Psychiatrists in Winston Salem, NC
![Photo of Gretchen Danielle Barnes, MPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dbe5efc-79c4-4afd-9d4e-ed9d7e2eb636/1/320x400.png)
Hello! My name is Gretchen Barnes and I'm a board-certified psychiatric PA. I provide medication management for teens and adults dealing with common mental health problems. I am eager to help my patients gain insight into the science surrounding various treatment options. I pride myself on being detailed and compassionate in my approach. I believe that shared decision-making can help patients improve their mental wellbeing.
Hello! My name is Gretchen Barnes and I'm a board-certified psychiatric PA. I provide medication management for teens and adults dealing with common mental health problems. I am eager to help my patients gain insight into the science surrounding various treatment options. I pride myself on being detailed and compassionate in my approach. I believe that shared decision-making can help patients improve their mental wellbeing.
![Photo of Jade Montana, PMHNP, CNM, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6503e035-f38b-4b37-94af-0e581f79cb15/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jade Montana
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNM, FNP
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101 (Online Only)
The Sage Institute is a private practice that encourages and empowers individuals to live their optimal lives. I provide psychiatric medication management services integrated with supportive therapy. I practice with patience and open-mindedness to help meet you where you are. Visits are tailored toward your needs and goals. The mind, body, and soul are at the core of each individual. We are all unique and should be treated as such. I can help you decide if psychiatric medication is right for you and work with you to optimize your medication plan as well as consider a range of interventions to support your mental health.
The Sage Institute is a private practice that encourages and empowers individuals to live their optimal lives. I provide psychiatric medication management services integrated with supportive therapy. I practice with patience and open-mindedness to help meet you where you are. Visits are tailored toward your needs and goals. The mind, body, and soul are at the core of each individual. We are all unique and should be treated as such. I can help you decide if psychiatric medication is right for you and work with you to optimize your medication plan as well as consider a range of interventions to support your mental health.
![Photo of Laurie Arena, PMHNP, LCSWA, RYT-200, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/826582ac-ffff-45fd-9d4d-82e7ee86574d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie Arena
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, LCSWA, RYT-200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101 (Online Only)
Mental, physical, and spiritual health are all intertwined. This is why a holistic approach to mental health care is so imperative. I prescribe psychiatric medications and can help you walk through the decision of whether or not medication might be helpful for you, how to optimize your current medication plan, or even the process of coming off of or taking less medication. I can make recommendations about lifestyle, nutrition, stress management, and behavior modification. I also offer individual therapy with or without medication management.
Mental, physical, and spiritual health are all intertwined. This is why a holistic approach to mental health care is so imperative. I prescribe psychiatric medications and can help you walk through the decision of whether or not medication might be helpful for you, how to optimize your current medication plan, or even the process of coming off of or taking less medication. I can make recommendations about lifestyle, nutrition, stress management, and behavior modification. I also offer individual therapy with or without medication management.
![Photo of Michael Maggio, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7b463af-d5a6-416b-ac77-3214ff3fba84/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Maggio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103 (Online Only)
In my role as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Bluesky Telepsych, I am dedicated to providing the best quality of care that I can in order to improve each patient’s quality of living. I am privileged to serve our patients and will constantly seek to earn the trust placed in my care. My main goal in this field is to elevate a patient’s quality of living and to assist them in achieving their fullest potential. I genuinely care about the patient as a whole and that my main goal is to provide the best care that I am able to provide in order to improve the patient’s quality of life.
In my role as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Bluesky Telepsych, I am dedicated to providing the best quality of care that I can in order to improve each patient’s quality of living. I am privileged to serve our patients and will constantly seek to earn the trust placed in my care. My main goal in this field is to elevate a patient’s quality of living and to assist them in achieving their fullest potential. I genuinely care about the patient as a whole and that my main goal is to provide the best care that I am able to provide in order to improve the patient’s quality of life.
![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 Obi O Ikwechegh - Kairos Medical Consulting, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1578b241-7ca6-4445-8eec-3d916e2e7032/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Kairos Medical Consulting, we believe your voice is important and provide care that is driven by your own views as well as your needs. We recognize that you are more than your diagnosis and your care much more than a compilation of therapies and medications. That is why we offer an opportunity for collaboration at every step of your journey with Dr. Ikwechegh & Dr. Dunham (Board Certified Psychiatrists) who are dedicated to your success. With unique treatment plans tailored to fit your specific needs, we take into account your bio-psychosocial as well as spiritual constructs. We recognize the hidden strength of our patients.
At Kairos Medical Consulting, we believe your voice is important and provide care that is driven by your own views as well as your needs. We recognize that you are more than your diagnosis and your care much more than a compilation of therapies and medications. That is why we offer an opportunity for collaboration at every step of your journey with Dr. Ikwechegh & Dr. Dunham (Board Certified Psychiatrists) who are dedicated to your success. With unique treatment plans tailored to fit your specific needs, we take into account your bio-psychosocial as well as spiritual constructs. We recognize the hidden strength of our patients.
![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
Winston Salem, NC 27106
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 Ken Dunham, MD, MAEd, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c77d4e73-9aad-4ae5-8328-81522b0f1155/2/320x400.jpeg)
You can find out more information about Dr. Dunham and schedule an appointment online at: https://provider.kareo.com/ken-dunham. Also, you can get an introduction to Dr. Dunham and his approach to clients from Dr. Dunham's nationally broadcasted interview on Business Talk Radio online at: https://businesstalkradio1.com/dr-ken-charles-dunham-08-20-20-psychiatry-and-internal-medicine/
You can find out more information about Dr. Dunham and schedule an appointment online at: https://provider.kareo.com/ken-dunham. Also, you can get an introduction to Dr. Dunham and his approach to clients from Dr. Dunham's nationally broadcasted interview on Business Talk Radio online at: https://businesstalkradio1.com/dr-ken-charles-dunham-08-20-20-psychiatry-and-internal-medicine/
![Photo of Kenneth Lyons, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26e44c95-8a7f-46ec-8663-67df73ba03ad/1/320x400.png)
Ken is a Certified Physician Assistant with decades of specialty experience. He graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC with his PA-C degree. Ken has been serving the greater Winston Salem area for years and has touched countless lives through his career. Ken approaches health care from a holistic lens. He believes that self-care, physical activity, and proper nutrition are important components to one’s overall well-being. Ken is well versed in caring with a wide range of clients, from young children to late adulthood. He has a particular interest in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions.
Ken is a Certified Physician Assistant with decades of specialty experience. He graduated from Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC with his PA-C degree. Ken has been serving the greater Winston Salem area for years and has touched countless lives through his career. Ken approaches health care from a holistic lens. He believes that self-care, physical activity, and proper nutrition are important components to one’s overall well-being. Ken is well versed in caring with a wide range of clients, from young children to late adulthood. He has a particular interest in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions.
![Photo of Megan Trawick, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b96f6a5-a1db-4542-b2b1-a11daeb3713e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret (“Megan”) Trawick is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant with 9 years of experience as a provider and 5 years of experience treating patients with mental health and substance use disorders. With her work in addiction medicine and general psychiatry, she understands the importance of recovery friendly medicine and educating patients about the disease of addiction. Megan also treats patients with a variety of behavioral health challenges to include anxiety, panic, insomnia, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and ADHD.
Margaret (“Megan”) Trawick is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant with 9 years of experience as a provider and 5 years of experience treating patients with mental health and substance use disorders. With her work in addiction medicine and general psychiatry, she understands the importance of recovery friendly medicine and educating patients about the disease of addiction. Megan also treats patients with a variety of behavioral health challenges to include anxiety, panic, insomnia, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and ADHD.
![Photo of Tabitha Bowman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a10df79-d646-4815-ae5d-4aa6b1d9b3b1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tabitha Bowman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101 (Online Only)
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I approach care with a holistic approach. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care across the lifespan. My practice focuses on supporting the mental health of adults, adolescents, and seniors, with specialized expertise in perinatal psychiatry. Together, we will work to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs, empowering you on your journey toward mental wellness.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I approach care with a holistic approach. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care across the lifespan. My practice focuses on supporting the mental health of adults, adolescents, and seniors, with specialized expertise in perinatal psychiatry. Together, we will work to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs, empowering you on your journey toward mental wellness.
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![Photo of Melody Moore, LCSW, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c24965be-5eac-489e-96e3-a3312e30c3e1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dually licensed Christian Clinical Social Worker and Physician Assistant ready to serve and care for persons in need of psychiatric evaluation and medication management. I encourage natural/holistic/common sense approaches to wellness as much as I prescribe western medicine. I will provide excellent care to persons of all backgrounds and faith traditions.
Dually licensed Christian Clinical Social Worker and Physician Assistant ready to serve and care for persons in need of psychiatric evaluation and medication management. I encourage natural/holistic/common sense approaches to wellness as much as I prescribe western medicine. I will provide excellent care to persons of all backgrounds and faith traditions.
![Photo of Katherine Rahenkamp, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/352cf06d-90e8-4f30-8204-3fd75865b74b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katherine Rahenkamp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103 (Online Only)
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 17 years of extensive experience in healthcare, I have honed my skills across a spectrum of clinical settings, encompassing acute and maternal inpatient care, as well as outpatient care. My commitment lies in delivering comprehensive and compassionate mental health services to patients spanning all age groups, addressing a diverse range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and ADHD.
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 17 years of extensive experience in healthcare, I have honed my skills across a spectrum of clinical settings, encompassing acute and maternal inpatient care, as well as outpatient care. My commitment lies in delivering comprehensive and compassionate mental health services to patients spanning all age groups, addressing a diverse range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and ADHD.
![Photo of Amy Main, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38ca3133-657d-4620-bb37-d7c1a525ad3c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Main
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101 (Online Only)
I believe that no one should be made to feel guilty about their struggles with mental health, and that everyone deserves to have a safe place to talk about these issues. Just as every person is unique, there is no one right way to treat mental illness. I strive to approach each individual with this in mind, knowing that they may have been through many treatment options already. I know this can be a challenging and frustrating process, but I will listen to your concerns and work with you through the journey.
I believe that no one should be made to feel guilty about their struggles with mental health, and that everyone deserves to have a safe place to talk about these issues. Just as every person is unique, there is no one right way to treat mental illness. I strive to approach each individual with this in mind, knowing that they may have been through many treatment options already. I know this can be a challenging and frustrating process, but I will listen to your concerns and work with you through the journey.
![Photo of Kevin Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abec588e-2802-4bb4-b112-dc141842e9c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kevin Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103 (Online Only)
Hello, I am Kevin Jones. Psychiatry and helping others are ingrained in me. With my vast number of experiences over my 20-year medical and military career, to include raising two autistic boys, I have learned the importance of approaching each client with a profound respect for their unique journey and individual experiences. I believe in fostering a therapeutic environment that honors the autonomy and dignity of every person I serve. By viewing each client as a new soul in a new world, I prioritize building trust, empathy, and collaboration to co-create personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and aspirations.
Hello, I am Kevin Jones. Psychiatry and helping others are ingrained in me. With my vast number of experiences over my 20-year medical and military career, to include raising two autistic boys, I have learned the importance of approaching each client with a profound respect for their unique journey and individual experiences. I believe in fostering a therapeutic environment that honors the autonomy and dignity of every person I serve. By viewing each client as a new soul in a new world, I prioritize building trust, empathy, and collaboration to co-create personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs and aspirations.
![Photo of Dr. Tina A Okonkwo, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/249ad973-50cb-4add-a5a5-a6e93c1c0a44/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tina A Okonkwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27106
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 Morgan Stenger, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc593dd4-909e-47e1-b40a-ae20ab434c9c/2/320x400.png)
Morgan Stenger, PA-C, graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from High Point University. Before pursuing PA school, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Morgan's passion for mental health began when she took AP Psychology in high school where she became inspired to one day become a psychiatric provider. Throughout her education, her passion for mental health continued to grow. During her clinical year of PA school, Morgan completed two psychiatry rotations where she gained experience caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
Morgan Stenger, PA-C, graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from High Point University. Before pursuing PA school, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Morgan's passion for mental health began when she took AP Psychology in high school where she became inspired to one day become a psychiatric provider. Throughout her education, her passion for mental health continued to grow. During her clinical year of PA school, Morgan completed two psychiatry rotations where she gained experience caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations.
![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
Winston Salem, NC 27106
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.
![Photo of Gisela E Knebl Kohl - Certus Psychiatry and Integrated Care, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46efb397-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Certus is Latin for determined. At Certus Psychiatric & Integrated Care in Winston-Salem, we are determined to help our patients emotionally and physically to achieve balance by being active participants in their own care. At Certus, we are a "stigma-free zone." You can come to us with peace of mind in knowing no one will stand in judgment of you. Our primary objectives are to evaluate your symptoms and develop strategies to help put you on a path to recovery and wellness. Believe in WE, and together we will work to help you realize a better quality of life and improved mental wellness.
Certus is Latin for determined. At Certus Psychiatric & Integrated Care in Winston-Salem, we are determined to help our patients emotionally and physically to achieve balance by being active participants in their own care. At Certus, we are a "stigma-free zone." You can come to us with peace of mind in knowing no one will stand in judgment of you. Our primary objectives are to evaluate your symptoms and develop strategies to help put you on a path to recovery and wellness. Believe in WE, and together we will work to help you realize a better quality of life and improved mental wellness.
![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
Winston Salem, NC 27104
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.
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See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Winston Salem, NC
30+
Average cost per session
$129
Psychiatrists in Winston Salem, NC who prioritize treating:
97% | Depression |
97% | Anxiety |
95% | Trauma and PTSD |
92% | Bipolar Disorder |
89% | ADHD |
87% | Medication Management |
84% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
91% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Winston Salem, NC see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
59% | Female | |
41% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Winston Salem?
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.