Psychiatrists in Lillington, NC
![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
Lillington, NC 27546 (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.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Alyssa Williams George, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfca4b3c-f089-4acd-a9fe-4ecaa419c43a/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist in private practice at Raleigh Psychiatric Associates since 2015. Treatments offered include both medications and psychotherapy. I treat adult men and women with depression, anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety and panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. My sub-specialty is women's reproductive mental health. This includes women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or postpartum, as well as women struggling with infertility, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or menopause-related mood and anxiety problems.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice at Raleigh Psychiatric Associates since 2015. Treatments offered include both medications and psychotherapy. I treat adult men and women with depression, anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety and panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. My sub-specialty is women's reproductive mental health. This includes women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or postpartum, as well as women struggling with infertility, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or menopause-related mood and anxiety problems.
![Photo of Jessica Curry, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c65a420b-2f5b-46fe-ae07-4e0c911806b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica’s mission is to provide collaborative care to help her patients live healthier and more productive lives. She treats depression with psychosis, depression with suicidality, eating disorders, postpartum and pregnancy depression, psychosis with long-acting injectables, and treatment-resistant depression.
Jessica’s mission is to provide collaborative care to help her patients live healthier and more productive lives. She treats depression with psychosis, depression with suicidality, eating disorders, postpartum and pregnancy depression, psychosis with long-acting injectables, and treatment-resistant depression.
![Photo of Shari Sengupta, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa5d8597-efc3-4221-8dfb-0afd34c69480/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shari Sengupta attended the University of OK as a National Merit Scholar and went on to graduate from from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She specialized in Adult Psychiatry at the University of NC Hospitals where she was a chief resident. She received psychotherapy training in insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas. She has 18 years of experience providing medication management and psychotherapy in both private practice and community mental health settings and over 10 years of experience in telepsychiatry providing care to underserved communities.
Dr. Shari Sengupta attended the University of OK as a National Merit Scholar and went on to graduate from from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She specialized in Adult Psychiatry at the University of NC Hospitals where she was a chief resident. She received psychotherapy training in insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral approaches and trained at the Psychoanalytic Institute of the Carolinas. She has 18 years of experience providing medication management and psychotherapy in both private practice and community mental health settings and over 10 years of experience in telepsychiatry providing care to underserved communities.
![Photo of Daniel Fish, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e08c6c6d-7780-4f46-aaa8-22e2bfb9e538/1/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel L. Fish is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. He earned degrees at North Carolina State University and Virginia Tech Carilion Medical School, and completed his Psychiatry Residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Daniel considers himself a down-to-earth and personable Psychiatrist with a combination of life experience and excellent training. He specializes in discerning the impact of how life situations, medical conditions, and biochemical brain imbalances can commonly manifest psychiatrically in conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and sleep disturbance.
Daniel L. Fish is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. He earned degrees at North Carolina State University and Virginia Tech Carilion Medical School, and completed his Psychiatry Residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Daniel considers himself a down-to-earth and personable Psychiatrist with a combination of life experience and excellent training. He specializes in discerning the impact of how life situations, medical conditions, and biochemical brain imbalances can commonly manifest psychiatrically in conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and sleep disturbance.
![Photo of Tameka Davis, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/299151ea-1767-4d7c-871f-8e206dae25ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tameka Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wake Forest, NC 27587 (Online Only)
Life comes with many challenges that are not meant to be faced alone. Inviting someone into your story, your journey, and your hardships is not easy, but it is the first step to your healing and wellness. If you are tired of doing life alone and want to experience fulfillment in your soul that will bring abundance to every part of your life, take that first step today and reach out for support. I am a compassionate and dedicated practitioner who believes each client is unique and worthy of the best care. My approach is wholistic and person centered with the understanding that there are many factors that impact your mental health.
Life comes with many challenges that are not meant to be faced alone. Inviting someone into your story, your journey, and your hardships is not easy, but it is the first step to your healing and wellness. If you are tired of doing life alone and want to experience fulfillment in your soul that will bring abundance to every part of your life, take that first step today and reach out for support. I am a compassionate and dedicated practitioner who believes each client is unique and worthy of the best care. My approach is wholistic and person centered with the understanding that there are many factors that impact your mental health.
Philip Russell Couch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Aberdeen, NC 28315
I am a provider who believes in treating the "whole person" which is why I am credentialed as an FNP and a PMHNP. I can help patients with their medical issues as well as their mental health needs. We also have therapists on staff to help those who benefit best from therapy. I believe if the medical side can speak to the mental health side it ensures a more thorough level of care. I enjoy working with elderly, adults, teens who present with a variety of medical and mental health needs.
I am a provider who believes in treating the "whole person" which is why I am credentialed as an FNP and a PMHNP. I can help patients with their medical issues as well as their mental health needs. We also have therapists on staff to help those who benefit best from therapy. I believe if the medical side can speak to the mental health side it ensures a more thorough level of care. I enjoy working with elderly, adults, teens who present with a variety of medical and mental health needs.
![Photo of Felix Aron Geller, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f739e65c-9d9f-4a72-a38f-3c6594799cfa/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a firm believer in individualized medicine. Therefore, I usually take time to get to know the person and their life first and then evaluate the medical information in the context of that individual's experiences. I believe that this approach makes for an effective diagnosis and treatment process.
I am a firm believer in individualized medicine. Therefore, I usually take time to get to know the person and their life first and then evaluate the medical information in the context of that individual's experiences. I believe that this approach makes for an effective diagnosis and treatment process.
![Photo of Rex Moody, MD, DLFAPA, DABPN, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c794d9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work to understand with you your experience - in the here and now. Through your self-observations, I work to understand with you how your experience affects your current life- your work, your relationships and your play. I work to understand with you how what you go through has developed. Through greater self-understanding, we work to change what you want to change.
I work to understand with you your experience - in the here and now. Through your self-observations, I work to understand with you how your experience affects your current life- your work, your relationships and your play. I work to understand with you how what you go through has developed. Through greater self-understanding, we work to change what you want to change.
![Photo of Daniel Eskenazi, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43f3b4d0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel Eskenazi
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is directed towards adults suffering from various symptoms that may include any or all of the following: trouble sleeping, over-worrying, intense sadness that interferes with the ability to get through the day, intense euphoria that can lead to impulsiveness and poor decision-making, impairments in attention leading to distraction and inability to organize and focus, struggles with substance use, difficulty understanding reality and making sense of different visions and voices and trouble maintaining meaningful relationships and finding a sense of purpose in life.
My practice is directed towards adults suffering from various symptoms that may include any or all of the following: trouble sleeping, over-worrying, intense sadness that interferes with the ability to get through the day, intense euphoria that can lead to impulsiveness and poor decision-making, impairments in attention leading to distraction and inability to organize and focus, struggles with substance use, difficulty understanding reality and making sense of different visions and voices and trouble maintaining meaningful relationships and finding a sense of purpose in life.
![Photo of Dorine Henrietta Martin - Mindology, MSN, FNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/171670d8-0095-4906-b8ed-ef3822056c6d/1/320x400.jpeg)
MIndology is currently accepting NEW PATIENTS that value their mental health and desire personal and attentive attention as they make their journey to a more complete and healthy life.
MIndology is currently accepting NEW PATIENTS that value their mental health and desire personal and attentive attention as they make their journey to a more complete and healthy life.
![Photo of Akelah Woody - Akelah With Wellness In Motion 4 Life!, PMHNP-C, FNP-BC , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fafdec32-8115-4ba1-9a9b-4107cc09aec4/5/320x400.jpeg)
Akelah With Wellness In Motion 4 Life!
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27703
You Were Born To Win! Serving ages 15 years old and up, I specialize in Medication Management along with Brief Therapeutic Counseling for a wide range of mental health/psychiatric disorders. I have diverse knowledge in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I believe an individual cannot focus on improving their Physical Wellbeing without first becoming Strong Mentally! Having worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner first, I have tremendous appreciation for individuals striving towards Lifelong Wellness In ALL They Do! Allow me the privilege to meet, partner with, and to support you and your family!
You Were Born To Win! Serving ages 15 years old and up, I specialize in Medication Management along with Brief Therapeutic Counseling for a wide range of mental health/psychiatric disorders. I have diverse knowledge in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I believe an individual cannot focus on improving their Physical Wellbeing without first becoming Strong Mentally! Having worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner first, I have tremendous appreciation for individuals striving towards Lifelong Wellness In ALL They Do! Allow me the privilege to meet, partner with, and to support you and your family!
![Photo of James P Lefler, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b028f83-003c-46fc-a1a8-3883c8659989/1/320x400.png)
James P Lefler
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
Given training in both Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, I have expertise in the intimate links between the mind and the body. My medical training and experience are enhanced by post-graduate study of modern psychoanalytic technique. This unique combination of skills allows me to treat patients with mood (Depression and Bipolar), trauma, and psychotic disorders. I am well suited to offer both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Given training in both Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, I have expertise in the intimate links between the mind and the body. My medical training and experience are enhanced by post-graduate study of modern psychoanalytic technique. This unique combination of skills allows me to treat patients with mood (Depression and Bipolar), trauma, and psychotic disorders. I am well suited to offer both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
![Photo of Tenishia Santiago - Holsan Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4300298-82b3-489f-b4d7-77fb9dc2c37a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holsan Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
Accepting New Patients. Tenishia is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. She offers in person in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality mental health care. We offer in person services out of our Raleigh, NC office at this time. Other locations to be added soon. We also see BCBS of Massachusetts and Horizon New Jersey BCBS, Washington state, and Oregon for patients with Aetna and Cigna. Other insurances coming soon for WA and OR.
Accepting New Patients. Tenishia is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. She offers in person in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality mental health care. We offer in person services out of our Raleigh, NC office at this time. Other locations to be added soon. We also see BCBS of Massachusetts and Horizon New Jersey BCBS, Washington state, and Oregon for patients with Aetna and Cigna. Other insurances coming soon for WA and OR.
![Photo of Shelly Alasti, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f585c01b-cc98-426e-86bd-91bceb81a0d3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a dual-certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in adult and geriatric psychiatry. Utilizing my background in social work, I deliver comprehensive and empathetic mental health care, taking into consideration the interconnected physical and emotional well-being of my patients. This approach allows me to provide personalized and attentive support to people seeking mental health care services.
I am a dual-certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in adult and geriatric psychiatry. Utilizing my background in social work, I deliver comprehensive and empathetic mental health care, taking into consideration the interconnected physical and emotional well-being of my patients. This approach allows me to provide personalized and attentive support to people seeking mental health care services.
![Photo of Kerry Mackey, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/def7f87d-1a1d-410c-8714-3a97eb1d9862/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kerry believes in the transformative power of peace of mind. He sees how stabilizing one’s mental health eases other health issues and life stressors. Kerry collaborates with his patients to create attainable and desirable goals that can be easily maintained through holistic care plans and medication management.
Kerry believes in the transformative power of peace of mind. He sees how stabilizing one’s mental health eases other health issues and life stressors. Kerry collaborates with his patients to create attainable and desirable goals that can be easily maintained through holistic care plans and medication management.
![Photo of Pamela Campbell, MSPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30fc63b1-f826-4564-9662-afac37b6b043/1/320x400.jpeg)
Animo Sano Psychiatry treats a wide range of behavioral health conditions, including Depression and Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and sleep disorders, among others. In addition to the treatment of these noted conditions, Animo Sano Psychiatry also operates an ADHD Specialty Clinic.
Animo Sano Psychiatry treats a wide range of behavioral health conditions, including Depression and Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and sleep disorders, among others. In addition to the treatment of these noted conditions, Animo Sano Psychiatry also operates an ADHD Specialty Clinic.
![Photo of Chris Aiken - Mood Treatment Center Clemmons & Boone, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4173a59d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mood Treatment Center Clemmons & Boone
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clemmons, NC 27012
Psychiatric center with offices in Boone, Clemmons, Winston-Salem, 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 Boone, Clemmons, Winston-Salem, 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.
![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 Lisa Fields, MSN, RN, PMHCNS, BC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cf3d7c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Fields
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, RN, PMHCNS, BC
Verified Verified
Wake Forest, NC 27587 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to stay afloat with too much on your mind, on your schedule, in your day? Do you spend more time overwhelmed and catching up than at peace? If so, there are ways to feel better and live better whether you or someone you love are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD, anger, frustration with relationships, or just frustration with the quality of your life. I am a therapist who can help you work through these issues. It is important to know that I AM NOT A PSYCHIATRIST and I DO NOT PRESCRIBE MEDS.
Are you struggling to stay afloat with too much on your mind, on your schedule, in your day? Do you spend more time overwhelmed and catching up than at peace? If so, there are ways to feel better and live better whether you or someone you love are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD, anger, frustration with relationships, or just frustration with the quality of your life. I am a therapist who can help you work through these issues. It is important to know that I AM NOT A PSYCHIATRIST and I DO NOT PRESCRIBE MEDS.
See more therapy options for Lillington
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Lillington, NC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Lillington, NC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Other |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Lillington, NC see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Lillington?
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.