Psychiatrists in Covington, VA
![Photo of Haruna Asafotei - Easy-Access Behavioral & Mental Health Services, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6003849-c0e0-4c2c-9ca5-fa44730a1d1e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Easy-Access Behavioral & Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Covington, VA 24426 (Online Only)
Building effective therapeutic relationship with our patient's is the bedrock of our practice. Our passion for treatment of all forms is centered on individualize treatment model where the client's need is our priority. We inculcate culture diversity, evidence-based model of treatment and the prioritization of patient's concerns and needs. New Client's and established clients are all given the trustworthy care to the best of our ability.
Building effective therapeutic relationship with our patient's is the bedrock of our practice. Our passion for treatment of all forms is centered on individualize treatment model where the client's need is our priority. We inculcate culture diversity, evidence-based model of treatment and the prioritization of patient's concerns and needs. New Client's and established clients are all given the trustworthy care to the best of our ability.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Dr. Mee Young Sowa, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1dda80f2-8609-490c-a4f0-292398c4745e/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Mee Young Sowa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Ruckersville, VA 22968
Finding a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who actively listens to your concerns with empathy is crucial for navigating the complexities of managing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and difficulties with focus and attention. For adults, this journey often involves reestablishing connections both with others and with themselves, recognizing that healing goes beyond medication alone. Adolescents face additional challenges, including bullying, academic stress, and struggles in school, highlighting the importance of support tailored to their unique needs.
Finding a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who actively listens to your concerns with empathy is crucial for navigating the complexities of managing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and difficulties with focus and attention. For adults, this journey often involves reestablishing connections both with others and with themselves, recognizing that healing goes beyond medication alone. Adolescents face additional challenges, including bullying, academic stress, and struggles in school, highlighting the importance of support tailored to their unique needs.
![Photo of Temple Newbold, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5a1aff3-0258-43dd-8c03-8c4a11c5f5c9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Temple Newbold
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Cave Spring, VA 24018 (Online Only)
Temple Newbold is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) with over a decade of nursing experience in a variety of settings including oncology, palliative, geriatrics, urgent care, and veterans health. All these experiences helped build Temple’s skills in supporting people during difficult life transitions and challenges. Temple’s ideal patients are those who are seeking improvement in quality of life and are willing to embark on a collaborative journey to enhanced mental well-being.
Temple Newbold is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) with over a decade of nursing experience in a variety of settings including oncology, palliative, geriatrics, urgent care, and veterans health. All these experiences helped build Temple’s skills in supporting people during difficult life transitions and challenges. Temple’s ideal patients are those who are seeking improvement in quality of life and are willing to embark on a collaborative journey to enhanced mental well-being.
![Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2997a738-afb3-4161-9a41-e80b8dc052ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
Embark on your healing journey with Dr. Zou, a Board-certified psychiatrist who blends the precision of medicine with the art of psychotherapy. Trained at Emory and UAlabama, Dr. Zou is expert at integrating medication management and psychotherapy, including CBT. But her approach is not just about effective treatment; it's about empowering you with self-knowledge and tools for sustainable mental well-being. With Dr. Zou, you can explore a personalized, empathetic approach that resonates uniquely with you.
![Photo of Joseph W. Iskandar, DO, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f803a4d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Iskandar is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is also a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Osteopathic Association, and the Psychiatric Society of Virginia.
Dr. Iskandar is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is also a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Osteopathic Association, and the Psychiatric Society of Virginia.
![Photo of Lisa Anne Youngblood, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bec8c40-5b78-490c-b6a1-7296285405db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Anne Youngblood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Christiansburg, VA 24073 (Online Only)
What sets my practice apart from other providers is my specialty in women mental health needs as they navigate the hormonal changes through each phase of their lives. These transitions and conditions include PMDD, PMS pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. My dual degree as a family nurse practitioner has allowed me the expertise in this area and to offer a unique servce to all my clients. I offer an integrated and holistic approach that is dedicated to helping you create an emotionally balanced life.
What sets my practice apart from other providers is my specialty in women mental health needs as they navigate the hormonal changes through each phase of their lives. These transitions and conditions include PMDD, PMS pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. My dual degree as a family nurse practitioner has allowed me the expertise in this area and to offer a unique servce to all my clients. I offer an integrated and holistic approach that is dedicated to helping you create an emotionally balanced life.
![Photo of Elspeth Gunnoe, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6db7ac61-1ab4-4df7-b4fb-202fe4211985/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elspeth Gunnoe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24012 (Online Only)
Hello! Whatever brings you here today, I'm here to help. I have experience in treating a wide variety of illnesses, including but not limited to PTSD, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, peripartum disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, depression, adjustment disorders, and anxiety disorders. I also can help with feelings of burnout, overwhelm, and heightened stress.
Hello! Whatever brings you here today, I'm here to help. I have experience in treating a wide variety of illnesses, including but not limited to PTSD, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, peripartum disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, depression, adjustment disorders, and anxiety disorders. I also can help with feelings of burnout, overwhelm, and heightened stress.
![Photo of Jennifer Sims, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bb5aeaf-3084-4a2b-9565-e98e8892dc9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Sims
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24018 (Online Only)
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
![Photo of Barbara Gay Haskins - Couples Psychotherapy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a83846aa-1921-458e-8acf-40360f572ab4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychodynamic couples therapy is an exploratory kind of therapy. Adults carry within themselves the lessons and feelings from a lifetime of experiences. Some of these are obvious, and some are located outside of one’s awareness. All these experiences and feelings can potentially affect the situation which brings a couple to therapy. Concerns about intimacy and sexual connection can have psychodynamic underpinnings and may also be explored in this therapy. Some couples note that they are having the same quarrel over and over, and they feel stuck and unable to change this pattern. Some are unsure if they wish to stay together.
Psychodynamic couples therapy is an exploratory kind of therapy. Adults carry within themselves the lessons and feelings from a lifetime of experiences. Some of these are obvious, and some are located outside of one’s awareness. All these experiences and feelings can potentially affect the situation which brings a couple to therapy. Concerns about intimacy and sexual connection can have psychodynamic underpinnings and may also be explored in this therapy. Some couples note that they are having the same quarrel over and over, and they feel stuck and unable to change this pattern. Some are unsure if they wish to stay together.
![Photo of Dr. Morgan Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07384fa6-b5d5-42bd-8d56-706322252d80/1/320x400.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 Mimi Tyson, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f38f1f70-1158-4b4f-957a-468dd088d967/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a friendly and insightful psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, empathetic care tailored to your concerns. I am trained in the use of both psychotherapy and medication management to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders. I have developed expertise in anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.
I am a friendly and insightful psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, empathetic care tailored to your concerns. I am trained in the use of both psychotherapy and medication management to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders. I have developed expertise in anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.
![Photo of Nicole Walters - NestCalm, DNP, PMHNP-C, WHNP, PMH-C, IBCLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94dce74f-fbae-464f-bdf6-57786c159a5c/2/320x400.png)
NestCalm
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C, WHNP, PMH-C, IBCLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blacksburg, VA 24060 (Online Only)
Empowering Women to Flourish with Holistic Mental Health Care. Hi, I'm Nicole, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, midwife, reproductive specialist, fertility coach, women's mental health provider, , wife to the OG hubs; love of my life, and blessed momma of 3 sweet boys, owner of NestCalm, a psychiatry/women's health clinic. I am also an infertility conqueror, miscarriage survivor, preterm momma, postpartum anxiety defeater, pelvic floor dysfunction ass kicker, breastfeeding issues victor and ADHD overcomer! WomenWellLife / MomLife is no joke!
Empowering Women to Flourish with Holistic Mental Health Care. Hi, I'm Nicole, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, midwife, reproductive specialist, fertility coach, women's mental health provider, , wife to the OG hubs; love of my life, and blessed momma of 3 sweet boys, owner of NestCalm, a psychiatry/women's health clinic. I am also an infertility conqueror, miscarriage survivor, preterm momma, postpartum anxiety defeater, pelvic floor dysfunction ass kicker, breastfeeding issues victor and ADHD overcomer! WomenWellLife / MomLife is no joke!
![Photo of Dr. Sanket R Dhat, MD, FASAM, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6976d4e5-15d0-4bb4-a1c3-f79d19271a8e/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am Founder and CEO of the Credence Behavioral Health (CBH). CBH is a multidisciplinary behavioral health care practice that offers mental health , substance abuse and Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) services to the communities of Lynchburg and surrounding Central Virginia area. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of healthcare to our patients with compassion and respect. We strive to improve the health and well-being of our community through our commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research.
I am Founder and CEO of the Credence Behavioral Health (CBH). CBH is a multidisciplinary behavioral health care practice that offers mental health , substance abuse and Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) services to the communities of Lynchburg and surrounding Central Virginia area. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of healthcare to our patients with compassion and respect. We strive to improve the health and well-being of our community through our commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research.
![Photo of Jenny Wang - New River Valley Psychiatric Services, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d119391-fafc-4728-ae3f-de97da0a9f15/1/320x400.jpeg)
New River Valley Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Blacksburg, VA 24060
I like to help each individual to explore their potentials and strengths, improve their inner coping capacity and restore the homeostasis of the mind, brain, body and life.
I like to help each individual to explore their potentials and strengths, improve their inner coping capacity and restore the homeostasis of the mind, brain, body and life.
![Photo of Brandon Burr - Adhd Aid, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3989a4c8-7224-4bda-bff4-1317554330fa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adhd Aid
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Blacksburg, VA 24060 (Online Only)
Finally, Covid is almost over. I am Accepting New Patients. No more waiting for months. Suppose you are a student or professional and struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression. Make an appointment, get tested, and enjoy life. Today, you are one step closer to a new you. I offer comprehensive ADHD testing accepted at schools and workplaces for ADA accommodations like extra time on tests. Anxiety and Sleep issues can feel like ADHD. Untreated Depression & Mood Ups and Downs all share the symptoms of ADHD, so let's investigate together.
Finally, Covid is almost over. I am Accepting New Patients. No more waiting for months. Suppose you are a student or professional and struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression. Make an appointment, get tested, and enjoy life. Today, you are one step closer to a new you. I offer comprehensive ADHD testing accepted at schools and workplaces for ADA accommodations like extra time on tests. Anxiety and Sleep issues can feel like ADHD. Untreated Depression & Mood Ups and Downs all share the symptoms of ADHD, so let's investigate together.
![Photo of Tracy Ann Reid-Saunders - Mending Minds Mental Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/571ff57a-620d-4b18-bf91-850f18a05141/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mending Minds Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24018
At Mending Minds, we believe in providing individualized, holistic care. Tracy Ann Reid-Saunders is a Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who believes in knowing each client on a personal level and working harmoniously to achieve optimal outcomes. I believe in providing care to each individual, how I would want myself or my family to be cared for.
At Mending Minds, we believe in providing individualized, holistic care. Tracy Ann Reid-Saunders is a Board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who believes in knowing each client on a personal level and working harmoniously to achieve optimal outcomes. I believe in providing care to each individual, how I would want myself or my family to be cared for.
![Photo of Maggie Oliver, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5e0b3db-0040-4c43-872c-07109595ba0e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maggie Oliver
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24014 (Online Only)
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities.
Maggie is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. Since 2013 she has worked in various settings, such as: community mental health, private practice, corrections, and skilled/assisted nursing facilities.
![Photo of Carey Dean, APRN, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f5c231f-00bb-43c1-8c52-272aa01388c9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Carey Dean. I am a FNP-C who has practiced in psychiatry for the last 5 years. I am weeks away from obtaining my PMHNP. Psychiatry is truly my passion, even more sharing my experience and knowledge with the community. I have just opened a small practice called Authentic Self Complete Wellness, I want to help everyone feel they are able to become the best version of themselves. In my practice I provide evaluations, assessments, diagnosis, and medication management. I can treat all major mental health diagnosis to include depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, an many other mood disorders.
Hi, my name is Carey Dean. I am a FNP-C who has practiced in psychiatry for the last 5 years. I am weeks away from obtaining my PMHNP. Psychiatry is truly my passion, even more sharing my experience and knowledge with the community. I have just opened a small practice called Authentic Self Complete Wellness, I want to help everyone feel they are able to become the best version of themselves. In my practice I provide evaluations, assessments, diagnosis, and medication management. I can treat all major mental health diagnosis to include depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, an many other mood disorders.
![Photo of Ileana Asanache, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e967d109-5f42-4f14-a44e-2f555baf953b/2/320x400.png)
Ileana Asanache
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Lynchburg, VA 24504 (Online Only)
Ileana is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and other mental health issues that may be interfering with normal daily functioning. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. As a PMHNP, Ileana's view of mental health care is as a mutual partnership where she takes things at your pace. She prioritizes patient-focused care that is individually tailored to meet your needs.
Ileana is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and other mental health issues that may be interfering with normal daily functioning. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adults. As a PMHNP, Ileana's view of mental health care is as a mutual partnership where she takes things at your pace. She prioritizes patient-focused care that is individually tailored to meet your needs.
![Photo of Molly Yazman, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2b4ed40-0a30-45fe-b13d-1e510ebe8e95/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about working with young people who are discovering where they exist in this world, struggling with new or existing mental illness, or questioning their identity. I feel that this population is unique and requires someone who is willing to see the whole picture and to educate, listen, and empathize with them and their experiences.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about working with young people who are discovering where they exist in this world, struggling with new or existing mental illness, or questioning their identity. I feel that this population is unique and requires someone who is willing to see the whole picture and to educate, listen, and empathize with them and their experiences.
See more therapy options for Covington
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Covington, VA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Covington, VA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Autism |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BHS | Behavioral Health Systems |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Covington, VA see their clients
100% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Covington?
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.