Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
![Photo of Benjamin Trousdale, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3507e5c3-944e-47a7-8369-fb6bb0092acb/1/320x400.png)
Hello, I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I have clinical experience with a wide array of patients in various settings including outpatient, inpatient, telepsychiatry (remote), and alcohol/drug rehab. I have treated patients with many different mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, sleep disorders, and substance use disorders. I take great pride in my patients' success overcoming their challenges and promoting personal growth. I enjoy educating my patients on their mental health diagnoses and treatment options.
Hello, I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I have clinical experience with a wide array of patients in various settings including outpatient, inpatient, telepsychiatry (remote), and alcohol/drug rehab. I have treated patients with many different mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, sleep disorders, and substance use disorders. I take great pride in my patients' success overcoming their challenges and promoting personal growth. I enjoy educating my patients on their mental health diagnoses and treatment options.
![Photo of Michael Kang - Nerdy Psychiatrist, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/876f582d-42d2-4b0b-a7e4-7dd93c97f494/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nerdy Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90016 (Online Only)
I am a Los Angeles based board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and adult psychiatrist. I treat a variety of age ranges and diagnoses, and although primarily a telehealth provider, I am open to arranging home visits as well. Transitions are hard across age ranges, whether that is middle school into high school, change of jobs, change in romance, etc. Of importance to me are the changes in childhood and their long-term impact on social and academic development. I believe that early intervention can have major impacts later in life which led to me pursuing my child and adolescent fellowship.
I am a Los Angeles based board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and adult psychiatrist. I treat a variety of age ranges and diagnoses, and although primarily a telehealth provider, I am open to arranging home visits as well. Transitions are hard across age ranges, whether that is middle school into high school, change of jobs, change in romance, etc. Of importance to me are the changes in childhood and their long-term impact on social and academic development. I believe that early intervention can have major impacts later in life which led to me pursuing my child and adolescent fellowship.
![Photo of Heather Jo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea886c9d-0061-459e-a574-06111b10af39/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Jo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Online Only)
Hello, I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and I graduated from the University of California, San Francisco. I have 8 years of experience working as a primary nurse practitioner.
Hello, I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and I graduated from the University of California, San Francisco. I have 8 years of experience working as a primary nurse practitioner.
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fa2b318-8888-4626-9dd4-fd8332bd17e5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Princess McKenzie, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f89f2990-a213-4e51-b815-7118c5a85d4d/1/320x400.png)
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!
![Photo of Taylor Alexander, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2e111582-6e5d-4c59-a080-18c1a8acd080/1/320x400.jpeg)
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!
![Photo of Roberto Figueroa, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f52b956-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with depression or anxiety can cause intense suffering, affect your ability to have or enjoy relationships and disrupt your ability to function at work or home. Problems with your emotional health can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest.
Struggling with depression or anxiety can cause intense suffering, affect your ability to have or enjoy relationships and disrupt your ability to function at work or home. Problems with your emotional health can prevent you from pursuing your dreams and living life to the fullest.
![Photo of Dr. Nima Fahimian - Bespoke Treatment, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50acc608-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
Bespoke Treatment is a comprehensive facility that offers alternative treatments to depression that work. We specialize in TMS therapy, ketamine therapy, and online intensive outpatient program (IOP) for patients who are looking for effective and lasting solutions to their mental health challenges. Our treatments are safe, evidence-based, and personalized to each patient’s needs and goals. We also provide comprehensive support and follow-up to ensure lasting results.
I grew up in New York and studied Psychology and Economics at NYU. I stayed on for a MA in Economics and worked in finance before leaving the field to pursue my calling in Medicine. I finished my postbac at Columbia University and attended Stonybrook University School of Medicine for medical school. I completed my residency in Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Morningside/West and recently moved to California.
I grew up in New York and studied Psychology and Economics at NYU. I stayed on for a MA in Economics and worked in finance before leaving the field to pursue my calling in Medicine. I finished my postbac at Columbia University and attended Stonybrook University School of Medicine for medical school. I completed my residency in Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Morningside/West and recently moved to California.
![Photo of Obidi Obienu, DNP, APRN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2dfc1551-f82b-4b06-96d1-b33c9449366b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Obidi Obienu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90047 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Obidi. If you think you or your loved ones need help with any mental health issues and would like to talk about it, I am here for you. Your choice of a clinician is a very important decision; however, a well-suited one is necessary to make productive progress. As an experienced clinician, my mission is not only to help individuals resolve the issues that they bring to me but also to assist with bringing greater satisfaction into their lives.
Hello, my name is Obidi. If you think you or your loved ones need help with any mental health issues and would like to talk about it, I am here for you. Your choice of a clinician is a very important decision; however, a well-suited one is necessary to make productive progress. As an experienced clinician, my mission is not only to help individuals resolve the issues that they bring to me but also to assist with bringing greater satisfaction into their lives.
![Photo of Dr. Ann Woo-Ming Park - Dr. Ann Woo-Ming Park, M.D., MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d16e157f-0101-4cc4-bea7-f02c6bd154ae/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ann Woo-Ming Park, M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90049 (Online Only)
Welcome to my women's telehealth practice. I am Cornell trained and specialize in psychiatry, therapy, and coaching for women. I have an added specialty of working with women of color and the AAPI community. My passion is to help my clients thrive, especially given the unique challenges faced by women and women of color. My sessions often highlight working with clients to help them set healthy boundaries, own and use their voices, and manage conflict confidently. Medication is also prescribed if needed. My practice is based in Los Angeles, and I offer telepsychiatry sessions for women who live in CA and NY.
Welcome to my women's telehealth practice. I am Cornell trained and specialize in psychiatry, therapy, and coaching for women. I have an added specialty of working with women of color and the AAPI community. My passion is to help my clients thrive, especially given the unique challenges faced by women and women of color. My sessions often highlight working with clients to help them set healthy boundaries, own and use their voices, and manage conflict confidently. Medication is also prescribed if needed. My practice is based in Los Angeles, and I offer telepsychiatry sessions for women who live in CA and NY.
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![Photo of Shuang Lei, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/497e8fc1-ed31-48bc-8c62-af4663a38b4f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety, depression, haven’t been feeling yourself? What can I do to help - is what I ask myself every time I’m facing someone who is struggling to get to where they want to be in life. Having lived in four very different places (mainland China, French Canada, Las Vegas, New York City) before age 20, I come from a diverse cultural background that accepts and appreciates all. Compassionate, always ready to listen, without a trace of judgement, I am here to understand what is uniquely you. There is no dilemma too small to ponder, and no problem too big to tackle. Witnessing positive change gives me the utmost joy in life.
Anxiety, depression, haven’t been feeling yourself? What can I do to help - is what I ask myself every time I’m facing someone who is struggling to get to where they want to be in life. Having lived in four very different places (mainland China, French Canada, Las Vegas, New York City) before age 20, I come from a diverse cultural background that accepts and appreciates all. Compassionate, always ready to listen, without a trace of judgement, I am here to understand what is uniquely you. There is no dilemma too small to ponder, and no problem too big to tackle. Witnessing positive change gives me the utmost joy in life.
![Photo of Claudette Banda, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd289816-9671-4ca6-a2ea-4f53437d130b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Claudette Banda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (Online Only)
We know asking for help is not an easy 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 not an easy 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!
![Photo of Charlene Frando, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a07adf59-1701-42d2-99b4-051b2659fde1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Charlene Frando
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Online Only)
Hi there. I’m Charlene and I’m a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in medication management and solution focused brief therapy. I know if you’re reading this you’re probably in a place where you know something needs to change with your mental health.
Hi there. I’m Charlene and I’m a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in medication management and solution focused brief therapy. I know if you’re reading this you’re probably in a place where you know something needs to change with your mental health.
![Photo of Miriam Winthrop, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e81e65c-d46b-4138-a78a-10d82e168e8e/1/320x400.png)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult and geriatric psychiatry. I believe in taking a holistic approach to addressing mental health. In addition to my expertise in the use of medications, I have extensive training in multiple types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented modalities. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, dementia-related concerns, and end-of-life issues.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult and geriatric psychiatry. I believe in taking a holistic approach to addressing mental health. In addition to my expertise in the use of medications, I have extensive training in multiple types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented modalities. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, dementia-related concerns, and end-of-life issues.
![Photo of Britney Shipman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/851dad45-0bf8-4154-b499-77309408aa1a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Britney Shipman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Online Only)
My Name is Britney Shipman and I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat a variety of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
My Name is Britney Shipman and I'm a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat a variety of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
![Photo of Assal Tavakoli Parsa, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2367e70-7d36-4d1b-baae-e62576de6c4b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Stephen Seager, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1104baec-4cb3-484c-b400-03a15bce43c4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen B Seager MD has been a board-certified psychiatrist for almost 30 years. He specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. A graduate of Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Dr Seager completed his psychiatry residency at Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles. A former Emergency Room physician, Dr Seager is also a retired Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine.
Stephen B Seager MD has been a board-certified psychiatrist for almost 30 years. He specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. A graduate of Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Dr Seager completed his psychiatry residency at Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles. A former Emergency Room physician, Dr Seager is also a retired Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine.
![Photo of Meredith Harewood, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a635920d-8ebf-4551-86fa-735f5aded857/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith Harewood, MD is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She considers the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. She believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health. She provides medication management, psychotherapy in select cases, or a combination of the two. Her interests include anxiety disorders, depression, minority mental health, and maternal mental health. In addition to treating children as young as age 5 and adolescents.
Meredith Harewood, MD is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She considers the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. She believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health. She provides medication management, psychotherapy in select cases, or a combination of the two. Her interests include anxiety disorders, depression, minority mental health, and maternal mental health. In addition to treating children as young as age 5 and adolescents.
![Photo of Aryeh L Goldberg, MD, MA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34247139-426e-4f2d-bd51-972a03713d73/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist practicing in Southern California. He treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders as well as disorders of sleep, attention and focus. Dr. Goldberg specializes in marital therapy and marital interventions as a treatment for psychiatric disorders. His further interests include spirituality and the unique mental health concerns of religious and spiritual communities.
Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist practicing in Southern California. He treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders as well as disorders of sleep, attention and focus. Dr. Goldberg specializes in marital therapy and marital interventions as a treatment for psychiatric disorders. His further interests include spirituality and the unique mental health concerns of religious and spiritual communities.
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
700+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | ADHD |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Medication Management |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA see their clients
53% | Online Only | |
47% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
61% | Female | |
38% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Los Angeles?
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.