Psychiatrists in San Diego, CA
![Photo of Ryan Wilke, DO, ABPN, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbd128ad-f269-4176-a163-88c4a67c6def/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Wilke is a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is currently the Director of the Kaiser-Permanente Unit at Aurora Behavioral Healthcare, San Diego. He also maintains an outpatient private practice in Rancho Bernardo. It is Dr. Wilke's goal to provide accessible and affordable healthcare of the highest quality to his home community.
Dr. Wilke is a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is currently the Director of the Kaiser-Permanente Unit at Aurora Behavioral Healthcare, San Diego. He also maintains an outpatient private practice in Rancho Bernardo. It is Dr. Wilke's goal to provide accessible and affordable healthcare of the highest quality to his home community.
![Photo of Kirsten Manalo, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/706b888e-a899-497b-9de2-8e2a632c25de/1/320x400.png)
Kirsten Manalo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116
I am a board-certified psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner that specializes in treating a variety of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. I have 8 years of nursing experience with background specialties in psychiatric/mental health, medical-surgical, home health, and academia. My education and experience enables me to treat patients with a holistic approach meaning other factors that affect mental health and well-being are taken into consideration as well. This includes addressing multiple facets of health including emotional, psychological, physiological, sociocultural, and spiritual.
I am a board-certified psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner that specializes in treating a variety of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. I have 8 years of nursing experience with background specialties in psychiatric/mental health, medical-surgical, home health, and academia. My education and experience enables me to treat patients with a holistic approach meaning other factors that affect mental health and well-being are taken into consideration as well. This includes addressing multiple facets of health including emotional, psychological, physiological, sociocultural, and spiritual.
![Photo of Trenice Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fe93b50-1a1c-4e3b-8a59-6a7f9802f9b2/1/320x400.png)
Trenice Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92111 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with dual certification as a family practice nurse practitioner and I also obtained my Doctor of Nursing practice degree. I have practiced for several years in family practice and mental health services and strongly believe in the importance of mental healthcare. I am thrilled to be treating each person holistically and individually. I am comfortable diagnosing and treating patients struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, insomnia, PTSD, PMDD, Eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.
![Photo of Emily Econie, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47ae703b-0c1e-4cdb-b21c-0b4df044e22f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Econie is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Homeland Security from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner from Azusa Pacific University. Emily has a diverse background working in a variety of environments including San Diego's busiest Emergency Departments as well as the acute inpatient psychiatric setting. Most people are surprised to hear that nursing is not her first career.
Emily Econie is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California who has been practicing since 2021. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Homeland Security from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner from Azusa Pacific University. Emily has a diverse background working in a variety of environments including San Diego's busiest Emergency Departments as well as the acute inpatient psychiatric setting. Most people are surprised to hear that nursing is not her first career.
![Photo of Mohsen Vazirian, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f66dc24-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vazirian is a compassionate psychiatrist who deeply cares about his patient’s health and well-being. He is a kind and expert listener and works closely with each of his patients to develop a detailed treatment plan just for them. He is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist with deep knowledge and expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of mental health and emotional conditions using medications and psychotherapy.
Dr. Vazirian is a compassionate psychiatrist who deeply cares about his patient’s health and well-being. He is a kind and expert listener and works closely with each of his patients to develop a detailed treatment plan just for them. He is an experienced board-certified psychiatrist with deep knowledge and expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of mental health and emotional conditions using medications and psychotherapy.
![Photo of Robynn Cavaliere, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d51b87bf-d623-42d6-ae89-72f1fce2034f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. (PMHNP-BC) in Rancho Bernardo. I received my Doctorate Degree from University of San Diego (USD). I am board certified to treat children, adolescents, and adult patients with various mental health concerns.
I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. (PMHNP-BC) in Rancho Bernardo. I received my Doctorate Degree from University of San Diego (USD). I am board certified to treat children, adolescents, and adult patients with various mental health concerns.
![Photo of Al Alam, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30044576-3d29-4b37-9be5-3c41dff9b081/2/320x400.jpeg)
Al works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. He seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Al believes that establishing a strong alliance with his clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, he partners with his clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Al works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. He seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Al believes that establishing a strong alliance with his clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, he partners with his clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
![Photo of Sarah Pai, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0237365-4e29-4653-a3e8-5e81aa6d663d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience treating adult patients in San Diego county. I am hoping to connect with clients who are looking for a psychiatric provider who is not only skilled in diganosis and prescribing, but is able to understand your unique needs and build a trusted partnership in your care. My style has been described as relationship oriented, as I believe in building strong rapport and embodying a warm, curious, and accepting approach to treating my patients.
Hello and welcome! I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience treating adult patients in San Diego county. I am hoping to connect with clients who are looking for a psychiatric provider who is not only skilled in diganosis and prescribing, but is able to understand your unique needs and build a trusted partnership in your care. My style has been described as relationship oriented, as I believe in building strong rapport and embodying a warm, curious, and accepting approach to treating my patients.
![Photo of Heather Saltos, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d620442-6642-4383-b6c1-9ee515e54fbc/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Saltos
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a Child Psychiatrist residing in San Diego, CA. I love working with children, teens and their families. I understand the struggle of finding a good mental health provider and I am here to help. I have my board certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from Dartmouth University and am Adult certified as well. I am family oriented, have 3 children of my own, and value both therapy and medication management strategies. There is not a one step approach for treatment and I tailor my management on a patient by patient basis.If you or your family member are struggling, please do not hesitate to reach to reach out.
I am a Child Psychiatrist residing in San Diego, CA. I love working with children, teens and their families. I understand the struggle of finding a good mental health provider and I am here to help. I have my board certification in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry from Dartmouth University and am Adult certified as well. I am family oriented, have 3 children of my own, and value both therapy and medication management strategies. There is not a one step approach for treatment and I tailor my management on a patient by patient basis.If you or your family member are struggling, please do not hesitate to reach to reach out.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18ab648c-e33a-4bf0-9874-e7054a2a4722/2/320x400.jpeg)
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows 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.
![Photo of Dr. Philip Liu - Philip Liu | Eumens Growth & Wellness, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6850d485-bea5-4e4d-95d1-532a905480c7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Children/adolescents, young adults, early career and young professionals tend to find our practice style matching well for their needs. I am a double board-certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist who specializes in combining up-to-date, evidence-based medical practice with the art of understanding our minds and being through in-depth psychotherapy.
Children/adolescents, young adults, early career and young professionals tend to find our practice style matching well for their needs. I am a double board-certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist who specializes in combining up-to-date, evidence-based medical practice with the art of understanding our minds and being through in-depth psychotherapy.
15 Second Videos
Leah Haddad
Dominique Sanders
Jon Deam
Catalina Villa
Anne Phan-Huy
Open Mind Health
Jordan Blaine
Aveo Wellness: Therapy & Psychiatry
Jack Mkroyan
Ryan Thebo
Kai Macdonald
Remedy Psychiatry San Diego
Robert McLay
Susan Solimine
Jonathan Allotey
Ronil Shah
Uchenna Okoye
Leah Haddad
Molly McLaren
Jack Mkroyan
Braincom Advanced Nursing
The Focus Doc
Riz Ahmad
Lauren Prasek
Dominique Sanders
Jessica Vermeulen
Trenice Johnson
Sham Singh
Nicolas Badre
Ryan Thebo
Natalie Love
Jay Timacdog
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Ike Uzowulu
Jonathan Allotey
David Lindley
Riz Ahmad
Mottsin Thomas
Sonoran Psychiatric Care
Jacquelyn Hamed
Shreesh Prasad
Mentally Healthycare
Sham Singh
Uchenna Okoye
Nancy Wu
Naiga Dohnji
Jordan Blaine
Rebecca R Kolb
Naiga Dohnji
Venita Ninemire
![Photo of Leah Haddad, MSN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba2d736b-1bd4-4c20-a152-a99acd7a7d59/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
![Photo of Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3f036c5-0e61-4d1e-8aea-a0266a0d949f/1/320x400.png)
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
![Photo of Brittany Murray, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/19864ad9-5390-4907-afc9-2659112e0b7b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Murray is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After gaining extensive experience as a nurse across several disciplines, she then went on to obtain her Post-Master's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of South Alabama in 2018.
Brittany Murray is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After gaining extensive experience as a nurse across several disciplines, she then went on to obtain her Post-Master's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of South Alabama in 2018.
![Photo of Jaclyn Joyce, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50c68a0b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there. I'm a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist based out of San Diego, California. I can prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, or both. I genuinely enjoy working with clients, hearing unique life stories, and finding ways to help each person as an individual. I have experience working with a wide variety of psychiatric concerns. There are also a few areas in which I have a special focus, including: working with older adolescents and college students, pregnancy, and new parents.
Hi there. I'm a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist based out of San Diego, California. I can prescribe medication, provide psychotherapy, or both. I genuinely enjoy working with clients, hearing unique life stories, and finding ways to help each person as an individual. I have experience working with a wide variety of psychiatric concerns. There are also a few areas in which I have a special focus, including: working with older adolescents and college students, pregnancy, and new parents.
![Photo of Tom Flegler, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33adc50e-0c52-411e-a8e6-efcd7565ac00/2/320x400.png)
Accepting new patients for in-person or telemedicine visits. Tell me, what is going on in your life? Does our rapidly changing world leave you feeling overwhelmed? Are you having difficulties with your relationships, focus, or sleep? Have you lost the energy — or interest — to engage in activities that once brought you joy? Do you feel your problems are not being acknowledged or treated adequately? Nearly everyone has hit rough patches that required them to stop and reassess if their life is headed in a direction that reflects their values. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you may be feeling a little lost in the woods yourself.
Accepting new patients for in-person or telemedicine visits. Tell me, what is going on in your life? Does our rapidly changing world leave you feeling overwhelmed? Are you having difficulties with your relationships, focus, or sleep? Have you lost the energy — or interest — to engage in activities that once brought you joy? Do you feel your problems are not being acknowledged or treated adequately? Nearly everyone has hit rough patches that required them to stop and reassess if their life is headed in a direction that reflects their values. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you may be feeling a little lost in the woods yourself.
![Photo of Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23ac0752-12a0-4b45-ae56-54921be03af0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mariam Fazil
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
Hello, I'm Mariam Fazil, DNP, PMHNP,a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Are you or your loved ones struggling to balance mental and physical health? Are you suffering from anxiety? If this somewhat sounds familiar, I would like to help you in your healing journey. I provide in-person as well as telemedicine services so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best.
![Photo of Raphael Morris, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a86eb986-0d7f-441b-ae30-df47e9a62a26/1/320x400.png)
Raphael Morris, MD is board certified in general psychiatry. He has extensive experience in assessing and treating adults and adolescents in both psychotherapy and with medications. Following forensic psychiatry fellowship training, he opened a clinical and forensic private practice and is particularly adept at assessing psychiatric disabilities, and managing the treatment needs of clients when there has been some involvement with the legal system, e. g. divorce, custody disputes, juvenile delinquency, and substance abuse histories.
Raphael Morris, MD is board certified in general psychiatry. He has extensive experience in assessing and treating adults and adolescents in both psychotherapy and with medications. Following forensic psychiatry fellowship training, he opened a clinical and forensic private practice and is particularly adept at assessing psychiatric disabilities, and managing the treatment needs of clients when there has been some involvement with the legal system, e. g. divorce, custody disputes, juvenile delinquency, and substance abuse histories.
![Photo of Randolf D. Dipp - R.D. Dipp, D.O., DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed26d073-7981-42b0-8592-9bbbc83ca990/1/320x400.jpeg)
R.D. Dipp, D.O.
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101
Not accepting new clients
We provide both psychiatric medication evaluation management and psychoanalytic therapy, an approach that offers the opportunity to explore both best means to address the struggles that an individual is going through, as well as looking for ways to facilitate internal psychology growth in terms of sense of self, and relationship with others.
We provide both psychiatric medication evaluation management and psychoanalytic therapy, an approach that offers the opportunity to explore both best means to address the struggles that an individual is going through, as well as looking for ways to facilitate internal psychology growth in terms of sense of self, and relationship with others.
![Photo of Arlin Bhattacharjee, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/698228ba-3c56-464f-b9c1-bb4952a92fe0/2/320x400.jpeg)
For those who battle depression, anxiety, or the relentless combination of both, life can become an intricate labyrinth of suffocating emotions and endless exhaustion. Perhaps the racing thoughts in your mind makes it impossible to concentrate, or maybe undiagnosed ADHD compounds your struggles. Insomnia may be an unwelcome companion, stealing precious moments of rest. I understand how daunting this journey can be, especially when it seems that no one is there to truly hear your story, to grasp the unique turmoil you're experiencing. But I'm here to assure you, there is hope. There is a way to get better.
For those who battle depression, anxiety, or the relentless combination of both, life can become an intricate labyrinth of suffocating emotions and endless exhaustion. Perhaps the racing thoughts in your mind makes it impossible to concentrate, or maybe undiagnosed ADHD compounds your struggles. Insomnia may be an unwelcome companion, stealing precious moments of rest. I understand how daunting this journey can be, especially when it seems that no one is there to truly hear your story, to grasp the unique turmoil you're experiencing. But I'm here to assure you, there is hope. There is a way to get better.
See more therapy options for San Diego
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in San Diego, CA
400+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in San Diego, CA who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | ADHD |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
68% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
95% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in San Diego, CA see their clients
50% | Online Only | |
50% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
39% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in San Diego?
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.