Psychiatrists in Warrington, PA
![Photo of Nichelle Jones, DNP , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10ef0aec-5519-4aad-a9a7-4afcea995a0e/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35e24a0e-13d6-44fe-b9e6-5293050b5597/2/320x400.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 Dr. Michael Rosen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf46863b-76da-4efb-8502-79d06640e599/2/320x400.png)
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
![Photo of Taslim Zaman, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/987dd082-f542-4390-b856-3e57481a3de6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). I address conditions from both a Lifestyle AND Medical perspective compared to most physicians who focus often on solely a medical perspective. I have experience treating Adhd, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Obsessions & Compulsions, Insomnia, Psychosis, and more.
Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). I address conditions from both a Lifestyle AND Medical perspective compared to most physicians who focus often on solely a medical perspective. I have experience treating Adhd, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Obsessions & Compulsions, Insomnia, Psychosis, and more.
![Photo of Taslim Zaman, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ee9e88a-4bf3-4d4c-9d4b-238cc46ea77a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). I address conditions from both a Lifestyle AND Medical perspective compared to most physicians who focus often on solely a medical perspective. I have experience treating ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Obsessions & Compulsions, Insomnia, Psychosis, and more. My treatments comprise of Wellness & Nutritional Advice, Meditation, Psychotherapy, and Osteopathic Treatments. I offer evidence-based Psychedelic-Assisted-Psychotherapy (with Ketamine).
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). I address conditions from both a Lifestyle AND Medical perspective compared to most physicians who focus often on solely a medical perspective. I have experience treating ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Obsessions & Compulsions, Insomnia, Psychosis, and more. My treatments comprise of Wellness & Nutritional Advice, Meditation, Psychotherapy, and Osteopathic Treatments. I offer evidence-based Psychedelic-Assisted-Psychotherapy (with Ketamine).
![Photo of Tiy Adams, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45190ae7-f555-40de-98fd-0607f916b994/1/320x400.jpeg)
To be well in today's world, we are encouraged to utilize all the tools available to us. There is so much information on wellness that we have access to, and each person's task is to find the best fit for their best quality of life. I hope that as your psychiatrist, I can work with you in finding the right treatment to support you as you do the tough work in creating balance in your life. My goal is to make your self-care a priority and provide sound medical advice grounded in evidence-based medicine. Psychiatry is a science, but caring for you is an art.
To be well in today's world, we are encouraged to utilize all the tools available to us. There is so much information on wellness that we have access to, and each person's task is to find the best fit for their best quality of life. I hope that as your psychiatrist, I can work with you in finding the right treatment to support you as you do the tough work in creating balance in your life. My goal is to make your self-care a priority and provide sound medical advice grounded in evidence-based medicine. Psychiatry is a science, but caring for you is an art.
![Photo of Alexander Patsiornik, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa2b8b8e-1e0b-47a6-85c0-867914ec7bed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alexander Patsiornik is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. He is a foreign physician graduate from Odessa State Medical University, Ukraine class of 1994. He completed a pediatric surgical residency and soon after immigrated to the US where he transitioned into an advance nursing career. In 2011 Mr. Patsiornik became an adult nurse practitioner and has worked in multiple settings including Primary Care and Geriatrics.
Alexander Patsiornik is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. He is a foreign physician graduate from Odessa State Medical University, Ukraine class of 1994. He completed a pediatric surgical residency and soon after immigrated to the US where he transitioned into an advance nursing career. In 2011 Mr. Patsiornik became an adult nurse practitioner and has worked in multiple settings including Primary Care and Geriatrics.
![Photo of Jutta Vogt, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dbec509-d1de-4704-9497-3751d7976f1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vogt is a board certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 20 years. She graduated medical school from Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany and completed her adult psychiatry residency training and child psychiatry fellowship at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in 2001. Dr. Vogt specializes in medication management of many psychiatric illnesses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder.
Dr. Vogt is a board certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 20 years. She graduated medical school from Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany and completed her adult psychiatry residency training and child psychiatry fellowship at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in 2001. Dr. Vogt specializes in medication management of many psychiatric illnesses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder.
![Photo of Martin Brecher, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48a170ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Martin Brecher - Hope Springs is committed to giving the best of themselves in an effort to bring out the best in all of those who enter our facility. Our team consists of psychiatrists and licensed therapists who are experienced in treating adolescents, teens and adults with various neurological and behavioral conditions. Psychotherapy provided in my office is mandatory, along with medication if required. We are an Intensive Outpatient Facility where we do accept insurance only when psychotherapy is agreed upon for teens and adults. Teens, adults and their families are welcome to participate in our successful treatment model.
Martin Brecher - Hope Springs is committed to giving the best of themselves in an effort to bring out the best in all of those who enter our facility. Our team consists of psychiatrists and licensed therapists who are experienced in treating adolescents, teens and adults with various neurological and behavioral conditions. Psychotherapy provided in my office is mandatory, along with medication if required. We are an Intensive Outpatient Facility where we do accept insurance only when psychotherapy is agreed upon for teens and adults. Teens, adults and their families are welcome to participate in our successful treatment model.
![Photo of Alexandria Dougherty - Complete Mind Care, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a29e644-cb4f-4775-b8dc-8ddf027c849d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I was called to work in psychiatric care from an early age, entering nursing specifically to practice in psychiatry after obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I aim to understand my patients' symptoms and the root of their aliments, in order to provide the most appropriate care. In addition to medication management, I have been trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, as an alternative treatment modality.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I was called to work in psychiatric care from an early age, entering nursing specifically to practice in psychiatry after obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I aim to understand my patients' symptoms and the root of their aliments, in order to provide the most appropriate care. In addition to medication management, I have been trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, as an alternative treatment modality.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Holly Brady, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d08a38d-f3f6-4474-949b-268d94c0635c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Brady
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
Accepts clients of all ages. Must be located in FL & PA. Dr. Brady takes a holistic approach to caring for her clients with the goal of improving each individual's overall wellbeing. Mental illness impacts many facets of one's life including relationships, work, school, sleep, appetite/nutrition, and physical health. Dr. Brady will do a comprehensive assessment to understand your quality of life and help you to regain and restore wellness. Her niche is treating OCD and anxiety & common comorbidities. She is also highly experienced in treating depression, mood disorders, and eating disorders. Website: bradypsychiatryandwellness.org
Accepts clients of all ages. Must be located in FL & PA. Dr. Brady takes a holistic approach to caring for her clients with the goal of improving each individual's overall wellbeing. Mental illness impacts many facets of one's life including relationships, work, school, sleep, appetite/nutrition, and physical health. Dr. Brady will do a comprehensive assessment to understand your quality of life and help you to regain and restore wellness. Her niche is treating OCD and anxiety & common comorbidities. She is also highly experienced in treating depression, mood disorders, and eating disorders. Website: bradypsychiatryandwellness.org
![Photo of Dr. Eileen Kemether, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b96de597-642e-4cd3-a9b6-53714850f999/1/320x400.jpeg)
Finding a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professional at the time of significant illness, pain and suffering is most important. My efforts have been to give psychiatric care in such a manner. My practice of psychiatry has been open since May of 1996. I provide talk therapy and medication management as well as collaborate with psychologists and social workers to provide medication management for their patients. My practice includes general adult and geriatric psychiatry.
Finding a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professional at the time of significant illness, pain and suffering is most important. My efforts have been to give psychiatric care in such a manner. My practice of psychiatry has been open since May of 1996. I provide talk therapy and medication management as well as collaborate with psychologists and social workers to provide medication management for their patients. My practice includes general adult and geriatric psychiatry.
![Photo of Jieun Kim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e356214-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I provide a complete range of psychiatric services including comprehensive evaluation, medication management, individual therapy and family therapy for children of all ages through adults. I understand how the complex dynamics of family affect the individual and how having a challenging child with emotional and behavioral problems affect the family system as well. I focus on the strengths of each child, individual and family, and utilize them in therapy to empower the child and their families to help them accept and overcome their issues.
I provide a complete range of psychiatric services including comprehensive evaluation, medication management, individual therapy and family therapy for children of all ages through adults. I understand how the complex dynamics of family affect the individual and how having a challenging child with emotional and behavioral problems affect the family system as well. I focus on the strengths of each child, individual and family, and utilize them in therapy to empower the child and their families to help them accept and overcome their issues.
![Photo of Teri Hardgrove, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e60fa82-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I treat psychiatric conditions using a holistic and bio-psycho-social approach. My goal is to restore feelings of stability and well-being and I work with each patient to develop a specialized plan of care. My training has offered me the ability to provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. I understand that starting medication can have its concerns and I strive to provide education and counseling during this process.
As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I treat psychiatric conditions using a holistic and bio-psycho-social approach. My goal is to restore feelings of stability and well-being and I work with each patient to develop a specialized plan of care. My training has offered me the ability to provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. I understand that starting medication can have its concerns and I strive to provide education and counseling during this process.
![Photo of John Paul Gomez - Water Gap Wellness Center, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2ddab24-3966-4b74-9bc7-4800065dcad5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello - I invite you to reach out! Water Gap Wellness offers out patient appointments as well as intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
Hello - I invite you to reach out! Water Gap Wellness offers out patient appointments as well as intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
![Photo of Ann Nolan, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53c5f0b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Nolan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902
Accepting NJ & PA insurance and out-of-network. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses, specializing in ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders. Office & Online psychiatric services available. Treating children, adolescents, and adults, Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. The practice is affiliated with Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and Princeton House.
Accepting NJ & PA insurance and out-of-network. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses, specializing in ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders. Office & Online psychiatric services available. Treating children, adolescents, and adults, Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. The practice is affiliated with Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and Princeton House.
![Photo of Joseph Yi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47a62421-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
MODERN BEHAVIORAL is a health recovery center dedicated to providing quality Mental Health & Addiction Medicine treatment by combining the application of psychiatry with Holistic awareness. In addition to psychotherapy & conservative medication management, our group utilizes a more progressive approach by empowering each patient through nutritional education, exercise science, relaxation techniques, and other natural solutions for a more comfortable recovery process. Our program is committed to providing personally individualized quality care, and we hope to have the opportunity to assist you on your journey of recovery and health
MODERN BEHAVIORAL is a health recovery center dedicated to providing quality Mental Health & Addiction Medicine treatment by combining the application of psychiatry with Holistic awareness. In addition to psychotherapy & conservative medication management, our group utilizes a more progressive approach by empowering each patient through nutritional education, exercise science, relaxation techniques, and other natural solutions for a more comfortable recovery process. Our program is committed to providing personally individualized quality care, and we hope to have the opportunity to assist you on your journey of recovery and health
![Photo of Mitchell Kho, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8059ee4f-30b1-4487-9041-ba5f78122dd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
P.S. Psychiatry is a private psychiatry practice serving Doylestown and all of Pennsylvania. Our offices are located in the center of Doylestown Borough in the Historic Landmark Building. We work in-person and virtually. Dr Kho and Eileen Peirce work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Their clients are a dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, ODD, ADHD, self harm, ODD, eating disorders, postpartum depression, mood instability, bipolar disorder, addictions, autism spectrum disorders, and personality disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder and others.
P.S. Psychiatry is a private psychiatry practice serving Doylestown and all of Pennsylvania. Our offices are located in the center of Doylestown Borough in the Historic Landmark Building. We work in-person and virtually. Dr Kho and Eileen Peirce work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults. Their clients are a dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, OCD, ODD, ADHD, self harm, ODD, eating disorders, postpartum depression, mood instability, bipolar disorder, addictions, autism spectrum disorders, and personality disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder and others.
![Photo of Ashley Womack, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb0c5f95-05ce-40a8-8e01-dca2f101abde/3/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
![Photo of Ann Nolan, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ed9a51a-9f6f-4d46-9f42-6c0cd9c1fb52/3/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
See more therapy options for Warrington
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Warrington, PA
10+
Psychiatrists in Warrington, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
90% | ADHD |
90% | Medication Management |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
26 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
90% | MultiPlan |
How Psychiatrists in Warrington, PA see their clients
90% | In Person and Online | |
10% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
55% | Male | |
45% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Warrington?
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.