Psychiatrists in Plymouth, NH
![Photo of Wendy Bayless, PMHNP-B, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79ae0f63-5182-432f-8809-9eca9477dcd4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wendy Bayless
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plymouth, NH 03264
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I provide both non-medication and medication strategies in order to find the right fit for your needs.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I provide both non-medication and medication strategies in order to find the right fit for your needs.
![Photo of Richard Nasstrom - Premier Health LLC, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/028d27a0-c57f-4529-ad65-f6ce238b50d7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Nasstrom specializes in pharmacology and psychiatry. He incorporates kindness and compassion to give his patients a sense of calm and security during sessions. He offers an individualized treatment approach to each patient to achieve the best outcome.
Dr. Nasstrom specializes in pharmacology and psychiatry. He incorporates kindness and compassion to give his patients a sense of calm and security during sessions. He offers an individualized treatment approach to each patient to achieve the best outcome.
![Photo of Alyssa Ryan, RN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/357819ca-e246-495d-ad7e-61f7bfccb80a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Ryan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Plymouth, NH 03264 (Online Only)
I am passionate about enhancing mental health and wellness through a holistic approach. I firmly believe that true well-being encompasses more than just medications—it involves coping strategies, lifestyle modifications, and personalized care. With my understanding of the mind-body connection, I strive to optimize mental health outcomes by integrating the best of both worlds: evidence-based pharmacological interventions and a comprehensive array of holistic practices. Combining the power of medications with coping strategies and lifestyle adjustments, I aim to provide a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan for each individual.
I am passionate about enhancing mental health and wellness through a holistic approach. I firmly believe that true well-being encompasses more than just medications—it involves coping strategies, lifestyle modifications, and personalized care. With my understanding of the mind-body connection, I strive to optimize mental health outcomes by integrating the best of both worlds: evidence-based pharmacological interventions and a comprehensive array of holistic practices. Combining the power of medications with coping strategies and lifestyle adjustments, I aim to provide a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan for each individual.
![Photo of Sarah Shadallah Tressler - Growing Roots Integrative Health & Wellness, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4def5dc0-5a15-48be-84a3-6e2fa7efb5c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Growing Roots Integrative Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Plymouth, NH 03264
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Almos Nagy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab18063c-86aa-4db7-8965-5482a320d5df/1/320x400.png)
As a general and geriatric psychiatrist, Dr. Nagy has experience in diagnosing and providing psychopharmacological treatment to patients with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depressive disorders, trauma related and anxiety conditions, bipolar spectrum disorders, psychotic disorders as well as addiction related conditions. From 2014 to 2020 Dr. Nagy worked at the Bedford, Massachusetts VA Medical Center as the program psychiatrist for the severely mental illness (SMI) program, for which he received the I CARE award of the VA Medical Center.
As a general and geriatric psychiatrist, Dr. Nagy has experience in diagnosing and providing psychopharmacological treatment to patients with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depressive disorders, trauma related and anxiety conditions, bipolar spectrum disorders, psychotic disorders as well as addiction related conditions. From 2014 to 2020 Dr. Nagy worked at the Bedford, Massachusetts VA Medical Center as the program psychiatrist for the severely mental illness (SMI) program, for which he received the I CARE award of the VA Medical Center.
![Photo of Rebecca Ferra, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f44bb3c-0d99-470b-98dc-0080ff1841ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Ferra
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Londonderry, NH 03053
Not being able to trust your own perception of reality can be terrifying, confusing, and debilitating. It disrupts relationships, careers, families, and sense of self. You can feel hopeless – as though nobody in your life understands what you are going through. With decades of experience supporting others like yourself, Rebecca is here to help. Her support of her clientele and commitment to excellence in mental health treatment is unwavering. Rebecca is ready to offer you experienced and empathetic care during every step of your journey toward optimum health.
Not being able to trust your own perception of reality can be terrifying, confusing, and debilitating. It disrupts relationships, careers, families, and sense of self. You can feel hopeless – as though nobody in your life understands what you are going through. With decades of experience supporting others like yourself, Rebecca is here to help. Her support of her clientele and commitment to excellence in mental health treatment is unwavering. Rebecca is ready to offer you experienced and empathetic care during every step of your journey toward optimum health.
![Photo of Lili Wierbonics, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f324a082-e889-4609-8719-0bed8488748d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lili Wierbonics is a licensed Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families in the Seacoast area. Lili has an interest in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, behavioral issues and eating disorders. In her spare time she loves cooking, gardening, kayaking, camping and hiking with family and friends.
Lili Wierbonics is a licensed Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families in the Seacoast area. Lili has an interest in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, behavioral issues and eating disorders. In her spare time she loves cooking, gardening, kayaking, camping and hiking with family and friends.
![Photo of Tuyet Nguyen - Zen Behavioral Health Clinic , DNP, APRN, PMHNP, AGPCNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d29af9b0-2868-4fe6-be10-5c8dd1031b6b/4/320x400.png)
Zen Behavioral Health Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, AGPCNP
Verified Verified
Merrimack, NH 03054
Zen Behavioral Health Clinic offers assessment, diagnosing and treatment for people struggling with various mental health illnesses. Our clinicians are highly educated and have years of training and experience helping individuals and families cope with mental health issues. We strive to provide a comprehensive and patient centered treatments that are trailered to an individual's and family's needs. The focus at Zen is too educate, empower and encourage individual struggling with mental illness to feel better and to succeed. We understand each person is unique and we respect every diversity and differences among our patients.
Zen Behavioral Health Clinic offers assessment, diagnosing and treatment for people struggling with various mental health illnesses. Our clinicians are highly educated and have years of training and experience helping individuals and families cope with mental health issues. We strive to provide a comprehensive and patient centered treatments that are trailered to an individual's and family's needs. The focus at Zen is too educate, empower and encourage individual struggling with mental illness to feel better and to succeed. We understand each person is unique and we respect every diversity and differences among our patients.
![Photo of Amanda LeFort - Granite State Family Psychiatry, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ca73733-4b17-4b0e-9d98-4cc0e3b347df/2/320x400.jpeg)
Granite State Family Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashua, NH 03060
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS OF ALL AGES BOTH IN PERSON AND VIA TELEHEALTH (VIDEO)* I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), nationally accredited to provide psychiatric services across the lifespan. I provide comprehensive behavioral health services including consultation, psychiatric assessment, diagnostic formulation, medication management, and education. I provide care to children ages 5 and up including adolescents/teens, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS OF ALL AGES BOTH IN PERSON AND VIA TELEHEALTH (VIDEO)* I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), nationally accredited to provide psychiatric services across the lifespan. I provide comprehensive behavioral health services including consultation, psychiatric assessment, diagnostic formulation, medication management, and education. I provide care to children ages 5 and up including adolescents/teens, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics.
![Photo of Erika Ebert, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/815493a4-b65a-4389-9b99-dd5b31df9853/1/320x400.png)
Part of Dr. Ebert's clinical time is devoted to working with resident physicians from Portsmouth Regional Hospital-HCA Healthcare/Tufts University. Resident physicians are licensed doctors who have completed medical school and are finalizing their specialty training in psychiatry. They are currently completing their 3rd postgraduate year of training at LifeStance Health, Inc. Your initial appointment may either be solely with Dr. Ebert or may be with a resident physician with Dr. Ebert joining towards the end of the appointment to review history, current symptoms, and discuss the plan of care with the resident physician.
Part of Dr. Ebert's clinical time is devoted to working with resident physicians from Portsmouth Regional Hospital-HCA Healthcare/Tufts University. Resident physicians are licensed doctors who have completed medical school and are finalizing their specialty training in psychiatry. They are currently completing their 3rd postgraduate year of training at LifeStance Health, Inc. Your initial appointment may either be solely with Dr. Ebert or may be with a resident physician with Dr. Ebert joining towards the end of the appointment to review history, current symptoms, and discuss the plan of care with the resident physician.
![Photo of Margaret Oliver, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbaff8c3-da03-470c-acaf-e9b67dc38154/1/320x400.png)
Margaret Oliver
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manchester, NH 03103 (Online Only)
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities.
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities.
![Photo of Christine Hawkins, APRN, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60b81e9c-7467-4118-9967-efd7dd3a673c/1/320x400.png)
Hello, I am Christine, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been practicing medicine since 1994 and have focused on psychiatry for the past 17 years. After many years of treating individuals with psychiatric and substance use disorders, I decided to make it official and obtained my master's in nursing from Rivier University in 2021. I love treating both mental health and substance use disorders. I have worked in both inpatient hospital settings and outpatient facilities. I focus my practice on being empathetic, an active listener, and thorough to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
Hello, I am Christine, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have been practicing medicine since 1994 and have focused on psychiatry for the past 17 years. After many years of treating individuals with psychiatric and substance use disorders, I decided to make it official and obtained my master's in nursing from Rivier University in 2021. I love treating both mental health and substance use disorders. I have worked in both inpatient hospital settings and outpatient facilities. I focus my practice on being empathetic, an active listener, and thorough to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
![Photo of Nichole Tagliavento, MSN, APRN-BC, PMNHP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f21bdce4-2bb0-4cc5-807e-ca9db316b72e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nichole Tagliavento
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-BC, PMNHP
Verified Verified
Nashua, NH 03060
Integrative Healthcare Center—for mental health and behavioral health. We offer licensed therapists, prescription management, psychiatry, autism care, and more. Integrative medicine, as defined by the U.S. Government’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, explores many treatment avenues, working with patients to heal the whole person, not just one organ system. Integrative Healthcare Center fills a void in the healthcare landscape. Mental health services are hard to find. With providers scarce and in demand, even established patients find themselves waiting months for treatment.
Integrative Healthcare Center—for mental health and behavioral health. We offer licensed therapists, prescription management, psychiatry, autism care, and more. Integrative medicine, as defined by the U.S. Government’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, explores many treatment avenues, working with patients to heal the whole person, not just one organ system. Integrative Healthcare Center fills a void in the healthcare landscape. Mental health services are hard to find. With providers scarce and in demand, even established patients find themselves waiting months for treatment.
![Photo of Kimberly Contant - For You Behavioral Health, LLC , MSN, APRN, PMHNP, CNL, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77a28e6a-8c55-478f-83d8-10725d317072/1/320x400.jpeg)
For You Behavioral Health, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, CNL
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, NH 03301
Are you tired of doing the same thing over and over? Do you feel like you have tried all the medications and nothing is working? At For You Behavioral Health, LLC we believe in looking at each person as a unique individual. We provide a holistic approach that provides an uplifting, unbiased understanding of who you are. It is our goal to provide real solutions to your every day problems. We put you first, for you to be your best self.
Are you tired of doing the same thing over and over? Do you feel like you have tried all the medications and nothing is working? At For You Behavioral Health, LLC we believe in looking at each person as a unique individual. We provide a holistic approach that provides an uplifting, unbiased understanding of who you are. It is our goal to provide real solutions to your every day problems. We put you first, for you to be your best self.
![Photo of Wanda R Lanigan, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/973067d2-13f2-41a2-9b85-53a0f69cf6f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wanda R Lanigan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Merrimack, NH 03054
We all have experiences, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that influence who we are. We are a product of all of this and our relationships. My approach is to provide you care with psychoeducation, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy has terrific benefits, and sometimes more help is needed. I prefer an integrated, holistic approach to each client, considering who you are and how we can support you to live your most fulfilled life.
We all have experiences, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that influence who we are. We are a product of all of this and our relationships. My approach is to provide you care with psychoeducation, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy has terrific benefits, and sometimes more help is needed. I prefer an integrated, holistic approach to each client, considering who you are and how we can support you to live your most fulfilled life.
![Photo of April Levesque, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e72698b5-1712-43b7-b48d-bfc81a1a9694/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner credentialed with the American Nurses Credentialing Center currently licensed in New Hampshire. I received my Masters of Science in Nursing from Rivier University in 2022 specializing in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Prior to this, I was a psychiatric and mental health registered nurse for 9 years on a locked acute inpatient behavioral and mental health unit. I found my passion for those who suffer from mental health while serving 9 years in the United States Navy. I am compassionate and caring and use a direct approach in caring for my patients.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner credentialed with the American Nurses Credentialing Center currently licensed in New Hampshire. I received my Masters of Science in Nursing from Rivier University in 2022 specializing in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Prior to this, I was a psychiatric and mental health registered nurse for 9 years on a locked acute inpatient behavioral and mental health unit. I found my passion for those who suffer from mental health while serving 9 years in the United States Navy. I am compassionate and caring and use a direct approach in caring for my patients.
![Photo of Michelle Vivo Amore, CNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d3a8af0-a704-4080-a187-270ed594ba8a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Vivo Amore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Hudson, NH 03051
Psychological well-being is considered a state of balance between the challenges and rewards in our personal lives. Yet, how do we master this balance?
Psychological well-being is considered a state of balance between the challenges and rewards in our personal lives. Yet, how do we master this balance?
![Photo of Jennifer Keller - Mountainside Mental Health, PLLC, MSN, BSW, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef52e907-6a7c-4a37-b750-6882f7b5927a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mountainside Mental Health, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, BSW, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ossipee, NH 03864
Mountainside Mental Health is a privately run practice in Carroll County, NH that is owned and operated by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Keller. Mountainside is now accepting new patients for both in-person and telehealth appointments and would like to extend a welcome to those in need of psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and mental health treatment. I would be honored to be entrusted with your psychiatric care and look forward to discussing how I might offer support.
Mountainside Mental Health is a privately run practice in Carroll County, NH that is owned and operated by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Keller. Mountainside is now accepting new patients for both in-person and telehealth appointments and would like to extend a welcome to those in need of psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and mental health treatment. I would be honored to be entrusted with your psychiatric care and look forward to discussing how I might offer support.
![Photo of Mary Eweka, DNP, PMHNP, MSc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54549127-0e0c-416c-a923-9f5e9e25fc7e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). I gleaned over 30 years of nursing experience specializing in adolescents, young adults, and senior behavioral health needs across the social spectrum. Life can be challenging, neuro-biochemical imbalances are huge disturbances & psychosocial burdens are triggers for mental instability. The goal of life sums up the fact that everyone is entitled to a healthy life at its best and the power to enjoy life is within you. Often, the key is connecting to the right people to discover the unique path to healthy living.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). I gleaned over 30 years of nursing experience specializing in adolescents, young adults, and senior behavioral health needs across the social spectrum. Life can be challenging, neuro-biochemical imbalances are huge disturbances & psychosocial burdens are triggers for mental instability. The goal of life sums up the fact that everyone is entitled to a healthy life at its best and the power to enjoy life is within you. Often, the key is connecting to the right people to discover the unique path to healthy living.
![Photo of James M Kennedy, APRN, PMHNP, ADHD-CC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04224b6d-b134-4952-8cda-6992334f706e/6/320x400.jpeg)
James M Kennedy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, ADHD-CC
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Portsmouth, NH 03801
As a Boston College graduate with extensive experience at Harvard-teaching hospitals, including McLean Hospital, MGH and BIDMC, my commitment to your well-being is deeply ingrained and well-informed. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to establishing genuine connections with individuals through medication management, accurate diagnostics and authentic, patient-centered care. The care I provide is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and pragmatism.
As a Boston College graduate with extensive experience at Harvard-teaching hospitals, including McLean Hospital, MGH and BIDMC, my commitment to your well-being is deeply ingrained and well-informed. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to establishing genuine connections with individuals through medication management, accurate diagnostics and authentic, patient-centered care. The care I provide is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and pragmatism.
See more therapy options for Plymouth
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Plymouth, NH
< 10
Psychiatrists in Plymouth, NH who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Emotional Disturbance |
100% | Medication Management |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Elevance |
How Psychiatrists in Plymouth, NH see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Plymouth?
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.