Psychiatrists in Whittier, CA
![Photo of Jianpeng Wang - Center For Behavior Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f49f420-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
![Photo of Barbara J Justice, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/481eb396-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Justice is a double Board Certified General Psychiatrist with training in several subspecialties of psychiatry and medicine. Her philosophy of providing the art of medicine is that of being conservative but appropriate. The treatment is tailored to ones individual need. She provides Psychophamacological treatment to those who are in therapy and who need the additional healing of medicaion in order to maximize their attainment of health. Dr. Justice is a seasoned professional with a history that is rich and varied in the experience of caring for people. She obtained her Doctorate in 1977 at Howard University Medical School, Washington D.C.
Dr. Justice is a double Board Certified General Psychiatrist with training in several subspecialties of psychiatry and medicine. Her philosophy of providing the art of medicine is that of being conservative but appropriate. The treatment is tailored to ones individual need. She provides Psychophamacological treatment to those who are in therapy and who need the additional healing of medicaion in order to maximize their attainment of health. Dr. Justice is a seasoned professional with a history that is rich and varied in the experience of caring for people. She obtained her Doctorate in 1977 at Howard University Medical School, Washington D.C.
![Photo of Jianpeng Wang - Center For Behavior Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f4afbd7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
![Photo of Chioma Okoro, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac25eabd-7e1e-47f2-b145-84c54b598636/1/320x400.png)
Chioma Okoro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Whittier, CA 90603 (Online Only)
Chioma Okoro is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BC-PMHNP) with over 13 years of experience in mental health. She specializes in working with adults and seniors who are experiencing major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, insomnia, and other psychiatric conditions.
Chioma Okoro is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BC-PMHNP) with over 13 years of experience in mental health. She specializes in working with adults and seniors who are experiencing major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, insomnia, and other psychiatric conditions.
![Photo of Tami Zorge - The Mindful Lemon Marriage and Family Therapy INC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f09194f-355c-48cf-ae72-0631e5ecc71c/1/320x400.png)
The Mindful Lemon Marriage and Family Therapy INC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Whittier, CA 90601 (Online Only)
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 Jonathan Chia-Ho Lee, MD, MSc, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aafffe53-9cd8-4b58-95f4-84ada54a1964/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in a comprehensive approach to psychiatry. In addition to med-management, I find it important to incorporate the use of psychotherapy to help my patients find their path to mental health wellness. There is no "one size fits all" treatment and I enjoy working with my clients to help plot their unique course to freedom from their psychological ailments.
I believe in a comprehensive approach to psychiatry. In addition to med-management, I find it important to incorporate the use of psychotherapy to help my patients find their path to mental health wellness. There is no "one size fits all" treatment and I enjoy working with my clients to help plot their unique course to freedom from their psychological ailments.
![Photo of Dr. Anne Phan-Huy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11ca513a-e515-4c08-a34b-a8df4680234d/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 Clint Nacar, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/992241bb-ccff-418a-901d-44ed98805e0a/2/320x400.png)
Clint Nacar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whittier, CA 90607
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression or adhd? Have you sought help for your mental health in the past but often felt rushed or struggled to connect with your provider? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. As a masters prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I focus on treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health diagnoses. I believe that working together collaboratively with each client is the key to creating an effective treatment plan to address each client’s unique situation and needs.
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression or adhd? Have you sought help for your mental health in the past but often felt rushed or struggled to connect with your provider? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. As a masters prepared psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I focus on treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health diagnoses. I believe that working together collaboratively with each client is the key to creating an effective treatment plan to address each client’s unique situation and needs.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Erika Brenda Arias, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b09a433d-2565-4475-962f-3b3579f7f934/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in the field. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I work with patients who struggle with depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine. My approach is supportive, compassion focused, and culturally sensitive while incorporating Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in the field. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I work with patients who struggle with depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine. My approach is supportive, compassion focused, and culturally sensitive while incorporating Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
![Photo of Kenny Lin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72af1dbb-d211-4e07-9dd3-42a242228ec3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lin is a Harvard and UCSF trained psychiatrist for children, teens, and adults. He is double boarded by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both General Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. He has an additional board certification in Lifestyle Medicine from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He has had diverse experiences working with people of different ages, backgrounds, and mental health histories.
Dr. Lin is a Harvard and UCSF trained psychiatrist for children, teens, and adults. He is double boarded by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both General Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. He has an additional board certification in Lifestyle Medicine from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He has had diverse experiences working with people of different ages, backgrounds, and mental health histories.
![Photo of Ana Jimenez | Bonmente, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a8d083c-a2a1-4866-a50b-0b7cfde1f167/1/320x400.png)
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
Now welcoming new patients! We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Welcome!
![Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24c6f016-bfa9-43f0-aa62-9330c9eff2ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Michelle Del Rosario, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e7e759c-6a5b-45d3-8cca-d36a4dc7a734/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for guidance or treatment to address you or your loved one’s mental health needs? If so, I am your person and would love to help you or your loved ones. I provide a safe space and provide patient-centered treatment for anyone struggling to manage their anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, relationship issues, and more. As a practitioner specializing in psychiatric-mental health, I tailor my treatment plan based on you. I utilize both individualized supportive psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management into my practice.
Are you looking for guidance or treatment to address you or your loved one’s mental health needs? If so, I am your person and would love to help you or your loved ones. I provide a safe space and provide patient-centered treatment for anyone struggling to manage their anxiety, depression, mood disorder, ADHD, PTSD, relationship issues, and more. As a practitioner specializing in psychiatric-mental health, I tailor my treatment plan based on you. I utilize both individualized supportive psychotherapy and psychiatric medication management into my practice.
![Photo of Rachel Jumonville, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01e5f1f6-62ba-4148-8964-c003b2ae313a/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Assal Tavakoli Parsa, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/770418c6-2e8f-4257-8cc2-1fc4aae4691d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Assal Tavakoli Parsa
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MPAS
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CA 90711 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Medard Sison - Renewed ADHD Treatment Center (Renewed MH), MD, LMFT, NP, LCSW, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b33f026-a3eb-4a10-9bf4-9cc8edd49045/2/320x400.png)
Renewed ADHD Treatment Center (Renewed MH)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MD, LMFT, NP, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Anaheim, CA 92801
Are you or someone you care about grappling with feelings of inattentiveness, lack of concentration? Are you in search of therapeutic support to navigate through these mental health challenges? If this rings true, our clinic is here to extend a helping hand to you or your loved ones. Renewed ADHD Treatment Center offers a secure and nurturing environment, delivering patient-centered care to individuals facing challenges with ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, and beyond. With a heartfelt desire to support, our clinic is poised to journey alongside you towards improved mental health.
Are you or someone you care about grappling with feelings of inattentiveness, lack of concentration? Are you in search of therapeutic support to navigate through these mental health challenges? If this rings true, our clinic is here to extend a helping hand to you or your loved ones. Renewed ADHD Treatment Center offers a secure and nurturing environment, delivering patient-centered care to individuals facing challenges with ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, and beyond. With a heartfelt desire to support, our clinic is poised to journey alongside you towards improved mental health.
![Photo of Kathleen Hunter, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e457a35e-ea91-4f32-a076-28fc3b759811/1/320x400.png)
Welcome to Rula! My name is Kathy Hunter and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in subacute detox, inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, a university counseling center, and inpatient pediatric psychiatry liaison. I am passionate about removing mental health stigma and focusing on health disparities in marginalized populations. I seek to have a strong working relationship with my patients, with a primary focus on autonomy, respect, relationships, and a deep understanding of how one's environment will have an impact on goals and progress.
Welcome to Rula! My name is Kathy Hunter and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience in subacute detox, inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, a university counseling center, and inpatient pediatric psychiatry liaison. I am passionate about removing mental health stigma and focusing on health disparities in marginalized populations. I seek to have a strong working relationship with my patients, with a primary focus on autonomy, respect, relationships, and a deep understanding of how one's environment will have an impact on goals and progress.
![Photo of Jordan Blaine, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe7fa89d-a162-4c4f-aac7-e4b67af94202/1/320x400.png)
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Paramount, CA 90723 (Online Only)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf6a8fa0-c0d2-47e2-8637-d81c6f801b8b/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Stephanie Adler, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/feab5a2b-3c7d-4ab5-b0b7-d4f7ee20643c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Adler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
West Covina, CA 91790 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Stephanie Adler, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about helping people like you find balance and fulfillment in their lives. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life's demands? Are you anxious, depressed, struggling with ADD/ADHD or OCD? You're not alone. My mission is to guide you through these struggles with empathy, expertise, and a collaborative approach to mental health care.
Welcome! I'm Stephanie Adler, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about helping people like you find balance and fulfillment in their lives. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life's demands? Are you anxious, depressed, struggling with ADD/ADHD or OCD? You're not alone. My mission is to guide you through these struggles with empathy, expertise, and a collaborative approach to mental health care.
See more therapy options for Whittier
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Whittier, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Whittier, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
88% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
88% | Medication Management |
75% | ADHD |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Magellan |
How Psychiatrists in Whittier, CA see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Male | |
34% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Whittier?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists 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 sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist 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. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.