Psychiatrists in Warminster, PA
Martin Brecher - Hope Springs is committed to giving the best of themselves in an effort to bring out the best in all of those who enter our facility. Our team consists of psychiatrists and licensed therapists who are experienced in treating adolescents, teens and adults with various neurological and behavioral conditions. Psychotherapy provided in my office is mandatory, along with medication if required. We are an Intensive Outpatient Facility where we do accept insurance only when psychotherapy is agreed upon for teens and adults. Teens, adults and their families are welcome to participate in our successful treatment model.
Martin Brecher - Hope Springs is committed to giving the best of themselves in an effort to bring out the best in all of those who enter our facility. Our team consists of psychiatrists and licensed therapists who are experienced in treating adolescents, teens and adults with various neurological and behavioral conditions. Psychotherapy provided in my office is mandatory, along with medication if required. We are an Intensive Outpatient Facility where we do accept insurance only when psychotherapy is agreed upon for teens and adults. Teens, adults and their families are welcome to participate in our successful treatment model.
To be well in today's world, we are encouraged to utilize all the tools available to us. There is so much information on wellness that we have access to, and each person's task is to find the best fit for their best quality of life. I hope that as your psychiatrist, I can work with you in finding the right treatment to support you as you do the tough work in creating balance in your life. My goal is to make your self-care a priority and provide sound medical advice grounded in evidence-based medicine. Psychiatry is a science, but caring for you is an art.
To be well in today's world, we are encouraged to utilize all the tools available to us. There is so much information on wellness that we have access to, and each person's task is to find the best fit for their best quality of life. I hope that as your psychiatrist, I can work with you in finding the right treatment to support you as you do the tough work in creating balance in your life. My goal is to make your self-care a priority and provide sound medical advice grounded in evidence-based medicine. Psychiatry is a science, but caring for you is an art.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). I address conditions from both a Lifestyle AND Medical perspective compared to most physicians who focus often on solely a medical perspective. I have experience treating ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Obsessions & Compulsions, Insomnia, Psychosis, and more. My treatments comprise of Wellness & Nutritional Advice, Meditation, Psychotherapy, and Osteopathic Treatments. I offer evidence-based Psychedelic-Assisted-Psychotherapy (with Ketamine).
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). I address conditions from both a Lifestyle AND Medical perspective compared to most physicians who focus often on solely a medical perspective. I have experience treating ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Obsessions & Compulsions, Insomnia, Psychosis, and more. My treatments comprise of Wellness & Nutritional Advice, Meditation, Psychotherapy, and Osteopathic Treatments. I offer evidence-based Psychedelic-Assisted-Psychotherapy (with Ketamine).
There is no set approach to mental health care, individualized care is a key component to successful treatment. My experience enables me to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychiatric care. I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals seeking inner peace. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey. The goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
There is no set approach to mental health care, individualized care is a key component to successful treatment. My experience enables me to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychiatric care. I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals seeking inner peace. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey. The goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
Dr. Jairaj is an established and highly skilled psychiatrist with over 44 years of practice experience, having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. While she has extensive experience in understanding medication dosing and drug interactions, she provides holistic treatments, to ensure optimal patient care. Dr. Jairaj's passion is driven by the bonds she builds with her patients and the enjoyment she holds in keeping them healthy and well.
Dr. Jairaj is an established and highly skilled psychiatrist with over 44 years of practice experience, having worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. While she has extensive experience in understanding medication dosing and drug interactions, she provides holistic treatments, to ensure optimal patient care. Dr. Jairaj's passion is driven by the bonds she builds with her patients and the enjoyment she holds in keeping them healthy and well.
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.
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
I am a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. I partner with my patients to build a treatment plan that matches your individual needs. In my practice, there will be no gaslighting or judgement - one small fact that most of my patients enjoy is that I will flat out ask everybody "What do you think is going on? Did you have a diagnosis or treatment options in mind?".
I am a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. I partner with my patients to build a treatment plan that matches your individual needs. In my practice, there will be no gaslighting or judgement - one small fact that most of my patients enjoy is that I will flat out ask everybody "What do you think is going on? Did you have a diagnosis or treatment options in mind?".
Chikodili Obi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
Great to meet you! Chikodili Obi is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who graduated from Wilkes University. She is enthusiastic about providing quality, evidence based psychiatric care across the life span. Chikodili possesses strong clinical skills necessary to establish and build relationships with patients She specializes in treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, psychosis and mood disorders.
Great to meet you! Chikodili Obi is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who graduated from Wilkes University. She is enthusiastic about providing quality, evidence based psychiatric care across the life span. Chikodili possesses strong clinical skills necessary to establish and build relationships with patients She specializes in treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, psychosis and mood disorders.
Mentis Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18901
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
Saundra Hyman, DNP, MSN/MEd, CRNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC I had the opportunity to work in a community Behavioral Health Center and saw a great need for mental health services in the community. This fueled my desire to work with this population. In my role as a PMHNP, I work with the patient, for the patient to help guide them to be the very best of themselves. I use of both medication management and brief psychotherapy to help patients to reach their desired goals. I have experience in treating a range of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma related disorders.
Saundra Hyman, DNP, MSN/MEd, CRNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC I had the opportunity to work in a community Behavioral Health Center and saw a great need for mental health services in the community. This fueled my desire to work with this population. In my role as a PMHNP, I work with the patient, for the patient to help guide them to be the very best of themselves. I use of both medication management and brief psychotherapy to help patients to reach their desired goals. I have experience in treating a range of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma related disorders.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
I am a Harvard trained, Yale educated, psychiatrist currently licensed in PA and NJ. I treat a variety of conditions with a special interest in a holistic approach to ADHD and related executive function struggles in high achieving individuals. I begin with a thorough assessment (medical, nutritional and psychosocial), and work hard to tailor treatment to you needs. Our work may entail talk therapy, skills coaching, nutritional assessment and repair, meditation and mindfulness exercises, and when indicated, medication treatment. When medications are used, I work diligently to minimize side effects and monitor potential interactions.
I am a Harvard trained, Yale educated, psychiatrist currently licensed in PA and NJ. I treat a variety of conditions with a special interest in a holistic approach to ADHD and related executive function struggles in high achieving individuals. I begin with a thorough assessment (medical, nutritional and psychosocial), and work hard to tailor treatment to you needs. Our work may entail talk therapy, skills coaching, nutritional assessment and repair, meditation and mindfulness exercises, and when indicated, medication treatment. When medications are used, I work diligently to minimize side effects and monitor potential interactions.
Hello. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Doylestown, King of Prussia and virtually in PA. I work with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Self Harm, OCD, ODD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, ASP, Suicidal Ideation and many other mental health Issues. I can evaluate for ADHD in the initial session. I have consults with parents who are hesitant or not quite ready for their child or adolescent to start medication but want to become knowledgeable in case that time comes. I strive in my sessions to gather all pertinent information in order to prescribe the psychiatric medications that will best suit my clients needs.
Hello. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Doylestown, King of Prussia and virtually in PA. I work with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Self Harm, OCD, ODD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, ASP, Suicidal Ideation and many other mental health Issues. I can evaluate for ADHD in the initial session. I have consults with parents who are hesitant or not quite ready for their child or adolescent to start medication but want to become knowledgeable in case that time comes. I strive in my sessions to gather all pertinent information in order to prescribe the psychiatric medications that will best suit my clients needs.
Double Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist providing psychotherapy, Medication Management and compassionate care to patients in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Two practice locations: Mainline Mental Health, LLC www.mainlinemh.com in Narberth, PA & Supreme Wellness, LLC www.supremewellnessrecovery.com in Newtown, PA which also provided Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Addiction Counseling to teens and adults. Our staff includes highly skilled licensed therapists who specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma-focused treatment.
Double Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist providing psychotherapy, Medication Management and compassionate care to patients in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Two practice locations: Mainline Mental Health, LLC www.mainlinemh.com in Narberth, PA & Supreme Wellness, LLC www.supremewellnessrecovery.com in Newtown, PA which also provided Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Addiction Counseling to teens and adults. Our staff includes highly skilled licensed therapists who specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma-focused treatment.
As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I treat psychiatric conditions using a holistic and bio-psycho-social approach. My goal is to restore feelings of stability and well-being and I work with each patient to develop a specialized plan of care. My training has offered me the ability to provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. I understand that starting medication can have its concerns and I strive to provide education and counseling during this process.
As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I treat psychiatric conditions using a holistic and bio-psycho-social approach. My goal is to restore feelings of stability and well-being and I work with each patient to develop a specialized plan of care. My training has offered me the ability to provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. I understand that starting medication can have its concerns and I strive to provide education and counseling during this process.
My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.
My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.
Leigh Myers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Oreland, PA 19075 (Online Only)
You are more than your diagnoses. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to be one part of a multi-disciplinary team. I will provide insight into the use of medications and how they can aid you in reaching your life goals. I also provide supportive psychotherapy with medication to ensure you are being heard and your goals are being met. Your journey will be met with honesty, warmth, multidisciplinary collaboration, supportive therapy, and health education.
You are more than your diagnoses. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to be one part of a multi-disciplinary team. I will provide insight into the use of medications and how they can aid you in reaching your life goals. I also provide supportive psychotherapy with medication to ensure you are being heard and your goals are being met. Your journey will be met with honesty, warmth, multidisciplinary collaboration, supportive therapy, and health education.
Alison Ercole
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Doylestown, PA 18902 (Online Only)
Hello, I’m Alison. Thanks for taking the first step. Have you been struggling with mental health symptoms despite your best effort to employ coping skills? Are you looking for individualized medication options? I am a PMHNP who utilizes a strengths-based approach. In our sessions together, I’ll meet you with compassion and evidenced-based psychopharmacological approaches so you can overcome life’s challenges.
Hello, I’m Alison. Thanks for taking the first step. Have you been struggling with mental health symptoms despite your best effort to employ coping skills? Are you looking for individualized medication options? I am a PMHNP who utilizes a strengths-based approach. In our sessions together, I’ll meet you with compassion and evidenced-based psychopharmacological approaches so you can overcome life’s challenges.
See more therapy options for Warminster
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Warminster, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Warminster, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Medication Management |
75% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
25 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Other |
How Psychiatrists in Warminster, PA see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Warminster?
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.