Psychiatrists in Davidson County, NC
![Photo of Clearis Anujeh, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c08df35-96c3-4d8c-a7ea-e39b84f7ee1c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Clearis Anujeh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Lexington, NC 27292 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients. Hope For All LLC is a general adult psychiatry practice. Currently, all services are provided via telehealth. Accepting clients ages 18-65 for psychiatric consultation and evaluation, individual psychotherapy, and/or medication management. our goal is to advocate for patients who struggle with mental illness to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, a non-judgemental approach, and focus on holistic care.
Accepting New Clients. Hope For All LLC is a general adult psychiatry practice. Currently, all services are provided via telehealth. Accepting clients ages 18-65 for psychiatric consultation and evaluation, individual psychotherapy, and/or medication management. our goal is to advocate for patients who struggle with mental illness to manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, a non-judgemental approach, and focus on holistic care.
![Photo of Chris Bruns Aiken - Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fcb87e1-b6b6-4bbb-9bf7-bff937d0e01f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, NC 27292
Psychiatric center with offices in Winston-Salem, Clemmmons, Boone, and Greensboro, NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery.
Psychiatric center with offices in Winston-Salem, Clemmmons, Boone, and Greensboro, NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Megan Comer, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31db41b6-7aec-4188-a3b2-a16363bdec7c/1/320x400.png)
Megan provides medication management and supportive therapy for clients dealing with generalized anxiety, depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, post-partum depression, ADHD, and other diagnoses. She earned her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical College of Georgia. She has also previously worked in Pain Management and Radiology. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia. Megan believes that having a strong relationship with her patients is the most important tool in providing care.
Megan provides medication management and supportive therapy for clients dealing with generalized anxiety, depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, post-partum depression, ADHD, and other diagnoses. She earned her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical College of Georgia. She has also previously worked in Pain Management and Radiology. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia. Megan believes that having a strong relationship with her patients is the most important tool in providing care.
![Photo of Dr. Joshua Werblin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac6545be-16bd-4782-a663-8c9c35d681da/2/320x400.jpeg)
I service individuals of all ages who are seeking mental wellness. My patients may face a range of issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, addiction challenges, and other mental health concerns. I provide better understanding, relief from distress, improved coping skills, and overall well-being. My goal is to have them regain control over their lives, enhance their mental health, and find balance and fulfillment. I can help them feel better, understand themselves better, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.
I service individuals of all ages who are seeking mental wellness. My patients may face a range of issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, addiction challenges, and other mental health concerns. I provide better understanding, relief from distress, improved coping skills, and overall well-being. My goal is to have them regain control over their lives, enhance their mental health, and find balance and fulfillment. I can help them feel better, understand themselves better, and navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.
![Photo of Jennifer Schmitt, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12a8d094-ed38-42ad-b5a8-47e4c6cf4675/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer highlights patients’ virtues and strengths to help them adapt and evolve into healthier versions of themselves.
Jennifer highlights patients’ virtues and strengths to help them adapt and evolve into healthier versions of themselves.
Hewan Adefris Mezgebu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, NC 27215
Hello, my name is Hewan Mezgebu, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am passionate about mental health! I am honored to have the opportunity to assist others on their journey to mental wellness. I firmly believe that we are more than our diagnoses, the medications we take, and the level of support we require to maintain good health.
Hello, my name is Hewan Mezgebu, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am passionate about mental health! I am honored to have the opportunity to assist others on their journey to mental wellness. I firmly believe that we are more than our diagnoses, the medications we take, and the level of support we require to maintain good health.
![Photo of Nicole Lloyd Johnson, PA-C, CAQ-PSY, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e34d15b4-f574-41b2-bc58-91ab927c3726/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole believes that mind care is imperative for a sound mind and body relationship. She provides a safe atmosphere where her patients can find comfort and stability while working to reach their goals.
Nicole believes that mind care is imperative for a sound mind and body relationship. She provides a safe atmosphere where her patients can find comfort and stability while working to reach their goals.
![Photo of Lane Thompson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee297c5a-617b-4f7f-9808-de85dc20385d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Prior to becoming a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Lane Thompson worked as a psychiatric nurse in inpatient and outpatient settings. He received his masters degree in nursing from The University of North Carolina Wilmington. Following his MSN he completed his post masters psychiatric certificate at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Mr Thompson is a military veteran and has worked as a firefighter, medical evacuation technician and flight nurse for the North Carolina Air National Guard for over 24 years. He also serves his community by being an active volunteer firefighter.
Prior to becoming a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Lane Thompson worked as a psychiatric nurse in inpatient and outpatient settings. He received his masters degree in nursing from The University of North Carolina Wilmington. Following his MSN he completed his post masters psychiatric certificate at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Mr Thompson is a military veteran and has worked as a firefighter, medical evacuation technician and flight nurse for the North Carolina Air National Guard for over 24 years. He also serves his community by being an active volunteer firefighter.
![Photo of Connie Baxter, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7942dbe6-844c-43bc-93ec-4d6e5bfeee7a/2/320x400.png)
Connie Baxter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NC 28314 (Online Only)
As a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner my goal is to provide you with a safe and caring environment to discuss your thoughts and feelings as well as provide medication management. My focus is to enhance and assist your strengths and coping skills with any challenges you may be facing.
As a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner my goal is to provide you with a safe and caring environment to discuss your thoughts and feelings as well as provide medication management. My focus is to enhance and assist your strengths and coping skills with any challenges you may be facing.
![Photo of Dr. Gregory Helton, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cda2dcf-60a5-4c99-9c51-5e202f1518a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Gergory Helton is fascinated by the mind. He wants his patients to understand themselves to help relieve their suffering. Dr. Helton helps patients suffering from psychosis with long-acting injectables.
Dr. Gergory Helton is fascinated by the mind. He wants his patients to understand themselves to help relieve their suffering. Dr. Helton helps patients suffering from psychosis with long-acting injectables.
![Photo of Shari Lynn Scott, RN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c790794f-8d28-44ab-89c5-ef62b175545b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shari Lynn Scott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wake Forest, NC 27587
It is my belief that everyone is the best expert on themself! With this in mind I am willing to meet a client where they are and allow them to direct the course of their own treatment. I am here to offer ideas, suggestions, and options but the decision is up to my client as they know what will and will not work in their life. I believe that we all should feel content in our own skin and even those with mental illness can and should feel better!
It is my belief that everyone is the best expert on themself! With this in mind I am willing to meet a client where they are and allow them to direct the course of their own treatment. I am here to offer ideas, suggestions, and options but the decision is up to my client as they know what will and will not work in their life. I believe that we all should feel content in our own skin and even those with mental illness can and should feel better!
![Photo of Roy Dewayne Book, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1240d8c9-f6be-41db-a797-f7a01d6c5fd0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. R. Dewayne Book is a Psychiatrist who specializes in addictive disorders, having studied neurobiology and biochemistry to understand chemical brain functions. This knowledge informs his well-rounded, individualized approach to treating patients struggling with addiction, an approach that also includes medication management, medication assisted treatment / medication assisted therapy (MAT), psychotherapy, patient education, and social network development. Dr. Book also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Advaita Integrated Medicine.
Dr. R. Dewayne Book is a Psychiatrist who specializes in addictive disorders, having studied neurobiology and biochemistry to understand chemical brain functions. This knowledge informs his well-rounded, individualized approach to treating patients struggling with addiction, an approach that also includes medication management, medication assisted treatment / medication assisted therapy (MAT), psychotherapy, patient education, and social network development. Dr. Book also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Advaita Integrated Medicine.
![Photo of Karen Shugart, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3108f10e-e806-4bf3-a135-9854fa1f83a1/2/320x400.jpeg)
With a focus primarily on medication evaluation and management, I offer a warm, open, and non-judgmental approach that empowers clients to share freely and fully participate as they move toward their goals. My goal is to offer evidence-based, inclusive treatment that helps clients function at their highest level.
With a focus primarily on medication evaluation and management, I offer a warm, open, and non-judgmental approach that empowers clients to share freely and fully participate as they move toward their goals. My goal is to offer evidence-based, inclusive treatment that helps clients function at their highest level.
![Photo of Ana Carla Smith, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7db6ff93-8434-4b04-88e4-dff2efde5abf/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a friendly, open-minded and nurturing psychiatrist, who has been board certified in General Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry and Adolescent Psychiatry for 10+ years. I enjoy learning about my patients and believe that the doctor/patient relationship is a partnership—you are an integral member of your treatment team.
I am a friendly, open-minded and nurturing psychiatrist, who has been board certified in General Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry and Adolescent Psychiatry for 10+ years. I enjoy learning about my patients and believe that the doctor/patient relationship is a partnership—you are an integral member of your treatment team.
![Photo of Derek Ayers - Apogee Behavioral Medicine, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad845fc1-6406-46dd-8889-b03c7cbb22c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Apogee Behavioral Medicine is outpatient behavioral health clinic that comprises psychiatrists, therapists, and wellness coaches. Across our locations, we offer a multitude of services, ranging from medication management, psychotherapy, family counseling, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. We have specialists that care for all ages, from early childhood through late adulthood. We provide evidence-based medication and therapy services. We have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, mood disorder, trauma, ADHD, and many other conditions.
Apogee Behavioral Medicine is outpatient behavioral health clinic that comprises psychiatrists, therapists, and wellness coaches. Across our locations, we offer a multitude of services, ranging from medication management, psychotherapy, family counseling, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. We have specialists that care for all ages, from early childhood through late adulthood. We provide evidence-based medication and therapy services. We have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, mood disorder, trauma, ADHD, and many other conditions.
![Photo of Matthew Guanzon, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72aef241-50fa-40d9-90ef-dccb80fad329/1/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew Guanzon chose Psychiatry because it is the culture of his family which is to serve Humanity for giving us a life worth living. His family has ingrained in him that giving back to the community is extremely rewarding when one sees the fruits of his/her labor. Both of his parents are physicians. Psychiatry is Matthew’s passion. He enjoys meeting clients for the first time and understands that this field requires tenderness/sensitivity to begin to unmask the underlying conscious or subconscious psychiatric/psychological issue. Matthew is most passionate about meeting all of his clients’ needs and helping them help themselves.
Matthew Guanzon chose Psychiatry because it is the culture of his family which is to serve Humanity for giving us a life worth living. His family has ingrained in him that giving back to the community is extremely rewarding when one sees the fruits of his/her labor. Both of his parents are physicians. Psychiatry is Matthew’s passion. He enjoys meeting clients for the first time and understands that this field requires tenderness/sensitivity to begin to unmask the underlying conscious or subconscious psychiatric/psychological issue. Matthew is most passionate about meeting all of his clients’ needs and helping them help themselves.
![Photo of Chris Bruns Aiken - Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem & Greensboro, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f278b1e2-ec83-4064-a55f-61a83179dff3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mood Treatment Center Winston-Salem & Greensboro
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27407
Psychiatric center with offices in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and Boone NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery.
Psychiatric center with offices in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and Boone NC. We offer counseling, medication, natural treatments, DBT, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine. When people take medications, we help them build a lifestyle to further their recovery.
![Photo of Abimbola Akanji-Mapp, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4075a729-4f9f-46e7-8f5b-20bdeae8ecb2/1/320x400.png)
I am board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. I completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Maryland Medical Center and my fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Additionally, I am certified by the Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges, UK, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. With extensive experience in managing mental health concerns, I am dedicated to helping my patients lead healthy, balanced lives.
I am board-certified in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. I completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry at the University of Maryland Medical Center and my fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Additionally, I am certified by the Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges, UK, as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. With extensive experience in managing mental health concerns, I am dedicated to helping my patients lead healthy, balanced lives.
![Photo of Shannon Blankenbeckler, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/325e1947-84ec-498d-b1b6-08e6d819f23e/2/320x400.png)
Shannon Blankenbeckler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210 (Online Only)
Shannon Blankenbeckler is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Shannon collaborates with her patients to improve their functioning and quality of life. With active listening, kindness, and compassion, she works with her patients to identify the issues holding them back. She helps them focus on their unique strengths, address their struggles, and set meaningful, achievable goals so they can thrive and find peace. Shannon knows that patients seek help when they’re brave enough to identify that something in their life needs to change.
Shannon Blankenbeckler is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Shannon collaborates with her patients to improve their functioning and quality of life. With active listening, kindness, and compassion, she works with her patients to identify the issues holding them back. She helps them focus on their unique strengths, address their struggles, and set meaningful, achievable goals so they can thrive and find peace. Shannon knows that patients seek help when they’re brave enough to identify that something in their life needs to change.
![Photo of Cherry Nhor, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6f0135b-f017-420d-a605-1773fb51ff6b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cherry understands how impactful mental health is on overall well-being. She is passionate about decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health and increasing access to care. Cherry practices positive psychology, endorsing a collaborative, multi-system approach to create the best plan for each individual.
Cherry understands how impactful mental health is on overall well-being. She is passionate about decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health and increasing access to care. Cherry practices positive psychology, endorsing a collaborative, multi-system approach to create the best plan for each individual.
See more therapy options for Davidson County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Davidson County, NC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Davidson County, NC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Grief |
100% | Family Conflict |
50% | Relationship Issues |
50% | Addiction |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Davidson County, NC see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Davidson County?
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.