Psychiatrists in Provo, UT
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/239751d3-9039-4c86-b2df-3a2d243ad423/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Jean Stanford, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddbdd133-360a-4e3e-9ba6-1cea65f532a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jean is a board-certified physician assistant and has broad experience in healthcare, but has specialized in mental health treatment for the last 8 years. Before focusing in on mental health, she worked in pain management, endocrinology, nephrology, and family medicine. Prior to being a Physician Assistant, she graduated from WSU and worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in Adult and Neonatal Intensive Care Units with IHC for 18 years. This expanse of knowledge and experience guides Jean's balanced and well-rounded approach to mental health care.
Jean is a board-certified physician assistant and has broad experience in healthcare, but has specialized in mental health treatment for the last 8 years. Before focusing in on mental health, she worked in pain management, endocrinology, nephrology, and family medicine. Prior to being a Physician Assistant, she graduated from WSU and worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in Adult and Neonatal Intensive Care Units with IHC for 18 years. This expanse of knowledge and experience guides Jean's balanced and well-rounded approach to mental health care.
![Photo of Todd Allen, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6227322-1787-4f8b-965a-cd97e8917cfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Todd is a dedicated and empathetic mental health specialist with a passion for helping individuals find balance, recovery, and happiness in their lives. He has extensive experience in the field, having started his career as a psychiatric nurse and later serving as manager of Utah Valley Hospital's inpatient psychiatry department. He received a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Utah and post-graduate certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of South Alabama. He is also an assistant professor at Roseman University of Health Sciences.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Todd is a dedicated and empathetic mental health specialist with a passion for helping individuals find balance, recovery, and happiness in their lives. He has extensive experience in the field, having started his career as a psychiatric nurse and later serving as manager of Utah Valley Hospital's inpatient psychiatry department. He received a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Utah and post-graduate certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health from the University of South Alabama. He is also an assistant professor at Roseman University of Health Sciences.
![Photo of Brayden Willis, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09a2bff6-bb38-44a5-9131-060ce818d446/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NEW patients! With appointments IN-PERSON or TELE-HEALTH. Dr. Willis is a Physician Psychiatrist, dual board-certified in general and child & adolescent psychiatry. He is a real advocate for his patients, and they respond well to his approach. Parents value that Dr. Willis gives adequate time to: build rapport/trust, allow for all participants' voices to be heard, resolve concerns, provide therapy when possible, establish accurate diagnoses, implement effective individualized treatment plans, & safely manage any medications. The result is that all involved feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care.
Accepting NEW patients! With appointments IN-PERSON or TELE-HEALTH. Dr. Willis is a Physician Psychiatrist, dual board-certified in general and child & adolescent psychiatry. He is a real advocate for his patients, and they respond well to his approach. Parents value that Dr. Willis gives adequate time to: build rapport/trust, allow for all participants' voices to be heard, resolve concerns, provide therapy when possible, establish accurate diagnoses, implement effective individualized treatment plans, & safely manage any medications. The result is that all involved feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care.
![Photo of Trent Holmberg - Strive Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b9b94a4-a5a0-4a5b-b84d-afe49d98feea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tired of a one-size-fits-all treatment for your mental health? We are too. At Strive Psychiatry we utilize a personalized approach to outpatient psychiatry and the therapeutic treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are dedicated to helping families, including adults and children, obtain evidence-based mental health treatment on an individual level.
Tired of a one-size-fits-all treatment for your mental health? We are too. At Strive Psychiatry we utilize a personalized approach to outpatient psychiatry and the therapeutic treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are dedicated to helping families, including adults and children, obtain evidence-based mental health treatment on an individual level.
![Photo of Samantha Allan, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/723a9204-93ae-4bfa-8360-197b2fa91d9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Allan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Provo, UT 84604
Samantha Allan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who embodies clinical expertise while connecting with patients with warmth and empathy. She is an ethical healthcare provider with the ability to stay calm, and intervene during the most difficult tasks. She has a proven ability to build positive relationships with patients, family members, physicians, and other medical professionals. Samantha is an effective motivator, communicator, and advocate. She has an inherent ability to manage all personalities, defuse stressful situations, proactively resolve issues, and meet and achieve challenging goals and objectives.
Samantha Allan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who embodies clinical expertise while connecting with patients with warmth and empathy. She is an ethical healthcare provider with the ability to stay calm, and intervene during the most difficult tasks. She has a proven ability to build positive relationships with patients, family members, physicians, and other medical professionals. Samantha is an effective motivator, communicator, and advocate. She has an inherent ability to manage all personalities, defuse stressful situations, proactively resolve issues, and meet and achieve challenging goals and objectives.
![Photo of Alex Mageno, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27c5752d-9125-47b4-b667-0453361c817d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a holistic and root-cause oriented psychiatrist, comfortable working with all ages and stages of life with additional specialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry, nutritional psychiatry, and integrative psychiatry. I trained at various locations including University of California, Riverside and Stanford University and am board certified in general psychiatry. I am a medical director with Whole Mind, a psychiatric clinic in Utah. We provide state-of-the-art treatments such as Spravato and Transcranial magnetic Stimulation (TMS), as well as medication management, therapy, and coaching.
I am a holistic and root-cause oriented psychiatrist, comfortable working with all ages and stages of life with additional specialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry, nutritional psychiatry, and integrative psychiatry. I trained at various locations including University of California, Riverside and Stanford University and am board certified in general psychiatry. I am a medical director with Whole Mind, a psychiatric clinic in Utah. We provide state-of-the-art treatments such as Spravato and Transcranial magnetic Stimulation (TMS), as well as medication management, therapy, and coaching.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94417e48-dfdf-4e3c-be50-816a1bb3738e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
Meet Dr. Alexander: a psychiatrist with a distinctive blend of empathy and expertise. Trained at Wright State University with a focus on integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, Dr. Alexander excels in delivering personalized treatment plans with proven effectiveness. She actively engages with the narratives that shape patients' lives, forging therapeutic alliances as unique as the individuals she serves. This patient-first approach, combined with a rich background in community engagement, positions Dr. Alexander as a psychiatrist who understands the complexities of the complete human experience - mind, body and spirit.
![Photo of Brayden Willis, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b7260fd-6ed7-4fc8-aeec-23df24e395b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NEW patients! With appointments IN-PERSON or TELE-HEALTH. Dr. Willis is a Physician Psychiatrist, dual board-certified in general and child & adolescent psychiatry. He is a real advocate for his patients, and they respond well to his approach. Parents value that Dr. Willis gives adequate time to: build rapport/trust, allow for all participants' voices to be heard, resolve concerns, provide therapy when possible, establish accurate diagnoses, implement effective individualized treatment plans, & safely manage any medications. The result is that all involved feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care.
Accepting NEW patients! With appointments IN-PERSON or TELE-HEALTH. Dr. Willis is a Physician Psychiatrist, dual board-certified in general and child & adolescent psychiatry. He is a real advocate for his patients, and they respond well to his approach. Parents value that Dr. Willis gives adequate time to: build rapport/trust, allow for all participants' voices to be heard, resolve concerns, provide therapy when possible, establish accurate diagnoses, implement effective individualized treatment plans, & safely manage any medications. The result is that all involved feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care.
![Photo of Pascale Kidane - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be836ecb-1285-458d-97af-3dac6f2464ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
Provo, UT 84601 (Online Only)
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Utah for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Accepting some insurances.
We are board-certified to treat Children and Adults. Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Utah for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups are $99. Accepting some insurances.
![Photo of Samuel Everett, PA-C, MPH , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00711114-5902-45b1-b766-ef7e9ca04dc1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samuel currently provides care through Numinus Wellness Utah at the Murray location! Sam graduated Cum Lade from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science Exercise Science degree, and a Master in Public Health degree. Samuel received a Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies degree from the Pacific University College of Health Professions in Hillsboro Oregon. Samuel currently provides care at Numinus Wellness Utah at the Murray location!
Samuel currently provides care through Numinus Wellness Utah at the Murray location! Sam graduated Cum Lade from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science Exercise Science degree, and a Master in Public Health degree. Samuel received a Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies degree from the Pacific University College of Health Professions in Hillsboro Oregon. Samuel currently provides care at Numinus Wellness Utah at the Murray location!
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![Photo of Derick Moody, PA-C, CAQ, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ad75573-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! Throughout his career, Derick has been exposed to a wide variety of mental illness and is passionate about providing care to his patients. He implements a holistic approach to psychiatric health that includes exercise programs, mindfulness and meditation, social relationship improvement, and nutrition and sleep regimes. Derick is dedicated to educating others on mental illnesses and remedies. He continually strives to build upon his advanced knowledge of mental health by ensuring that he is apprised of the latest treatments and remedies that are available.
Accepting New Patients! Throughout his career, Derick has been exposed to a wide variety of mental illness and is passionate about providing care to his patients. He implements a holistic approach to psychiatric health that includes exercise programs, mindfulness and meditation, social relationship improvement, and nutrition and sleep regimes. Derick is dedicated to educating others on mental illnesses and remedies. He continually strives to build upon his advanced knowledge of mental health by ensuring that he is apprised of the latest treatments and remedies that are available.
![Photo of Erika Bales, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee23fcb8-4cb0-461d-bd74-5a4f8755de01/3/320x400.jpeg)
Erika Bales
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Provo, UT 84602 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
![Photo of Alyssa Anne Lee, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cef48d7-d7fa-4874-81af-9bbcc2224cae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Anne Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Provo, UT 84601 (Online Only)
Alyssa is nationally board certified in psychiatry, skilled in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy. Her expertise is in child and adolescent psychiatry, but she has training across the lifespan. Alyssa enjoys an integrative approach and doesn’t believe that “one size fits all.” She is aware of social, economic, family, biological, behavioral, and community factors that play into treating each individual. Many modalities are available in treatment of psychiatric disorders and she is committed to finding the best combination for her patients and families.
Alyssa is nationally board certified in psychiatry, skilled in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy. Her expertise is in child and adolescent psychiatry, but she has training across the lifespan. Alyssa enjoys an integrative approach and doesn’t believe that “one size fits all.” She is aware of social, economic, family, biological, behavioral, and community factors that play into treating each individual. Many modalities are available in treatment of psychiatric disorders and she is committed to finding the best combination for her patients and families.
![Photo of Catherine Collins - White Sage Wellness, MSN, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc3704fc-2be5-4704-97ea-a956ca466e92/2/320x400.jpeg)
White Sage Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Provo, UT 84604
Not accepting new clients
My name is Catherine Collins. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a broad range of training and experience. I have treated adolescent and adult patients in multiple practice settings including hospitals, inpatient medical detox and outpatient medication management. Acknowledging the strong connection between mind, body and spirit, I focus on providing evidence-based care that nurtures wholeness and healing.
My name is Catherine Collins. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a broad range of training and experience. I have treated adolescent and adult patients in multiple practice settings including hospitals, inpatient medical detox and outpatient medication management. Acknowledging the strong connection between mind, body and spirit, I focus on providing evidence-based care that nurtures wholeness and healing.
![Photo of Reid Robison, MD, MBA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af969311-8c98-404d-9db0-c67de19c3485/1/320x400.png)
I work with individuals & families of all ages, across all mental health conditions. Here are a few of the services I offer: Ketamine therapy & Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression & OCD, ADHD testing, Autism evals, Pharmacogenetics, and Clinical Trials (MDD, BPD, PTSD).
I work with individuals & families of all ages, across all mental health conditions. Here are a few of the services I offer: Ketamine therapy & Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression & OCD, ADHD testing, Autism evals, Pharmacogenetics, and Clinical Trials (MDD, BPD, PTSD).
![Photo of Dr. Jason L Andersen - Mind Body Ketamine, (ABPN), (ABAM), (ABPM), Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b5a1861-e5f3-4396-8498-e9b7842a4b01/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jason Andersen primarily treats patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, addiction, and pain. In recent years he has found ketamine to be extremely proactive in patients with these conditions. Ketamine has been a ground shaking treatment in the mental health world for many people, as we have seen in our practice help patients with major depressive disorder, PTSD and severe anxiety live a better life by providing relief from their symptoms. Patients frequently report instant relief from anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and even pain from subanesthetic doses of Ketamine.
Dr. Jason Andersen primarily treats patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, addiction, and pain. In recent years he has found ketamine to be extremely proactive in patients with these conditions. Ketamine has been a ground shaking treatment in the mental health world for many people, as we have seen in our practice help patients with major depressive disorder, PTSD and severe anxiety live a better life by providing relief from their symptoms. Patients frequently report instant relief from anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and even pain from subanesthetic doses of Ketamine.
![Photo of Edith Marie Hoth, PMHNPBC, APRN, PHN, IBCLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74cee2ad-ff07-4650-905c-e7077cdcf3b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Edith Marie Hoth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, PHN, IBCLC
Verified Verified
Provo, UT 84605
At Butterflies & Rainbows Psychiatry and Mental Wellness, we serve individuals and families who are seriously ready to make changes to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones, through introspection, dedication, and collaboration. The ideal client is one who is interested in digging deep to identify the root of their concerns, and making new, self-discoveries along the way. We are especially passionate about serving those stuck in the nightmare associated with divorce, family court, or any other force that might be causing the destruction of your family. Prevention is the best cure! There is hope!
At Butterflies & Rainbows Psychiatry and Mental Wellness, we serve individuals and families who are seriously ready to make changes to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones, through introspection, dedication, and collaboration. The ideal client is one who is interested in digging deep to identify the root of their concerns, and making new, self-discoveries along the way. We are especially passionate about serving those stuck in the nightmare associated with divorce, family court, or any other force that might be causing the destruction of your family. Prevention is the best cure! There is hope!
![Photo of Andrew Walker, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a10c983-f33e-4d3c-a1a7-a198351a22d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Walker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Provo, UT 84602 (Online Only)
Know that you are not alone and that healing is possible for you. Any mental anguish you experience in connection with growing up; encountering bullying, tragedy, or violence; losing someone or something dear to you; or facing overwhelming circumstances does not define who you are. You are so much more than your depression, your anxiety, your loss, or what happened to you. My treatment philosophy incorporates the Swedish principle of LAGOM: "Not too little, not too much; just right. Being in perfect balance.” Together, we’ll tailor a personalized treatment plan that capitalizes on your strengths and moves you toward your best life.
Know that you are not alone and that healing is possible for you. Any mental anguish you experience in connection with growing up; encountering bullying, tragedy, or violence; losing someone or something dear to you; or facing overwhelming circumstances does not define who you are. You are so much more than your depression, your anxiety, your loss, or what happened to you. My treatment philosophy incorporates the Swedish principle of LAGOM: "Not too little, not too much; just right. Being in perfect balance.” Together, we’ll tailor a personalized treatment plan that capitalizes on your strengths and moves you toward your best life.
![Photo of Beth Pembroke, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da92f911-c302-483c-97e9-3b2f81fea74a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Serving all of Utah via telehealth. Offering medications to alleviate symptoms, and talk therapy to help identify and change negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Serving all of Utah via telehealth. Offering medications to alleviate symptoms, and talk therapy to help identify and change negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
See more therapy options for Provo
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Provo, UT
20+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Provo, UT who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
76% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
76% | Medication Management |
68% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
83% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
78% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Provo, UT see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Provo?
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.