Psychiatrists in Richmond County, VA
Ashley McDaniel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Warsaw, VA 22572 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new patients in Virginia! As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner I work closely with children, adolescents, and adults to provide holistic and person-centered care for those struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and ADHD. I aim to listen to your individual needs, concerns, and goals to improve your quality of life. I look forward to working together!
Currently accepting new patients in Virginia! As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner I work closely with children, adolescents, and adults to provide holistic and person-centered care for those struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and ADHD. I aim to listen to your individual needs, concerns, and goals to improve your quality of life. I look forward to working together!
Natalie works with adults ages 18-65 with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and OCD and other mental health concerns. She likes to work closely with her clients to develop the best plan of care to suit their individual needs. Natalie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University and completed her Master of Science in Nursing through Walden University. Natalie is a native of the Richmond area. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. In her spare time she also enjoys fitness, reading, and working with her Labrador Retriever, Remi.
Natalie works with adults ages 18-65 with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and OCD and other mental health concerns. She likes to work closely with her clients to develop the best plan of care to suit their individual needs. Natalie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University and completed her Master of Science in Nursing through Walden University. Natalie is a native of the Richmond area. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. In her spare time she also enjoys fitness, reading, and working with her Labrador Retriever, Remi.
Online Psychiatrists
Paragon Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Manassas, VA 20110 (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Dana Mohl, and I’m a Nurse Practitioner, double board-certified in Family Practice & Psychiatry, and trained in Integrative Psychiatry. Since 2006, I’ve been dedicated to helping people improve their quality of life. Do you struggle with a psychiatric disorder or symptoms that affect your relationships, career, or daily functioning? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious just getting through the day or interacting with others? Do you wish your mental and physical health could be better? Now more than ever, adults are feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, seeking the support they need.
Welcome! My name is Dana Mohl, and I’m a Nurse Practitioner, double board-certified in Family Practice & Psychiatry, and trained in Integrative Psychiatry. Since 2006, I’ve been dedicated to helping people improve their quality of life. Do you struggle with a psychiatric disorder or symptoms that affect your relationships, career, or daily functioning? Do you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or anxious just getting through the day or interacting with others? Do you wish your mental and physical health could be better? Now more than ever, adults are feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, seeking the support they need.
Ally in Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22192 (Online Only)
My ideal client can be described as someone who is motivated to engage in treatment and actively participate in their treatment plan. They will be open to self reflection and willing to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They will be committed to making positive change in their life and are receptive to guidance and feedback. Additionally, they should be honest and transparent about their symptoms, allowing for accurate assessment and effective treatment planning. Overall the ideal client is someone who values the therapeutic process and is ready to collaborate to achieve their goals.
My ideal client can be described as someone who is motivated to engage in treatment and actively participate in their treatment plan. They will be open to self reflection and willing to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They will be committed to making positive change in their life and are receptive to guidance and feedback. Additionally, they should be honest and transparent about their symptoms, allowing for accurate assessment and effective treatment planning. Overall the ideal client is someone who values the therapeutic process and is ready to collaborate to achieve their goals.
As both an Adult and Child Psychiatrist I have experience treating psychiatric disorders across the lifespan including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis and Anxiety/Mood disorders. I am a big believer in the benefit and utility of therapy including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral as well as motivational therapy. Additionally, I can provide insight to clients on the utility (and limitations) of medications to assist with management of various mental health issues.
As both an Adult and Child Psychiatrist I have experience treating psychiatric disorders across the lifespan including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis and Anxiety/Mood disorders. I am a big believer in the benefit and utility of therapy including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral as well as motivational therapy. Additionally, I can provide insight to clients on the utility (and limitations) of medications to assist with management of various mental health issues.
Binta Bojang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23230 (Online Only)
The best way to contact me is via email or text 240-607-5319. I am currently accepting new patients. However, I do not accept Virginia Medicaid. I am Dr. Binta Bojang, CRNP, PMHNP, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, encompassing medical and mental health care. My specialization lies in treating both children and adults, offering comprehensive medication management for all mental health disorders. The initial appointment typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring a thorough assessment. Medication is prescribed based on client preference and need, with close monthly monitoring until stability is achieved.
The best way to contact me is via email or text 240-607-5319. I am currently accepting new patients. However, I do not accept Virginia Medicaid. I am Dr. Binta Bojang, CRNP, PMHNP, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, encompassing medical and mental health care. My specialization lies in treating both children and adults, offering comprehensive medication management for all mental health disorders. The initial appointment typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring a thorough assessment. Medication is prescribed based on client preference and need, with close monthly monitoring until stability is achieved.
I am currently accepting new patients for outpatient psychiatric assessment, individual psychotherapy, and medication management via telehealth for adults in Virginia and Maryland. While I am an experienced psychopharmacologist, I consider medication more of an adjunct than a stand-alone treatment in most circumstances. Meaningful, lasting change is achieved largely through the collaborative work of psychotherapy – whether with me or another provider. Medication can play an important role, however, in regulating one’s over- or under-active nervous system to facilitate engagement in this transformative work.
I am currently accepting new patients for outpatient psychiatric assessment, individual psychotherapy, and medication management via telehealth for adults in Virginia and Maryland. While I am an experienced psychopharmacologist, I consider medication more of an adjunct than a stand-alone treatment in most circumstances. Meaningful, lasting change is achieved largely through the collaborative work of psychotherapy – whether with me or another provider. Medication can play an important role, however, in regulating one’s over- or under-active nervous system to facilitate engagement in this transformative work.
Andrew Spitznas, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist offering medication management to adults. He treats a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD. Dr. Spitznas received his Doctor of Medicine in 1994 from the Medical College of Pennsylvania.
Andrew Spitznas, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist offering medication management to adults. He treats a full list of issues with specializations in anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD. Dr. Spitznas received his Doctor of Medicine in 1994 from the Medical College of Pennsylvania.
We all have solutions within us – it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is by focusing on your strengths, harness into your available resources, while getting the symptoms under control. At inspire behavioral health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, but it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
We all have solutions within us – it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions. The most effective way to heal is by focusing on your strengths, harness into your available resources, while getting the symptoms under control. At inspire behavioral health, we consider all treatment options available and strive to take a balanced and integrative approach. While it’s necessary to target the symptoms that lead someone to get help, but it is also important to understand that people are much more than symptoms they are experiencing.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
I'm Arlene, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Clinical Temperament Counselor. My expertise includes Behavioral Health Counseling and Primary/Acute Care. I hold a national Surgical Assistant Certification with specialized training in Neurosurgery, Plastics/Reconstruction, General Surgery, and Orthopedics. Additionally, I offer services in Medical Nutrition Therapy, Blood-Type Specific Nutrition Counseling, Diabetes Nutrition Counseling, Temperament Career Counseling, as well as addressing anxiety and depression. I'm passionate about my healthcare profession and have had the privilege serving patients for nearly two decades.
Jamie Slagle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP, MNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170 (Online Only)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a passion and sensitivity for working with children, adolescents, and adults who are suffering from eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. My goal is to honor my patients with the time, kindness, empathy, and professionalism.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a passion and sensitivity for working with children, adolescents, and adults who are suffering from eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. My goal is to honor my patients with the time, kindness, empathy, and professionalism.
Jenna Grimm is board-certified as a nurse practitioner in both psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP) and women's health (WHNP). She received her master's in nursing degree from Boston College in 2010 and her psychiatric-mental health post-masters certificate from George Mason University. She was previously employed as a women's health nurse practitioner for over 11 years at an OB/GYN practice. She transitioned to working as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner 1 year ago for LifeStance Health, former Atlantic Counseling Group, in Ashburn.
Jenna Grimm is board-certified as a nurse practitioner in both psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP) and women's health (WHNP). She received her master's in nursing degree from Boston College in 2010 and her psychiatric-mental health post-masters certificate from George Mason University. She was previously employed as a women's health nurse practitioner for over 11 years at an OB/GYN practice. She transitioned to working as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner 1 year ago for LifeStance Health, former Atlantic Counseling Group, in Ashburn.
Columbia Associates - Arlington
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP-BC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22207
Columbia Associates is an outpatient mental health care provider dedicated to serving the Arlington community. We are local to the DMV region and provide psychiatry and therapy services for adults, adolescents and children. We also provide group therapy, first-episode psychosis treatment, medication management, and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive depression treatment for adult patients who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from prior medications. 83% of people treated with TMS experience significant improvement in their symptoms!
Columbia Associates is an outpatient mental health care provider dedicated to serving the Arlington community. We are local to the DMV region and provide psychiatry and therapy services for adults, adolescents and children. We also provide group therapy, first-episode psychosis treatment, medication management, and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive depression treatment for adult patients who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from prior medications. 83% of people treated with TMS experience significant improvement in their symptoms!
Dorothy Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (Online Only)
My ideal client struggles with issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood disorders. They seek compassionate, personalized care to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. They want to feel understood, respected, and supported in their journey toward mental well-being. Their goals include finding effective strategies to cope with their challenges, gaining control over their emotions, and building resilience. They value accessible care and a collaborative approach to treatment that empowers them to achieve lasting mental health.
My ideal client struggles with issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood disorders. They seek compassionate, personalized care to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. They want to feel understood, respected, and supported in their journey toward mental well-being. Their goals include finding effective strategies to cope with their challenges, gaining control over their emotions, and building resilience. They value accessible care and a collaborative approach to treatment that empowers them to achieve lasting mental health.
Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, General Adult Psychiatrist NJ, NY, VA, FL Dr. Marina Nesterenko finished Medical school in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1997 and worked as a child psychiatrist in Ukraine. After relocation to the USA, she completed a Psychiatry Residency program at SUNY Upstate, followed by Child Fellowship in Syracuse, NY. Dr. Nesterenko is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Area of Interest: autism, aggression, developmental delay, ADHD, depression, mood disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and PTSD.
Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, General Adult Psychiatrist NJ, NY, VA, FL Dr. Marina Nesterenko finished Medical school in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1997 and worked as a child psychiatrist in Ukraine. After relocation to the USA, she completed a Psychiatry Residency program at SUNY Upstate, followed by Child Fellowship in Syracuse, NY. Dr. Nesterenko is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Area of Interest: autism, aggression, developmental delay, ADHD, depression, mood disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and PTSD.
I am an adult psychiatrist with 24 years of experience in treating patients who struggle with a large array of psychiatric diagnoses including psychosis, mania/bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and substance abuse. I started my career as a researcher at NIDA working with children, adolescents and adults with ADD, ADHD, CD and ODD. I am a former sub-investigator for studies pivoting around psychosis, bipolar disorder and depression. My approach in treating patients is multifaceted, including psychopharmacology, individual, couple and family therapy, genetic testing, TMS, ECT.
I am an adult psychiatrist with 24 years of experience in treating patients who struggle with a large array of psychiatric diagnoses including psychosis, mania/bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and substance abuse. I started my career as a researcher at NIDA working with children, adolescents and adults with ADD, ADHD, CD and ODD. I am a former sub-investigator for studies pivoting around psychosis, bipolar disorder and depression. My approach in treating patients is multifaceted, including psychopharmacology, individual, couple and family therapy, genetic testing, TMS, ECT.
Cecilia is very passionate about helping others. While in the nursing field she has helped children, adults, groups and families work towards improving not only their mental health but improving their whole selves. Cecilia believes in getting to know each person she treats and building a strong therapeutic relationship.
Cecilia is very passionate about helping others. While in the nursing field she has helped children, adults, groups and families work towards improving not only their mental health but improving their whole selves. Cecilia believes in getting to know each person she treats and building a strong therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Kiniya Church
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Suffolk, VA 23434
At Release it Counseling, we understand the profound challenges that can hinder the journey to true peace, freedom, and joy. The weight of past pain and current obstacles can leave you feeling stuck, hopeless, and broken. That's why we specialize in Christian Professional counseling and life coaching, offering a pathway to healing and freedom. Having experienced the feeling of being bound and discovering the freedom in Christ through good health, I like to promote that same freedom to others.
At Release it Counseling, we understand the profound challenges that can hinder the journey to true peace, freedom, and joy. The weight of past pain and current obstacles can leave you feeling stuck, hopeless, and broken. That's why we specialize in Christian Professional counseling and life coaching, offering a pathway to healing and freedom. Having experienced the feeling of being bound and discovering the freedom in Christ through good health, I like to promote that same freedom to others.
Rondeshya Keyonna Cosby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hampton, VA 23666
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 8+ years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field ranging from child and adult inpatient care to community mental health crisis stabilization and substance abuse treatment. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of North Carolina and Master's Degree at Walden University. My focus is on the treatment of mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse through assessments and medication management.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 8+ years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field ranging from child and adult inpatient care to community mental health crisis stabilization and substance abuse treatment. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of North Carolina and Master's Degree at Walden University. My focus is on the treatment of mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse through assessments and medication management.
I am a psychiatrist with a background in family practice medicine. I treat Major Depression, PMDD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective Disorders, Menopausal Depression, ADD, ADHD, PTSD, TBI and Dementia. I treat my patients with understanding and empathy. I have experience in multicultural psychiatry. I have been a psychiatrist since 1989 to present and I have been in Family practice medicine sine 1974.
I am a psychiatrist with a background in family practice medicine. I treat Major Depression, PMDD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective Disorders, Menopausal Depression, ADD, ADHD, PTSD, TBI and Dementia. I treat my patients with understanding and empathy. I have experience in multicultural psychiatry. I have been a psychiatrist since 1989 to present and I have been in Family practice medicine sine 1974.
See more therapy options for Richmond County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Richmond County, VA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Richmond County, VA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Medication Management |
50% | Addiction |
50% | ADHD |
50% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
50% | Trauma and PTSD |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Richmond County, VA see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Richmond 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.