Psychiatrists in Allen County, OH
Spectrum Mental Health Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, LISW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lima, OH 45801
We are now accepting clients in Columbus and Bowling Green! What does S.P.E.C.T.R.U.M. stand for? Safety. Pride. Education. Compassion. Truth. Respect. Unity. Mindfulness. Spectrum specializes in providing mental health and wellness services in an open, non-judgemental, AND affordable delivery model. We think outside of the box and tailor care to the individual. We pride ourselves on our affirming, holistic approach.
We are now accepting clients in Columbus and Bowling Green! What does S.P.E.C.T.R.U.M. stand for? Safety. Pride. Education. Compassion. Truth. Respect. Unity. Mindfulness. Spectrum specializes in providing mental health and wellness services in an open, non-judgemental, AND affordable delivery model. We think outside of the box and tailor care to the individual. We pride ourselves on our affirming, holistic approach.
Erin Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN , MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lima, OH 45801 (Online Only)
Erin Miller believes in a holistic treatment approach to provide a positive atmosphere for mental health. She is dedicated to developing strong therapeutic relationships with patients. Erin has been practicing via telemedicine since 2019 and treats patients across the lifespan. She is committed to providing access for mental health services for all and has years of experience in treating varying mental health disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia. Erin also specializes in pediatric patients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder.
Erin Miller believes in a holistic treatment approach to provide a positive atmosphere for mental health. She is dedicated to developing strong therapeutic relationships with patients. Erin has been practicing via telemedicine since 2019 and treats patients across the lifespan. She is committed to providing access for mental health services for all and has years of experience in treating varying mental health disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia. Erin also specializes in pediatric patients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder.
VirtualPsych allows for telepsych healthcare remotely in an easy to use environment. Our physicians specialize in the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder and have over 30 years of experience in psychiatry and mental health. We accept a variety of insurance plans from providers including Aetna, CareSource and United Healthcare. We also cover most Medicaid and Medicare plans as well. We have appointments available on a daily basis and the time to see a physician is typically less than a few days. Please call us at (419) 318-1200 if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment.
VirtualPsych allows for telepsych healthcare remotely in an easy to use environment. Our physicians specialize in the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder and have over 30 years of experience in psychiatry and mental health. We accept a variety of insurance plans from providers including Aetna, CareSource and United Healthcare. We also cover most Medicaid and Medicare plans as well. We have appointments available on a daily basis and the time to see a physician is typically less than a few days. Please call us at (419) 318-1200 if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment.
Kimberly Swartz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lima, OH 45801
Hello! I’m Kimberly. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in health care. I provide holistic integrative care, and I am glad you are here! Seeking help can be a bit overwhelming and perhaps even scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Hello! I’m Kimberly. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in health care. I provide holistic integrative care, and I am glad you are here! Seeking help can be a bit overwhelming and perhaps even scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Barrie Behavioral Health (BBH).
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, CNP, Psych
Verified Verified
Lima, OH 45804
Not accepting new clients
My name is Karim Barrie. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2017 and have been in practice since. My experiences are in psychiatry and addiction. I prefer to treat patients age 16 and above. I am well versed in treating: Anxiety Disorders (Anxiety, panic, social anxiety); Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar); Psychotic Disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder); PTSD; OCD. TELEHEALTH OPTION IS AVAILABLE.
My name is Karim Barrie. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2017 and have been in practice since. My experiences are in psychiatry and addiction. I prefer to treat patients age 16 and above. I am well versed in treating: Anxiety Disorders (Anxiety, panic, social anxiety); Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar); Psychotic Disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder); PTSD; OCD. TELEHEALTH OPTION IS AVAILABLE.
Hi! I'm a licensed Professional Psychiatry NP base in Lima, Ohio. I received two Masters degree from University of Cincinnati, one in Family practice NP, and one as a Psychiatry NP and board certified by ANCC and AANP. I have been practicing for 5 years has Psych NP and i have been opportune to be of service to many patients. It is a great privilege in helping others, as bringing happiness to others through my job bring happiness to me as well. I am passionate about mental health and look forward to meeting you today!
Hi! I'm a licensed Professional Psychiatry NP base in Lima, Ohio. I received two Masters degree from University of Cincinnati, one in Family practice NP, and one as a Psychiatry NP and board certified by ANCC and AANP. I have been practicing for 5 years has Psych NP and i have been opportune to be of service to many patients. It is a great privilege in helping others, as bringing happiness to others through my job bring happiness to me as well. I am passionate about mental health and look forward to meeting you today!
There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..." I became a nurse practitioner while working inpatient as a psychiatric nurse for 5 years. I am proud of my profession in nursing, as I believe that nurse practitioners bring a unique perspective to this field. Being fully present, and actively listening to understand what a patient is trying to convey is invaluable. My goal is to allow you to feel heard.
There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think..." I became a nurse practitioner while working inpatient as a psychiatric nurse for 5 years. I am proud of my profession in nursing, as I believe that nurse practitioners bring a unique perspective to this field. Being fully present, and actively listening to understand what a patient is trying to convey is invaluable. My goal is to allow you to feel heard.
Online Psychiatrists
TelaMD Health offers Multi-Specialty Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a mental health professional at your convenience from your home. We have a short waiting period and are currently accepting patients from a majority of insurance providers. Please call us at (614) 502-3491 if you would like to set up an appointment.
TelaMD Health offers Multi-Specialty Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a mental health professional at your convenience from your home. We have a short waiting period and are currently accepting patients from a majority of insurance providers. Please call us at (614) 502-3491 if you would like to set up an appointment.
Chelsea Birkemeier
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Miamisburg, OH 45342
I am committed to always providing client education, client-centered care, supportive therapy, evidence-based techniques, and evidence-based treatment interventions in my practice. Naturally, I have always been engaged in coaching others through life and inspiring them towards their goals. I am committed to help others work towards small, reasonable, and realistic goals to achieve their long term goals. Treating the whole person is essential in my practice. Incorporation of all of these areas is necessary to promote healing in individuals who are experiencing emotional distress.
I am committed to always providing client education, client-centered care, supportive therapy, evidence-based techniques, and evidence-based treatment interventions in my practice. Naturally, I have always been engaged in coaching others through life and inspiring them towards their goals. I am committed to help others work towards small, reasonable, and realistic goals to achieve their long term goals. Treating the whole person is essential in my practice. Incorporation of all of these areas is necessary to promote healing in individuals who are experiencing emotional distress.
Now Accepting New Patients! Dr. Ahuja is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Balanced Innovative Care. She has expertise in treating all mental health disorders including Autism, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Trauma, and Stress-related disorders. She offers specialized diagnostic Autism evaluations, ADHD evaluations, one-time consultations, and ongoing care with medication management to patients in Ohio and Wisconsin. Online appointments are available with no waitlist including evenings and weekends. Schedule a new patient appointment directly from her website here: www.BalancedInnovativeCare.com/new-patients
Now Accepting New Patients! Dr. Ahuja is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Balanced Innovative Care. She has expertise in treating all mental health disorders including Autism, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Trauma, and Stress-related disorders. She offers specialized diagnostic Autism evaluations, ADHD evaluations, one-time consultations, and ongoing care with medication management to patients in Ohio and Wisconsin. Online appointments are available with no waitlist including evenings and weekends. Schedule a new patient appointment directly from her website here: www.BalancedInnovativeCare.com/new-patients
Rachel Jones is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with seven of experience. She received her master's degree in nursing from The Ohio State University and Wright State University and her bachelor's degree from Grace College in Indiana. She is certified through the American Nursing Credential Center. She has previously worked in inpatient, outpatient, emergency and foster care settings. She specializes in medication management for her clients and is also knowledgeable in motivational interviewing and supportive counseling. She sees clients up to age 40.
Rachel Jones is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner with seven of experience. She received her master's degree in nursing from The Ohio State University and Wright State University and her bachelor's degree from Grace College in Indiana. She is certified through the American Nursing Credential Center. She has previously worked in inpatient, outpatient, emergency and foster care settings. She specializes in medication management for her clients and is also knowledgeable in motivational interviewing and supportive counseling. She sees clients up to age 40.
Annamaria Pagani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43219 (Online Only)
My name is Annamaria & I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I accept patients ages 15 and up. My role involves addressing symptoms and challenges that patients face with medication, but also identifying other factors that could contribute to their mental health. This includes medical conditions, lifestyle factors, coping skills, and more. I offer genetic testing to help narrow down psychotropic medication options and to help patients understand why previous medications may not have worked. I empower my patients to actively participate in making decisions in their own care.
My name is Annamaria & I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I accept patients ages 15 and up. My role involves addressing symptoms and challenges that patients face with medication, but also identifying other factors that could contribute to their mental health. This includes medical conditions, lifestyle factors, coping skills, and more. I offer genetic testing to help narrow down psychotropic medication options and to help patients understand why previous medications may not have worked. I empower my patients to actively participate in making decisions in their own care.
Becca Granger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mansfield, OH 44902
Are you a high functioning individual who has mastered the art of, "I'm fine. It's fine. Everything's fine?" Wondering how much longer you can keep up the pace and who will be impacted if you cannot? Looking for a confidential space where you don’t have to be “on?” A space to be real and address the stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, and insomnia that often come with great responsibility? Space to breathe, be heard, gain perspective, develop solutions, and leave with hope?
Are you a high functioning individual who has mastered the art of, "I'm fine. It's fine. Everything's fine?" Wondering how much longer you can keep up the pace and who will be impacted if you cannot? Looking for a confidential space where you don’t have to be “on?” A space to be real and address the stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, and insomnia that often come with great responsibility? Space to breathe, be heard, gain perspective, develop solutions, and leave with hope?
Hygge Behavioral Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Granville, OH 43023
Too often mental health is considered separate from physical health. It's not. No one would expect to get through life being 100% physically healthy all the time and nor should they expect to get through it with perfect mental health. Mental health problems are normal to experience. Whether you are struggling with an episode of depression or chronic anxiety, whether you are grieving or processing through a traumatic event, you are not alone.
Too often mental health is considered separate from physical health. It's not. No one would expect to get through life being 100% physically healthy all the time and nor should they expect to get through it with perfect mental health. Mental health problems are normal to experience. Whether you are struggling with an episode of depression or chronic anxiety, whether you are grieving or processing through a traumatic event, you are not alone.
New Vistas for Women Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ACNS-BC, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43235
Stacey Molle (pronounced Moe-lay) is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner that has 18 years of nursing experience and certification in both Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health. She has worked with people from all walks of life and realizes that she particularly identifies with women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent persons. Even while providing comprehensive care, she has found that something is missing in traditional medicine. By focusing on care that identifies the ROOT cause of clients’ symptoms, she has found that her clients have better outcomes.
Stacey Molle (pronounced Moe-lay) is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner that has 18 years of nursing experience and certification in both Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health. She has worked with people from all walks of life and realizes that she particularly identifies with women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent persons. Even while providing comprehensive care, she has found that something is missing in traditional medicine. By focusing on care that identifies the ROOT cause of clients’ symptoms, she has found that her clients have better outcomes.
Anna Wilcher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, AHN-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beavercreek, OH 45432
As Anna works with people across the lifespan from Kindergarden to elderly, she is influenced by her belief that health is achieved when the needs of the whole person, mind and body, are addressed. She wants to “meet a person where they are” and work together to set realistic, achievable, goals that will improve the overall quality of her patient’s life. She believes “It takes a village,” and looks forward to being a part of her patient’s village, providing expertise and support throughout their mental health journey. Anna is a Nurse Practitioner, with certifications in Advanced Holistic Nursing, Psychiatry and Mental Health.
As Anna works with people across the lifespan from Kindergarden to elderly, she is influenced by her belief that health is achieved when the needs of the whole person, mind and body, are addressed. She wants to “meet a person where they are” and work together to set realistic, achievable, goals that will improve the overall quality of her patient’s life. She believes “It takes a village,” and looks forward to being a part of her patient’s village, providing expertise and support throughout their mental health journey. Anna is a Nurse Practitioner, with certifications in Advanced Holistic Nursing, Psychiatry and Mental Health.
Welcome! GentlePsych is an online telepsychiatry practice seeing patients in Ohio 7 and up. Virtual visits allow for you to be in the most comfortable space for you. (Not anyone else). I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Ohio providing diagnostic evaluations, medication management services, as well as psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from a wide variety of mental health issues and disorders. I have special interests in treatment of ADHD, Adult ADHD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, as well as working together to help you heal.
Welcome! GentlePsych is an online telepsychiatry practice seeing patients in Ohio 7 and up. Virtual visits allow for you to be in the most comfortable space for you. (Not anyone else). I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Ohio providing diagnostic evaluations, medication management services, as well as psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from a wide variety of mental health issues and disorders. I have special interests in treatment of ADHD, Adult ADHD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, as well as working together to help you heal.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Marquetta D Colbert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, DNP
Verified Verified
Dayton, OH 45415
I am a licensed board certified mental health nurse practioner with a private practice in Dayton, OH. I have over 10 years experience working with behavioral health patients on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.
I am a licensed board certified mental health nurse practioner with a private practice in Dayton, OH. I have over 10 years experience working with behavioral health patients on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.
I’m here to help you with your mental health concerns and provide you with the best possible care.” I can provide medication treatment as well as psychotherapy. I have a vast array of experience in mental health, as I've been a psychiatric nurse since 2011. My focus is on treating children, adolescents and adults through the life span.
I’m here to help you with your mental health concerns and provide you with the best possible care.” I can provide medication treatment as well as psychotherapy. I have a vast array of experience in mental health, as I've been a psychiatric nurse since 2011. My focus is on treating children, adolescents and adults through the life span.
See more therapy options for Allen County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Allen County, OH
< 10
Psychiatrists in Allen County, OH who prioritize treating:
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
86% | Depression |
86% | Anxiety |
86% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
86% | Bipolar Disorder |
86% | Suicidal Ideation |
71% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Allen County, OH see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Allen County?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.