Psychiatrists in Brown County, OH
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Check out psychiatrists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Ohio below.Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Arnold G Shapiro, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5cbea69-7753-4631-a228-63f52d18b192/1/320x400.png)
I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. I've been in private practice in OH and KY for many years. My primary clinical focus is the treatment of ADHD, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety and Depression. My primary goal as a physician is to work with patients to establish and implement the treatment plan that best suits them and their families. I am proud to treat my patients who started as patients when they were children, who now also bring their children to me for treatment.
I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. I've been in private practice in OH and KY for many years. My primary clinical focus is the treatment of ADHD, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety and Depression. My primary goal as a physician is to work with patients to establish and implement the treatment plan that best suits them and their families. I am proud to treat my patients who started as patients when they were children, who now also bring their children to me for treatment.
![Photo of Ebba Terefe - MindsMatter Psychiatry, CNP , PMHNP-B, C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9898b78d-7a08-4ca9-aa3c-9c59cf77a98d/2/320x400.jpeg)
MindsMatter Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP , PMHNP-B, C
Verified Verified
Westerville, OH 43081
I'm a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management services to patients ages 16 +. I'm board certified, specializing in medication management, treating depression, anxiety, addiction and many other ailments. Accepting new patients and variety of insurances. I can easily E-prescribe your medication and use the latest technology for easy virtual sessions, without you having to leave your home.
I'm a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management services to patients ages 16 +. I'm board certified, specializing in medication management, treating depression, anxiety, addiction and many other ailments. Accepting new patients and variety of insurances. I can easily E-prescribe your medication and use the latest technology for easy virtual sessions, without you having to leave your home.
Safe Place Therapeutics LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, OH 45503
Are you having Mental Health issues including but not limited to Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, sleep issues? Are your struggling with Substance Abuse issues including by not limited Opioid use Disorder, Alcoholism. If so at Safe Place Therapeutics a Brick and Mortar Clinic we use a holistic approached as as foundation for our treatment modality.
Are you having Mental Health issues including but not limited to Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, sleep issues? Are your struggling with Substance Abuse issues including by not limited Opioid use Disorder, Alcoholism. If so at Safe Place Therapeutics a Brick and Mortar Clinic we use a holistic approached as as foundation for our treatment modality.
![Photo of Eric Rush, APRN, CNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f4759e0-2fe4-440f-a347-6c7492159c71/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new clients! I'm a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner integrating therapy and medication management. I work with clients to explore healing through mind, body, and overall wellness. Together, we'll develop a personalized approach that supports your journey in building a healthy and fulfilling life.
Accepting new clients! I'm a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner integrating therapy and medication management. I work with clients to explore healing through mind, body, and overall wellness. Together, we'll develop a personalized approach that supports your journey in building a healthy and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Erica Shannon Stokes - Ingenious Health & Wellness, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73ee3f36-bd33-4680-bf6c-448cce144511/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ingenious Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cincinnati, OH 45240 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new patients. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience as an RN with education and training to treat patients with mental health and substance abuse issues across the lifespan. My education includes a Master of Science in Nursing, with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. I am dedicated and passionate in providing quality care, ensuring I provide care holistically. I can provide medication management and psychotherapy. I offer service in OHIO via Telehealth only.
Currently accepting new patients. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience as an RN with education and training to treat patients with mental health and substance abuse issues across the lifespan. My education includes a Master of Science in Nursing, with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. I am dedicated and passionate in providing quality care, ensuring I provide care holistically. I can provide medication management and psychotherapy. I offer service in OHIO via Telehealth only.
![Photo of Misty McDowell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7247209a-68b3-429a-a720-df19c7d23924/1/320x400.jpeg)
Misty McDowell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbus, OH 43235 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and five years of experience in treating addiction and alcohol dependence, and I am only licensed in Ohio. I specialize in providing mental health services for clients who have depression, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, social anxiety, post-partum depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, tourette's disorder, excoriation skin-picking disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmare disorder, night-tear disorder, eating disorders, etc.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry and five years of experience in treating addiction and alcohol dependence, and I am only licensed in Ohio. I specialize in providing mental health services for clients who have depression, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, social anxiety, post-partum depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, tourette's disorder, excoriation skin-picking disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmare disorder, night-tear disorder, eating disorders, etc.
![Photo of Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0285dbf-d0e6-4d66-a65e-12e607aa7af8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shawn Faust
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbus, OH 43223 (Online Only)
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
![Photo of Jen Foren, PMHNP, BSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4693124a-e5ad-4010-b204-89281185e267/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that specializes in medication management for children, adolescents and adults. I have experience working in various mental health settings. I focus on improving a patient’s quality of life by looking at the whole picture and using a holistic approach.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that specializes in medication management for children, adolescents and adults. I have experience working in various mental health settings. I focus on improving a patient’s quality of life by looking at the whole picture and using a holistic approach.
![Photo of Laura Madu - Zera Behavioral Health , DNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9280f4b-3158-4141-962f-c4a952babb37/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zera Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Hello, we support mental health across the lifespan. Through therapy, empathy and compassion, create judgment-free zones to help manage individuals with various mental health and substance use disorders.
Hello, we support mental health across the lifespan. Through therapy, empathy and compassion, create judgment-free zones to help manage individuals with various mental health and substance use disorders.
![Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ae4d45d-973b-4fe5-9bf2-4ce50ffe3075/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Pickerington, OH 43147
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
![Photo of Thomas Crane, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/192ef659-cea2-411f-bf85-9bb73ce8157a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Thomas Crane is a board-certified psychiatrist who practices general adult psychiatry, with a special interest in managing depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. He attended Calvin College for his Bachelor’s Degree and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for his Medical Degree. He then completed his Residency in Psychiatry at Ohio State University. After spending six months serving the prison population, he is back to doing what he finds most rewarding, which is one-on-one outpatient psychiatry.
Dr. Thomas Crane is a board-certified psychiatrist who practices general adult psychiatry, with a special interest in managing depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. He attended Calvin College for his Bachelor’s Degree and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for his Medical Degree. He then completed his Residency in Psychiatry at Ohio State University. After spending six months serving the prison population, he is back to doing what he finds most rewarding, which is one-on-one outpatient psychiatry.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/690afb1c-12d5-4581-ad7f-d9f190ff9f9f/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Michelle LeMaster, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f10baf3-8ba4-4fdc-b1d9-1d7e4e605f01/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle LeMaster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Beavercreek, OH 45432
I work primarily with medication management but listening is my superpower. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenge, I am here to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to express yourself. I believe that the foundation of mental health care lies in truly hearing and understanding the unique experiences of each person I work with.
I work primarily with medication management but listening is my superpower. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenge, I am here to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to express yourself. I believe that the foundation of mental health care lies in truly hearing and understanding the unique experiences of each person I work with.
![Photo of Gina Vaisberg, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c4c8716-b964-496b-9e32-ddb52ba64f88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gina Vaisberg is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience and received a Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. Gina believes in a treatment philosophy that provides the most up-to-date evidence-based quality care.
Gina Vaisberg is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience and received a Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. Gina believes in a treatment philosophy that provides the most up-to-date evidence-based quality care.
![Photo of Princess Gaitawe-Johnson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d4e617b-4fba-4712-8885-0384c905bf72/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. I have been practicing for over 10 years with experience with care of patients in a hospital, residential, and clinic settings. I value building relationships with both the child and their provider(s) to provide appropriate mental health care. I have treated various diagnoses and mental health concerns including: OCD, depression, ADHD, Autism related behavioral difficulties, young adults transitioning into adulthood, anxiety, and disruptive mood disorders. My approach to is address problems from a comprehensive perspective as their may be various contributing factors.
I am a board certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist. I have been practicing for over 10 years with experience with care of patients in a hospital, residential, and clinic settings. I value building relationships with both the child and their provider(s) to provide appropriate mental health care. I have treated various diagnoses and mental health concerns including: OCD, depression, ADHD, Autism related behavioral difficulties, young adults transitioning into adulthood, anxiety, and disruptive mood disorders. My approach to is address problems from a comprehensive perspective as their may be various contributing factors.
![Photo of Sarah Rossetter - Sarah Rossetter, MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9f3a3ab-596b-4880-bc29-f5aaad2b6db4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Unsure if medication is the right choice for you? Are you looking for a doctor who will truly listen and understand your needs? Dr. Rossetter combines a warm, compassionate interaction style with medical expertise to offer truly personalized care.
Unsure if medication is the right choice for you? Are you looking for a doctor who will truly listen and understand your needs? Dr. Rossetter combines a warm, compassionate interaction style with medical expertise to offer truly personalized care.
![Photo of Gerald Makobong, APRN, PMHNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74a7cf94-bc4d-4afb-aea5-06a6c5c81995/1/320x400.png)
Gerald Makobong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, CNP
Verified Verified
Lancaster, OH 43130
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. I have experience working with adult, adolescent, and geriatric populations in high-acuity inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, I have experience assessing, diagnosing, educating, and treating mental health patients ages 5-99.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. I have experience working with adult, adolescent, and geriatric populations in high-acuity inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, I have experience assessing, diagnosing, educating, and treating mental health patients ages 5-99.
![Photo of Rashid Shaibu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4d16486-6928-46f6-b093-8f326559847d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rashid Shaibu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Online Only)
Hello, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) . I obtained my Family Nurse Practitioner certification from The Ohio State University (OSU) and my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from Northern Kentucky University (NKU).
Hello, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) . I obtained my Family Nurse Practitioner certification from The Ohio State University (OSU) and my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification from Northern Kentucky University (NKU).
![Photo of Deana Batross, PMHNP, DNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12bd3ae7-25bb-48ef-beda-5c55daf7ced1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deana Batross
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Deana Batross. I have worked in health care in various capacities over the last 35 years, and advanced practice since 2004. This including cardiology, primary care, and mental health. I am also a professor of nursing at a local university teaching mental health at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Hello, my name is Deana Batross. I have worked in health care in various capacities over the last 35 years, and advanced practice since 2004. This including cardiology, primary care, and mental health. I am also a professor of nursing at a local university teaching mental health at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
![Photo of Tonya Edmondson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f09da284-b4ab-49a3-b0f5-ad8110da7368/2/320x400.png)
Tonya Edmondson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Online Only)
I am an experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 19 years of experience in various settings, including long-term care, inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry. My practice approach is patient-centered, focusing on helping individuals achieve their goals, improving their quality of life, and fostering connections within families and communities.
I am an experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 19 years of experience in various settings, including long-term care, inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry. My practice approach is patient-centered, focusing on helping individuals achieve their goals, improving their quality of life, and fostering connections within families and communities.
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Number of Psychiatrists in Brown County, OH
< 10
Psychiatrists in Brown County, OH who prioritize treating:
How Psychiatrists in Brown County, OH see their clients
2% | Online Only | |
1% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brown 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.