Psychiatrists in 27609
![Photo of Kellyn Gimbel, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd94bde9-51cd-4afb-9b43-bfb8af20b576/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kellyn helps adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adjustment issues, bipolar disorder, women's issues, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kellyn helps adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adjustment issues, bipolar disorder, women's issues, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of Charisse Fullwood, Charisse Fullwood, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2eb9847e-1914-4e08-b025-85510761adfb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Charisse Fullwood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Charisse Fullwood, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
I focus on practicing wellness and encourage self care to be our best self. I offer packages personalized wellness packages for your health care needs . Are you suffering for obesity, low self esteem, and would like some tools? Like our name implies , we are here to help you feel better in your Mind and Body . Because of this we offer, Cognitive behavioral therapy services as part of our treatment and services . It’s our goal to help those who need customized , Weight loss & Nutrition plans , psychiatric medication management, and aesthetic services such as botox and hydra facials.
I focus on practicing wellness and encourage self care to be our best self. I offer packages personalized wellness packages for your health care needs . Are you suffering for obesity, low self esteem, and would like some tools? Like our name implies , we are here to help you feel better in your Mind and Body . Because of this we offer, Cognitive behavioral therapy services as part of our treatment and services . It’s our goal to help those who need customized , Weight loss & Nutrition plans , psychiatric medication management, and aesthetic services such as botox and hydra facials.
![Photo of Evelyn Majachani, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f34f2d09-41b2-4e28-a76b-cce26f1751eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Evelyn Majachani is dual-board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She received her Master of Science degree in Nursing and her post-graduate certification at Maryville University in St Louis, Missouri. Evelyn has worked as an adult psychiatric nurse practitioner providing outpatient, community psychiatry treatment to patients with severe mental illness, as well as with geriatric patients in nursing homes, assisted living, and independent living facilities in North Carolina.
Evelyn Majachani is dual-board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She received her Master of Science degree in Nursing and her post-graduate certification at Maryville University in St Louis, Missouri. Evelyn has worked as an adult psychiatric nurse practitioner providing outpatient, community psychiatry treatment to patients with severe mental illness, as well as with geriatric patients in nursing homes, assisted living, and independent living facilities in North Carolina.
![Photo of Kerry Mackey, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/def7f87d-1a1d-410c-8714-3a97eb1d9862/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kerry believes in the transformative power of peace of mind. He sees how stabilizing one’s mental health eases other health issues and life stressors. Kerry collaborates with his patients to create attainable and desirable goals that can be easily maintained through holistic care plans and medication management.
Kerry believes in the transformative power of peace of mind. He sees how stabilizing one’s mental health eases other health issues and life stressors. Kerry collaborates with his patients to create attainable and desirable goals that can be easily maintained through holistic care plans and medication management.
![Photo of Abdul S Khalid, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e17fac0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Khalid is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to helping you find freedom from overwhelming emotions that may be making your life difficult to enjoy. With a firm belief that honesty, integrity, and a healthy perspective are essential components of a happier life, Dr. Khalid works alongside his patients to achieve lasting mental wellness. His compassionate approach and expertise in adult psychiatry make him an ideal partner in your journey towards emotional balance and fulfillment.
Dr. Khalid is a board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to helping you find freedom from overwhelming emotions that may be making your life difficult to enjoy. With a firm belief that honesty, integrity, and a healthy perspective are essential components of a happier life, Dr. Khalid works alongside his patients to achieve lasting mental wellness. His compassionate approach and expertise in adult psychiatry make him an ideal partner in your journey towards emotional balance and fulfillment.
![Photo of Karen Cullen, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ee3d004-2c74-4c1c-bb16-368753a6fe7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karen is passionate about providing a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere for her patients.
Karen is passionate about providing a welcoming and empathetic atmosphere for her patients.
![Photo of Adam J Lake, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8e471c4-9d17-4f42-acf7-9b29c307726e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients (In-person & Virtual). Located in North Hills neighborhood of Raleigh. A Board Certified physician, Dr Lake offers the full spectrum of medications and psychotherapy. This includes specialties in adolescent & adult ADHD, treatment of older adults (memory/cognitive issues), college/graduate students, opioid/alcohol use issues, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Accepting New Patients (In-person & Virtual). Located in North Hills neighborhood of Raleigh. A Board Certified physician, Dr Lake offers the full spectrum of medications and psychotherapy. This includes specialties in adolescent & adult ADHD, treatment of older adults (memory/cognitive issues), college/graduate students, opioid/alcohol use issues, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
![Photo of Tiara Shackleford, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34713b3d-49ee-49b1-89d0-8ef898d6a6b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiara Shackleford
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
Welcome! As a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals seeking support and guidance in managing psychiatric concerns. With a holistic approach to mental wellness, I collaborate with clients to address their unique needs and empower them to achieve optimal mental health and well-being. My ideal client is someone who is navigating various mental health challenges and is motivated to prioritize their mental wellness. They desire compassionate evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy referrals, and holistic support.
Welcome! As a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals seeking support and guidance in managing psychiatric concerns. With a holistic approach to mental wellness, I collaborate with clients to address their unique needs and empower them to achieve optimal mental health and well-being. My ideal client is someone who is navigating various mental health challenges and is motivated to prioritize their mental wellness. They desire compassionate evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy referrals, and holistic support.
![Photo of Jim Halgrimson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c63ed0d-3514-4923-b2ab-d4289c6db4c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Raleigh's Premier Online ADHD Medical Practice! Discover a personalized approach to managing ADHD right from the comfort of your home with our cutting-edge online medical practice. At Psychiatry of Raleigh, we understand the unique challenges that come with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and we're here to provide compassionate care tailored to your individual needs.
Welcome to Raleigh's Premier Online ADHD Medical Practice! Discover a personalized approach to managing ADHD right from the comfort of your home with our cutting-edge online medical practice. At Psychiatry of Raleigh, we understand the unique challenges that come with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and we're here to provide compassionate care tailored to your individual needs.
![Photo of Carnetha Simmons, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3e5c4f2-0b50-4539-ac30-a95164611b44/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Carnetha Simmons has been practicing as a board certified Adult, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, for over 14 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and completed her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent Fellowship at Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina.
Dr. Carnetha Simmons has been practicing as a board certified Adult, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, for over 14 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, and completed her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent Fellowship at Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina.
![Photo of Jeannette Muamba, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f4a4bb0-f741-46ed-96ff-8a85ee294ba4/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience both in inpatient and outpatient settings. I offer compassion and cutting-edge treatments all wrapped up in a message of hope for my patients. I encourage patients to find hope in their situation and understand things can get better. Finding hope is the first and most important step. Helping patients find hope is rooted in staff connecting with patients better. Finding hope is the first and most important step.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience both in inpatient and outpatient settings. I offer compassion and cutting-edge treatments all wrapped up in a message of hope for my patients. I encourage patients to find hope in their situation and understand things can get better. Finding hope is the first and most important step. Helping patients find hope is rooted in staff connecting with patients better. Finding hope is the first and most important step.
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![Photo of Taylor Washington, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d628d7b-a746-45c2-9ab4-9dfe3576d36f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Taylor is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She helps adults and seniors, focusing on addiction medicine. Taylor's approach works to understand and address the root of people's issues.
Taylor is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She helps adults and seniors, focusing on addiction medicine. Taylor's approach works to understand and address the root of people's issues.
![Photo of Alexandra Donatelli, MPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fe03266-51fd-404c-a525-720b7ca27144/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra Donatelli
Physician Assistant, MPAS, PA-C
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609 (Online Only)
Alexandra offers her patients a caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can share their experiences safely. She works with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals suffering from depression with suicidality, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health issues and hormonal imbalances.
Alexandra offers her patients a caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where they can share their experiences safely. She works with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals suffering from depression with suicidality, treatment-resistant depression, and women’s health issues and hormonal imbalances.
![Photo of Elizabeth Bruce, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce1f01d9-df55-4338-83ff-aebbc460fb14/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Mindpath Health for over 22 years.
Elizabeth has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Mindpath Health for over 22 years.
![Photo of Datanya Betts - Live Well Integrative Medicine, PLLC, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a741f05-82c9-420f-a28f-b4f5783887ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Live Well Integrative Medicine, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Our team at Live Well Integrative Medicine understands that life can present many challenges that can sometimes knock you down. Our goal is to assist our clients to get back up and live life without limits. Our therapy goals are individualized to meet of our clients needs. We understand that life challenges, substance abuse and mental health challenges are real and it could happen to anyone of us. We are here to provide an environment of compassion, non-judgmental, open-mindedness and individual care whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.
Our team at Live Well Integrative Medicine understands that life can present many challenges that can sometimes knock you down. Our goal is to assist our clients to get back up and live life without limits. Our therapy goals are individualized to meet of our clients needs. We understand that life challenges, substance abuse and mental health challenges are real and it could happen to anyone of us. We are here to provide an environment of compassion, non-judgmental, open-mindedness and individual care whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.
![Photo of Sheela Bhattacharyya - Brightside Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fe61a36-e216-4f4c-8477-f1e00e0efef4/1/320x400.jpeg)
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
![Photo of Tenishia Santiago - Holsan Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4300298-82b3-489f-b4d7-77fb9dc2c37a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holsan Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27609
Accepting New Patients. Tenishia is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. She offers in person in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality mental health care. We offer in person services out of our Raleigh, NC office at this time. Other locations to be added soon. We also see BCBS of Massachusetts and Horizon New Jersey BCBS, Washington state, and Oregon for patients with Aetna and Cigna. Other insurances coming soon for WA and OR.
Accepting New Patients. Tenishia is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. She offers in person in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality mental health care. We offer in person services out of our Raleigh, NC office at this time. Other locations to be added soon. We also see BCBS of Massachusetts and Horizon New Jersey BCBS, Washington state, and Oregon for patients with Aetna and Cigna. Other insurances coming soon for WA and OR.
![Photo of Velgan Rodriguez Kata, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c2ee124-b2fc-4c14-b220-e5ca66676018/2/320x400.jpeg)
Velgan Rodriguez Kata
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Velgan Rodriguez is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. She received her bachelor's degree from The State University of New York at Purchase, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Hartwick College, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in psychiatric mental health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Velgan has worked as a RN at Rikers Island correctional facility and the Durham County Detention Facility. She also worked as a critical care RN for The Durham VA Medical System, Duke University Hospital & UNC Medical Center Intensive Care Units
Velgan Rodriguez is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. She received her bachelor's degree from The State University of New York at Purchase, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Hartwick College, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in psychiatric mental health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Velgan has worked as a RN at Rikers Island correctional facility and the Durham County Detention Facility. She also worked as a critical care RN for The Durham VA Medical System, Duke University Hospital & UNC Medical Center Intensive Care Units
![Photo of Adrienne Holloway - Holsan Behavioral Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c19ecd86-45e7-44fb-aef0-5d35dcdba041/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients. Adrienne is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Holsan Behavioral Health who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. We offer in-person appointments in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality and compassionate mental health care. We are available after hours and on weekends to accommodate your busy schedule. We specialize in attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma.
Accepting New Patients. Adrienne is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Holsan Behavioral Health who provides medication management with psychotherapy to ages six and older. We offer in-person appointments in Raleigh, NC, and telehealth services across the state of North Carolina, ensuring convenient access to quality and compassionate mental health care. We are available after hours and on weekends to accommodate your busy schedule. We specialize in attention difficulties, behavioral challenges, mood challenges, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, sleep, military issues and trauma.
![Photo of Bindu Mason, PMC, MSN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a25654d1-38c4-4191-9fbb-aee5346d6455/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bindu Mason
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMC, MSN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27609
Bindu Mason, CEO and Founder of Behavioral Health Wellness Outpatient Clinic, is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner licensed in NC with over 16 years of extensive experience. Bindu Mason's career has been dedicated to serving individuals with mental illnesses, and she is ready to bring this wealth of expertise to your care. Thank you for considering her. Bindu treats each client as a partner; together, you and her work toward a common goal. For Bindu, communication with her clients and their families is essential to providing the best care. Bindu provides compassionate and cutting-edge treatment.
Bindu Mason, CEO and Founder of Behavioral Health Wellness Outpatient Clinic, is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner licensed in NC with over 16 years of extensive experience. Bindu Mason's career has been dedicated to serving individuals with mental illnesses, and she is ready to bring this wealth of expertise to your care. Thank you for considering her. Bindu treats each client as a partner; together, you and her work toward a common goal. For Bindu, communication with her clients and their families is essential to providing the best care. Bindu provides compassionate and cutting-edge treatment.
See more therapy options for 27609
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 27609
40+
Average cost per session
$165
Psychiatrists in 27609 who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
89% | ADHD |
87% | Depression |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | Medication Management |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
57% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
84% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 27609 see their clients
69% | In Person and Online | |
31% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
16% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 27609?
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.