Psychiatrists in Century City, CA
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
I've worked with clients of all backgrounds who have struggled with addiction, process disorders and various mental heath issues. My goal after the initial assessment, is to work with the client to develop a course of action to get better. With a combination of therapy, a treatment plan and medication (if applicable) we will get you, the client back into the normal stream of life.
I've worked with clients of all backgrounds who have struggled with addiction, process disorders and various mental heath issues. My goal after the initial assessment, is to work with the client to develop a course of action to get better. With a combination of therapy, a treatment plan and medication (if applicable) we will get you, the client back into the normal stream of life.
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
Is life becoming unmanageable? Looking for real answers? Seeking the best group of clinicians who accept your insurance? Welcome to WellPsyche Medical Group! WellPsyche providers are experts in Wellness and Mental Health. Our providers take a Thoughtful, Practical, and Caring approach to therapy and can help you balance your life. WellPsyche is also a leader in Telemedicine. Now you can visit with your provider from the privacy and convenience of your home or work.
Is life becoming unmanageable? Looking for real answers? Seeking the best group of clinicians who accept your insurance? Welcome to WellPsyche Medical Group! WellPsyche providers are experts in Wellness and Mental Health. Our providers take a Thoughtful, Practical, and Caring approach to therapy and can help you balance your life. WellPsyche is also a leader in Telemedicine. Now you can visit with your provider from the privacy and convenience of your home or work.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
I am a psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and/or psychopharmacology, depending on the client's needs. I believe that it is important to offer individualized care based on the client's specific problems, concerns and preferences. My style is warm, collaborative and interactive. I can help with a practical, solution-focused approach for current problems. I also do exploratory therapy to address unresolved issues from the past that may be interfering with living your life as fully as possible. My clients also seek depth therapy to promote personal growth, insight and self-awareness. LICENSED 20 STATES--Virtual Therapy and Med mgmt.
I am a psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and/or psychopharmacology, depending on the client's needs. I believe that it is important to offer individualized care based on the client's specific problems, concerns and preferences. My style is warm, collaborative and interactive. I can help with a practical, solution-focused approach for current problems. I also do exploratory therapy to address unresolved issues from the past that may be interfering with living your life as fully as possible. My clients also seek depth therapy to promote personal growth, insight and self-awareness. LICENSED 20 STATES--Virtual Therapy and Med mgmt.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Clinical expertise in The Sinclair Method for treating Alcohol Use Disorder.
Clinical expertise in The Sinclair Method for treating Alcohol Use Disorder.
Victoria Omson - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Not accepting new clients
Victoria E. Omson is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from California State University, San Bernardino, she received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from UMass Global. Victoria was born & raised in LA & she loves the environment it has cultivated for her. She has several years of mental health experience working in different inpatient & acute settings. She was drawn to this field during her early nursing days working in an ER. Victoria is a strong believer that mental health is of utmost importance & can determine life trajectory.
Victoria E. Omson is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from California State University, San Bernardino, she received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from UMass Global. Victoria was born & raised in LA & she loves the environment it has cultivated for her. She has several years of mental health experience working in different inpatient & acute settings. She was drawn to this field during her early nursing days working in an ER. Victoria is a strong believer that mental health is of utmost importance & can determine life trajectory.
Thomas Sarti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Online Only)
My mission is to support you through life's twists and turns, especially when it comes to your mental health. Each person I encounter has a unique story, and my role is to be a compassionate guide, fostering a safe space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. I strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. It's not just about prescriptions; it's about understanding what makes you tick and finding the best way to support you.
My mission is to support you through life's twists and turns, especially when it comes to your mental health. Each person I encounter has a unique story, and my role is to be a compassionate guide, fostering a safe space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. I strive to create an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. It's not just about prescriptions; it's about understanding what makes you tick and finding the best way to support you.
Lalaine Otadoy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90034 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Princess McKenzie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Eric A. Lazcano, M.D. is an ABPN-Board Certified Psychiatrist. He graduated medical school from UT Southwestern, and completed psychiatry residency training as Chief Resident from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Lazcano is an adult general psychiatrist who has been overseeing a South Bay Los Angeles private practice since 2018. In addition to offering both in-person and virtual sessions, Dr. Lazcano creates content on social media to help his audience members achieve lives with less stress.
Eric A. Lazcano, M.D. is an ABPN-Board Certified Psychiatrist. He graduated medical school from UT Southwestern, and completed psychiatry residency training as Chief Resident from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Lazcano is an adult general psychiatrist who has been overseeing a South Bay Los Angeles private practice since 2018. In addition to offering both in-person and virtual sessions, Dr. Lazcano creates content on social media to help his audience members achieve lives with less stress.
Adrian Yepes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90069
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a background as a psychologist and advanced training from UCSF. I offer virtual and in-person visits for adults in California, providing psychiatric consultation, diagnostic evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. I specialize in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, and bipolar disorder. My approach is compassionate and culturally sensitive, focusing on empowering you to take control of your mental health journey.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a background as a psychologist and advanced training from UCSF. I offer virtual and in-person visits for adults in California, providing psychiatric consultation, diagnostic evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. I specialize in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, and bipolar disorder. My approach is compassionate and culturally sensitive, focusing on empowering you to take control of your mental health journey.
Taylor Alexander
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Andrew Dang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Andrew, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to help you manage anxiety, depression, stress, and various other mental health issues. Here, you'll find a supportive space where we can work together to achieve your mental wellness goals.
Hi! I'm Andrew, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to help you manage anxiety, depression, stress, and various other mental health issues. Here, you'll find a supportive space where we can work together to achieve your mental wellness goals.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dr. Heather Mak is a psychiatrist with experience in helping patients with issues like hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Cinthia Walker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90069 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. His practice in California is rooted in a holistic approach, combining empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. James creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is passionate about addressing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. He utilizes individual therapy, medication management, and TMS to support his patients' diverse needs.
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. His practice in California is rooted in a holistic approach, combining empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. James creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is passionate about addressing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. He utilizes individual therapy, medication management, and TMS to support his patients' diverse needs.
Nnenna Ekejiuba
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Nnenna Ekejiuba is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with prescribing privileges and experience managing children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental health challenges. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and her psychiatric nurse practitioner degree from Charles R Drew University of Medicine & Science.
Nnenna Ekejiuba is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with prescribing privileges and experience managing children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental health challenges. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and her psychiatric nurse practitioner degree from Charles R Drew University of Medicine & Science.
See more therapy options for Century City
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Century City, CA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Century City, CA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Substance Use |
80% | Addiction |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Century City, CA see their clients
60% | Online Only | |
40% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Century City?
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.