Psychiatrists in Saint Clair, PA
![Photo of Arianna Beatrice DEMPSEY - Broad Mountain Holistic Mental Health Services, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47a8a092-576c-428c-a53f-ffc40656874c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Broad Mountain Holistic Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Saint Clair, PA 17970
Waitlist for new clients
Offering a therapeutic, individualized, person-centered holistic approach to treatment. Combine medication management with individual psychotherapy for the best outcome and evidence for recovery based care. Utilize measurement based assessments to allow visual identification of progress of symptoms management. Have worked in all modalities and treatment settings within the mental health system. Experience is across the lifespan and with all different mental health concerns.
Offering a therapeutic, individualized, person-centered holistic approach to treatment. Combine medication management with individual psychotherapy for the best outcome and evidence for recovery based care. Utilize measurement based assessments to allow visual identification of progress of symptoms management. Have worked in all modalities and treatment settings within the mental health system. Experience is across the lifespan and with all different mental health concerns.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8710f93-3862-4dd6-82f9-89478a767cad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Pottsville, PA 17901 (Online Only)
Offering NEW in-office non-medication treatment for depression called "TMS" Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Offering NEW “Virtual ADHD Assessments for All of Pennsylvania". I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of adults with Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Pre-pregnancy and Postpartum issues, Female Sexual Issues, Depression, Medication Management including discontinuation of current medication. I provide motivational talk psychotherapy and I am excited to assist patients decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
Offering NEW in-office non-medication treatment for depression called "TMS" Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Offering NEW “Virtual ADHD Assessments for All of Pennsylvania". I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of adults with Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Pre-pregnancy and Postpartum issues, Female Sexual Issues, Depression, Medication Management including discontinuation of current medication. I provide motivational talk psychotherapy and I am excited to assist patients decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Melissa Lopez-Larson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/838bf499-da33-437d-b9ae-d1563932da69/1/320x400.jpeg)
Don't wait 2 weeks, appointments available! Dr. Lopez-Larson is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and received her MD from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She performed her adult and child psychiatry training at Harvard Medical School training sites including Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, respectively. She has been practicing for over 15 years in a variety of settings including academic research, inpatient, residential and outpatient psychiatric services.
Don't wait 2 weeks, appointments available! Dr. Lopez-Larson is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and received her MD from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She performed her adult and child psychiatry training at Harvard Medical School training sites including Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital and Cambridge Hospital, respectively. She has been practicing for over 15 years in a variety of settings including academic research, inpatient, residential and outpatient psychiatric services.
![Photo of Christina Woodson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8002d7de-e411-445b-81a2-1b758872092a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Woodson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Online Only)
Christina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and former Clinical Social Worker who combines empathy and a strong understanding of psychopharmacology to provide comprehensive mental health treatment. Mental Health conditions treated include depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief/bereavement, adjustment disorder, ADHD, and OCD. Christina is passionate about mental health advocacy, client-centered care, and building a strong and effective therapeutic relationship.
Christina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and former Clinical Social Worker who combines empathy and a strong understanding of psychopharmacology to provide comprehensive mental health treatment. Mental Health conditions treated include depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief/bereavement, adjustment disorder, ADHD, and OCD. Christina is passionate about mental health advocacy, client-centered care, and building a strong and effective therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of Dr. Daisy Lara, DNP, CRNP, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f43b6b12-0ef6-4117-b992-c94aba96f23b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Daisy Lara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downingtown, PA 19335
Life can be hard… Life can be full of adversity, especially in the stressful world that we live in today. The good news is we’re here to help, to listen, and to nurture your mental, emotional and psychological health. We are a resource to help you sort through the complex emotions and stressors in your life. Whether it’s a specific trauma or a condition that affects your day-to-day life. Our goal is to help you live your best life. We will do a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan that is personalized for you.
Life can be hard… Life can be full of adversity, especially in the stressful world that we live in today. The good news is we’re here to help, to listen, and to nurture your mental, emotional and psychological health. We are a resource to help you sort through the complex emotions and stressors in your life. Whether it’s a specific trauma or a condition that affects your day-to-day life. Our goal is to help you live your best life. We will do a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan that is personalized for you.
![Photo of Emily Bernstein, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a855d035-5573-48dd-9cd6-4a4576b6b31f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! My name is Dr. Emily Bernstein. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with almost 20 years of experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, co-occurring substance use and mental health, ADHD and more. I provide both medication management and psychotherapy out of my office in Paoli, PA. I strive to build a trusting relationship with all of my patients and will work with you to build a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. I am happy to offer both in person and virtual appointments to suit your needs.
Hello! My name is Dr. Emily Bernstein. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with almost 20 years of experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, co-occurring substance use and mental health, ADHD and more. I provide both medication management and psychotherapy out of my office in Paoli, PA. I strive to build a trusting relationship with all of my patients and will work with you to build a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. I am happy to offer both in person and virtual appointments to suit your needs.
![Photo of Paula Bu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f5d0a18-a4a4-4f1a-893b-f873dfba766b/2/320x400.jpeg)
When depression, anxiety, or trauma overshadows your thoughts, it can be difficult to even imagine how life could be different. Whether you are struggling with work-life balance, relationships, or life transitions, I offer new ways of thinking and a personalized treatment plan that empowers you to live your most meaningful life. I also have significant experience treating college students, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color.
When depression, anxiety, or trauma overshadows your thoughts, it can be difficult to even imagine how life could be different. Whether you are struggling with work-life balance, relationships, or life transitions, I offer new ways of thinking and a personalized treatment plan that empowers you to live your most meaningful life. I also have significant experience treating college students, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color.
![Photo of Melissa Stilwell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16451446-a3db-4f8b-9837-f2757008d161/1/320x400.png)
Mental health symptoms can be debilitating and may negatively impact various aspects of daily living. Through my experience in the field of psychiatric nursing I understand that each client's needs are unique to themselves. My approach to treatment is to work with each client in identifying and understanding these specific needs and goals when developing a treatment plan. This shared decision-making model allows each client to make informed choices about their own care.
Mental health symptoms can be debilitating and may negatively impact various aspects of daily living. Through my experience in the field of psychiatric nursing I understand that each client's needs are unique to themselves. My approach to treatment is to work with each client in identifying and understanding these specific needs and goals when developing a treatment plan. This shared decision-making model allows each client to make informed choices about their own care.
![Photo of Funmilayo Whitaker, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b92a4d9-8a14-42da-b167-d4cfe2b39c46/1/320x400.jpeg)
Funmilayo Whitaker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Langhorne, PA 19047 (Online Only)
Do you feel overwhelmed and pulled in different directions, unable to be happy? Are you struggling to keep up with your daily activities, relationship, work, and health? Is it hard to be good to yourself and breathe in and out?
Do you feel overwhelmed and pulled in different directions, unable to be happy? Are you struggling to keep up with your daily activities, relationship, work, and health? Is it hard to be good to yourself and breathe in and out?
![Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13646a7c-a498-4606-8c61-45be4c914983/1/320x400.png)
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Wyomissing, PA 19610 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/381cdc50-b752-410e-b28a-5688de2b7c4e/2/320x400.png)
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
![Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP-B, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58b5cf96-ec48-44b2-a915-39ec24883a38/2/320x400.png)
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B, B-C
Verified Verified
Yardley, PA 19067
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 Dale E. Panzer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3211c13-22e1-4ce9-9c38-be00a47ba578/1/320x400.png)
I provide telepsychiatry and in-person services in a highly private setting in Gladwyne, PA. I have been in practice over 25 years and my typical patient is a professional who struggles with anxiety, depression or meeting the demands of a busy lie. Studies have repeatedly shown that the combination of medicine and psychotherapy is better than either alone, but treatment decisions must always be based on the individual's needs. I am one of the few providers with comprehensive skills in both and have additional qualifications and experience in in-depth psychotherapy that I am happy to discuss with you.
I provide telepsychiatry and in-person services in a highly private setting in Gladwyne, PA. I have been in practice over 25 years and my typical patient is a professional who struggles with anxiety, depression or meeting the demands of a busy lie. Studies have repeatedly shown that the combination of medicine and psychotherapy is better than either alone, but treatment decisions must always be based on the individual's needs. I am one of the few providers with comprehensive skills in both and have additional qualifications and experience in in-depth psychotherapy that I am happy to discuss with you.
![Photo of Yi Wang, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7814294-e41e-47d4-b46d-81d80180205a/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS...I am a UPenn-trained, fully licensed and boarded psychiatrist. I help people resolve psychological or psychiatric problems that keep them from fully enjoying their lives. Some of my patients struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic. Others have trouble coping with stress arising from major life events, grief, or relationship difficulties. Some simply wish to understand themselves better or to live more intentionally.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS...I am a UPenn-trained, fully licensed and boarded psychiatrist. I help people resolve psychological or psychiatric problems that keep them from fully enjoying their lives. Some of my patients struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic. Others have trouble coping with stress arising from major life events, grief, or relationship difficulties. Some simply wish to understand themselves better or to live more intentionally.
![Photo of Pranesh N Patel, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb7235f8-197c-4e66-ab0e-3eb51c7c0093/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Pranesh N. Patel is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Patel offers a whole lifestyle approach to mental health, the mind is affected by much more than just medications, sleep, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy alone. Mental health treatment is the combination of these things in conjunction with one another. Outside of work, Dr. Patel loves to work with his hands, he has renovated his kitchen and bathrooms on his own and enjoys the gratification of knowing that he built something with his hands.
Dr. Pranesh N. Patel is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Patel offers a whole lifestyle approach to mental health, the mind is affected by much more than just medications, sleep, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy alone. Mental health treatment is the combination of these things in conjunction with one another. Outside of work, Dr. Patel loves to work with his hands, he has renovated his kitchen and bathrooms on his own and enjoys the gratification of knowing that he built something with his hands.
![Photo of Brian Rogers - North Star Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7df8e4b4-a8cd-469b-94c3-8d97d468f7bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Corcoran, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42ba36a8-6272-4963-828c-f56690727f88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Corcoran
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Southampton, PA 18966 (Online Only)
It’s difficult enough to struggle with depression and anxiety; it should be easy to find a competent, caring psychiatric specialist to help. I strive to help you recover from these and other conditions affecting your emotional health, relationships, and functioning. My patients tell me that they appreciate my emphasis on taking the time to listen to their concerns, my interactive and comprehensive approach to assessing and treating their conditions, and the education I provide about their specific diagnosis and medication. ***ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE CURRENTLY VIRTUAL - via Doxy.me***
It’s difficult enough to struggle with depression and anxiety; it should be easy to find a competent, caring psychiatric specialist to help. I strive to help you recover from these and other conditions affecting your emotional health, relationships, and functioning. My patients tell me that they appreciate my emphasis on taking the time to listen to their concerns, my interactive and comprehensive approach to assessing and treating their conditions, and the education I provide about their specific diagnosis and medication. ***ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE CURRENTLY VIRTUAL - via Doxy.me***
![Photo of Brenda Camacho, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98b2b528-0f82-4217-89d5-8409b9082d21/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 25 years. Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho’s practice focuses on medication management. Typically she offers this in conjunction with supportive or insight-oriented therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Camacho will believe additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 25 years. Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho’s practice focuses on medication management. Typically she offers this in conjunction with supportive or insight-oriented therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Camacho will believe additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
![Photo of Jenika Miles, DNP , APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd03e967-0173-40e7-8111-86654576e446/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenika Miles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104 (Online Only)
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Temple University where I graduated with honors. I've worked as a family nurse practitioner caring for at-risk, underserved patient populations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When I recognized that there was a great need for psychiatric services in my area, I decided to attend Wilkes University and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to expand upon the clinical care I could provide. My goal is to provide a personalized psychiatric medication management experience for every patient in my practice.
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Temple University where I graduated with honors. I've worked as a family nurse practitioner caring for at-risk, underserved patient populations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When I recognized that there was a great need for psychiatric services in my area, I decided to attend Wilkes University and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to expand upon the clinical care I could provide. My goal is to provide a personalized psychiatric medication management experience for every patient in my practice.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bdb99ae-4cdb-4861-8094-f7966f716a25/2/320x400.png)
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Saint Clair, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Saint Clair, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Life Coaching |
Average years in practice
21 Years
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
How Psychiatrists in Saint Clair, PA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Saint Clair?
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.