Psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA
![Photo of Mary P Meiselman, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9b702fc-0127-4b2c-b5d8-d1898c3240fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mary is passionate about guiding patients on their journey to improved wellness. Focused on psychiatry and medication management, she thrives on the dynamic nature of the field and embraces its ever-changing advances. Mary incorporates evidence-based approaches, offering support and psychoeducation and encouraging collaboration with other health care providers and family members. Her patients, predominantly composed of women, benefit from her holistic biopsychosocial approach, considering factors like support systems, living conditions, medical history, and social networks during evaluation and treatment.
Mary is passionate about guiding patients on their journey to improved wellness. Focused on psychiatry and medication management, she thrives on the dynamic nature of the field and embraces its ever-changing advances. Mary incorporates evidence-based approaches, offering support and psychoeducation and encouraging collaboration with other health care providers and family members. Her patients, predominantly composed of women, benefit from her holistic biopsychosocial approach, considering factors like support systems, living conditions, medical history, and social networks during evaluation and treatment.
![Photo of Carolyn Love, PhD, PMHNP, MFT, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd6d61d-c51a-4552-9570-3b1cada30aba/1/320x400.png)
Carolyn Love
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Compassionate and mission-driven, Carolyn is a dual certified MFT and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a plethora of experience with outpatient psychiatric evaluations, evidence-based psychopharmacology, and collaborative care within multidisciplinary teams. She is committed to providing ethical and competent services to individuals, couples, and families. She is also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, advocating for patients, and staying up to date with advancements in psychiatric care.
Compassionate and mission-driven, Carolyn is a dual certified MFT and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has a plethora of experience with outpatient psychiatric evaluations, evidence-based psychopharmacology, and collaborative care within multidisciplinary teams. She is committed to providing ethical and competent services to individuals, couples, and families. She is also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, advocating for patients, and staying up to date with advancements in psychiatric care.
![Photo of Samantha Lau, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73664b36-aefd-4ff1-b7eb-78e20072c3bc/3/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Lau
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I specialize in ketamine/psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and psychiatric med management. Are you feeling anxious, depressed and/or unmotivated? Do your dreams and goals seem out of reach? Have you been told that you are physically present but emotionally absent in relationships? Maybe your difficult emotions get in your way and you want to move past them, but you aren’t sure how to do it. Have you been with a life coach but want to go further in your transformation? Are you staying in therapy but don’t seem to be going anywhere? You need more specific strategies and a better support system to empower yourself.
I specialize in ketamine/psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and psychiatric med management. Are you feeling anxious, depressed and/or unmotivated? Do your dreams and goals seem out of reach? Have you been told that you are physically present but emotionally absent in relationships? Maybe your difficult emotions get in your way and you want to move past them, but you aren’t sure how to do it. Have you been with a life coach but want to go further in your transformation? Are you staying in therapy but don’t seem to be going anywhere? You need more specific strategies and a better support system to empower yourself.
![Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7026eedd-54dd-4591-ab17-c1cc4bb70502/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
![Photo of Orah Mahtov, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/091a6ce2-07d0-4417-8213-b8783548982e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Orah Mahtov
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
Orah Mahtov is a highly experienced, dual certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy in California. With years of experience in diverse medical settings, Orah discovered her passion for mental health and obtained a post-master’s certificate in psychiatry at California State University, Los Angeles.
![Photo of Barry Mills, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c61fd5ba-af36-4b53-a98d-7b7890daf2d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Barry Mills MD, PhD, has over twenty-five years experience as a psychiatrist including teaching on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. He commonly treats problems such as ADD/ADHD, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and chemical dependency, among other conditions. Dr. Mills has received a MD degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, CA. He has been an Editor for the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, a Harvard Faculty Teaching Award nominee, consultant to the U. S.
Barry Mills MD, PhD, has over twenty-five years experience as a psychiatrist including teaching on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. He commonly treats problems such as ADD/ADHD, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and chemical dependency, among other conditions. Dr. Mills has received a MD degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, CA. He has been an Editor for the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, a Harvard Faculty Teaching Award nominee, consultant to the U. S.
![Photo of Jordan Rose, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5b7841f-2586-4100-84d8-25abf75f7db4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Rose
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Jordan is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health settings. With a specialized focus on pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, Jordan has a proven track record of delivering empathetic and therapeutic care to patients of all ages.
Jordan is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health settings. With a specialized focus on pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, Jordan has a proven track record of delivering empathetic and therapeutic care to patients of all ages.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edea841a-08c4-43eb-93a9-5cd33c713ecd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![Photo of Carla Hammond - Brainpower Wellness Institute, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/caa79c12-fb26-4c20-8371-8ffa73fb6bf3/1/320x400.png)
Brainpower Wellness Institute is a leading center for children and adolescent psychiatry. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care to children and adolescents ages 5 through 18. Our team of experienced and board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tic disorders.
Brainpower Wellness Institute is a leading center for children and adolescent psychiatry. We provide comprehensive and compassionate care to children and adolescents ages 5 through 18. Our team of experienced and board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tic disorders.
![Photo of Michael Bolton, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d715c31b-4a3e-4a67-a598-5be72b597fad/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Harvard-Trained Board Certified psychiatrist in Santa Barbara. I specialize in ADHD, as well as issues related to positive psychiatry, well-being, achievement in college and at work. I am a former interviewer for Harvard and Yale, and my interest is in helping others achieve work-life balance and meaning in their lives. Please visit my new office and website and click on "request a consult" and I'll be in touch! BecomeYourAuthenticSelf.com
I am a Harvard-Trained Board Certified psychiatrist in Santa Barbara. I specialize in ADHD, as well as issues related to positive psychiatry, well-being, achievement in college and at work. I am a former interviewer for Harvard and Yale, and my interest is in helping others achieve work-life balance and meaning in their lives. Please visit my new office and website and click on "request a consult" and I'll be in touch! BecomeYourAuthenticSelf.com
![Photo of Jill Norman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cec27f64-2c4b-4f0d-b5f4-bbc179aa4d1b/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult (general) psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, young adults and adult mental health. I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation then make recommendations for specific conditions including different therapeutic approaches and if necessary medication. I specialize in working with children/adolescents and focus on development, behavior, educational and social functioning. I work closely with parents or guardians to better understand the child/adolescent and most importantly to help them thrive.
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult (general) psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, young adults and adult mental health. I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation then make recommendations for specific conditions including different therapeutic approaches and if necessary medication. I specialize in working with children/adolescents and focus on development, behavior, educational and social functioning. I work closely with parents or guardians to better understand the child/adolescent and most importantly to help them thrive.
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Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Jordan Rose, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d829c6c7-208d-4357-9f7b-0f25703aefd9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Rose
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Jordan is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health settings. With a specialized focus on pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, Jordan has a proven track record of delivering empathetic and therapeutic care to patients of all ages.
Jordan is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and behavioral health settings. With a specialized focus on pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, Jordan has a proven track record of delivering empathetic and therapeutic care to patients of all ages.
![Photo of Sherif El-Asyouty, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51e710e3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. El-Asyouty believes it’s important to not confuse the person with their illness. Alcoholism, substance abuse and chemical dependency are all diseases that affect the nervous system resulting in a loss of control over the use of substances. Dr. El-Asyouty is aware of the need to be very careful about using addictive medications in patients who are in recovery from addiction. Additionally, it is also important to recognize that people who are in recovery from depression and anxiety usually also require a change in the way that the individual processes feeling information, which Dr. El-Asyouty provides in a training program.
Dr. El-Asyouty believes it’s important to not confuse the person with their illness. Alcoholism, substance abuse and chemical dependency are all diseases that affect the nervous system resulting in a loss of control over the use of substances. Dr. El-Asyouty is aware of the need to be very careful about using addictive medications in patients who are in recovery from addiction. Additionally, it is also important to recognize that people who are in recovery from depression and anxiety usually also require a change in the way that the individual processes feeling information, which Dr. El-Asyouty provides in a training program.
![Photo of Josephine McNary, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26d90f79-dfe1-4022-912c-e71153cd5401/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
I am a board-certified general psychiatrist. I see a variety of patients in my outpatient practice. I provide medication management. I am interested in the use of complementary medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. I am currently attending staff at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry, where I provide both inpatient psychiatry and consultation services.
![Photo of Michael Brian Mantz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/400c13a5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 14 years of clinical experience. I practice an integrative style that uses a wide range of treatment options with a focus on addressing root cause issues. I have received training in psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, nutrition, supplements, and Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Before going to medical school, I obtained a masters degree in herbal medicine. My ideal client is someone who is ready to make significant changes in their life and is open to addressing their issues with the help of empathic and knowledgeable guide to help them achieve optimal health.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 14 years of clinical experience. I practice an integrative style that uses a wide range of treatment options with a focus on addressing root cause issues. I have received training in psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, nutrition, supplements, and Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Before going to medical school, I obtained a masters degree in herbal medicine. My ideal client is someone who is ready to make significant changes in their life and is open to addressing their issues with the help of empathic and knowledgeable guide to help them achieve optimal health.
![Photo of Catvy Nguyen, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa71de61-eed3-4bbe-8f4b-d879f51feb75/1/320x400.png)
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
Catvy Nguyen takes a unique and progressive approach to mental health illnesses. Treatment is personalized, based on evidence research, and encompasses on a myriad of treatment modalities. Kathy believes in the influence of three factors: one's past and upbringing, current life situations, and one's genetic makeup, affecting mental illness.
![Photo of Patrick Sassoon Md, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6f067de-a4cb-413a-b4fa-f32938a4c7d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0882e29a-74f6-4c78-a51f-220f40192370/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
![Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24d43c4b-b967-4360-a0d0-8343094a41f0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
See more therapy options for Santa Barbara
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA
60+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
94% | Anxiety |
84% | ADHD |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | Medication Management |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
93% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
87% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
51% | Male | |
49% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Santa Barbara?
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.