Psychiatrists in 97201
![Photo of Anna Cox, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e81c1ef-4c3b-49b8-84d4-5c2ef5067e70/1/320x400.jpeg)
Now Accepting New Clients! Are you ready to reach out for help, tired of feeling overwhelmed and confused? You've come to the right place. I have years of experience helping people feel better, and getting their lives going in the right direction again.
Now Accepting New Clients! Are you ready to reach out for help, tired of feeling overwhelmed and confused? You've come to the right place. I have years of experience helping people feel better, and getting their lives going in the right direction again.
![Photo of Yvonne Ekama, PMHNP, BC, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/890489fe-5226-43d6-b96d-66af9282fce3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Yvonne Ekama
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201 (Online Only)
Nice to meet you! I'm Yvonne, Yes I am accepting patients. Are you experiencing difficulties focusing, feeling down and having sleepless nights? If so, I can help you. I specialize in treating patients experiencing symptoms related to Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, Sleep disorders, Bipolar disorders, and more. I provide medication management, and Supportive therapy. I love to empower patients to become the best version of themselves in every aspect of their lives.
Nice to meet you! I'm Yvonne, Yes I am accepting patients. Are you experiencing difficulties focusing, feeling down and having sleepless nights? If so, I can help you. I specialize in treating patients experiencing symptoms related to Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, Sleep disorders, Bipolar disorders, and more. I provide medication management, and Supportive therapy. I love to empower patients to become the best version of themselves in every aspect of their lives.
![Photo of Tiffany McClean, DNP, PMHNP, LPC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d228ad7-2b3c-4b7d-9766-f9cb76e7e50c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany McClean
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am board certified in psychiatry and a proud therapist with the American Alpine Association's Climbing Grief Fund and the American Avalanche Association Resilience Project. I earned a B.S. in biology from Virginia Tech and a masters in counseling at George Washington University. I worked as an LPC in eating disorders, addictions, and general psychiatry for 7 years before completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice. My doctoral project focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders and the relationship between exercise, anxiety/depression, and cardiovascular health. I am also a former paramedic.
I am board certified in psychiatry and a proud therapist with the American Alpine Association's Climbing Grief Fund and the American Avalanche Association Resilience Project. I earned a B.S. in biology from Virginia Tech and a masters in counseling at George Washington University. I worked as an LPC in eating disorders, addictions, and general psychiatry for 7 years before completing my Doctor of Nursing Practice. My doctoral project focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders and the relationship between exercise, anxiety/depression, and cardiovascular health. I am also a former paramedic.
![Photo of Sara Weber, PMHNP, MS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/815781d2-9311-4ef6-ae07-d18ea5f10c40/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Weber
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201
Sara is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Oregon. She specializes in treating adults with mood disorders and ADHD. She blends her expertise with a patient's mental health goals, using a combination of medication & limited psychotherapy. Building a trusting collaborative relationship is paramount to her. Sara has a particular interest in providing trauma informed care, believing it is essential to consider the impact our past experiences have on emotional and behavioral health. She strives to be neuro-inclusive.
Sara is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Oregon. She specializes in treating adults with mood disorders and ADHD. She blends her expertise with a patient's mental health goals, using a combination of medication & limited psychotherapy. Building a trusting collaborative relationship is paramount to her. Sara has a particular interest in providing trauma informed care, believing it is essential to consider the impact our past experiences have on emotional and behavioral health. She strives to be neuro-inclusive.
![Photo of Nancy C Winters, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2aac88d0-0fac-419b-9b8b-d8849f8def07/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in psychoanalysis, an intensive, in-depth form of psychotherapy for people who are confronting repetitive and confusing patterns in life preventing them from living more fully. My approach involves careful listening and responsiveness to your unique mind and a sharing of your curiosity and commitment to deeper self-understanding and progressive freedom.
I specialize in psychoanalysis, an intensive, in-depth form of psychotherapy for people who are confronting repetitive and confusing patterns in life preventing them from living more fully. My approach involves careful listening and responsiveness to your unique mind and a sharing of your curiosity and commitment to deeper self-understanding and progressive freedom.
![Photo of Laurence Eckman - Laurence Eckman Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, LCSW, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3218344-d6d0-437a-8f73-2aed1a22844f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurence Eckman Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201
I work with ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, marriage & couples counseling, anger problems, unresolved trauma, & PTSD. I enjoy working with individuals and couples who may be experiencing communication and relationship issues, daily life stressors, parenting difficulties or life transitions. I am dually licensed as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and psychotherapist (LCSW). Having two different licenses affords me the unique perspective of seeing mental health from the physiological and psychological viewpoints. I offer mental health medication management, psychotherapy, counseling, coaching or a combination of these. Sometimes there is great value in having one practitioner to address both the medical and mental health concerns.
I work with ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, marriage & couples counseling, anger problems, unresolved trauma, & PTSD. I enjoy working with individuals and couples who may be experiencing communication and relationship issues, daily life stressors, parenting difficulties or life transitions. I am dually licensed as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and psychotherapist (LCSW). Having two different licenses affords me the unique perspective of seeing mental health from the physiological and psychological viewpoints. I offer mental health medication management, psychotherapy, counseling, coaching or a combination of these. Sometimes there is great value in having one practitioner to address both the medical and mental health concerns.
![Photo of Adriane Alcalá Moss, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b73586c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
17 Jun 21: I am accepting clients for formal psychiatric care from OREGON only at this time. I do provide holistic health counseling and coaching for any location. Please go to my website for more details. Services are currently 100% online/virtual via ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Google Hangouts in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 guidelines published at: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/telehealth/index.html
17 Jun 21: I am accepting clients for formal psychiatric care from OREGON only at this time. I do provide holistic health counseling and coaching for any location. Please go to my website for more details. Services are currently 100% online/virtual via ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Google Hangouts in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 guidelines published at: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/telehealth/index.html
![Photo of Brent Frazee, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43dfb792-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I work with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, effects of trauma, difficulties in work or school, feelings of emptiness, and other forms of psychological pain. Psychoanalytic therapy is an intensive, exploratory process. I aim to provide a context in which to explore deeply personal aspects of your private mental life, and to work together to better understand who you are and the difficulties with which you struggle. Through this process, I hope to help you to live more fully and fulfillingly.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I work with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, effects of trauma, difficulties in work or school, feelings of emptiness, and other forms of psychological pain. Psychoanalytic therapy is an intensive, exploratory process. I aim to provide a context in which to explore deeply personal aspects of your private mental life, and to work together to better understand who you are and the difficulties with which you struggle. Through this process, I hope to help you to live more fully and fulfillingly.
![Photo of Robert S McKelvey, MD, DLFAPA, LFAACAP, FRANZCP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e5517fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex cases, psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of children, adolescents, adults, and psychopharmacology. I am especially interested in the care of persons from other cultural traditions, an outgrowth of many years of clinical and research involvement with refugees from Southeast Asia, and particularly Vietnam. Prior to entering medicine, I served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It was that experience that stimulated my interest in both medicine and cross-cultural psychiatry.
Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex cases, psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of children, adolescents, adults, and psychopharmacology. I am especially interested in the care of persons from other cultural traditions, an outgrowth of many years of clinical and research involvement with refugees from Southeast Asia, and particularly Vietnam. Prior to entering medicine, I served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It was that experience that stimulated my interest in both medicine and cross-cultural psychiatry.
![Photo of Willamette Health Wellness - Willamette Health & Wellness, PMHNP, MSN, LMFT, LPC, LCSW, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f41bbe7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Willamette Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, MSN, LMFT, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201
Willamette Health & Wellness is a small group practice employing Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and therapists from a variety of training backgrounds. We provide counseling, therapy, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Willamette Health & Wellness is a small group practice employing Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and therapists from a variety of training backgrounds. We provide counseling, therapy, and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
![Photo of Brooks L Oglesby-Junk - Portland Psychiatric Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/030c7713-697a-45f3-a4ac-84f04d9ad3c6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Portland Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201 (Online Only)
Join me at Portland Psychiatric Services. As a PMHNP advance practice registered nurse, I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. I also worked at Oregon State Hospital. I am a Desert Storm Air Force veteran and retired from the VA in Charleston, SC in 2010 then moved to Oregon with my family. I will provide you with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine the most effective treatment possible. The journey you have begun may change the course of your life forever! Serving Oregon, Washington and Idaho virtually. Schedule at headway.co/providers/brooks-oglesby-junk.
Join me at Portland Psychiatric Services. As a PMHNP advance practice registered nurse, I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. I also worked at Oregon State Hospital. I am a Desert Storm Air Force veteran and retired from the VA in Charleston, SC in 2010 then moved to Oregon with my family. I will provide you with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine the most effective treatment possible. The journey you have begun may change the course of your life forever! Serving Oregon, Washington and Idaho virtually. Schedule at headway.co/providers/brooks-oglesby-junk.
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![Photo of Mary Lajoy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/199f05eb-1ccc-4a9e-ae08-9189ae71ca6b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. I am currently offering individual medication management services for adults. I take a holistic approach to providing mental health care, incorporating values, personal history and consideration of medical conditions in developing a treatment plan with patients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. I am currently offering individual medication management services for adults. I take a holistic approach to providing mental health care, incorporating values, personal history and consideration of medical conditions in developing a treatment plan with patients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders.
![Photo of Jesse Lee Morris, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/469da5af-f600-4b19-8d7b-cf14ead6fc99/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jesse Morris is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in Portland, Oregon. Jesse uses an integrative approach to care, recognizing that mental health is multifaceted and complex. She blends conventional medicine with exercise, nutrition, psychotherapy, and a range of complementary and alternative treatment modalities. During her mental health career, she has primarily worked in settings offering innovative and non-traditional treatment options. Her experience has given ger a profound understanding that healing extends far beyond pharmaceuticals - it encompasses every facet of our lives.
Jesse Morris is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) based in Portland, Oregon. Jesse uses an integrative approach to care, recognizing that mental health is multifaceted and complex. She blends conventional medicine with exercise, nutrition, psychotherapy, and a range of complementary and alternative treatment modalities. During her mental health career, she has primarily worked in settings offering innovative and non-traditional treatment options. Her experience has given ger a profound understanding that healing extends far beyond pharmaceuticals - it encompasses every facet of our lives.
![Photo of Hannah Frazee, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/068a0e7e-ef44-47cc-b333-5bdb9f14bda8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in psychiatric medication management. I believe that medication can do great things for people in the right context. I also think there are times that medication should be used in addition to other modalities, like therapy, if needed.
I specialize in psychiatric medication management. I believe that medication can do great things for people in the right context. I also think there are times that medication should be used in addition to other modalities, like therapy, if needed.
![Photo of Daniel Roa, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48b85321-f90e-4cb7-907d-a9928c561fd4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel Roa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201
Immediate appointments available! With over two decades of dedicated service in healthcare, I am striving to be a beacon of empathy and expertise in the field of mental health. I’m committed to patient-centered and personalized care. This has shaped a career focused on understanding the unique needs of each individual. I approach patient care with a genuine desire to listen. With a deep understanding of psychiatric struggles and the benefit of care, my patients receive a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan, ensuring that each patient's journey is supported fully.
Immediate appointments available! With over two decades of dedicated service in healthcare, I am striving to be a beacon of empathy and expertise in the field of mental health. I’m committed to patient-centered and personalized care. This has shaped a career focused on understanding the unique needs of each individual. I approach patient care with a genuine desire to listen. With a deep understanding of psychiatric struggles and the benefit of care, my patients receive a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan, ensuring that each patient's journey is supported fully.
Shelley Geil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201
Waitlist for new clients
I believe people have an incredible amount of strength within themselves. I work with medications to augment this inner strength and help people reach their full potential. I believe in working together with people to help find the best treatment plan - even if that doesn't include medication. I have over 32 years of psychiatric experience working as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 22 years.
I believe people have an incredible amount of strength within themselves. I work with medications to augment this inner strength and help people reach their full potential. I believe in working together with people to help find the best treatment plan - even if that doesn't include medication. I have over 32 years of psychiatric experience working as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for over 22 years.
![Photo of Katelyn Smith, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f1f3784-3b59-49e5-b9b9-063b8546a577/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for a compassionate and holistic approach to your mental health? I’m Katelyn Smith, a Board-Certified Physician Assistant dedicated to supporting adults who are committed to their well-being. Whether you’re managing depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, my goal is to help you achieve meaningful progress.
Are you looking for a compassionate and holistic approach to your mental health? I’m Katelyn Smith, a Board-Certified Physician Assistant dedicated to supporting adults who are committed to their well-being. Whether you’re managing depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, my goal is to help you achieve meaningful progress.
![Photo of Megan Bowers, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31f308fc-303b-422a-abfe-137bf5ebdb0a/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is integrative, which means that treatment with medications may be combined with non-medication options, such as mindfulness-based interventions, life-style optimization, and nutritional supplementation. Together, we will develop an individualized well-being plan, which will incorporate your unique goals, and importantly, your perspective on health. My role is to offer these treatment options to you, and guide you as you make the decisions about which of these is aligned with your goals. All treatment options are evidence-informed, based on the medical and scientific literature.
My approach is integrative, which means that treatment with medications may be combined with non-medication options, such as mindfulness-based interventions, life-style optimization, and nutritional supplementation. Together, we will develop an individualized well-being plan, which will incorporate your unique goals, and importantly, your perspective on health. My role is to offer these treatment options to you, and guide you as you make the decisions about which of these is aligned with your goals. All treatment options are evidence-informed, based on the medical and scientific literature.
![Photo of Nicholas D Morales, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eca2d3ba-e4bc-4523-a7d8-36c2bc0864c5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicholas D Morales
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201 (Online Only)
Dr. Nicholas D. Morales is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nurse Practice. Dr. Morales provides psychiatric medication prescription and medication management. He has over ten years of experience in healthcare in different environments ranging from emergency room settings to home health. Many of his patients have included individuals with psychiatric and mental health issues.
Dr. Nicholas D. Morales is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nurse Practice. Dr. Morales provides psychiatric medication prescription and medication management. He has over ten years of experience in healthcare in different environments ranging from emergency room settings to home health. Many of his patients have included individuals with psychiatric and mental health issues.
![Photo of Cassandra Stell, PMHNP, DNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0a661c2-aeb0-4a65-9d94-0b80206b616b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cassandra Stell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97201 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Accepting new clients in OR and WA. No matter where you are on your psychiatric health, my goal is provide a therapeutic environment to help you achieve your best unique outcome. One of many benefits of becoming mentally strong is that it is one of the best ways to improve how you feel emotionally and physically. My mission is to provide psychiatric diagnosis and medication management in a comprehensive and teaching manner, paying careful attention to your psychological and individual make-up. My approach is collaborative and relational.
Accepting new clients in OR and WA. No matter where you are on your psychiatric health, my goal is provide a therapeutic environment to help you achieve your best unique outcome. One of many benefits of becoming mentally strong is that it is one of the best ways to improve how you feel emotionally and physically. My mission is to provide psychiatric diagnosis and medication management in a comprehensive and teaching manner, paying careful attention to your psychological and individual make-up. My approach is collaborative and relational.
See more therapy options for 97201
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 97201
20+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in 97201 who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
85% | Medication Management |
81% | ADHD |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
63% | Stress |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
71% | Moda Health |
71% | Regence |
How Psychiatrists in 97201 see their clients
71% | In Person and Online | |
29% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
64% | Female | |
36% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 97201?
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.