Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD
Dr Joanne Psychiatry NP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
New patients are always accepted! Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Although medication management is a large part of her role, medicine is only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.
New patients are always accepted! Dr. Patterson offers modern, quality mental health treatment using a secure telepsychiatry platform. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she believes that the most important aspect of care is listening to the client's unique story. Although medication management is a large part of her role, medicine is only prescribed when absolutely necessary. Dr. Patterson will assess your genetics, reproductive hormonal events, as well as life events/stressors and responses to them. Dr. Patterson also specializes in child and adolescent mental health.
Balanced Mind Integrative Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, inattention, disruptive behavior, sleeping problems, or difficulty managing your emotions? I am dedicated to helping you find a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. I specialize in treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive, impulse, and conduct disorders, as well as executive function disorders such as ADHD. My passion lies in supporting individuals whose mental health challenges have become barriers to joy. Together, we can tackle these issues and help you balance work, school, and life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, inattention, disruptive behavior, sleeping problems, or difficulty managing your emotions? I am dedicated to helping you find a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. I specialize in treating depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive, impulse, and conduct disorders, as well as executive function disorders such as ADHD. My passion lies in supporting individuals whose mental health challenges have become barriers to joy. Together, we can tackle these issues and help you balance work, school, and life.
Ugonma Nwokorie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Hi! Ugonma “Peace” is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She holds BSN and she graduated from Walden University with Masters Degree in nursing and a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She works with all ages and helps people find recovery through the path that is right for them via psychotropic medications and therapy or lifestyle interventions for children, adolescences,
Hi! Ugonma “Peace” is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She holds BSN and she graduated from Walden University with Masters Degree in nursing and a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She works with all ages and helps people find recovery through the path that is right for them via psychotropic medications and therapy or lifestyle interventions for children, adolescences,
Dr. Glory Ngum Forbi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Do you suffer from chronic insomnia, low mood, worry about everything and anything, panic attack, difficulties with staying focus, problem with concentration, excessive sleep , attention problems, drugs and addiction problems? you are not alone, we are here to help you. I know some people it could be uncomfortable seeking help. I work with people across the life span to help deal with depression, anxiety , PTSD,ETOH abuse, ADHD, Bipolar and more. Please feel free to come, you wouldn't regret coming. We put our clients first.
Do you suffer from chronic insomnia, low mood, worry about everything and anything, panic attack, difficulties with staying focus, problem with concentration, excessive sleep , attention problems, drugs and addiction problems? you are not alone, we are here to help you. I know some people it could be uncomfortable seeking help. I work with people across the life span to help deal with depression, anxiety , PTSD,ETOH abuse, ADHD, Bipolar and more. Please feel free to come, you wouldn't regret coming. We put our clients first.
Ideal client is someone who is looking for a partner in their ability to improve their mental health.
Ideal client is someone who is looking for a partner in their ability to improve their mental health.
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
Dr. Yetunde Precious Rotimi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Welcome to Opollo Health and Wellness, where our core principles are rooted in providing patients with dignity, respect, and compassion. We understand that each individual's healthcare journey is unique, and we are committed to tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Dr. Rotimi is dedicated to a holistic approach to healthcare, merging evidence-based practices with personalized care. Dr. Rotimi has a wealth of experience working with patients from diverse backgrounds, and she listens. With over 16 years of clinical expertise, your mental health is in safe hands.
Welcome to Opollo Health and Wellness, where our core principles are rooted in providing patients with dignity, respect, and compassion. We understand that each individual's healthcare journey is unique, and we are committed to tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. Dr. Rotimi is dedicated to a holistic approach to healthcare, merging evidence-based practices with personalized care. Dr. Rotimi has a wealth of experience working with patients from diverse backgrounds, and she listens. With over 16 years of clinical expertise, your mental health is in safe hands.
I received my board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). I completed my Psychiatry Residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda. My treatment approach is individual-centered, uniquely and collaboratively created with the client via a thorough understanding of life experience, symptoms, needs, and goals. It aims to improve individual mental health and overall sense of well-being. Complex mind & brain requires integrated multi-modal approach and thorough clinical expertise to ensure the best care is provided.
I received my board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). I completed my Psychiatry Residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda. My treatment approach is individual-centered, uniquely and collaboratively created with the client via a thorough understanding of life experience, symptoms, needs, and goals. It aims to improve individual mental health and overall sense of well-being. Complex mind & brain requires integrated multi-modal approach and thorough clinical expertise to ensure the best care is provided.
Pendulum Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
It is time to bring the negative stigma of seeking help for mental health issues to an end. It is a stigma when a person with mental illness is mocked or called weak for seeking help. Black Americans are less likely to seek mental health care. Statistics tell us that about 25% of African Americans seek mental health treatment, compared to 40% of white Americans. For black men the numbers are even less. Seeking help from a culturally competent therapist can assist with managing and overcoming these effects. At Pendulum Psychiatry we aim to provide a safer, more welcoming space for Black men seeking medication management and therapy.
It is time to bring the negative stigma of seeking help for mental health issues to an end. It is a stigma when a person with mental illness is mocked or called weak for seeking help. Black Americans are less likely to seek mental health care. Statistics tell us that about 25% of African Americans seek mental health treatment, compared to 40% of white Americans. For black men the numbers are even less. Seeking help from a culturally competent therapist can assist with managing and overcoming these effects. At Pendulum Psychiatry we aim to provide a safer, more welcoming space for Black men seeking medication management and therapy.
Dorcas Yahaya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I earned my Master's degree in Nursing as a Family nurse practitioner from Bowie State University and a postgraduate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Wilkes University. With a robust educational background and over a decade of extensive clinical experience, I excel in delivering comprehensive care across the lifespan, integrating physical health management with mental health expertise.
Welcome! I am a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with dual certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I earned my Master's degree in Nursing as a Family nurse practitioner from Bowie State University and a postgraduate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Wilkes University. With a robust educational background and over a decade of extensive clinical experience, I excel in delivering comprehensive care across the lifespan, integrating physical health management with mental health expertise.
Hello, I am Shilla Pokuaa, a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Maryland. I graduated with my master's in 2017 from Bowie State University and went on to attain my DNP whilst working in the mental health field as an addiction and PMHNP provider. My passion is working with patients 18 and above with various types of mental illnesses.
Hello, I am Shilla Pokuaa, a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Maryland. I graduated with my master's in 2017 from Bowie State University and went on to attain my DNP whilst working in the mental health field as an addiction and PMHNP provider. My passion is working with patients 18 and above with various types of mental illnesses.
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I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
Dr. Janel Hillstrom
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Life can be incredibly challenging. I want to help you feel better. I offer medication management for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-partum mental illness and more. During our first meeting, we will review your history and experiences that have brought you to where you are today. This thorough understanding will allow us to develop a treatment plan to lead you on the right path to wellness. I look forward to meeting you.
Life can be incredibly challenging. I want to help you feel better. I offer medication management for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-partum mental illness and more. During our first meeting, we will review your history and experiences that have brought you to where you are today. This thorough understanding will allow us to develop a treatment plan to lead you on the right path to wellness. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Dr. Alok Rawat. I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a focus on helping people with anxiety, depression, and mood/bipolar disorders, serving the Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Kensington, Maryland area as well as the Ellicott City/Columbia, Maryland area. I specialize in life-coaching and helping you find a better balance in your life, especially for busy professionals who want a goal-oriented approach to psychiatry. My interventions are evidence-based and time limited. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as life-coaching and motivational techniques, I also provide medication management where indicated.
My name is Dr. Alok Rawat. I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a focus on helping people with anxiety, depression, and mood/bipolar disorders, serving the Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Kensington, Maryland area as well as the Ellicott City/Columbia, Maryland area. I specialize in life-coaching and helping you find a better balance in your life, especially for busy professionals who want a goal-oriented approach to psychiatry. My interventions are evidence-based and time limited. I practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as life-coaching and motivational techniques, I also provide medication management where indicated.
Making decisions in difficult life situations is harder when emotions make you feel stuck or reactive and lead to unwanted outcomes. Learning to safely express difficult emotions and recognize how and when feelings distort thinking, you will find healthier ways to respond. I work with people whose blocked feelings lead to physical and/or emotional pain, and help couples in problematic relationships develop clearer boundaries. I also have expertise with people facing end-of-life issues and welcome those who seek to explore these concerns.
Making decisions in difficult life situations is harder when emotions make you feel stuck or reactive and lead to unwanted outcomes. Learning to safely express difficult emotions and recognize how and when feelings distort thinking, you will find healthier ways to respond. I work with people whose blocked feelings lead to physical and/or emotional pain, and help couples in problematic relationships develop clearer boundaries. I also have expertise with people facing end-of-life issues and welcome those who seek to explore these concerns.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
Michelle Reid
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
At this time I am not accepting client for therapy, just for medication management- Do you feel on edge or tense often? Maybe you aren't sleeping. Has there been a history of trauma in your life? Do you sometimes feel like your memory is not the same and it is difficult for you to concentrate or find motivation to get anything done? Have you been using food to cope with your feelings? Do you find that your symptoms fluctuate continuously? Are you ready to feel alive again and regain your sense of purpose, self-esteem, and overall well-being? I am a PMHNP specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders.
At this time I am not accepting client for therapy, just for medication management- Do you feel on edge or tense often? Maybe you aren't sleeping. Has there been a history of trauma in your life? Do you sometimes feel like your memory is not the same and it is difficult for you to concentrate or find motivation to get anything done? Have you been using food to cope with your feelings? Do you find that your symptoms fluctuate continuously? Are you ready to feel alive again and regain your sense of purpose, self-esteem, and overall well-being? I am a PMHNP specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders.
Bilingual (English, Russian) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: my telehealth practice is open to new clients(18+) residing in Maryland. My background is in inpatient/outpatient treatment of adults through the use of safe non-addictive psychotropic medications and individually tailored psychotherapeutic supportive approaches for clients experiencing psychological problems.
Bilingual (English, Russian) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: my telehealth practice is open to new clients(18+) residing in Maryland. My background is in inpatient/outpatient treatment of adults through the use of safe non-addictive psychotropic medications and individually tailored psychotherapeutic supportive approaches for clients experiencing psychological problems.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and teacher of other mental health professionals, I have an abiding belief in the importance of a strong connection between patient and therapist in order to achieve growth and change. I have been successful in helping individuals struggling with painful feeling states, such as anxiety and depression, and problematic relationships to modulate intense feelings and to feel freer in their minds and in their lives.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and teacher of other mental health professionals, I have an abiding belief in the importance of a strong connection between patient and therapist in order to achieve growth and change. I have been successful in helping individuals struggling with painful feeling states, such as anxiety and depression, and problematic relationships to modulate intense feelings and to feel freer in their minds and in their lives.
Adebisi Ayodele
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Let's connect and work together! Are you feeling exhausted, low energy, having trouble sleeping, feeling sad or down? Are you having excessive fears or worry or extreme feelings of guilt? Are you having difficulty coping with daily problems or stress? Do you feel withdrawn from friends and activities? Have you noticed drastic mood changes of highs and lows? There is a reason why you feel the way you do, and there is help. I am here to listen, empathize, and try to understand how these issues affect you and your loved ones. Remember, your mental health can affect your physical health.
Let's connect and work together! Are you feeling exhausted, low energy, having trouble sleeping, feeling sad or down? Are you having excessive fears or worry or extreme feelings of guilt? Are you having difficulty coping with daily problems or stress? Do you feel withdrawn from friends and activities? Have you noticed drastic mood changes of highs and lows? There is a reason why you feel the way you do, and there is help. I am here to listen, empathize, and try to understand how these issues affect you and your loved ones. Remember, your mental health can affect your physical health.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD
200+
Average cost per session
$185
Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | ADHD |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
57% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
84% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
82% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
28% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Bethesda?
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.