Psychiatrists in Burleson County, TX
![Photo of Shirley Ann Smith, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9e708a4-c58a-49ce-9ea1-6878ce1329dc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shirley Ann Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Caldwell, TX 77836 (Online Only)
Find me on Grow Therapy for Psychiatry
Find me on Grow Therapy for Psychiatry
![Photo of Shirley Smith - JLyle Medical Clinic, PLLC, PhD, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e295a93-41a3-4fba-ac5b-707855434250/1/320x400.jpeg)
JLyle Medical Clinic, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Caldwell, TX 77836
We are expanding in Texas and you can reach me by calling: 1 (786) 755-1863 or Intake+Shirley21752
We are expanding in Texas and you can reach me by calling: 1 (786) 755-1863 or Intake+Shirley21752
![Photo of Kayode Zacchaeus Oluwayomi, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79eebd89-b571-408a-9f23-7205bd12298e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kayode Zacchaeus Oluwayomi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Caldwell, TX 77836 (Online Only)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living in Texas. I work with diverse kinds of clients (Age 18 +) with different cultural backgrounds and mental health problems. I specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Insomnia, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, personality disorder and much more. I am a compassionate provider with a passion for patients with mental illness.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living in Texas. I work with diverse kinds of clients (Age 18 +) with different cultural backgrounds and mental health problems. I specialize in depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Insomnia, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, personality disorder and much more. I am a compassionate provider with a passion for patients with mental illness.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Richard Senyszyn, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48af99d4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide Opioid addiction treatment, painkiller addiction treatment, and detox. See our website (http://www.houstonpsychiatryonline.com/) and our service location website (https://www.lonestarmedicaltexas.com/).
I provide Opioid addiction treatment, painkiller addiction treatment, and detox. See our website (http://www.houstonpsychiatryonline.com/) and our service location website (https://www.lonestarmedicaltexas.com/).
![Photo of Caroline Ogashi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b4c1c69-38f2-4337-9646-01b10c1609b2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Ogashi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77019 (Online Only)
Dr. Caroline Ogashi is a Board-Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her training and nursing experience expands over three decades working in various nursing settings. Dr. Ogashi is compassionate and possesses great listening and caring skills that are loved by her clients. She believes in a holistic approach and holds the philosophy that the body, mind, and spirit must work together in harmony to achieve balance. Dr. Ogashi specializes in treating the following mental health conditions: anxiety, major depression, ADHD, OCD, panic disorder, bipolar disorders,eating disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, insomnia, and schizophrenia.
Dr. Caroline Ogashi is a Board-Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her training and nursing experience expands over three decades working in various nursing settings. Dr. Ogashi is compassionate and possesses great listening and caring skills that are loved by her clients. She believes in a holistic approach and holds the philosophy that the body, mind, and spirit must work together in harmony to achieve balance. Dr. Ogashi specializes in treating the following mental health conditions: anxiety, major depression, ADHD, OCD, panic disorder, bipolar disorders,eating disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, insomnia, and schizophrenia.
![Photo of Natalie Anderson, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08e47360-f8b2-4b9d-9f8d-044973e73aa7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77054
As a Nurse Practitioner working in the mental health field, I strive to provide individualized and holistic care for my clients. It is my duty as a provider to establish treatments that meet the mental health needs of my clients. I am knowledgeable with several modalities of treatments including therapy based treatments. I offer psychiatric mental health services that include treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism and other mental health disorders.
As a Nurse Practitioner working in the mental health field, I strive to provide individualized and holistic care for my clients. It is my duty as a provider to establish treatments that meet the mental health needs of my clients. I am knowledgeable with several modalities of treatments including therapy based treatments. I offer psychiatric mental health services that include treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism and other mental health disorders.
![Photo of Mary Beck, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9e7b68c-9d2d-485f-b04f-4889f52f0668/2/320x400.png)
As a PMHNP I have worked in outpatient, PHP, IOP, inpatient and residential settings across four states and have worked with patients ages 4 to 90 from all walks of life. I have experience treating a variety of mental health disorders including but not limited to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance use disorders through medication management and supportive therapy techniques.
As a PMHNP I have worked in outpatient, PHP, IOP, inpatient and residential settings across four states and have worked with patients ages 4 to 90 from all walks of life. I have experience treating a variety of mental health disorders including but not limited to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance use disorders through medication management and supportive therapy techniques.
![Photo of Michael Millstone - Dr. Michael Millstone - Brain and Behavior, PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f406e54-3aa1-4796-ae07-3582b74f885b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Michael Millstone - Brain and Behavior, PLLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
I know your time is valuable. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with Fellowships in Psychoanalysis and Mindfulness based treatments. I provide individualized treatment for those dealing with concerns about mood, anxiety, or struggles in one or more areas of life. While I offer short sessions of psychiatric care, my area of expertise is long sessions integrating treatments such as psychoanalysis talk therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and medications when indicated.
I know your time is valuable. I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with Fellowships in Psychoanalysis and Mindfulness based treatments. I provide individualized treatment for those dealing with concerns about mood, anxiety, or struggles in one or more areas of life. While I offer short sessions of psychiatric care, my area of expertise is long sessions integrating treatments such as psychoanalysis talk therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and medications when indicated.
![Photo of Marisa Sp Toups - Singularity Psychiatry and Mental Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91b542f3-ebbc-45de-a76f-9dad8580c8bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Singularity Psychiatry and Mental Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
I am a psychiatrist with extra training and experience with Treatment Resistant Depression, whether due to common psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety, OCD, and PTSD or to medical illness. In particular I have a special focus on patients with immunological disease and chronic illness that causes inflammation. My typical patients are adults with a history of treatment failure or who need to balance the effects of complex medication regimens to maximize function. I also work with adults with Bipolar, ADHD, and ASD. I am happy to work with patients of all sexual/gender identities, ethnicities and faiths.
I am a psychiatrist with extra training and experience with Treatment Resistant Depression, whether due to common psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety, OCD, and PTSD or to medical illness. In particular I have a special focus on patients with immunological disease and chronic illness that causes inflammation. My typical patients are adults with a history of treatment failure or who need to balance the effects of complex medication regimens to maximize function. I also work with adults with Bipolar, ADHD, and ASD. I am happy to work with patients of all sexual/gender identities, ethnicities and faiths.
![Photo of Kelly Campbell, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b07412f-c61f-46b3-b177-933f21c79ac3/4/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in medication management for mental illness and psychotherapy. After medical school I completed five years in residency and fellowship training and a double board certification to give me psychiatric expertise in patients of all ages. I work with children, adolescents and adults (ages 4-55) and provide diagnosis and treatment on a wide range of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and OCD, autism, PTSD, and more.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in medication management for mental illness and psychotherapy. After medical school I completed five years in residency and fellowship training and a double board certification to give me psychiatric expertise in patients of all ages. I work with children, adolescents and adults (ages 4-55) and provide diagnosis and treatment on a wide range of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and OCD, autism, PTSD, and more.
![Photo of Candra Sonnie Smith - Bright Stone Psychiatry, APRN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b29b8baf-81cc-48a1-a41c-ae0f83ffc6ac/2/320x400.png)
Bright Stone Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77054
My ideal client looks the average daily person dealing with life needing assistance. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I take pride in providing individualized care and working with my client to provide an optimal holistic experience. I strive to meet my clients goals, listen to their needs, provide medication management, and therapy while collaborating with other professionals as needed to meet or exceed my client’s goals. It is my duty to assure my client’s enter and leave out completely better.
My ideal client looks the average daily person dealing with life needing assistance. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I take pride in providing individualized care and working with my client to provide an optimal holistic experience. I strive to meet my clients goals, listen to their needs, provide medication management, and therapy while collaborating with other professionals as needed to meet or exceed my client’s goals. It is my duty to assure my client’s enter and leave out completely better.
![Photo of Dr. Louise Baffour-Sebeh Agyemang, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e628fbbd-f32e-4715-af96-077c9d1ee4bb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Louise Baffour-Sebeh Agyemang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Richmond, TX 77407 (Online Only)
Dr. Agyemang is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner currently licensed in TX, CA, CO, UT, NV & WA. She graduated from University of Texas Health Science, Houston, Texas in 2014. She has 22 years of experience in the medical field, 10 years practicing as Psychiatric & Family nurse practitioner. She has extensive experience in psychiatric mental health both in pediatric, teenagers and geriatric population and effective management of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Substance abuse and Mood Disorders.
Dr. Agyemang is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner currently licensed in TX, CA, CO, UT, NV & WA. She graduated from University of Texas Health Science, Houston, Texas in 2014. She has 22 years of experience in the medical field, 10 years practicing as Psychiatric & Family nurse practitioner. She has extensive experience in psychiatric mental health both in pediatric, teenagers and geriatric population and effective management of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Substance abuse and Mood Disorders.
![Photo of Anthony Martinez, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7e0fcd3-4b40-4347-b854-ed76f55a4907/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am pleased to be offering in person visits and telehealth visits. I am accepting new patients ages 6 years old and up at Magnolia Psychiatry. I am available most weekdays and after hours.
I am pleased to be offering in person visits and telehealth visits. I am accepting new patients ages 6 years old and up at Magnolia Psychiatry. I am available most weekdays and after hours.
![Photo of Munira Jiwani, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27f93ce5-8cd6-423c-801c-ce604251bfe9/1/320x400.png)
Munira Jiwani
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701 (Online Only)
Imagine facing life’s challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, or significant life transitions. My ideal client seeks understanding and practical solutions for mental health concerns. They aim to regain control, rediscover hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They want a compassionate partner who listens, understands, and tailors treatment to their unique needs and goals. If you’re looking for a therapeutic environment where you feel respected and empowered, you're in the right place.
Imagine facing life’s challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, or significant life transitions. My ideal client seeks understanding and practical solutions for mental health concerns. They aim to regain control, rediscover hope, and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life. They want a compassionate partner who listens, understands, and tailors treatment to their unique needs and goals. If you’re looking for a therapeutic environment where you feel respected and empowered, you're in the right place.
![Photo of Donesha Tinsley, APRN, DNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81bf12d4-637d-4c23-bfdc-f7a86c9e032a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Donesha Tinsley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Kingwood, TX 77339
I have a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I love what I do and I'm passionate about helping others. I came to Texas in 2010 as a motivated student and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University in 2015. I gained valuable experience working in the intermediate and cardiac intensive care unit. In 2018, I had an amazing opportunity to serve on a medical mission trip in the Dominican Republic. My passion for mental health emerged from my experience in critical care, where I realized that I cared about my patient's mental health.
I have a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I love what I do and I'm passionate about helping others. I came to Texas in 2010 as a motivated student and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University in 2015. I gained valuable experience working in the intermediate and cardiac intensive care unit. In 2018, I had an amazing opportunity to serve on a medical mission trip in the Dominican Republic. My passion for mental health emerged from my experience in critical care, where I realized that I cared about my patient's mental health.
![Photo of Dr. Vishnu Challapalli, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bd4ed26-efae-4ac2-9352-4d7d3b7d8bff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vishnu Challapalliis a board-certified general psychiatrist with more than 25 years of experience treating patients with anxiety and mood disorders. Dr. Challapalli is board-eligible for child psychiatry. He utilizes diagnostic assessment and medication management. Dr. Challapalli can complete same-day initial evaluations. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago and his residency in psychiatry at the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Challapalli completed his child psychiatry fellowship at the University of Rochester. He is fluent in English and Telugu.
Dr. Vishnu Challapalliis a board-certified general psychiatrist with more than 25 years of experience treating patients with anxiety and mood disorders. Dr. Challapalli is board-eligible for child psychiatry. He utilizes diagnostic assessment and medication management. Dr. Challapalli can complete same-day initial evaluations. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago and his residency in psychiatry at the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Challapalli completed his child psychiatry fellowship at the University of Rochester. He is fluent in English and Telugu.
![Photo of Olateju Olowe, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f08bbfe-d20e-4b16-8191-516cae5a4433/1/320x400.png)
My treatment approach combines compassionate, empathetic, and culturally aware care with evidence-based practices to form a comprehensive individualized plan.
My treatment approach combines compassionate, empathetic, and culturally aware care with evidence-based practices to form a comprehensive individualized plan.
![Photo of Arun A Andrews, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4010cbce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a physician specialized in providing psychiatric care to children,adolescents,teens and adults. Through my practice I address a wide range of mental heath issues, including Depression,Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Anxiety Disorders.
I am a physician specialized in providing psychiatric care to children,adolescents,teens and adults. Through my practice I address a wide range of mental heath issues, including Depression,Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Anxiety Disorders.
![Photo of Lawretta Jinadu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/928b8a17-42a2-4128-99e0-07dace5503b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lawretta Jinadu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77056 (Online Only)
My name is Lawretta Jinadu, PMHNP, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to teens and adults.
My name is Lawretta Jinadu, PMHNP, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to teens and adults.
![Photo of Laurie Foley, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ac6c512-7ead-4948-bdcb-74fffb26d6a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie Foley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731 (Online Only)
My ideal client faces challenges like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or weight management. They seek a compassionate, understanding, and humorous healthcare provider to help navigate their mental health journey. Their goals include achieving emotional stability, improving physical health, and developing effective coping strategies. They want personalized, culturally sensitive care that respects their unique background and preferences. Ultimately, they aim for improved well-being and quality of life, looking for a supportive partner to guide them toward resilience and hope.
My ideal client faces challenges like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or weight management. They seek a compassionate, understanding, and humorous healthcare provider to help navigate their mental health journey. Their goals include achieving emotional stability, improving physical health, and developing effective coping strategies. They want personalized, culturally sensitive care that respects their unique background and preferences. Ultimately, they aim for improved well-being and quality of life, looking for a supportive partner to guide them toward resilience and hope.
See more therapy options for Burleson County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Burleson County, TX
< 10
Psychiatrists in Burleson County, TX who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Substance Use |
Average years in practice
22 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Burleson County, TX see their clients
66% | Online Only | |
34% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Burleson County?
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.