Psychiatrists in 60603
What do you want to get from a therapeutic encounter? Perhaps you hope it will open doors or you wish to validate decisions made in your life. Alternatively you feel that your kindest and most creative self is limited in its potentialities and you are unsure why you feel depressed, anxious, or unfulfilled. Maybe you need to explore the emotional impact of an illness, or, the effects of psychological and environmental stressors on your body (unexplainable physical complaints, professional burnout). In all these situations, consider a psychoanalytical consultation that begins with the doctor-patient relationship as the treatment of choice.
What do you want to get from a therapeutic encounter? Perhaps you hope it will open doors or you wish to validate decisions made in your life. Alternatively you feel that your kindest and most creative self is limited in its potentialities and you are unsure why you feel depressed, anxious, or unfulfilled. Maybe you need to explore the emotional impact of an illness, or, the effects of psychological and environmental stressors on your body (unexplainable physical complaints, professional burnout). In all these situations, consider a psychoanalytical consultation that begins with the doctor-patient relationship as the treatment of choice.
Heta Shah is accepting new patients. Heta is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in treating children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. She is known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, taking the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and develop individualized treatment plans that meet their unique needs. Her comprehensive assessments, evidence-based treatment plans, and ongoing support aim to promote mental wellness and improve the overall quality of life for her patients.
Heta Shah is accepting new patients. Heta is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in treating children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. She is known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, taking the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and develop individualized treatment plans that meet their unique needs. Her comprehensive assessments, evidence-based treatment plans, and ongoing support aim to promote mental wellness and improve the overall quality of life for her patients.
If you are struggling with your mental health, Hopemark Health (formerly Advanced Psych Solutions) can help. Our psychiatric clinics are committed to providing cutting-edge treatments for mental health challenges that have not responded to traditional approaches. We specialize in innovative treatments that have shown promise in clinical research, such as ketamine-assisted therapy, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS), EMDR, psychotherapy, esketamine (nasal spray), and more. We can also carry out genetic testing to help determine the appropriate fit for prescribed medications.
If you are struggling with your mental health, Hopemark Health (formerly Advanced Psych Solutions) can help. Our psychiatric clinics are committed to providing cutting-edge treatments for mental health challenges that have not responded to traditional approaches. We specialize in innovative treatments that have shown promise in clinical research, such as ketamine-assisted therapy, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS), EMDR, psychotherapy, esketamine (nasal spray), and more. We can also carry out genetic testing to help determine the appropriate fit for prescribed medications.
I am a highly motivated, board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering compassionate care to individuals grappling with complex traumas, serious mental illness, and underserved mental health needs. I prioritize the significance of individualized care and am unwavering in my commitment to establishing a supportive and empathetic environment for my patients.
I am a highly motivated, board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering compassionate care to individuals grappling with complex traumas, serious mental illness, and underserved mental health needs. I prioritize the significance of individualized care and am unwavering in my commitment to establishing a supportive and empathetic environment for my patients.
Therapy can help you get relief from painful emotional symptoms and feel understood as a unique individual;you can usually achieve emotional freedom and improve your personal relationships.One can also became more productive at work and have more pleasure in life. Changing life long ways of coping that just are not working, and that are self destructive. I also tend to see patients who are at crossroad trying to deal with crises in their lives(divorce,losses,and problems in their love life).
Therapy can also prevent the past from interfering with one's present life.
Therapy can help you get relief from painful emotional symptoms and feel understood as a unique individual;you can usually achieve emotional freedom and improve your personal relationships.One can also became more productive at work and have more pleasure in life. Changing life long ways of coping that just are not working, and that are self destructive. I also tend to see patients who are at crossroad trying to deal with crises in their lives(divorce,losses,and problems in their love life).
Therapy can also prevent the past from interfering with one's present life.
I treat the full range of emotional issues in adults. After a careful evaluation, I utilize the best of contemporary psychoanalytic thinking, along with modern psychopharmacology (if indicated) to help patients maximize their psychological growth and development.
I treat the full range of emotional issues in adults. After a careful evaluation, I utilize the best of contemporary psychoanalytic thinking, along with modern psychopharmacology (if indicated) to help patients maximize their psychological growth and development.
I offer work in helping others with relationships, work, and an understanding of themselves. Clients with whom I work are often creative and interested in becoming productive while finding richness in their lives.
I offer work in helping others with relationships, work, and an understanding of themselves. Clients with whom I work are often creative and interested in becoming productive while finding richness in their lives.
I focused on addiction medicine and mental health in PA school and continue to have a special interest in addressing the root causes of addiction, including PTSD, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I'm excited to grow with Hopemark Health in making mental health and ketamine easily accessible and acceptable to all who need it.
I focused on addiction medicine and mental health in PA school and continue to have a special interest in addressing the root causes of addiction, including PTSD, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I'm excited to grow with Hopemark Health in making mental health and ketamine easily accessible and acceptable to all who need it.
Dr. Onyejiaka, a Board Certified Psychiatrist and Pediatrician, received her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Combined B.A/M.D. Program. She endured further training at the Tulane University Triple Board Residency Program where she specialized in pediatric medicine, general psychiatry, as well as child and adolescent psychiatry. Additionally, she attended in the New Orleans'-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center Honorary Fellowship Program prior to relocating to Chicago in recent years. Dr. Onyejiaka is an active member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Onyejiaka, a Board Certified Psychiatrist and Pediatrician, received her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Combined B.A/M.D. Program. She endured further training at the Tulane University Triple Board Residency Program where she specialized in pediatric medicine, general psychiatry, as well as child and adolescent psychiatry. Additionally, she attended in the New Orleans'-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center Honorary Fellowship Program prior to relocating to Chicago in recent years. Dr. Onyejiaka is an active member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Idowu O Oshokoya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60603 (Online Only)
Idowu Oshokoya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Chicago, IL. He works with adolescents, adults, and older adults, and provides care for patients who are battling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolars, and other mental disorders. Idowu studied at Walden University, where he obtained a Master of Science in PMHNP. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. He has extensive training and 10 years of experience with behavioral health. He has provided cares for Veterans, minorities, children, homeless, and others at over 6 different teaching hospitals.
Idowu Oshokoya is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Chicago, IL. He works with adolescents, adults, and older adults, and provides care for patients who are battling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolars, and other mental disorders. Idowu studied at Walden University, where he obtained a Master of Science in PMHNP. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University. He has extensive training and 10 years of experience with behavioral health. He has provided cares for Veterans, minorities, children, homeless, and others at over 6 different teaching hospitals.
I completed residency at Case Western Reserve University with expertise in various settings, including direct patient care, addiction programs, and specialized clinics. With a focus on medication management for adult and geriatric patients, I gained rewarding experience, particularly in serving those facing challenging circumstances.
I completed residency at Case Western Reserve University with expertise in various settings, including direct patient care, addiction programs, and specialized clinics. With a focus on medication management for adult and geriatric patients, I gained rewarding experience, particularly in serving those facing challenging circumstances.
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Dr. Abid K. Nazeer M.D., FASAM is a practicing psychiatrist with board certifications in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. Dr. Nazeer is the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of Hopemark Health and is Vice President of the American Association of Psychedelics. In 2016, he founded Advanced Psychiatric Solutions, now Hopemark Health, pioneering the first dedicated outpatient psychiatric based ketamine clinic in the Midwest. Hopemark Health has successfully completed over 4500 IV ketamine treatments for mental health and substance use disorders in a comprehensive care model.
Dr. Abid K. Nazeer M.D., FASAM is a practicing psychiatrist with board certifications in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. Dr. Nazeer is the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of Hopemark Health and is Vice President of the American Association of Psychedelics. In 2016, he founded Advanced Psychiatric Solutions, now Hopemark Health, pioneering the first dedicated outpatient psychiatric based ketamine clinic in the Midwest. Hopemark Health has successfully completed over 4500 IV ketamine treatments for mental health and substance use disorders in a comprehensive care model.
Dr. Rodolfo Aguilar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MSN, PMHNPBC, APRN
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60603 (Online Only)
Fully licensed in AZ, CO, FL, HI, NM, IL, OR, & WA. GO TO: growtherapy.com/provider/a8dr11m4etff/aguilar My ideal clients seek to clarify how psychiatric medications may or may not help improve their quality of life. We team up to achieve this common goal. I share accurate, updated, evidence-based information to manage experienced symptoms. We don't believe in magic pills but we know pills can help. My ideal clients seek wellness, not just repair sickness, and are ready to sustain lifestyle changes and healthy habits.
Fully licensed in AZ, CO, FL, HI, NM, IL, OR, & WA. GO TO: growtherapy.com/provider/a8dr11m4etff/aguilar My ideal clients seek to clarify how psychiatric medications may or may not help improve their quality of life. We team up to achieve this common goal. I share accurate, updated, evidence-based information to manage experienced symptoms. We don't believe in magic pills but we know pills can help. My ideal clients seek wellness, not just repair sickness, and are ready to sustain lifestyle changes and healthy habits.
I have spent the last 15 years working as a registered nurse in various hospice organizations. I valued the psychosocial component that is inherent to hospice so much that I decided to go back to school for my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. I value the connection that comes with psychiatry and that allows me to provide my patients with the best care possible.
I have spent the last 15 years working as a registered nurse in various hospice organizations. I valued the psychosocial component that is inherent to hospice so much that I decided to go back to school for my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. I value the connection that comes with psychiatry and that allows me to provide my patients with the best care possible.
Nathan Ontrop
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60603
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a practice in downtown Chicago. My background was in engineering and business but now I am happy to be using my skills as a psychiatrist with a special interest in psychotherapy. In my practice, I seek to understand each person's struggles and work together to achieve a full and sustained recovery. For some this will include psychiatric medications, for others individual psychotherapy is most effective, and for some it will be both.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a practice in downtown Chicago. My background was in engineering and business but now I am happy to be using my skills as a psychiatrist with a special interest in psychotherapy. In my practice, I seek to understand each person's struggles and work together to achieve a full and sustained recovery. For some this will include psychiatric medications, for others individual psychotherapy is most effective, and for some it will be both.
I have had an outpatient practice for 41 years. During my residency at Michael Reese Hospital, I taught a psychiatry course to medical students. After graduation I worked at Illinois Masonic Hospital in a women's health clinic addressing the emotional needs of women. I also worked at both a nursing home and assisted living facility doing both talk therapy and medication. I enjoy working with both young and older adults from varied backgrounds. I think I am very good at making people comfortable, as many patients come in afraid of therapy. The therapy and medication is decided upon
I have had an outpatient practice for 41 years. During my residency at Michael Reese Hospital, I taught a psychiatry course to medical students. After graduation I worked at Illinois Masonic Hospital in a women's health clinic addressing the emotional needs of women. I also worked at both a nursing home and assisted living facility doing both talk therapy and medication. I enjoy working with both young and older adults from varied backgrounds. I think I am very good at making people comfortable, as many patients come in afraid of therapy. The therapy and medication is decided upon
I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist, and I work with people who have a range of emotional problems including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I use my training in psychiatry to provide comprehensive care to address the well-being of the whole person. I feel comfortable using medications to treat these problems when medications are indicated, and I also enjoy seeing patients for psychotherapy. I attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma, then completed my residency in psychiatry at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where I was chief resident during my final year of training.
I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist, and I work with people who have a range of emotional problems including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I use my training in psychiatry to provide comprehensive care to address the well-being of the whole person. I feel comfortable using medications to treat these problems when medications are indicated, and I also enjoy seeing patients for psychotherapy. I attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma, then completed my residency in psychiatry at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where I was chief resident during my final year of training.
What are your symptoms? Anxiety, fatigue, avoidance, sleeplessness, back pain, procrastination, loneliness, anger outbursts..... All symptoms are experiences of pain (dis-ease) and/or ineffective behavior. Symptoms will occur when your "operating system" is overtaxed. My treatment approach focuses on reducing your symptoms and developing more strength and flexibility in your overall managing system, e.g., how you characteristically feel and act in the world. Due to known and as yet unknown problematic side effects of all prescription drugs, I use much safer and ultimately more powerful methods for symptom relief, prevention of recurrence and enduring health.
What are your symptoms? Anxiety, fatigue, avoidance, sleeplessness, back pain, procrastination, loneliness, anger outbursts..... All symptoms are experiences of pain (dis-ease) and/or ineffective behavior. Symptoms will occur when your "operating system" is overtaxed. My treatment approach focuses on reducing your symptoms and developing more strength and flexibility in your overall managing system, e.g., how you characteristically feel and act in the world. Due to known and as yet unknown problematic side effects of all prescription drugs, I use much safer and ultimately more powerful methods for symptom relief, prevention of recurrence and enduring health.
Good therapy helps relieve the symptoms of the moment. Great therapy helps you change yourself so that you're more adaptive to whatever comes your way; it makes you wise. Most treatments are too narrow in their scope and only do part of the job. I specialize in using insight oriented psychotherapy to help people -- especially those who haven't gotten all they needed from attempts at standard treatment. With courage and time, the people I work with make dramatic, lasting changes. They feel and do better in every area of life. I'm a very highly rated provider because I know how to do what works and help you see the bigger picture.
Good therapy helps relieve the symptoms of the moment. Great therapy helps you change yourself so that you're more adaptive to whatever comes your way; it makes you wise. Most treatments are too narrow in their scope and only do part of the job. I specialize in using insight oriented psychotherapy to help people -- especially those who haven't gotten all they needed from attempts at standard treatment. With courage and time, the people I work with make dramatic, lasting changes. They feel and do better in every area of life. I'm a very highly rated provider because I know how to do what works and help you see the bigger picture.
Welcome to my practice. I am a board-certified psychiatrist in Chicago. I treat a wide range of concerns that include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, relationship and career problems, as well as low self-esteem. I've also worked with patients seeking help during crises, support during life transitions, or looking to develop a better understanding of themselves. Starting with a thoughtful evaluation, we will decide together how I can be helpful to you. I take a holistic, integrative approach, and see most of my patients for talk therapy, although treatment may include medications (if indicated).
Welcome to my practice. I am a board-certified psychiatrist in Chicago. I treat a wide range of concerns that include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, relationship and career problems, as well as low self-esteem. I've also worked with patients seeking help during crises, support during life transitions, or looking to develop a better understanding of themselves. Starting with a thoughtful evaluation, we will decide together how I can be helpful to you. I take a holistic, integrative approach, and see most of my patients for talk therapy, although treatment may include medications (if indicated).
See more therapy options for 60603
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 60603
20+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in 60603 who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
58% | ADHD |
50% | Grief |
50% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
72% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 60603 see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
40% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 60603?
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.