Psychiatrists in Lancaster, WI
![Photo of Emily Longhenry, APNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28391ed7-e74e-4f12-b5ab-4ce7f232334e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide psychiatric medication management to all ages. Telehealth appointments MAY be available ONLY after a face-to-face visit has been completed.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide psychiatric medication management to all ages. Telehealth appointments MAY be available ONLY after a face-to-face visit has been completed.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Chris Bedford, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9ef4d49-a384-49ae-8c30-d329b045fbe0/1/320x400.png)
Chris Bedford
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53703 (Online Only)
This profile is managed by Cerebral. To get connected with Chris and directly schedule, please click the "my website" button! Chris has experience working with both pediatric and adult populations treating a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, and other health conditions. He believes in the importance of a strong client/clinician partnership which allows the client maximum autonomy in decision-making. To see if you are eligible for insurance coverage, please use your phone's camera app to scan the QR code below:
This profile is managed by Cerebral. To get connected with Chris and directly schedule, please click the "my website" button! Chris has experience working with both pediatric and adult populations treating a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, and other health conditions. He believes in the importance of a strong client/clinician partnership which allows the client maximum autonomy in decision-making. To see if you are eligible for insurance coverage, please use your phone's camera app to scan the QR code below:
![Photo of Monica Gorski, PMHNP, APNP, APRN, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bc5ab84-18c6-4829-8c93-ea5907cac9d7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Gorski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APNP, APRN, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Crosse, WI 54601
At the core of my work is a radical healing relationship that attunes to whatever is calling for your attention. Whatever feelings or parts of you you've learned were unlovable, unacceptable, or bad, I welcome here. Together, we can sensitively tune in and learn to see and relate to these parts differently. I help people remember how to be with themselves, the sensations in their body, their messy humanness, and their awe-inspiring magic. Here, your autonomy is central, and your care is organically holistic.
At the core of my work is a radical healing relationship that attunes to whatever is calling for your attention. Whatever feelings or parts of you you've learned were unlovable, unacceptable, or bad, I welcome here. Together, we can sensitively tune in and learn to see and relate to these parts differently. I help people remember how to be with themselves, the sensations in their body, their messy humanness, and their awe-inspiring magic. Here, your autonomy is central, and your care is organically holistic.
![Photo of Victoria Lea Fueger, RN, BSN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f825874-513a-46f1-89bb-1796431eeb67/3/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Lea Fueger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, BSN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53718
Hello! I’m Victoria, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I am passionate about offering support to individuals and couples as they navigate life's challenges. My approach emphasizes the importance of establishing meaningful connections and fostering self-awareness. As part of this, I can also work with you to assess the potential benefits and risks of medication. It is important to me that you are an active collaborator in your care. Together, we can determine the most effective path for your specific needs.
Hello! I’m Victoria, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I am passionate about offering support to individuals and couples as they navigate life's challenges. My approach emphasizes the importance of establishing meaningful connections and fostering self-awareness. As part of this, I can also work with you to assess the potential benefits and risks of medication. It is important to me that you are an active collaborator in your care. Together, we can determine the most effective path for your specific needs.
![Photo of Volker Nabavi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95d16513-b577-4629-9f81-41d31755f870/1/320x400.jpeg)
Volker Nabavi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53704 (Online Only)
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
![Photo of Elizabeth Lindner - Mental Health for Women: Medication Management, PhD, APNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c963782-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mental Health for Women: Medication Management
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, APNP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53716
I provide counseling and psychiatric medication management. I am also a Mindfulness practitioner and teach Mindfulness Meditation which is enormously beneficial for well-being and healing from within. I collaborate with the person I see regarding medication options. It's important that I understand my patient's story and experience in order to select appropriate medication/s. My specialities includes working with people with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders (ADD), mood disorders such as depression, and PTSD.
I provide counseling and psychiatric medication management. I am also a Mindfulness practitioner and teach Mindfulness Meditation which is enormously beneficial for well-being and healing from within. I collaborate with the person I see regarding medication options. It's important that I understand my patient's story and experience in order to select appropriate medication/s. My specialities includes working with people with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders (ADD), mood disorders such as depression, and PTSD.
![Photo of Dileep Borra, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e58ce87c-37fe-462c-b449-72abfdef58c7/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clinic is named Being You Mental Health because I believe "being you" is a unique experience, and I feel honored to help my patients overcome barriers to becoming their most authentic and unique selves. I employ a strengths-based, patient-centered, and collaborative approach and I combine psychotherapy with psychiatric medication management (only if needed) to help my patients achieve the most improvement in their mental health and functioning. The electronic medical record I use is Luminello. Patients will have access to a patient portal (similar to mychart for epic) through which secure documents and messages can be exchanged
My clinic is named Being You Mental Health because I believe "being you" is a unique experience, and I feel honored to help my patients overcome barriers to becoming their most authentic and unique selves. I employ a strengths-based, patient-centered, and collaborative approach and I combine psychotherapy with psychiatric medication management (only if needed) to help my patients achieve the most improvement in their mental health and functioning. The electronic medical record I use is Luminello. Patients will have access to a patient portal (similar to mychart for epic) through which secure documents and messages can be exchanged
![Photo of Shyleena Dettinger, MSN, APNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37cbfe1e-a1db-4432-83e3-8e1deaec1c0b/1/320x400.png)
Shyleena Dettinger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53711
I work with patients to understand their concerns, needs, and goals. Ideally we work collaboratively toward the best plan of care and positive outcomes. My goal is to have a comfortable and open provider/patient relationship and have you leaving appointments feeling better.
I work with patients to understand their concerns, needs, and goals. Ideally we work collaboratively toward the best plan of care and positive outcomes. My goal is to have a comfortable and open provider/patient relationship and have you leaving appointments feeling better.
![Photo of David Fleischmann - Prescribers Group, GP, MD, Network, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc5559e8-9935-4ec5-b799-c50f1f94fc39/6/320x400.jpeg)
We are a network of psychiatric prescribers including physicians, GP psychiatric prescribers, and NPs, serving throughout Wisconsin. When you come in to our clinic or we see you via telehealth, we assist our patients and clients by working collaboratively with them to reach their treatment goals. We specialize in medication management & therapy for stress, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD management. We are also passionate about working with our college and graduate students, working professionals, and LGBTQ+ community.
We are a network of psychiatric prescribers including physicians, GP psychiatric prescribers, and NPs, serving throughout Wisconsin. When you come in to our clinic or we see you via telehealth, we assist our patients and clients by working collaboratively with them to reach their treatment goals. We specialize in medication management & therapy for stress, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD management. We are also passionate about working with our college and graduate students, working professionals, and LGBTQ+ community.
![Photo of Nora Hill, PA-C, PhD, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85b6fde5-44ef-4f38-9491-8b3f643e9f0f/1/320x400.jpeg)
During initial visits, I provide a thorough examination of the psychological, physiological, and social etiologies of a patient's symptoms. With that foundation, I can offer the most appropriate and beneficial recommendations for pharmacotherapy and counseling. My holistic clinical approach encompasses the mind-body connection. I incorporate into my recommendations on compassion and mindfulness practices, proper nutrition and sleep, joyful movement, as well as medication in the creation and maintenance of overall well-being.
During initial visits, I provide a thorough examination of the psychological, physiological, and social etiologies of a patient's symptoms. With that foundation, I can offer the most appropriate and beneficial recommendations for pharmacotherapy and counseling. My holistic clinical approach encompasses the mind-body connection. I incorporate into my recommendations on compassion and mindfulness practices, proper nutrition and sleep, joyful movement, as well as medication in the creation and maintenance of overall well-being.
![Photo of Kathy J Russeth, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2db7bc8-1e68-45a9-90ef-e1cf375cf14a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wanting comprehensive and holistic mental health care? My approach is tailored to understand and address your specific needs and challenges and goes beyond medication management, incorporating depth psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and tangible skills to confront the demands of life today. I focus on treating the whole person, empowering individuals, parents, and families to overcome challenges and achieve growth and well-being. Find out more at centeredpsychiatry.org.
Wanting comprehensive and holistic mental health care? My approach is tailored to understand and address your specific needs and challenges and goes beyond medication management, incorporating depth psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and tangible skills to confront the demands of life today. I focus on treating the whole person, empowering individuals, parents, and families to overcome challenges and achieve growth and well-being. Find out more at centeredpsychiatry.org.
Bronwyn L Dilley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Middleton, WI 53562
I have been a practicing Nurse Practitioner for 23 years. I have a completed the certification for Master of Psychopharmacology with the Neurological Education Institiute (NEI) and ADHD certified with Evergreen certifications as a clinical services provider. I try to focus on the patient's needs by listening to their concerns. Together we work on the most important struggles the patient is experiencing. I use a holistic approach to treatments, such as diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, with medications and counseling to treat mental issues. I feel that it is most important to listen to my patients.
I have been a practicing Nurse Practitioner for 23 years. I have a completed the certification for Master of Psychopharmacology with the Neurological Education Institiute (NEI) and ADHD certified with Evergreen certifications as a clinical services provider. I try to focus on the patient's needs by listening to their concerns. Together we work on the most important struggles the patient is experiencing. I use a holistic approach to treatments, such as diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, with medications and counseling to treat mental issues. I feel that it is most important to listen to my patients.
![Photo of Regina Van Gorden, APNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7ea11c8-38dc-46fb-a528-f469578c4d23/1/320x400.jpeg)
Regina Van Gorden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53711 (Online Only)
Hello! I am accepting new patients, treat a variety of mental health conditions and typically have availability within one week. I have a special interest in helping those struggling with occupational and/or academic stress including first responders, nurses, therapists, teachers and students.
Hello! I am accepting new patients, treat a variety of mental health conditions and typically have availability within one week. I have a special interest in helping those struggling with occupational and/or academic stress including first responders, nurses, therapists, teachers and students.
![Photo of Saisha Jackson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64e3735d-85fd-4513-a4ff-ba9568862ef4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Saisha Jackson is a board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Hampton University followed by medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She has completed a Residency in Psychiatry at Howard University.
Dr. Saisha Jackson is a board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Hampton University followed by medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She has completed a Residency in Psychiatry at Howard University.
![Photo of Kelly JOSSART, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51229354-2be0-42de-a33f-3f4b38e8e64e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Kelly Jossart, I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who is devoted to helping you on your mental health journey. I have committed most of my career to working with and advocating for individuals with mental health needs. I am devoted to helping those struggling with mental health. I work with children to adults specializing in Trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders. I believe in a compassionate, trauma-informed, and holistic approach to improving the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of each person whom I encounter.
My name is Kelly Jossart, I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who is devoted to helping you on your mental health journey. I have committed most of my career to working with and advocating for individuals with mental health needs. I am devoted to helping those struggling with mental health. I work with children to adults specializing in Trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders. I believe in a compassionate, trauma-informed, and holistic approach to improving the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of each person whom I encounter.
![Photo of Christine Costanzo - Dr. Christine Costanzo M.D., LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d0720a8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist who has been practicing since 1997, specializing in psychoanalytic therapy and psychopharmacology. I am currently entering my 4th year at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute for psychoanalytic training as of June 2024. I utilize other modalities including cognitive-behavioral techniques, and have extensive experience with psychopharmacology. I work within a confidential setting in my own private practice and enjoy meeting my clients "where they are", respecting each individual's needs, concerns and comfort level. My approach centers around honoring collaboration as fundamental to healing and growth.
I am a psychiatrist who has been practicing since 1997, specializing in psychoanalytic therapy and psychopharmacology. I am currently entering my 4th year at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute for psychoanalytic training as of June 2024. I utilize other modalities including cognitive-behavioral techniques, and have extensive experience with psychopharmacology. I work within a confidential setting in my own private practice and enjoy meeting my clients "where they are", respecting each individual's needs, concerns and comfort level. My approach centers around honoring collaboration as fundamental to healing and growth.
![Photo of Amy Kuritz, APNP, MA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/072a2dd7-5c96-4aca-8e63-bf1190d65f65/1/320x400.jpeg)
I would like to help people struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or ADHD.
I would like to help people struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or ADHD.
![Photo of Sara Feist, NP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0df19a4a-44ef-4151-9057-4cf640dc1216/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Feist is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She completed graduate school at the University of North Dakota earing her Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Prior to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Sara spent nearly 15 years as a Registered Nurse caring for children and adults in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric unit and outpatient psychiatric programs.
Sara Feist is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She completed graduate school at the University of North Dakota earing her Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Prior to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Sara spent nearly 15 years as a Registered Nurse caring for children and adults in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric unit and outpatient psychiatric programs.
![Photo of Kelly Allen Pickens - Undivided Attention, LLC, APNP, FNP-BC, ADC-C, ADHD, CCSP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed794254-12f1-47e4-81ef-7e50c38142d7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Undivided Attention, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse, APNP, FNP-BC, ADC-C, ADHD, CCSP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53719
Kelly Pickens is an ADHD Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who works with adults and older adolescents with ADHD. She has extensive training in the underlying mechanisms of ADHD. Kelly understands the struggles people with ADHD experience, which go way beyond not being able to pay attention. There is a lot of misinformation and negative bias about ADHD among the public, in the media, and even in the clinical setting. People face significant challenges when trying to find a provider/doctor/clinician who fully understands ADHD and can diagnose and effectively treat the disorder with expertise and compassion.
Kelly Pickens is an ADHD Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who works with adults and older adolescents with ADHD. She has extensive training in the underlying mechanisms of ADHD. Kelly understands the struggles people with ADHD experience, which go way beyond not being able to pay attention. There is a lot of misinformation and negative bias about ADHD among the public, in the media, and even in the clinical setting. People face significant challenges when trying to find a provider/doctor/clinician who fully understands ADHD and can diagnose and effectively treat the disorder with expertise and compassion.
See more therapy options for Lancaster
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Lancaster, WI
< 10
Psychiatrists in Lancaster, WI who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | The Alliance |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Lancaster, WI 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 Lancaster?
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.