in her care plan.
Katie Macaluso is a physician assistant who specializes in medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. She completed her PA program at Philadelphia University and began her career in psychiatry working in a crisis response center. She has treated patients in inpatient, detox, rehab and outpatient settings. She has worked with an array of patient populations and treats conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood, and psychotic disorders. She collaborates with a NC board certified physician as required by the states and utilizes evidence-based approach in her care plan.
![Photo of Stephanie Lastra - Eclipse Mental Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d316057-a063-45f1-9de5-5d2fc237b90f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eclipse Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Angier, NC 27501 (Online Only)
My goal is to bring personalized and understanding mental health care to those struggling with issues related to stress, depression, adhd, and more.
My goal is to bring personalized and understanding mental health care to those struggling with issues related to stress, depression, adhd, and more.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Sarah Creekmore, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13555dd6-377b-4715-9db9-c7df29595d95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Creekmore
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (Online Only)
My goal is to provide patient-centered mental health treatment for pateints facing challenges such as ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, or Panic attacks. My patients usually see me because they feel overwhelmed and seek personalized care that respects their unique experiences. My aim is to offer empathy, understanding, and effective coping strategies to manage symptoms and improve daily life. By overcoming mental health stigmas and gaining self-understanding, clients can establish healthier habits.
My goal is to provide patient-centered mental health treatment for pateints facing challenges such as ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, OCD, or Panic attacks. My patients usually see me because they feel overwhelmed and seek personalized care that respects their unique experiences. My aim is to offer empathy, understanding, and effective coping strategies to manage symptoms and improve daily life. By overcoming mental health stigmas and gaining self-understanding, clients can establish healthier habits.
![Photo of Robert K. Matlack - Best Day Psychiatry & Counseling, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49df1ad0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
![Photo of Shela West Illusions Dissolved Pllc, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0fa34ae-bca0-4633-b73e-172e69a9ba14/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shela West Illusions Dissolved Pllc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (Online Only)
Welcome to Illusions Dissolved Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC, where we believe that unraveling the illusions that cloud our minds is the key to unlocking genuine mental well-being. Changing one's perception and letting go of societal pressures, external expectations, and illusions that hinder self-expression can be an essential step towards healing. Shela A. West is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in addressing complex mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Welcome to Illusions Dissolved Mental Health and Wellness, PLLC, where we believe that unraveling the illusions that cloud our minds is the key to unlocking genuine mental well-being. Changing one's perception and letting go of societal pressures, external expectations, and illusions that hinder self-expression can be an essential step towards healing. Shela A. West is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in addressing complex mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
![Photo of Maimouna Diop, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6754e263-3907-4a0e-aff4-6040ebe427c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maimouna Diop
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (Online Only)
Maimouna Diop, “May” founder of Freedom Mind PLLC is a highly qualified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate degree and over 18 years of experience in mental health. She began her career as a Behavioral Health Technician and holds a Bachelor's in Art (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors. She continued her education at the University of South Alabama, where she earned a Master's in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors, focused on improving patient care for those at risk of Tardive Dyskinesia. She is certified by the ANCC and has trained with leading psychiatrists in various settin
Maimouna Diop, “May” founder of Freedom Mind PLLC is a highly qualified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate degree and over 18 years of experience in mental health. She began her career as a Behavioral Health Technician and holds a Bachelor's in Art (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors. She continued her education at the University of South Alabama, where she earned a Master's in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors, focused on improving patient care for those at risk of Tardive Dyskinesia. She is certified by the ANCC and has trained with leading psychiatrists in various settin
![Photo of Jamal Daher - Cana Psychiatric Health, PA-BC, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b1ac214-c861-4285-ac29-2a1c03e1620a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cana Psychiatric Health
Physician Assistant, PA-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Now Accepting New Patient-Are you overwhelmed in these troubled times? Is your anxiety or depression uncontrollable? I believe that it is vital to have a holistic and expansive knowledge on mental health while maintaining patient rapport with the use of effective interpersonal skills. Are you living with bipolar, PTSD and ADHD? Let us end the shame, guilt, doubt, hopelessness, helplessness, and lack of self-worth which often come with this. I am a physician assistant and board certified .
Now Accepting New Patient-Are you overwhelmed in these troubled times? Is your anxiety or depression uncontrollable? I believe that it is vital to have a holistic and expansive knowledge on mental health while maintaining patient rapport with the use of effective interpersonal skills. Are you living with bipolar, PTSD and ADHD? Let us end the shame, guilt, doubt, hopelessness, helplessness, and lack of self-worth which often come with this. I am a physician assistant and board certified .
![Photo of Jacqueline N Wenzel - Magnolia Psychiatry and Mental Wellness, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c26ee7f-7e0b-4b60-bc10-e1dec08f8f08/1/320x400.jpeg)
Magnolia Psychiatry and Mental Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
A genuine place where evidence-based research informs the best patient care. We use a knowledgeable and caring approach to give you the tools to improve your quality of life. We offer pharmacologic and therapeutic treatments for healing. Treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, phobias, and more.
A genuine place where evidence-based research informs the best patient care. We use a knowledgeable and caring approach to give you the tools to improve your quality of life. We offer pharmacologic and therapeutic treatments for healing. Treating a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, phobias, and more.
Jennifer Brinkley Mclean-Russ
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, APR, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Jan W West, RN, MSN, PMHCNS, /PMHNP, -BC, CARN-AP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41f2f855-3785-403b-b0fd-9a812270ef92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jan W West
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHCNS, /PMHNP, -BC, CARN-AP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
If you need appointments on off hours or appointments on the weekend, I will be able to see you. I have opened my private practice to provide respectful psychiatric services for people who want to work on improving their lives. If you have found it difficult to see progress, I may be the person that can help you make a difference. If you have felt that you do not matter, that the provider is just writing the prescription and moving you on, let me see if I can help you feel heard. If you do not leave a message, I can not call you back.
If you need appointments on off hours or appointments on the weekend, I will be able to see you. I have opened my private practice to provide respectful psychiatric services for people who want to work on improving their lives. If you have found it difficult to see progress, I may be the person that can help you make a difference. If you have felt that you do not matter, that the provider is just writing the prescription and moving you on, let me see if I can help you feel heard. If you do not leave a message, I can not call you back.
![Photo of Jacqueline Wait, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0588a2d4-a6fd-442f-9acf-873377f6f104/1/320x400.png)
Jacqueline Wait
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Laurinburg, NC 28352 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background in both inpatient and outpatient care. I've worked with patients dealing with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. My approach involves utilizing the latest diagnostic guidelines from the DSM and evidence-based treatments to support patients in reclaiming their well-being. I strongly believe in the significance of mental health, aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. My mission is to educate and empower individuals to make their mental health a priority.
Hi! I'm a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background in both inpatient and outpatient care. I've worked with patients dealing with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. My approach involves utilizing the latest diagnostic guidelines from the DSM and evidence-based treatments to support patients in reclaiming their well-being. I strongly believe in the significance of mental health, aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. My mission is to educate and empower individuals to make their mental health a priority.
![Photo of Rokima Knox, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1e19450-24a3-4b3e-9d49-833725e3e55f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rokima Knox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my master's from Walden University. I have been in the field of nursing for over 17 years. I have experience working with people across the lifespan treating mainly anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I offer ADHD evaluation for adults using an affirming, neurodivergent approach. Assessment areas include Executive Function, Anxiety & Mood, Trauma / Attachment, Sensory, and Language with the consideration of health, sleep, and environment.
Hi! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I received my master's from Walden University. I have been in the field of nursing for over 17 years. I have experience working with people across the lifespan treating mainly anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I offer ADHD evaluation for adults using an affirming, neurodivergent approach. Assessment areas include Executive Function, Anxiety & Mood, Trauma / Attachment, Sensory, and Language with the consideration of health, sleep, and environment.
![Photo of laurie Ann Powers - Sleep & Diet Restoration with Laurie Powers PA-C, PA-C , CAQ, CCMS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4388a01c-4dbb-4593-8738-985bd001b3a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sleep & Diet Restoration with Laurie Powers PA-C
Physician Assistant, PA-C , CAQ, CCMS
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Are you as frustrated with the medical system as I am? Do you wish your provider had more time to spend with you? Do you wish you were on less meds – or in some cases - none at all? Do you wish you felt healthy and well, both mentally and physically? Hi! My name is Laurie Powers and I have been a medical provider for over 30 years, more than 20 of these in psychiatry. I am a PA certified in Psychiatry and Primary Care. Frustrated with the system, I decided to go back to school to learn how to treat disease using a healthy lifestyle, something that is lacking in our American medical system that focuses on Big Pharma.
Are you as frustrated with the medical system as I am? Do you wish your provider had more time to spend with you? Do you wish you were on less meds – or in some cases - none at all? Do you wish you felt healthy and well, both mentally and physically? Hi! My name is Laurie Powers and I have been a medical provider for over 30 years, more than 20 of these in psychiatry. I am a PA certified in Psychiatry and Primary Care. Frustrated with the system, I decided to go back to school to learn how to treat disease using a healthy lifestyle, something that is lacking in our American medical system that focuses on Big Pharma.
![Photo of Tamiqua Jackson Luckey, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4f541e5-5ee9-4811-99c3-84b360d2e8e6/1/320x400.png)
Tamiqua Jackson Luckey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615 (Online Only)
Tamiqua is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) who diagnoses, treats, and manages various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, trauma/PTSD, and many others. Her practice foundation is built upon compassion and empathy, focusing on the care of young and older adults.
Tamiqua is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) who diagnoses, treats, and manages various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, trauma/PTSD, and many others. Her practice foundation is built upon compassion and empathy, focusing on the care of young and older adults.
![Photo of Kevin Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abec588e-2802-4bb4-b112-dc141842e9c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kevin Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103 (Online Only)
Hello, I am Kevin Jones. Psychiatry and helping others are ingrained in me. With my vast number of experiences over my 20-year medical and military career, to include raising two autistic boys, I have learned the importance of approaching each client with a profound respect for their unique journey and individual experiences. I believe in fostering a therapeutic environment that honors the autonomy and dignity of every person I serve. By viewing each client as a new soul in a new world, I prioritize building trust, empathy, and collaboration to co-create personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and aspirations.
Hello, I am Kevin Jones. Psychiatry and helping others are ingrained in me. With my vast number of experiences over my 20-year medical and military career, to include raising two autistic boys, I have learned the importance of approaching each client with a profound respect for their unique journey and individual experiences. I believe in fostering a therapeutic environment that honors the autonomy and dignity of every person I serve. By viewing each client as a new soul in a new world, I prioritize building trust, empathy, and collaboration to co-create personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and aspirations.
![Photo of Daniel Greene, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/187fec36-8695-43d1-9144-2d626da7da1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Harvard-trained, Board-certified psychiatrist, with expertise in treating children, adolescents, and adults. My patients tell me I'm a warm and caring guy, dedicated to helping them in any way I can. I treat a wide spectrum of psychiatric problems, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and eating disorders. I also help people deal with challenging life circumstances, such as loss and grief, relationship troubles, difficulties with work or school, illness, divorce, or other life transitions.
I am a Harvard-trained, Board-certified psychiatrist, with expertise in treating children, adolescents, and adults. My patients tell me I'm a warm and caring guy, dedicated to helping them in any way I can. I treat a wide spectrum of psychiatric problems, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and eating disorders. I also help people deal with challenging life circumstances, such as loss and grief, relationship troubles, difficulties with work or school, illness, divorce, or other life transitions.
![Photo of Alicia Esther Ramirez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85418ba2-2f78-4ee1-8e72-0293cf934b25/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alicia Esther Ramirez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27617 (Online Only)
I am deeply committed to promoting mental health well-being as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; I believe mental health care should be a priority for all cultures, as it can help people cope with the stresses of life, have good relationships, and realize their full potential. I have 3 years of experience as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and 9 years of registered nursing experience. I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, and it is important that we communicate openly and that you feel respected in our relationship.
I am deeply committed to promoting mental health well-being as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; I believe mental health care should be a priority for all cultures, as it can help people cope with the stresses of life, have good relationships, and realize their full potential. I have 3 years of experience as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and 9 years of registered nursing experience. I am a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, and it is important that we communicate openly and that you feel respected in our relationship.
![Photo of Jessica Hairston - 360 Degree Health, PLLC, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/748d51b8-0213-4a5c-a795-bc801abd5331/1/320x400.jpeg)
360 Degree Health, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, NC 27278 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a child and adult psychiatrist who is here to help you figure out if medications would be beneficial for you at this time in your life. I see patients from all over NC via video appointments. I enjoy working with children and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, trauma survivors and patients with anxiety and depression. I help people reclaim their personal power and sense of self by medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle changes for greater personal empathy and balance.
Welcome! I am a child and adult psychiatrist who is here to help you figure out if medications would be beneficial for you at this time in your life. I see patients from all over NC via video appointments. I enjoy working with children and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, trauma survivors and patients with anxiety and depression. I help people reclaim their personal power and sense of self by medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle changes for greater personal empathy and balance.
![Photo of Lolade Ogunleye - Cana Psychiatric Health, DNP, PMHNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453d493c-4c88-438f-9f9f-35f9b11f3d1c/1/320x400.png)
Cana Psychiatric Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CNP
Verified Verified
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Dr Lola is a Family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Are you suffering from Anxiety? Hopelessness, helplessness, lack of self-worth, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, ANGER, ADHD, unsure of your diagnosis, or any other mental health disorders? Are you feeling a low mood? I am Board-Certified Psych Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) offering TELEPSYCH services in RTP and the surrounding area in North Carolina.
Dr Lola is a Family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Are you suffering from Anxiety? Hopelessness, helplessness, lack of self-worth, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, ANGER, ADHD, unsure of your diagnosis, or any other mental health disorders? Are you feeling a low mood? I am Board-Certified Psych Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) offering TELEPSYCH services in RTP and the surrounding area in North Carolina.
![Photo of Carnetha Simmons, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3e5c4f2-0b50-4539-ac30-a95164611b44/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Carnetha Simmons has been practicing as a board certified Adult, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, for over 14 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and completed her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent Fellowship at Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina.
Dr. Carnetha Simmons has been practicing as a board certified Adult, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, for over 14 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and completed her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent Fellowship at Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina.
See more therapy options for Angier
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Angier, NC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Angier, NC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
50% | Addiction |
50% | ADHD |
50% | Eating Disorders |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Angier, NC see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Angier?
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.