Psychiatrists in 27607
![Photo of Kenya Windley, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e331869a-01b4-4eb1-899b-de52ca6a3fed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNCChapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person's quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides.
![Photo of Victoria Payne - Psychiatric Associates of NC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3788ad2-f327-4e22-a364-9200a01304ef/1/320x400.png)
Immediate availability for private therapy & medication management. Seeing adults & children ages 15+. LGBTQ+ welcoming. Spanish-speaking psychiatrist and therapist available. Appointments may be in office in Raleigh or virtually across North Carolina! Evening and weekend hours offered by some providers at request. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Immediate availability for private therapy & medication management. Seeing adults & children ages 15+. LGBTQ+ welcoming. Spanish-speaking psychiatrist and therapist available. Appointments may be in office in Raleigh or virtually across North Carolina! Evening and weekend hours offered by some providers at request. Most insurance plans are accepted.
![Photo of Jason Lane, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a0dc490-dede-4bdc-ba49-a2aab9b8b369/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you ready to prioritize yourself? I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients or individuals who may be otherwise marginalized. My professional passion lies in partnering with those facing mental health challenges and helping them enjoy the best quality of life possible! Combining medication management with behavior modification to address anxiety, major depression, ADHD, and bipolar mood disorders, can be empowering. Be empowered!
Are you ready to prioritize yourself? I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients or individuals who may be otherwise marginalized. My professional passion lies in partnering with those facing mental health challenges and helping them enjoy the best quality of life possible! Combining medication management with behavior modification to address anxiety, major depression, ADHD, and bipolar mood disorders, can be empowering. Be empowered!
![Photo of Katherine Myers, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cd90a21-dbf8-4494-97b2-593bf31c5675/2/320x400.png)
Katherine Myers
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607 (Online Only)
I am a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a board-certified Physician Assistant with full prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions but have a deep interest working with special needs children and their families.
I am a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a board-certified Physician Assistant with full prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions but have a deep interest working with special needs children and their families.
![Photo of Lucy Magda, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f26ac0d-967a-4b6f-83b9-73cb91077d08/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lucy Magda ("Dr. Lucy") is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, born and raised on the eastern shore of Maryland. She began her registered nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she worked to stabilize the most critically ill patients. It is there that her interest in mental health flourished as she witnessed first-hand how essential mental health is for the overall wellbeing of her patients. She realized that there is no health without mental health.
Dr. Lucy Magda ("Dr. Lucy") is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, born and raised on the eastern shore of Maryland. She began her registered nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she worked to stabilize the most critically ill patients. It is there that her interest in mental health flourished as she witnessed first-hand how essential mental health is for the overall wellbeing of her patients. She realized that there is no health without mental health.
![Photo of Peter Buonaccorsi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8f06dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and care are best undertaken with humility and humor in all parties. Though the human condition often feels impossible and suffering unbearable, Psychiatry can offer help with these complex and vexing issues. I promise to do my best to communicate clearly and to listen diligently to your concerns and problems. Working with parents and their children is a special privilege for me. I enjoy helping people meet the tasks of becoming a parent and learning to parent their child. I have found that these challenges are among the most difficult that most people ever encounter.
Psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and care are best undertaken with humility and humor in all parties. Though the human condition often feels impossible and suffering unbearable, Psychiatry can offer help with these complex and vexing issues. I promise to do my best to communicate clearly and to listen diligently to your concerns and problems. Working with parents and their children is a special privilege for me. I enjoy helping people meet the tasks of becoming a parent and learning to parent their child. I have found that these challenges are among the most difficult that most people ever encounter.
![Photo of Neil Scheurich, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f645de6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
NOTE that as of 6/23/24 my schedule is too full to permit new patient scheduling. I do not keep a waiting list, but typically I am able to reopen periodically. I am a psychiatrist offering medication treatments and/or psychotherapy as appropriate. Most of my patients struggle with anxiety or depression, although I also have broad experience in treating ADHD, bipolar disorder, as well as various issues of life adjustments and relationships. Note that I do not specialize in treating children and adolescents, couples therapy, or addiction treatment. I offer either video or in-person sessions.
NOTE that as of 6/23/24 my schedule is too full to permit new patient scheduling. I do not keep a waiting list, but typically I am able to reopen periodically. I am a psychiatrist offering medication treatments and/or psychotherapy as appropriate. Most of my patients struggle with anxiety or depression, although I also have broad experience in treating ADHD, bipolar disorder, as well as various issues of life adjustments and relationships. Note that I do not specialize in treating children and adolescents, couples therapy, or addiction treatment. I offer either video or in-person sessions.
![Photo of Callie Barnes, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57367b05-bf62-4308-a9bc-43b032b5c214/1/320x400.jpeg)
Callie Barnes, PA-C, a North Carolina native, is an experienced Physician Assistant with a demonstrated history of patient-focused care working in the hospital and outpatient care settings. Her practice history includes Hospitalist Medicine, Medical Intensive Care, Neuroscience Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, and Psychiatry.
Callie Barnes, PA-C, a North Carolina native, is an experienced Physician Assistant with a demonstrated history of patient-focused care working in the hospital and outpatient care settings. Her practice history includes Hospitalist Medicine, Medical Intensive Care, Neuroscience Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, and Psychiatry.
![Photo of Greg Tallent, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc3150cf-82cb-43f6-9d70-f95e807cf039/1/320x400.png)
Greg is a native of Cape Girardeau, MO, and completed PA school at South University in Savannah, GA in 2005. Following his PA studies, he briefly practiced orthopedics and family medicine before finding his way into emergency medicine. Greg has extensive Emergency Department (ED) experience in both rural and academic settings. Prior to moving to the Raleigh area to work in the ED at UNC Rex Hospital, he was a traveling ED clinician providing care in SC, NC, NY, OH, and VA. After working on the frontline throughout the COVID pandemic and experiencing his own mental health challenges, Greg is excited to join Certus Psychiatry.
Greg is a native of Cape Girardeau, MO, and completed PA school at South University in Savannah, GA in 2005. Following his PA studies, he briefly practiced orthopedics and family medicine before finding his way into emergency medicine. Greg has extensive Emergency Department (ED) experience in both rural and academic settings. Prior to moving to the Raleigh area to work in the ED at UNC Rex Hospital, he was a traveling ED clinician providing care in SC, NC, NY, OH, and VA. After working on the frontline throughout the COVID pandemic and experiencing his own mental health challenges, Greg is excited to join Certus Psychiatry.
![Photo of Robert K. Matlack - Best Day Psychiatry & Counseling, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49df1ad0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
At Best Day Psychiatry, we pride ourselves in providing the time necessary to render excellent care to all age groups, assist our clients in navigating a complex system, finding the best supporting specialists and enabling excellent communication to ensure the highest quality services. Our collaborative approach includes specialized and creative interventions based on your specific needs, whether it is psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. We are passionate about helping our clients live happier lives and approach each client’s challenges with a caring optimism.
![Photo of William Russell Cannon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/260bc9e3-860a-48c8-9ee8-ff97eb4003b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
In my psychotherapy practice, my goal is to create a collaborative environment to understand the patterns in our behavior and relationships that hold us back from our potential towards meaning and fulfillment in our lives. There isn't always an answer to our problems/suffering but I do think we can examine our relationship to our struggles in order to make the choices that are most in accordance with our deepest values.
In my psychotherapy practice, my goal is to create a collaborative environment to understand the patterns in our behavior and relationships that hold us back from our potential towards meaning and fulfillment in our lives. There isn't always an answer to our problems/suffering but I do think we can examine our relationship to our struggles in order to make the choices that are most in accordance with our deepest values.
15 Second Videos
Greg Tallent
Susan Slocum O'Connor
Certus Psychiatry and Integrated Care
![Photo of Samantha Dietter, PA-C, CAQ-Psy, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3a9d1a2-f091-4ac5-a181-4f87d0c24b42/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new clients - Ages 5+, teens and adults for medication management. Virtual and in-office appointments. I have a passion for providing patient-centered mental health care. I will work collaboratively with you to create a personalized care plan, through shared decision making and incorporation of your strengths. Using a holistic approach, we will combine lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and psychotropic treatments to assist you and your family.
Accepting new clients - Ages 5+, teens and adults for medication management. Virtual and in-office appointments. I have a passion for providing patient-centered mental health care. I will work collaboratively with you to create a personalized care plan, through shared decision making and incorporation of your strengths. Using a holistic approach, we will combine lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and psychotropic treatments to assist you and your family.
![Photo of Susan Slocum O'Connor, NP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a61d175-5862-4dfe-805a-ae33372bdfc5/3/320x400.jpeg)
LGBTQ+ friendly provider. Works with Adults and Teenagers. In-office or telehealth med management. - Our brains sometimes do things that don't make sense or feel fair. I work primarily in medication management, but I also really enjoy talking about how brains work and how to work with them to help people feel more satisfied with life. I have particular interest working with individuals around issues of ADHD, addiction, disordered eating, chronic psychosis, depression, generalized and social anxiety.
LGBTQ+ friendly provider. Works with Adults and Teenagers. In-office or telehealth med management. - Our brains sometimes do things that don't make sense or feel fair. I work primarily in medication management, but I also really enjoy talking about how brains work and how to work with them to help people feel more satisfied with life. I have particular interest working with individuals around issues of ADHD, addiction, disordered eating, chronic psychosis, depression, generalized and social anxiety.
![Photo of Jayson Varughese, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7035e841-bc54-464a-a6ab-7ca9de19983c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an adult psychiatrist with interests in mood disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders as well as geriatrics.
I am an adult psychiatrist with interests in mood disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders as well as geriatrics.
![Photo of Gisela E Knebl Kohl - Certus Psychiatry and Integrated Care, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46efb397-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Certus is Latin for determined. At Certus Psychiatric & Integrated Care in Winston-Salem, we are determined to help our patients emotionally and physically to achieve balance by being active participants in their own care. At Certus, we are a "stigma-free zone." You can come to us with peace of mind in knowing no one will stand in judgment of you. Our primary objectives are to evaluate your symptoms and develop strategies to help put you on a path to recovery and wellness. Believe in WE, and together we will work to help you realize a better quality of life and improved mental wellness.
Certus is Latin for determined. At Certus Psychiatric & Integrated Care in Winston-Salem, we are determined to help our patients emotionally and physically to achieve balance by being active participants in their own care. At Certus, we are a "stigma-free zone." You can come to us with peace of mind in knowing no one will stand in judgment of you. Our primary objectives are to evaluate your symptoms and develop strategies to help put you on a path to recovery and wellness. Believe in WE, and together we will work to help you realize a better quality of life and improved mental wellness.
![Photo of Imad Khan, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/099760a0-5860-4d55-8243-ae7259312122/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatrist practicing at HRC Behavioral Health & Psychiatry and practice in both the Chapel Hill and Raleigh locations. My treatment approach is to provide evidenced-based treatments and to work collaboratively with therapists and other medical providers. My goal is to work together with patients to identify the most effective treatment options.
I am a board certified psychiatrist practicing at HRC Behavioral Health & Psychiatry and practice in both the Chapel Hill and Raleigh locations. My treatment approach is to provide evidenced-based treatments and to work collaboratively with therapists and other medical providers. My goal is to work together with patients to identify the most effective treatment options.
![Photo of Raeanne Tatem Johnson, PNP, PMHS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0283273-2886-43a5-9b35-e0d15c9a1454/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority and treat most psychiatric conditions. Does your child have BIG feelings? So big that they have a hard time going throughout the day without several meltdowns? Does your adolescent have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep? Is it hard to watch them struggle with anxiety and worry that does not seem to fit the situation? Is it hard to know whether or not what they are experiencing is because of their age or context, or something that needs professional expertise?
I am a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority and treat most psychiatric conditions. Does your child have BIG feelings? So big that they have a hard time going throughout the day without several meltdowns? Does your adolescent have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep? Is it hard to watch them struggle with anxiety and worry that does not seem to fit the situation? Is it hard to know whether or not what they are experiencing is because of their age or context, or something that needs professional expertise?
![Photo of Erica Palmiero, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00a59059-d9f6-4a6c-999a-2b8054aa338b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erica Palmiero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27607
Are you struggling with ups and downs in your mood? Or feeling tense, anxious, or irritable for no apparent reason? I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and have completed advanced perinatal mental health training through Postpartum Support International. I have worked in numerous inpatient settings including New York Presbyterian’s Division of Psychiatry and have over fifteen years of experience providing psychiatric care across the lifespan. Specializing in therapy and medication management, I use a holistic and integrative approach to diagnose and treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Are you struggling with ups and downs in your mood? Or feeling tense, anxious, or irritable for no apparent reason? I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and have completed advanced perinatal mental health training through Postpartum Support International. I have worked in numerous inpatient settings including New York Presbyterian’s Division of Psychiatry and have over fifteen years of experience providing psychiatric care across the lifespan. Specializing in therapy and medication management, I use a holistic and integrative approach to diagnose and treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
![Photo of Maggie Evers, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab376cf8-107e-4f42-8f9f-ef60c959d542/2/320x400.png)
I am a board-certified Physician Assistant with prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions with special interests in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I understand that everyone is different and will create a psychiatric medication management plan tailored to your unique needs.
I am a board-certified Physician Assistant with prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions with special interests in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I understand that everyone is different and will create a psychiatric medication management plan tailored to your unique needs.
![Photo of Roy Dewayne Book, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1240d8c9-f6be-41db-a797-f7a01d6c5fd0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. R. Dewayne Book is a Psychiatrist who specializes in addictive disorders, having studied neurobiology and biochemistry to understand chemical brain functions. This knowledge informs his well-rounded, individualized approach to treating patients struggling with addiction, an approach that also includes medication management, medication assisted treatment / medication assisted therapy (MAT), psychotherapy, patient education, and social network development. Dr. Book also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Advaita Integrated Medicine.
Dr. R. Dewayne Book is a Psychiatrist who specializes in addictive disorders, having studied neurobiology and biochemistry to understand chemical brain functions. This knowledge informs his well-rounded, individualized approach to treating patients struggling with addiction, an approach that also includes medication management, medication assisted treatment / medication assisted therapy (MAT), psychotherapy, patient education, and social network development. Dr. Book also offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at Advaita Integrated Medicine.
See more therapy options for 27607
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 27607
20+
Average cost per session
$170
Psychiatrists in 27607 who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
91% | Anxiety |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Medication Management |
74% | Bipolar Disorder |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
65% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
68% | Aetna |
59% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 27607 see their clients
96% | In Person and Online | |
4% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
58% | Female | |
42% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 27607?
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.