Psychiatrists in Franklin County, NC
Lisa Fields
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, RN, PMHCNS, BC
Verified Verified
Youngsville, NC 27596 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to stay afloat with too much on your mind, on your schedule, in your day? Do you spend more time overwhelmed and catching up than at peace? If so, there are ways to feel better and live better whether you or someone you love are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD, anger, frustration with relationships, or just frustration with the quality of your life. I am a therapist who can help you work through these issues. It is important to know that I AM NOT A PSYCHIATRIST and I DO NOT PRESCRIBE MEDS.
Are you struggling to stay afloat with too much on your mind, on your schedule, in your day? Do you spend more time overwhelmed and catching up than at peace? If so, there are ways to feel better and live better whether you or someone you love are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD, anger, frustration with relationships, or just frustration with the quality of your life. I am a therapist who can help you work through these issues. It is important to know that I AM NOT A PSYCHIATRIST and I DO NOT PRESCRIBE MEDS.
Shari Lynn Scott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Youngsville, NC 27596
It is my belief that everyone is the best expert on themself! With this in mind I am willing to meet a client where they are and allow them to direct the course of their own treatment. I am here to offer ideas, suggestions, and options but the decision is up to my client as they know what will and will not work in their life. I believe that we all should feel content in our own skin and even those with mental illness can and should feel better!
It is my belief that everyone is the best expert on themself! With this in mind I am willing to meet a client where they are and allow them to direct the course of their own treatment. I am here to offer ideas, suggestions, and options but the decision is up to my client as they know what will and will not work in their life. I believe that we all should feel content in our own skin and even those with mental illness can and should feel better!
In the practice of Psychiatry, Dan combines an integrative approach with conventional medicine. He incorporates an understanding of the neuropsychology, physical health, lifestyle, spiritual and sociologic dynamics into the care of his patients. Something unique about Dan is that rather than treating symptoms, he focuses on discovering the underlying issues a person has which ultimately brings healing. His objective for patients is to avoid negative influences and encourage healthy lifestyles. Dan uses medicine judiciously depending on each individuals need, so that they can become the best version of themselves.
In the practice of Psychiatry, Dan combines an integrative approach with conventional medicine. He incorporates an understanding of the neuropsychology, physical health, lifestyle, spiritual and sociologic dynamics into the care of his patients. Something unique about Dan is that rather than treating symptoms, he focuses on discovering the underlying issues a person has which ultimately brings healing. His objective for patients is to avoid negative influences and encourage healthy lifestyles. Dan uses medicine judiciously depending on each individuals need, so that they can become the best version of themselves.
Online Psychiatrists
Hello! I am a Nurse Practitioner with board certifications in family and psychiatric medicine. I am licensed in NC & SC.
Hello! I am a Nurse Practitioner with board certifications in family and psychiatric medicine. I am licensed in NC & SC.
Josephine W Hazeley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
In the past thirteen years I've primarily focused on providing perinatal and postnatal care. As a mother myself, I can offer a unique perspective and support for each of your unique needs. My goal is to empower you to help you make the best decisions for yourself as an individual as well as your families so you can lead a fulfilling and productive life. I'm a strong advocate of therapy and medication management and provide a holistic, safe, and supportive environment for all of my clients. I offer evidence-based and personalized treatment utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and medication.
In the past thirteen years I've primarily focused on providing perinatal and postnatal care. As a mother myself, I can offer a unique perspective and support for each of your unique needs. My goal is to empower you to help you make the best decisions for yourself as an individual as well as your families so you can lead a fulfilling and productive life. I'm a strong advocate of therapy and medication management and provide a holistic, safe, and supportive environment for all of my clients. I offer evidence-based and personalized treatment utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and medication.
Francesca Esdaile
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NC 28303
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management dedicated to making meaningful connections with individuals in need. I specialize in assisting people facing challenges in focus, mood regulation, and overall well-being. I help busy professionals who are diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, PTSD, and ADHD stop feeling lost and unfulfilled in their personal and professional lives so that they can have the mental capacity to be present with their families. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly express yourself.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management dedicated to making meaningful connections with individuals in need. I specialize in assisting people facing challenges in focus, mood regulation, and overall well-being. I help busy professionals who are diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, PTSD, and ADHD stop feeling lost and unfulfilled in their personal and professional lives so that they can have the mental capacity to be present with their families. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can openly express yourself.
Vebron Health PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, MSN, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
I am a Board Certified PMHNP, with experience working with adults and adolescents with varied psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, Alcohol and Substance use disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders to name a few. I also enjoy working with the older adult/geriatric population with disorders that include, but are not limited to Major Neurocognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. I use a patient centered approach to patient care, with emphasis on providing psychoeducation to patients and their families.
I am a Board Certified PMHNP, with experience working with adults and adolescents with varied psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, Alcohol and Substance use disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders to name a few. I also enjoy working with the older adult/geriatric population with disorders that include, but are not limited to Major Neurocognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. I use a patient centered approach to patient care, with emphasis on providing psychoeducation to patients and their families.
Mental health effects every human being. It is vital to understand how our mind and body works together in order to make changes to live the best life we can. As a first generation American, Asra strives to break the stigma related to psychiatric care. With experience in treating children, adolescents and adults for a variety of behavioral health concerns, she understands making small daily changes can lead to long-term results. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based care for her patients and devotes herself to continuous learning.
Mental health effects every human being. It is vital to understand how our mind and body works together in order to make changes to live the best life we can. As a first generation American, Asra strives to break the stigma related to psychiatric care. With experience in treating children, adolescents and adults for a variety of behavioral health concerns, she understands making small daily changes can lead to long-term results. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based care for her patients and devotes herself to continuous learning.
Danielle Sudler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or a life transition can impact every moment of every day. As a board-certified PMHNP, further certified in perinatal mental health, I am dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare that validates and enhances quality of life. Lived experience and professional training guide my practice of providing affirming care, especially pertaining to those who identify as gender and/or sexual minorities. I respect that intersectionality offers important and necessary nuances to mental health. Your story is unique and your path to healing is valued.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or a life transition can impact every moment of every day. As a board-certified PMHNP, further certified in perinatal mental health, I am dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare that validates and enhances quality of life. Lived experience and professional training guide my practice of providing affirming care, especially pertaining to those who identify as gender and/or sexual minorities. I respect that intersectionality offers important and necessary nuances to mental health. Your story is unique and your path to healing is valued.
I partner with my patients to find the best treatment options for their circumstances. Although medication is often an important part of treatment, providing other resources to patients to help with their mental health is an important part of my approach to patient care. Currently accepting patients aged 4-65 years old.
I partner with my patients to find the best treatment options for their circumstances. Although medication is often an important part of treatment, providing other resources to patients to help with their mental health is an important part of my approach to patient care. Currently accepting patients aged 4-65 years old.
I am a psychiatrist, a physician, a mother, a spouse, a daughter, a sibling, a teacher, and a student. I will bring all of these perspectives, and more, to our work together. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, OCD, tic disorders / BFRBs, and mood disorders. I take a whole-person approach to mental health care that considers your physical health, nutritional status, lifestyle, family life, and work environment. I consider us to be partners in your care. I will make suggestions for your treatment based on my knowledge and experience, and you will make decisions about how to move forward.
I am a psychiatrist, a physician, a mother, a spouse, a daughter, a sibling, a teacher, and a student. I will bring all of these perspectives, and more, to our work together. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, OCD, tic disorders / BFRBs, and mood disorders. I take a whole-person approach to mental health care that considers your physical health, nutritional status, lifestyle, family life, and work environment. I consider us to be partners in your care. I will make suggestions for your treatment based on my knowledge and experience, and you will make decisions about how to move forward.
Dr. Tina A Okonkwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-C
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27260
Dr. Tina is a highly experienced and compassionate provider who leaves no stone untouched when it comes to healthcare delivery. She utilizes her years of experience as a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Family medicine and Psychiatric/Behavioral medicine to take care of her clients. Dr. Okonkwo has exceptional listening skills, and she engages her clients in a relaxing way. She understands that there is no "one size fits all" in healthcare; hence, she approaches each client as a person and not a patient, and she treats the conditions and not the symptoms.
Dr. Tina is a highly experienced and compassionate provider who leaves no stone untouched when it comes to healthcare delivery. She utilizes her years of experience as a dual-certified Nurse Practitioner in Family medicine and Psychiatric/Behavioral medicine to take care of her clients. Dr. Okonkwo has exceptional listening skills, and she engages her clients in a relaxing way. She understands that there is no "one size fits all" in healthcare; hence, she approaches each client as a person and not a patient, and she treats the conditions and not the symptoms.
Dr. Krista Alexander is a board-certified psychiatrist who loves equipping her fellow human beings to feel and function better. She studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency at Duke University. She has worked in both private practice and integrated primary care/behavioral health care settings. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Krista offers medication management and supportive psychotherapy for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues.
Dr. Krista Alexander is a board-certified psychiatrist who loves equipping her fellow human beings to feel and function better. She studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency at Duke University. She has worked in both private practice and integrated primary care/behavioral health care settings. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Krista offers medication management and supportive psychotherapy for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues.
Daniel Eskenazi
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is directed towards adults suffering from various symptoms that may include any or all of the following: trouble sleeping, over-worrying, intense sadness that interferes with the ability to get through the day, intense euphoria that can lead to impulsiveness and poor decision-making, impairments in attention leading to distraction and inability to organize and focus, struggles with substance use, difficulty understanding reality and making sense of different visions and voices and trouble maintaining meaningful relationships and finding a sense of purpose in life.
My practice is directed towards adults suffering from various symptoms that may include any or all of the following: trouble sleeping, over-worrying, intense sadness that interferes with the ability to get through the day, intense euphoria that can lead to impulsiveness and poor decision-making, impairments in attention leading to distraction and inability to organize and focus, struggles with substance use, difficulty understanding reality and making sense of different visions and voices and trouble maintaining meaningful relationships and finding a sense of purpose in life.
Jacqueline Wait
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Jackson Springs, NC 27281 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background in both inpatient and outpatient care. I've worked with patients dealing with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. My approach involves utilizing the latest diagnostic guidelines from the DSM and evidence-based treatments to support patients in reclaiming their well-being. I strongly believe in the significance of mental health, aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. My mission is to educate and empower individuals to make their mental health a priority.
Hi! I'm a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a background in both inpatient and outpatient care. I've worked with patients dealing with substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. My approach involves utilizing the latest diagnostic guidelines from the DSM and evidence-based treatments to support patients in reclaiming their well-being. I strongly believe in the significance of mental health, aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. My mission is to educate and empower individuals to make their mental health a priority.
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily through insight-oriented psychotherapy. I treat patients who are missing a sense of balance, meaning, connection, or purpose in their lives, who feel stuck with regard to career, romance, or family, who notice concerning, repetitive, or self-destructive patterns in relationships, mental attitudes, or behavior, and who struggle with the lingering effects of abuse, neglect, or other challenging life experiences. My expertise in psychotherapy and the medical practice of psychiatry enables me to offer thoughtful, comprehensive and individualized treatment, which may or may not include medication.
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily through insight-oriented psychotherapy. I treat patients who are missing a sense of balance, meaning, connection, or purpose in their lives, who feel stuck with regard to career, romance, or family, who notice concerning, repetitive, or self-destructive patterns in relationships, mental attitudes, or behavior, and who struggle with the lingering effects of abuse, neglect, or other challenging life experiences. My expertise in psychotherapy and the medical practice of psychiatry enables me to offer thoughtful, comprehensive and individualized treatment, which may or may not include medication.
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily by psychotherapy, listening carefully to understand your experience. Feeling understood and accepted can be liberating, which helps us as we work together to understand problems in daily life, such as work, relationships, or school. Our exploration might include talking about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, and fantasies. This process opens up more happiness, well-being, and freedom to make the choices you want.
I am a psychiatrist who works primarily by psychotherapy, listening carefully to understand your experience. Feeling understood and accepted can be liberating, which helps us as we work together to understand problems in daily life, such as work, relationships, or school. Our exploration might include talking about your thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears, and fantasies. This process opens up more happiness, well-being, and freedom to make the choices you want.
Mending Minds Behavioral Health, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NC 28304
I offer medication management for a vast array of mental health issues, ages 4 and up, along with supportive therapy during your appointments. When necessary, I will assist with referrals such as psychological testing or specialized therapy tailored to individual needs.
I offer medication management for a vast array of mental health issues, ages 4 and up, along with supportive therapy during your appointments. When necessary, I will assist with referrals such as psychological testing or specialized therapy tailored to individual needs.
Jessica’s mission is to provide collaborative care to help her patients live healthier and more productive lives. She treats depression with psychosis, depression with suicidality, eating disorders, postpartum and pregnancy depression, psychosis with long-acting injectables, and treatment-resistant depression.
Jessica’s mission is to provide collaborative care to help her patients live healthier and more productive lives. She treats depression with psychosis, depression with suicidality, eating disorders, postpartum and pregnancy depression, psychosis with long-acting injectables, and treatment-resistant depression.
Kellyn helps adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adjustment issues, bipolar disorder, women's issues, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kellyn helps adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adjustment issues, bipolar disorder, women's issues, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
See more therapy options for Franklin County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Franklin County, NC
< 10
Psychiatrists in Franklin County, NC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
67% | Anxiety |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Grief |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Dual Diagnosis |
Average years in practice
21 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Franklin County, NC see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Franklin County?
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.