Psychiatrists in Pilot Mountain, NC
![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
Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
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.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Natalie Ruth Ball, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72b39cac-c0b6-4a46-ad52-50bc9dd05235/1/320x400.png)
Natalie Ruth Ball
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
White Plains, NC 27031 (Online Only)
Patients I work with often look for a deeper understanding of their mental health and its impact on their overall well-being. If you're navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, or ADHD, and are curious about medication management alongside supportive therapy, I'm here to walk this path with you. Whether it's managing stress, developing coping strategies, improving sleep, or building self-esteem, I'm dedicated to helping you find balance and resilience. My goal is to help you understand your emotions, habits and behaviors. Together, we can explore these areas, uncovering how they shape your mental health and personal journey.
Patients I work with often look for a deeper understanding of their mental health and its impact on their overall well-being. If you're navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, or ADHD, and are curious about medication management alongside supportive therapy, I'm here to walk this path with you. Whether it's managing stress, developing coping strategies, improving sleep, or building self-esteem, I'm dedicated to helping you find balance and resilience. My goal is to help you understand your emotions, habits and behaviors. Together, we can explore these areas, uncovering how they shape your mental health and personal journey.
![Photo of Dr. Justina Anulika Okonkwo - Advanced Psychiatric Associates, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/485a52d9-fe39-469a-b669-b56284548fd6/1/320x400.png)
Advanced Psychiatric Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Dr. Tina is a highly experienced and compassionate provider who leaves no stone untouched when it comes to healthcare delivery. She utilizes her years of experience as a dual certified Nurse Practitioner in Family medicine and Psychiatric/Behavioral medicine to take care of her clients. Dr. Okonkwo has exceptional listening skills, and she engages her clients in a relaxing way. She understands that there is no "one size fits all" in healthcare; hence, she approaches each client as a person and not a patient, and she treats the conditions and not the symptoms.
Dr. Tina is a highly experienced and compassionate provider who leaves no stone untouched when it comes to healthcare delivery. She utilizes her years of experience as a dual certified Nurse Practitioner in Family medicine and Psychiatric/Behavioral medicine to take care of her clients. Dr. Okonkwo has exceptional listening skills, and she engages her clients in a relaxing way. She understands that there is no "one size fits all" in healthcare; hence, she approaches each client as a person and not a patient, and she treats the conditions and not the symptoms.
![Photo of Stephen Narigon, DNP, MBA, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0b2f078-f792-4af7-a35e-8627d700abdf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen Narigon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MBA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Airy, NC 27030 (Online Only)
We are accepting new pediatric and adult clients in North Carolina and Virginia. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of experience in psychiatry treating Autism, personality disorders, and mood disorders. The care provided includes solution-focused therapy, medication support, and psych-educational support. My primary areas of interest include positive and supportive psychology, optimizing human performance, and evidence-based methodologies in psychiatry. I collaborate with my clients to help discover personal treatment goals and formulate a mutually agreed-upon strategy for treatment.
We are accepting new pediatric and adult clients in North Carolina and Virginia. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of experience in psychiatry treating Autism, personality disorders, and mood disorders. The care provided includes solution-focused therapy, medication support, and psych-educational support. My primary areas of interest include positive and supportive psychology, optimizing human performance, and evidence-based methodologies in psychiatry. I collaborate with my clients to help discover personal treatment goals and formulate a mutually agreed-upon strategy for treatment.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Jospeh Kivett, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db92c970-06cb-47a6-ad8d-e37301705d00/2/320x400.png)
Joey helps adults with mood and psychotic disorders and ADHD, using solution-focused techniques, mindfulness, lifestyle modifications, and medications. His background as a personal trainer emphasizes diet and exercise. Understanding that progress takes time and effort, Joey aims to be an empathetic listener in each appointment, creating a space for transparency and openness.
Joey helps adults with mood and psychotic disorders and ADHD, using solution-focused techniques, mindfulness, lifestyle modifications, and medications. His background as a personal trainer emphasizes diet and exercise. Understanding that progress takes time and effort, Joey aims to be an empathetic listener in each appointment, creating a space for transparency and openness.
![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 Kelli Gaskill, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/702c69a5-3608-42c8-86cd-9e16b30dbbaf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelli firmly believes that someone can create a life worth living for themselves. She helps people through medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Kelli firmly believes that someone can create a life worth living for themselves. She helps people through medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
![Photo of Nkem 'nk' Nkwonta, MBBS, MS, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c3354fc-7194-4d9d-b208-b03e1260b69c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nkem 'nk' Nkwonta
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MBBS, MS, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
The same day appointments available! Schedule an appointment today by clicking on the website link! Are you experiencing mental health challenges? Just know that you are not alone! This mental health professional utilizes holistic approach to mental health care. Nk is dedicated to helping clients find balance and well-being in their lives. Nk believes in a collaborative and integrative approach to treatment and focuses on the whole person, not just their symptoms. Her goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and to help her clients reach their maximum potential in a safe and welcoming environment.
The same day appointments available! Schedule an appointment today by clicking on the website link! Are you experiencing mental health challenges? Just know that you are not alone! This mental health professional utilizes holistic approach to mental health care. Nk is dedicated to helping clients find balance and well-being in their lives. Nk believes in a collaborative and integrative approach to treatment and focuses on the whole person, not just their symptoms. Her goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and to help her clients reach their maximum potential in a safe and welcoming environment.
![Photo of Davita Forman, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/953551a5-3b79-447f-b14b-f7b6187760fa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Davita is board-certified in psychiatry and helps adults and adolescents with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and dual diagnoses.
Davita is board-certified in psychiatry and helps adults and adolescents with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and dual diagnoses.
Danielle Lungelow
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Danielle Lungelow, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine - Chapel Hill, bringing a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health care. Danielle integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with evidence-based holistic practices, including medication management, physical activity, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness techniques. At Advaita Integrated Medicine, Danielle offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
Danielle Lungelow, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine - Chapel Hill, bringing a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health care. Danielle integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with evidence-based holistic practices, including medication management, physical activity, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness techniques. At Advaita Integrated Medicine, Danielle offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
![Photo of Dr. Daniel Wurzelmann, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9593c25f-f6d9-4da5-8123-4a7c6cca5683/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Wurzelmann is fascinated by the mind and how people think and act. He understands that treating patients means more than only prescribing medication.
Dr. Wurzelmann is fascinated by the mind and how people think and act. He understands that treating patients means more than only prescribing medication.
![Photo of Jacey Jurgensmeier, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95ce21cd-fa0e-4302-8f1f-cf3acadc7ff0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jacey Jurgensmeier
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28262 (Online Only)
Jacey is a highly dedicated Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holding her graduate degree from Herzing University and backed by an impressive 15-year tenure in the nursing field. Her unwavering commitment lies in destigmatizing mental health care and recognizing the profound value of providing an empathetic, non-judgmental listening space.
Jacey is a highly dedicated Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, holding her graduate degree from Herzing University and backed by an impressive 15-year tenure in the nursing field. Her unwavering commitment lies in destigmatizing mental health care and recognizing the profound value of providing an empathetic, non-judgmental listening space.
![Photo of Alison Lovkay, MSPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c82d2057-3313-4edb-ae48-1dacdb995810/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alison helps adults with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and substance use. She also assists with depression with psychosis, depression with suicidality, psychosis with a long-acting injectable, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health and hormonal imbalances.
Alison helps adults with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and substance use. She also assists with depression with psychosis, depression with suicidality, psychosis with a long-acting injectable, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health and hormonal imbalances.
![Photo of Byeolah Henson, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/124d1df8-b803-4e2d-887e-3db2831f8de2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Byeolah Henson PA-C, graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from University of South Florida. Prior to PA school, she received a B.S in Biology from the University of Florida. Byeolah is experienced in treating patients with a variety of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance abuse, and more. She is fluent in English and Korean, both of which play a important role in her day to day clinical work.
Byeolah Henson PA-C, graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from University of South Florida. Prior to PA school, she received a B.S in Biology from the University of Florida. Byeolah is experienced in treating patients with a variety of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance abuse, and more. She is fluent in English and Korean, both of which play a important role in her day to day clinical work.
![Photo of Melanie Kijowski, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91c95db1-222a-4741-92d9-199a6cb19619/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie Kijowski is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to PA school, she received a B.A in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Melanie is experienced in treating patients of all ages with a variety of behavioral health issues, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, substance abuse, and more.
Melanie Kijowski is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to PA school, she received a B.A in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Melanie is experienced in treating patients of all ages with a variety of behavioral health issues, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, substance abuse, and more.
![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 Crystal Elizabeth Usrey, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bfc1d65-e6f2-4ba3-b1fe-59bdc32968fd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Crystal Elizabeth Usrey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103 (Online Only)
Crystal is a psychiatric mental health board-certified nurse practitioner. She attended The University of Alabama at Birmingham to complete her graduate degree. She worked as a registered nurse in the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit at the University of Birmingham Hospital before becoming a nurse practitioner. With a commitment to patient-centered care, Crystal leverages her training and educational background to achieve optimal outcomes for her patients.
Crystal is a psychiatric mental health board-certified nurse practitioner. She attended The University of Alabama at Birmingham to complete her graduate degree. She worked as a registered nurse in the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit at the University of Birmingham Hospital before becoming a nurse practitioner. With a commitment to patient-centered care, Crystal leverages her training and educational background to achieve optimal outcomes for her patients.
![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 Jason T. Witmer - Jason T. Witmer, MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/652de7c1-e36b-41d1-9642-abbe3cca4a19/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help people dealing with a range of questions, including deciding who and how to love, how to create family and community, finding meaning and success in work, how to cope with loss, issues related to gender, identity, and race, and how to overcome anxiety and depression.
As a psychiatrist and therapist, I help people dealing with a range of questions, including deciding who and how to love, how to create family and community, finding meaning and success in work, how to cope with loss, issues related to gender, identity, and race, and how to overcome anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Stoney Lee Bowman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/474b4c34-6f75-484d-a80c-6a710db5f98b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stoney Lee Bowman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
My clinical interests include treating psychiatric patients across the life spectrum. His clinical practice includes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy services. I am interested in a holistic approach to patient care including dealing with nutritional, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction strategies to improve overall mental health conditions. My clinical style has been described as friendly, conversational, and engaging.
My clinical interests include treating psychiatric patients across the life spectrum. His clinical practice includes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy services. I am interested in a holistic approach to patient care including dealing with nutritional, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction strategies to improve overall mental health conditions. My clinical style has been described as friendly, conversational, and engaging.
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Number of Psychiatrists in Pilot Mountain, NC
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Psychiatrists in Pilot Mountain, NC who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Chronic Pain |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | The Alliance |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Pilot Mountain, NC see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Pilot Mountain?
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.