Psychiatrists in Sacramento, CA
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - Well Psyche Medical Group Inc, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eb9db0e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
www.WellPsyche.com Balancing mental and physical wellness is an art and a science! Dr. Adel is an expert in the field of psychiatry. He treats children, adolescents, and adults. His practice offers the latest in Telemedicine, allowing you to visit with your doctor from the convenience of your home or work. Dr. Adel takes a conservative approach to medication management and strives to help his clients consistently function at their best without side effects.
www.WellPsyche.com Balancing mental and physical wellness is an art and a science! Dr. Adel is an expert in the field of psychiatry. He treats children, adolescents, and adults. His practice offers the latest in Telemedicine, allowing you to visit with your doctor from the convenience of your home or work. Dr. Adel takes a conservative approach to medication management and strives to help his clients consistently function at their best without side effects.
![Photo of Peter M Gaffney, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10766de5-0645-4e78-bee8-4957895a30be/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi everyone. I'm an analytically-trained psychiatrist with a background in family medical practice and also in Buddhism. At this point my practice is adult psychotherapy and I am no longer treating patients who need medication, nor do I treat children. Although I'm trained in psychoanalytic therapy, my approach varies according to individual needs. I see depressed or anxious patients , those struggling with losses, stress, life events, or in their relationships and other issues as well. I have a particular interest in those with severe depression. I also offer individual training in psychodynamics to adult therapists.
Hi everyone. I'm an analytically-trained psychiatrist with a background in family medical practice and also in Buddhism. At this point my practice is adult psychotherapy and I am no longer treating patients who need medication, nor do I treat children. Although I'm trained in psychoanalytic therapy, my approach varies according to individual needs. I see depressed or anxious patients , those struggling with losses, stress, life events, or in their relationships and other issues as well. I have a particular interest in those with severe depression. I also offer individual training in psychodynamics to adult therapists.
![Photo of Tami Zorge - The Mindful Lemon Marriage and Family Therapy INC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04446330-6df2-407c-a8e6-cae6e4633540/1/320x400.png)
The Mindful Lemon Marriage and Family Therapy INC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95811
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
![Photo of Bettina Ervin, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3665293e-63d9-4f23-b787-37f7bcab94bc/1/320x400.png)
Bettina Ervin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823 (Online Only)
Hi there, my name is Bettina Rodgers and I’m looking forward to connecting with you. I’m a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of California. My expertise is in working with patients ages 18 and up who need help using medication to manage their mental health. My main focus with patients is on life span. Mental health is a lifelong journey, not a sprint. The treatment plan that we come up with will focus on creating a sustained positive impact on your overall health.
Hi there, my name is Bettina Rodgers and I’m looking forward to connecting with you. I’m a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of California. My expertise is in working with patients ages 18 and up who need help using medication to manage their mental health. My main focus with patients is on life span. Mental health is a lifelong journey, not a sprint. The treatment plan that we come up with will focus on creating a sustained positive impact on your overall health.
Dr. Geetha Reddy graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology, and earned her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. She completed General Psychiatry training at University of California, San Francisco, and fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Northwestern University. She additionally obtained a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She is an active member of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
Dr. Geetha Reddy graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology, and earned her medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. She completed General Psychiatry training at University of California, San Francisco, and fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Northwestern University. She additionally obtained a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She is an active member of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
![Photo of Dr. Ari Harris, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c28cb210-22d6-4eab-bfad-32ed56287338/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ari Harris is a board-certified psychiatrist and helps children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Harris uses a collaborative approach focusing on the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirituality.
Dr. Ari Harris is a board-certified psychiatrist and helps children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Harris uses a collaborative approach focusing on the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirituality.
![Photo of Brittany Lute, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/651396bf-6425-4c17-b3db-1557f2f7f212/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Lute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823 (Online Only)
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Brittany Lute is a warm and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who is passionate about providing care with a gentle touch of kindness and compassion. With experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, community healthcare centers, and other facilities, Brittany has gained diverse knowledge and expertise in her field. She takes great joy in connecting with people from all walks of life and is especially enthusiastic about working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
![Photo of Safir Azam - Safir Azam Tele-Psychiatry Services, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1b98b7e-a1cf-42a1-90e2-dc6ea60292f2/2/320x400.png)
Safir Azam Tele-Psychiatry Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819 (Online Only)
Mission : My mission is to embody the values of accessibility, seamless communication, respect, and excellence in treatment for each patient. I am Medically trained Physician Psychiatrist.I had the privilege to train at Royal London & St Bartholomew’s Hospital for 4 years in various branches of Psychiatry before I moved to the USA. I had a further Residency Training at SUNY Downstate Hospital Brooklyn, NY followed by a one year of Child Psychiatry training at the University of Florida. I have a fellowship in psychoanalysis from NYU and a 2 year of psychodynamic psychotherapy training at Willam Alanson White Institute , NY.
Mission : My mission is to embody the values of accessibility, seamless communication, respect, and excellence in treatment for each patient. I am Medically trained Physician Psychiatrist.I had the privilege to train at Royal London & St Bartholomew’s Hospital for 4 years in various branches of Psychiatry before I moved to the USA. I had a further Residency Training at SUNY Downstate Hospital Brooklyn, NY followed by a one year of Child Psychiatry training at the University of Florida. I have a fellowship in psychoanalysis from NYU and a 2 year of psychodynamic psychotherapy training at Willam Alanson White Institute , NY.
![Photo of Jane Egbufoama, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d7320d8-c89e-493e-8598-1f5cbd7cb69b/1/320x400.png)
Jane is a dual board-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience.
Jane is a dual board-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience.
![Photo of Jason Garner - Mindful Health Solutions - Jason Garner, MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/501ae08d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on helping patients with mood disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) allows another access point to healing for those suffering from mental illness and can make a difference in helping a patient find relief.
I focus on helping patients with mood disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders. I find Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) allows another access point to healing for those suffering from mental illness and can make a difference in helping a patient find relief.
![Photo of Orah Mahtov, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc286c80-3169-49b5-a5ea-e511625ac85b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Orah Mahtov
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95820 (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.
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![Photo of Dr. Robert Trimmer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/702092bd-4ef5-435c-b188-b7ceb2002ff3/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Robert Trimmer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and helps with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and mood disorders.
Dr. Robert Trimmer is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and helps with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and mood disorders.
![Photo of John Hosley, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a37810c2-bbb5-4c00-b4f8-c945f96068ef/2/320x400.png)
Thanks for visiting! My professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. I am an associate provider of Headlands ATS, a leader in addiction psychiatry. Our services are professional, personable, and based on methods proven to help you achieve sustainable recovery from substance use. At Headlands, we understand that the underpinnings of addiction have little to do with morality, character or personal responsibility - and everything to do with an individual trying desperately to cope with their suffering. We want to help you, give us a call.
Thanks for visiting! My professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. I am an associate provider of Headlands ATS, a leader in addiction psychiatry. Our services are professional, personable, and based on methods proven to help you achieve sustainable recovery from substance use. At Headlands, we understand that the underpinnings of addiction have little to do with morality, character or personal responsibility - and everything to do with an individual trying desperately to cope with their suffering. We want to help you, give us a call.
![Photo of Patricia Tinglin, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e66b93b-ff3f-4aa8-9971-38f9d4b20c10/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Tinglin is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2017. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of San Francisco and is dually board-certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in many diverse areas as a Nurse Practitioner, including psychiatry, primary care, urgent care, pulmonary medicine, and academia. She is well versed in working with patients of all ages and has experience working with mild, moderate, and severe mental health disorders.
Patricia Tinglin is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2017. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of San Francisco and is dually board-certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in many diverse areas as a Nurse Practitioner, including psychiatry, primary care, urgent care, pulmonary medicine, and academia. She is well versed in working with patients of all ages and has experience working with mild, moderate, and severe mental health disorders.
![Photo of Jagdeep Kaur, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca6e4cc1-c27c-45bf-9f12-4e917b413c41/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kaur has special clinical interest in medication management of psychiatric symptoms, treating treatment resistant psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders. Dr. Kaur is experienced in using advanced treatment modalities e.g, ketamine, esketamine ( nasal spray) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression. Please send us referrals to our secure and confidential fax at 866-481-8756. Visit our webpage at www.truistpsychiatrists.com
Dr. Kaur has special clinical interest in medication management of psychiatric symptoms, treating treatment resistant psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders. Dr. Kaur is experienced in using advanced treatment modalities e.g, ketamine, esketamine ( nasal spray) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression. Please send us referrals to our secure and confidential fax at 866-481-8756. Visit our webpage at www.truistpsychiatrists.com
![Photo of Ike Uzowulu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8a9821b-4474-43dd-8184-62cc14780be1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95834 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 12 years in psychiatric and behavioral health settings. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders. I tend to be practical and hands-on rather than presuming or committing to one treatment approach. My goal is to work with you to find what works best for you. I provide urgent & routine telehealth Psychiatric services that is interactive, urgent and seamless; such that fosters continuity of care while improving access to patient's in need.
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 12 years in psychiatric and behavioral health settings. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders. I tend to be practical and hands-on rather than presuming or committing to one treatment approach. My goal is to work with you to find what works best for you. I provide urgent & routine telehealth Psychiatric services that is interactive, urgent and seamless; such that fosters continuity of care while improving access to patient's in need.
![Photo of Kevin Rosi - Mindful Health Solutions - Kevin Rosi, MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4412a2e6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating patients with Mood Depressive Disorders (MDD), which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, may impact 14-17% of the adult population in their lifetime. Also known as "clinical depression", patients who suffer from this may be treated with medication, interventional psychotherapy, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
I specialize in treating patients with Mood Depressive Disorders (MDD), which, according to the Centers for Disease Control, may impact 14-17% of the adult population in their lifetime. Also known as "clinical depression", patients who suffer from this may be treated with medication, interventional psychotherapy, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
![Photo of Pilar Laborde-Lahoz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5879a94-8afe-47e0-9158-3189f6c4f901/1/320x400.jpeg)
Patients often feel mixed emotions when first seeing a mental health professional. On the one hand, they may feel relieved that they finally took this important step. On the other hand, they may feel hesitation about having to discuss their most intimate problems with a stranger. It is important to let them take their time to open up when they are ready, and to reassure them that this information is privileged.
Patients often feel mixed emotions when first seeing a mental health professional. On the one hand, they may feel relieved that they finally took this important step. On the other hand, they may feel hesitation about having to discuss their most intimate problems with a stranger. It is important to let them take their time to open up when they are ready, and to reassure them that this information is privileged.
![Photo of Anton Fisher - ★★TeleMind®★★, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35bccef8-846a-48a2-9f14-f43ac7e18b7d/1/320x400.png)
At TeleMind, we specialize in delivering virtual mental health services tailored for individuals with demanding schedules. Our approach is designed to accommodate those whose daily commitments or lifestyle constraints make it challenging to travel to a doctor's office. Say goodbye to lengthy commutes, inconvenient office hours, and waiting room delays. With TeleMind, you have the flexibility to choose your specialist, schedule appointments at your convenience, and even reschedule to fit your availability. Experience the comfort of attending sessions from your home, workplace, or even while on the go.
At TeleMind, we specialize in delivering virtual mental health services tailored for individuals with demanding schedules. Our approach is designed to accommodate those whose daily commitments or lifestyle constraints make it challenging to travel to a doctor's office. Say goodbye to lengthy commutes, inconvenient office hours, and waiting room delays. With TeleMind, you have the flexibility to choose your specialist, schedule appointments at your convenience, and even reschedule to fit your availability. Experience the comfort of attending sessions from your home, workplace, or even while on the go.
![Photo of Sung Park, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a880c21-bf0a-4a86-8e1a-c3247a640dd2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients - Steve Park, PA-C is a physician assistant at Pacific Mind Health. Steve grew up in Irvine and received his Bachelor of Science degree in gerontology at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired to treat patients, Steve gained experience as an EMT and soon received his Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Chapman University. Today, he finds great pleasure in helping others improve their mental health and lifestyle.
Accepting New Patients - Steve Park, PA-C is a physician assistant at Pacific Mind Health. Steve grew up in Irvine and received his Bachelor of Science degree in gerontology at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired to treat patients, Steve gained experience as an EMT and soon received his Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Chapman University. Today, he finds great pleasure in helping others improve their mental health and lifestyle.
See more therapy options for Sacramento
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Sacramento, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$237
Psychiatrists in Sacramento, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | ADHD |
77% | Medication Management |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
96% | Aetna |
95% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Sacramento, CA see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
62% | Female | |
38% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Sacramento?
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.