Psychiatrists in Abbeville, SC
Metropolitan Mobile Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
Abbeville, SC 29620
I have over 30 years experience in health care. I have been a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for 8 years. I offer a judgment free environment
I have over 30 years experience in health care. I have been a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for 8 years. I offer a judgment free environment
Online Psychiatrists
Maihan Yazmine Aurah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Cayce, SC 29033
Maihan Yazmine Aurah is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina. She received her PMHNP from the University of Cincinnati in 2022. Maihan has more than 12 years of experience and success as a registered nurse in direct patient care and nursing management positions in inpatient and outpatient settings. Her experience spans ER, OB, Acute Care, Peds, and public health environments. Her experience demonstrated the gap between medical and psychiatric care, and how the mind/body/spiritual connection is often ignored.
Maihan Yazmine Aurah is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina. She received her PMHNP from the University of Cincinnati in 2022. Maihan has more than 12 years of experience and success as a registered nurse in direct patient care and nursing management positions in inpatient and outpatient settings. Her experience spans ER, OB, Acute Care, Peds, and public health environments. Her experience demonstrated the gap between medical and psychiatric care, and how the mind/body/spiritual connection is often ignored.
Mettā Vita Health, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CPNP-PC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Fostering healing, resiliency, mindfulness, and healthy relationships. We help you gain control of the issues affecting your life. Our practice truly values people – your experiences, feelings, relationships, and unique lives. Our goal is to look at the big picture and treat each person and family holistically, uniquely, and wholeheartedly. Healthy habits and self-awareness are integral to our approach. Our in-depth evaluation process helps us get to the root of the problem. Our next step is to help you gain the necessary insight to move forward. Together we tailor a detailed treatment plan specific to your needs.
Fostering healing, resiliency, mindfulness, and healthy relationships. We help you gain control of the issues affecting your life. Our practice truly values people – your experiences, feelings, relationships, and unique lives. Our goal is to look at the big picture and treat each person and family holistically, uniquely, and wholeheartedly. Healthy habits and self-awareness are integral to our approach. Our in-depth evaluation process helps us get to the root of the problem. Our next step is to help you gain the necessary insight to move forward. Together we tailor a detailed treatment plan specific to your needs.
Patricia Carter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29201 (Online Only)
Patricia Carter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. With over 10 years of experience, she is knowledgeable in caring for and treating patients in inpatient, outpatient, crisis, and skilled long-term settings. She is actively involved in promoting recovery for those with mental illness, addiction, and trauma through the integration of innovative and evidence-based clinical practice and psychosocial needs.
Patricia Carter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. With over 10 years of experience, she is knowledgeable in caring for and treating patients in inpatient, outpatient, crisis, and skilled long-term settings. She is actively involved in promoting recovery for those with mental illness, addiction, and trauma through the integration of innovative and evidence-based clinical practice and psychosocial needs.
Dr. Kimberly Hammonds is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Dr. Hammonds is trauma informed and provides patient centered care. Dr. Hammonds believes it's important to provide collaborative care, involving patients in their own care and treatment. She feels providing well-rounded care is essential to meeting the needs of each person. In her free time, Dr. Hammonds enjoys going to church, spending time with family, baking, cake decorating, and reading.
Dr. Kimberly Hammonds is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Dr. Hammonds is trauma informed and provides patient centered care. Dr. Hammonds believes it's important to provide collaborative care, involving patients in their own care and treatment. She feels providing well-rounded care is essential to meeting the needs of each person. In her free time, Dr. Hammonds enjoys going to church, spending time with family, baking, cake decorating, and reading.
Treasure Vaughn is a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2021. She graduated with her Master's of Science from Ohio University with a focus in Psychiatric Mental health Nursing. Treasure has more than 15 years of experience in mental health. She is enthusiastic about her career and helping others. She has a lot of passion for mental health and human behaviors. Outside of work, Treasure loves spending time with her family and friends, trying new recipes, traveling, and photography.
Treasure Vaughn is a Nurse Practitioner in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2021. She graduated with her Master's of Science from Ohio University with a focus in Psychiatric Mental health Nursing. Treasure has more than 15 years of experience in mental health. She is enthusiastic about her career and helping others. She has a lot of passion for mental health and human behaviors. Outside of work, Treasure loves spending time with her family and friends, trying new recipes, traveling, and photography.
Helen (Chandler) Stallings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Seneca, SC 29672
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia but have been a Clemson Tiger my entire life. While working as an RN for Prisma Health as an internal resource nurse, I spent a large amount of time working in emergency medicine. This setting provided an opportunity for me to hone my passion and skillset for working in mental health, especially with the geriatric population. However, I am certified to treat patients across the entirety of their lifespans and carry prescriptive authority.
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia but have been a Clemson Tiger my entire life. While working as an RN for Prisma Health as an internal resource nurse, I spent a large amount of time working in emergency medicine. This setting provided an opportunity for me to hone my passion and skillset for working in mental health, especially with the geriatric population. However, I am certified to treat patients across the entirety of their lifespans and carry prescriptive authority.
Tiffany Stewart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615 (Online Only)
Dr. Tiffany Stewart is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of South Carolina. She has worked in healthcare for the past 18 years, with the last 7 as an Advanced Practice Provider. Dr. Stewart holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Clemson University, where she also teaches graduate nursing students in the area of mental health.Dr. Stewart’s practice mission is to guide patients toward their best life by addressing the combination of mental, spiritual, and physical health.
Dr. Tiffany Stewart is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of South Carolina. She has worked in healthcare for the past 18 years, with the last 7 as an Advanced Practice Provider. Dr. Stewart holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Clemson University, where she also teaches graduate nursing students in the area of mental health.Dr. Stewart’s practice mission is to guide patients toward their best life by addressing the combination of mental, spiritual, and physical health.
Upstate Mental Health, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Now Accepting New Patients with Primary Care Provider Referral: Upstate Mental Health, LLC is owned and operated by a Professional Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, ANCC Board Certified, serving patients with a range of mental health diagnoses in an outpatient setting. Beyond outpatient services, we also offer free collaboration with local therapist and psychologist for the better care of patients within our community.
Now Accepting New Patients with Primary Care Provider Referral: Upstate Mental Health, LLC is owned and operated by a Professional Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, ANCC Board Certified, serving patients with a range of mental health diagnoses in an outpatient setting. Beyond outpatient services, we also offer free collaboration with local therapist and psychologist for the better care of patients within our community.
We do not require a referral and can typically see you in less than a week. Sahil Talwar is a physician assistant with 8 years of experience in emergency, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. He is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. He graduated from South College with his Master's in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. He is the owner of Carolina Psychiatry and Addiction Services.
We do not require a referral and can typically see you in less than a week. Sahil Talwar is a physician assistant with 8 years of experience in emergency, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. He is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. He graduated from South College with his Master's in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. He is the owner of Carolina Psychiatry and Addiction Services.
Roxanne Singer-Gheorghiu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, AGNP-C, CDCES
Verified Verified
Spartanburg, SC 29303 (Online Only)
Roxanne Singer is a doctorate prepared, triple Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She is passionate about providing empathetic, client-centered care for individuals whose lives are interrupted by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD. Many of her clients seek help to manage emotions that feel uncontrollable, emotions like anger, frustration, sadness, grief, and loneliness.
Roxanne Singer is a doctorate prepared, triple Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She is passionate about providing empathetic, client-centered care for individuals whose lives are interrupted by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD. Many of her clients seek help to manage emotions that feel uncontrollable, emotions like anger, frustration, sadness, grief, and loneliness.
Caitlin Jennings
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615 (Online Only)
Caitlin Jenning is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in the state of South Carolina with 13 years of healthcare experience treating adult and senior-aged clients who are suffering from, depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and personality disorders, including BPD or bipolar disorder.
Caitlin Jenning is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in the state of South Carolina with 13 years of healthcare experience treating adult and senior-aged clients who are suffering from, depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and personality disorders, including BPD or bipolar disorder.
Melissa is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner (NP). She has worked to manage a wide variety of mental health concerns such as crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, ADHD, school and social issues, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, caregiver fatigue, and addiction disorders. She is easy to talk to and helps you feel comfortable with sharing in order to best manage your mental and emotional health. She is compassionate in providing comprehensive mental health services to all ages. Melissa's role as a PMHNP includes medication manager, therapist, educator, and mental health advocate.
Melissa is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner (NP). She has worked to manage a wide variety of mental health concerns such as crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, ADHD, school and social issues, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, caregiver fatigue, and addiction disorders. She is easy to talk to and helps you feel comfortable with sharing in order to best manage your mental and emotional health. She is compassionate in providing comprehensive mental health services to all ages. Melissa's role as a PMHNP includes medication manager, therapist, educator, and mental health advocate.
Christina L Blake
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Simpsonville, SC 29681
Accepting NEW patients with initial appointments typically within 72 hours. Christina is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving clients ages 13 and older utilizing integrative principles. She empowers her clients to take an active role in their treatment plan within a patient-centered relationship. Many of her clients are seeking integrative traditional and complimentary treatments to minimize the amount of psychiatric medications they are taking. She offers mental health support in unhurried appointments in which her clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Accepting NEW patients with initial appointments typically within 72 hours. Christina is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving clients ages 13 and older utilizing integrative principles. She empowers her clients to take an active role in their treatment plan within a patient-centered relationship. Many of her clients are seeking integrative traditional and complimentary treatments to minimize the amount of psychiatric medications they are taking. She offers mental health support in unhurried appointments in which her clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Omega Psychiatric Solutions, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29203
Our practice motto is "Here your mental health matters." We provide both medication management and therapeutic counseling services. Our psychiatric provider has more than 30 years of experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and with various mental health diagnoses. Our therapist has been in the mental health field for almost 10 years. Both of our providers want to meet the client where they are to provide the best services to get our client back to their optimal mental health status.
Our practice motto is "Here your mental health matters." We provide both medication management and therapeutic counseling services. Our psychiatric provider has more than 30 years of experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and with various mental health diagnoses. Our therapist has been in the mental health field for almost 10 years. Both of our providers want to meet the client where they are to provide the best services to get our client back to their optimal mental health status.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist in South Carolina. I have trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family and Marital therapy, as well as Psychiatric Medication Management. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier. Whether your reasons for seeking treatment include treatment-resistant hallucinations, persistent irritability, dysphoria, insomnia, wanting to perform better at work- the core principles of treatment are often similar.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist in South Carolina. I have trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family and Marital therapy, as well as Psychiatric Medication Management. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier. Whether your reasons for seeking treatment include treatment-resistant hallucinations, persistent irritability, dysphoria, insomnia, wanting to perform better at work- the core principles of treatment are often similar.
Dr. Consola Esambe is a Psychiatrist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Esambe believes in forming a partnership with the patient so that they are an integral part of their health journey. This leads to buy in which fosters a better therapeutic alliance with the patient. Outside of work, Dr. Esambe enjoys watching TV, spending time with friends and family, reading and traveling.
Dr. Consola Esambe is a Psychiatrist in South Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from the Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Esambe believes in forming a partnership with the patient so that they are an integral part of their health journey. This leads to buy in which fosters a better therapeutic alliance with the patient. Outside of work, Dr. Esambe enjoys watching TV, spending time with friends and family, reading and traveling.
Denis Ingle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
I am passionate about mental health and count it a blessing to help others in their journey towards mental wellness. My approach is patient-centered, compassionate, and conscientious. I greatly value the sacred relationship in partnering with my patients for the betterment of their mental health, and to help in achieving their wellness goals. As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority, I am well versed and actively experienced in prescribing medications which would greatly aid towards your treatment goals.
I am passionate about mental health and count it a blessing to help others in their journey towards mental wellness. My approach is patient-centered, compassionate, and conscientious. I greatly value the sacred relationship in partnering with my patients for the betterment of their mental health, and to help in achieving their wellness goals. As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority, I am well versed and actively experienced in prescribing medications which would greatly aid towards your treatment goals.
Jennifer Burger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Piedmont, SC 29673
Choosing a provider may be overwhelming and difficult. My goal is to offer a secure and accessible environment for patients to discuss their mental health concerns. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority.
Choosing a provider may be overwhelming and difficult. My goal is to offer a secure and accessible environment for patients to discuss their mental health concerns. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority.
William R. Hall
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29201
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and have been working in mental health for several years now. I have experience with adult and geriatric patients, and specialize in Medication Management treating ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Insomnia and PTSD. As my client, you can expect to have a better understanding of the issues you may struggle with, and I will work with you to develop a mutually agreed upon treatment plan. All of my clients can expect to be treated with empathy, and without judgement. You may use my website link to book your appointment, or call for a free 15 minute phone consultation!
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and have been working in mental health for several years now. I have experience with adult and geriatric patients, and specialize in Medication Management treating ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Insomnia and PTSD. As my client, you can expect to have a better understanding of the issues you may struggle with, and I will work with you to develop a mutually agreed upon treatment plan. All of my clients can expect to be treated with empathy, and without judgement. You may use my website link to book your appointment, or call for a free 15 minute phone consultation!
See more therapy options for Abbeville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Abbeville, SC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Abbeville, SC who prioritize treating:
100% | Relationship Issues |
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | Child |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Grief |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BHS | Behavioral Health Systems |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Abbeville, SC see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Abbeville?
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.