Psychiatrists in Ruther Glen, VA
![Photo of Amanda Fisher, RN, MS, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3874033-da34-4e92-859b-f49aaaf760b0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Fisher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ruther Glen, VA 22546
Are you looking to improve your mental state and quality of life but don't know where to start? Look no further. I have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions across the life span. I offer a holistic and individualized treatment approach to provide optimal care. Each appointment is tailored to your current needs, whether that be supportive listening, medication management, or inquiry of additional services.
Are you looking to improve your mental state and quality of life but don't know where to start? Look no further. I have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions across the life span. I offer a holistic and individualized treatment approach to provide optimal care. Each appointment is tailored to your current needs, whether that be supportive listening, medication management, or inquiry of additional services.
![Photo of Collette Fanyi Ngante, DNP, MPH, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/486dc4cd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Collette Fanyi Ngante
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MPH, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ruther Glen, VA 22546
My name is Collette Ngante, I am a psychiatric and mental health Nurse Practitioner. I have a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). I also have a Masters in Public Health and two Bachelors Degrees in nursing and sociology & anthropology. Working with sociology and anthropology along with my experience in mental health combine in creating a personalized safe space for all clients who may need my help. We Provide an individualistic approach of care with dignity and respect. We also extend our services to Group homes, Foster Care Homes, Assisted Living facilities and other Long-term care facilities .
My name is Collette Ngante, I am a psychiatric and mental health Nurse Practitioner. I have a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). I also have a Masters in Public Health and two Bachelors Degrees in nursing and sociology & anthropology. Working with sociology and anthropology along with my experience in mental health combine in creating a personalized safe space for all clients who may need my help. We Provide an individualistic approach of care with dignity and respect. We also extend our services to Group homes, Foster Care Homes, Assisted Living facilities and other Long-term care facilities .
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Jae Hoon Kim - JaeHoon Kim, PMHNP, Lazarus Psychiatry LLC, PMHNP, MSN, MS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee292401-5e86-4065-b3b6-462a3323278d/3/320x400.jpeg)
JaeHoon Kim, PMHNP, Lazarus Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Annandale, VA 22003
Would it be possible to be a family practitioner who has a kind bedside manner, is on a first-name basis with many patients and also, when needed, can make house calls? This is what I used to watch when I grew up, Marcus Welby, M.D. He left me an image of a doctor with humanity in his office as well as mature medical craftmanship. Managed care environment makes this type of practice difficult, but this is my goal to provide compassionate care, filling the gap in the healthcare system whether it is caused by stigma, culture, or finance.
Would it be possible to be a family practitioner who has a kind bedside manner, is on a first-name basis with many patients and also, when needed, can make house calls? This is what I used to watch when I grew up, Marcus Welby, M.D. He left me an image of a doctor with humanity in his office as well as mature medical craftmanship. Managed care environment makes this type of practice difficult, but this is my goal to provide compassionate care, filling the gap in the healthcare system whether it is caused by stigma, culture, or finance.
![Photo of Cassie Behseta, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/efb3ac0b-0d1b-4d2e-b7ea-2835d7706373/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cassie Behseta
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22192 (Online Only)
Cassie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner. She has eight years of experience in both medical emergency room care and acute psychiatric care. For her, psychiatry was an obvious choice, allowing her to work with families across the lifespan and work closely and collaboratively with people. Cassie utilizes evidence-based treatments such as ketamine-assisted therapy, crisis/emergency management, supportive therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She manages and treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, and women's health.
Cassie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner. She has eight years of experience in both medical emergency room care and acute psychiatric care. For her, psychiatry was an obvious choice, allowing her to work with families across the lifespan and work closely and collaboratively with people. Cassie utilizes evidence-based treatments such as ketamine-assisted therapy, crisis/emergency management, supportive therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She manages and treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, and women's health.
![Photo of Eden Shumbulo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/795eccae-0b0f-4ed5-b976-38d2804054ba/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, which involves educating, guiding, and assisting patients within my expertise. As a prescriber, I value the combination of medication and psychotherapy for the best mental healthcare of clients.
I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, which involves educating, guiding, and assisting patients within my expertise. As a prescriber, I value the combination of medication and psychotherapy for the best mental healthcare of clients.
![Photo of Leigh Carter, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c552951-4ec4-452f-8af3-ba7128530c59/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leigh Carter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midlothian, VA 23112
Leigh is a dedicated and highly accomplished professional with an extensive background spanning eleven years across diverse healthcare settings, including emergency, procedural, and psychiatric care. Originally hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, Leigh's journey began in the Marine Corps immediately after high school. Over the course of six years, he not only traveled across multiple continents but also achieved meritorious promotions and gained invaluable combat experience, demonstrating unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership qualities.
Leigh is a dedicated and highly accomplished professional with an extensive background spanning eleven years across diverse healthcare settings, including emergency, procedural, and psychiatric care. Originally hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, Leigh's journey began in the Marine Corps immediately after high school. Over the course of six years, he not only traveled across multiple continents but also achieved meritorious promotions and gained invaluable combat experience, demonstrating unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership qualities.
![Photo of Lydia Sharp, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0377f2ce-0511-45fc-bfbe-669998e51c12/1/320x400.png)
Lydia Sharp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22310 (Online Only)
Lydia Sharp is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) from Virginia, with 5 years of experience assisting children, adolescents, and adults with such issues as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, anger problems, and other complex psychiatric conditions.
Lydia Sharp is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) from Virginia, with 5 years of experience assisting children, adolescents, and adults with such issues as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, anger problems, and other complex psychiatric conditions.
![Photo of Jaaska Cather, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c96f9910-5676-4fa5-bddb-e73662d18bf7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Jaaska and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide trauma informed care, utilizing Evidence Based Practices and Psychiatric Clinical Guidelines, when providing medication management options to my patients. I believe in collaborating with my patients to make safe decisions that best support them. I have specialization in anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I also have a special interest in Women's mental health and am an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hello, my name is Jaaska and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide trauma informed care, utilizing Evidence Based Practices and Psychiatric Clinical Guidelines, when providing medication management options to my patients. I believe in collaborating with my patients to make safe decisions that best support them. I have specialization in anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. I also have a special interest in Women's mental health and am an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.
![Photo of Erik Frost, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21cdb307-88a6-4b7e-8de0-cd59815c03c9/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Patrick Crook, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8ac5359-e97c-4598-98c6-cba818ca6c97/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patrick Crook
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030 (Online Only)
I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, based in South Carolina. I received my Masters in Nursing from Duquesne University (Forensic Nursing), Post-Masters in Nursing from University of Virginia (PMHNP). I served in both U.S. Navy and U.S. Public Health Service, retired in 2019. I have been practicing for 12 yrs. I have experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, based in South Carolina. I received my Masters in Nursing from Duquesne University (Forensic Nursing), Post-Masters in Nursing from University of Virginia (PMHNP). I served in both U.S. Navy and U.S. Public Health Service, retired in 2019. I have been practicing for 12 yrs. I have experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
![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
Charlottesville, VA 22902 (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 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. Temitope Akinladenu, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/362f8fb4-c765-4cea-a817-1389999fee88/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Temitope Akinladenu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Annandale, VA 22003
Greetings! I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
Greetings! I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
![Photo of Sarah Formica, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aaa07925-6d0d-4f76-a173-db97bab378b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Through working as both a registered nurse and psychiatric nurse practitioner, Sarah has developed an expertise in treating patients with ADHD, depression, and mood disorders. Sarah has a primary interest in working with both geriatric and adult populations. She will work with you to explore the evidence-based lifestyle changes and/or medication for improving mental health and overall wellbeing. She offers longer appointment times with a minimum of 30 minutes for medication management and up to 60 minutes for medication management and evaluation.
Through working as both a registered nurse and psychiatric nurse practitioner, Sarah has developed an expertise in treating patients with ADHD, depression, and mood disorders. Sarah has a primary interest in working with both geriatric and adult populations. She will work with you to explore the evidence-based lifestyle changes and/or medication for improving mental health and overall wellbeing. She offers longer appointment times with a minimum of 30 minutes for medication management and up to 60 minutes for medication management and evaluation.
I understand that mental health is specific to each person and can have an enormous impact in their daily life when things are not working well. I respect you as an individual and will work with you to reach your goal of improved mental health.
I understand that mental health is specific to each person and can have an enormous impact in their daily life when things are not working well. I respect you as an individual and will work with you to reach your goal of improved mental health.
![Photo of Dominique Holley, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b402fd3-fc28-4085-90e3-df8bba89e116/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.
Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.
![Photo of Toni Plummer, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4048f3a-3314-4c80-ab06-973b66bc8aa4/1/320x400.png)
Toni Plummer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22310 (Online Only)
Toni Plummer is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care and engages in a partnership with individuals to provide person-centered care. She seeks to empower individuals to be active participants in their own mental health care rather than passive observers.
Toni Plummer is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who specializes in psychiatric and mental health care and engages in a partnership with individuals to provide person-centered care. She seeks to empower individuals to be active participants in their own mental health care rather than passive observers.
![Photo of Tiffany L Davis, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4abab8c9-c65c-4db0-ba02-ccd58e8bf4c7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients (Ages 4-elderly). Tiffany Davis has served in the psychiatric mental health community since 2005, working in a variety of settings providing assessments, diagnosis, and medication management of mental health disorders across the lifespan. She has worked with individuals and families, providing a therapeutic yet effective structure for producing positive outcomes.
Accepting New Patients (Ages 4-elderly). Tiffany Davis has served in the psychiatric mental health community since 2005, working in a variety of settings providing assessments, diagnosis, and medication management of mental health disorders across the lifespan. She has worked with individuals and families, providing a therapeutic yet effective structure for producing positive outcomes.
![Photo of Larry H Pastor, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ced77c5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We all want the same qualities in our doctor, summed up as “the four A’s:” Able, Available, Approachable, and Affordable. For the past three decades I’ve tried to earn “all A’s” from my patients; please go to my website, www.mindbrainpsychiatry.com, and see for yourself, if you’re seeking help for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or addictions.
We all want the same qualities in our doctor, summed up as “the four A’s:” Able, Available, Approachable, and Affordable. For the past three decades I’ve tried to earn “all A’s” from my patients; please go to my website, www.mindbrainpsychiatry.com, and see for yourself, if you’re seeking help for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or addictions.
![Photo of Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions, DO, MBA, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb6fbbf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ifeanyi Olele - Genesis Psychiatric Solutions
Psychiatrist, DO, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
Thank you so much for considering Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. It is really a big step. Here are some reasons why people contact us: We work with busy professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives that are dealing with depression, anxiety, sleep issues, workplace stress/burnout, grief or trauma, OCD, and ADHD. We do not see you as a disorder, but a person who wants to improve their quality of life. We factor your total wellness and address it in your treatment.
See more therapy options for Ruther Glen
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Ruther Glen, VA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Ruther Glen, VA who prioritize treating:
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Psychosis |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Substance Use |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Ruther Glen, VA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Ruther Glen?
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.