Psychiatrists in Wyndmoor, PA
![Photo of Samuel P Wyche, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c5f28be-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Life is full of distractions, the expected and unexpected. Activities of daily living keep us from what we treasure most. These distractions cause problems in our relationships, at home, work, school and socially, disrupting the harmony between our inner self and the world around us.
Talk therapy alone works in most situations. Talk treatments I use include psychoanalytic psychotherapy, insight oriented psychotherapy, supportive therapy and psychoanalysis.
In some circumstances, the addition of medication is recommended and discussed.
Life is full of distractions, the expected and unexpected. Activities of daily living keep us from what we treasure most. These distractions cause problems in our relationships, at home, work, school and socially, disrupting the harmony between our inner self and the world around us.
Talk therapy alone works in most situations. Talk treatments I use include psychoanalytic psychotherapy, insight oriented psychotherapy, supportive therapy and psychoanalysis.
In some circumstances, the addition of medication is recommended and discussed.
![Photo of Franklin George Maleson, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b5f7a7c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I regard empathy, responsiveness, and respect for the patient as core therapeutic values. While I tailor treatment to the individual, as a psychoanalyst I place special importance on gaining insight about unconscious contributors to current difficulties. I also appreciate the importance of clarifying and resolving here-and-now problems. When appropriate I prescribe medications or work short-term. My style is collaborative rather than authoritarian. For many years I have taught psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to trainees in these fields. I also teach professional ethics. I have published in the major journals in my field and am a training and supervising psychoanalyst.
I regard empathy, responsiveness, and respect for the patient as core therapeutic values. While I tailor treatment to the individual, as a psychoanalyst I place special importance on gaining insight about unconscious contributors to current difficulties. I also appreciate the importance of clarifying and resolving here-and-now problems. When appropriate I prescribe medications or work short-term. My style is collaborative rather than authoritarian. For many years I have taught psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to trainees in these fields. I also teach professional ethics. I have published in the major journals in my field and am a training and supervising psychoanalyst.
![Photo of Dr. Jonathan A Beatty, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b878dfc-4f85-48b4-b95d-f5327a980125/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients treatment-resistant depression with TMS and Spravato/ketamine. We continue to offer harm reduction and medication options to meet your goals when struggling w/ substance dependence. Triple-board certified and provide a comprehensive medical approach and psychotherapy. Extensive experience treating the most complex issues that you are facing. I will help you to break down these issues and identify recurring themes that may be the barriers to your mental and physical wellness. Addiction is a medical disorder not a moral failure; together we will address the neurobiology of addiction AND its psychological impact.
Accepting new patients treatment-resistant depression with TMS and Spravato/ketamine. We continue to offer harm reduction and medication options to meet your goals when struggling w/ substance dependence. Triple-board certified and provide a comprehensive medical approach and psychotherapy. Extensive experience treating the most complex issues that you are facing. I will help you to break down these issues and identify recurring themes that may be the barriers to your mental and physical wellness. Addiction is a medical disorder not a moral failure; together we will address the neurobiology of addiction AND its psychological impact.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Samuel Stevenson, MSN, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ce00e3f-7c8e-483f-aebc-d5e45983758f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samuel Stevenson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Abington, PA 19001
With two years of professional experience, Samuel Stevenson, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, has developed a deep expertise in psychiatric mental health. His clinical practice spans comprehensive medication management and psychotherapy for a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. Samuel has worked in diverse settings, which has enabled him to refine his approach to care, ensuring that it is both evidence-based and tailored to the individual needs of his patients.
With two years of professional experience, Samuel Stevenson, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, has developed a deep expertise in psychiatric mental health. His clinical practice spans comprehensive medication management and psychotherapy for a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. Samuel has worked in diverse settings, which has enabled him to refine his approach to care, ensuring that it is both evidence-based and tailored to the individual needs of his patients.
![Photo of Leigh Myers, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a56e30b-8971-41ea-9a8e-5b07052a8093/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Elizabeth Pak- Impak Psychiatry, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3042b932-3016-4082-8895-d6277fbad292/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Pak- Impak Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Accepting clients with Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Highmark, Cigna, and Optum! As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric medication management for treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, postpartum mental conditions, PMDD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, among other conditions for ages 18 to 65. During the 60 minute initial evaluation, we will discuss history and symptoms to gain clarity on diagnosis to guide our treatment plan moving forward. During the 30 minute follow ups, we will discuss medication efficacy, side effects and risks/benefits in continuing medications. Please visit my website at impakpsychiatry.com.
Accepting clients with Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Highmark, Cigna, and Optum! As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric medication management for treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, postpartum mental conditions, PMDD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, among other conditions for ages 18 to 65. During the 60 minute initial evaluation, we will discuss history and symptoms to gain clarity on diagnosis to guide our treatment plan moving forward. During the 30 minute follow ups, we will discuss medication efficacy, side effects and risks/benefits in continuing medications. Please visit my website at impakpsychiatry.com.
![Photo of Amanda Kingston - Brave Counseling & Wellness, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/694cd505-d07e-4563-afd4-a62a727797ad/1/320x400.png)
You’ve been searching for help for a long time. You’ve tried every approach to find a psychiatrist, counselor, or coach you connect with. You’ve browsed countless websites and spoken in confidence to those you trust. You crave a real connection with a mental health professional—a person who understands you and has the expertise to help you achieve lasting change. You're looking for feedback and concrete tools. A clinician who affirms your values and who you are. We've got you if you're ready to dive in and do the real work! Our Brave mental health experts love working with teens, college students, young adults, and adults.
You’ve been searching for help for a long time. You’ve tried every approach to find a psychiatrist, counselor, or coach you connect with. You’ve browsed countless websites and spoken in confidence to those you trust. You crave a real connection with a mental health professional—a person who understands you and has the expertise to help you achieve lasting change. You're looking for feedback and concrete tools. A clinician who affirms your values and who you are. We've got you if you're ready to dive in and do the real work! Our Brave mental health experts love working with teens, college students, young adults, and adults.
![Photo of Irene Hurford, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5430fdf0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
MY PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY FULL. I DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE. I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of individuals struggling to make sense of themselves, and their place in their life and in the world. I have worked for many years with individuals with psychosis, which has taught me to respect our innately human ability to construct narratives of our experiences, and the power of narrative to define our sense of purpose. I work with individuals who want to create lasting change in their lives and bring meaning back to their life story.
MY PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY FULL. I DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE. I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of individuals struggling to make sense of themselves, and their place in their life and in the world. I have worked for many years with individuals with psychosis, which has taught me to respect our innately human ability to construct narratives of our experiences, and the power of narrative to define our sense of purpose. I work with individuals who want to create lasting change in their lives and bring meaning back to their life story.
![Photo of Vincenzo R Sanguineti, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bddfee9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise in Adult Psychiatry include: anxiety disorders (obsessive-compulsive, PTSD, dissociative disorders); depression (including atypical and treatment resistant subtypes); bipolar disorders; pain management and other medico-psychiatric conditions; addictions and substance abuse; problems of aging. By practicing for over 40 years I came to realize that every individual is able to change his or her way of thinking and feeling, provided the client is willing to do so. My role is to individualize which role medications and psychotherapy may play for each client, in which combination, and to act accordingly.
My areas of expertise in Adult Psychiatry include: anxiety disorders (obsessive-compulsive, PTSD, dissociative disorders); depression (including atypical and treatment resistant subtypes); bipolar disorders; pain management and other medico-psychiatric conditions; addictions and substance abuse; problems of aging. By practicing for over 40 years I came to realize that every individual is able to change his or her way of thinking and feeling, provided the client is willing to do so. My role is to individualize which role medications and psychotherapy may play for each client, in which combination, and to act accordingly.
![Photo of Alexandria Dougherty - Complete Mind Care, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a29e644-cb4f-4775-b8dc-8ddf027c849d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I was called to work in psychiatric care from an early age, entering nursing specifically to practice in psychiatry after obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I aim to understand my patients' symptoms and the root of their aliments, in order to provide the most appropriate care. In addition to medication management, I have been trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, as an alternative treatment modality.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with almost 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I was called to work in psychiatric care from an early age, entering nursing specifically to practice in psychiatry after obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. I aim to understand my patients' symptoms and the root of their aliments, in order to provide the most appropriate care. In addition to medication management, I have been trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, as an alternative treatment modality.
![Photo of Dr. Denise Chase, PhD, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24a13c3b-7fc3-40d5-b273-805215096e53/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Denise Chase
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046 (Online Only)
With an extensive background in nursing and psychiatric care, I am a seasoned Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services. My journey began with a solid foundation in nursing education at Gwynedd Mercy University, where I developed and revised curricula for various nurse practitioner programs, ensuring that future healthcare providers are well-equipped to meet the needs of their patients. My commitment to excellence in mental health care is reflected in my work as a consultant for various organizations, where I've played a key role in it
With an extensive background in nursing and psychiatric care, I am a seasoned Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services. My journey began with a solid foundation in nursing education at Gwynedd Mercy University, where I developed and revised curricula for various nurse practitioner programs, ensuring that future healthcare providers are well-equipped to meet the needs of their patients. My commitment to excellence in mental health care is reflected in my work as a consultant for various organizations, where I've played a key role in it
![Photo of Sudha Jairaj, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/425c183b-1740-4c3d-8a27-bca1beca1fdc/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Sharon R Katz, FPMHNP, CNS, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86f6a36a-c6f7-4e3e-aa6a-6387b7a34d75/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon R Katz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP, CNS, CRNP
Verified Verified
Abington, PA 19001
Have you been frustrated with not being able to understand your thoughts or being able to talk to your psychiatric provider? Have a complex family, medical or mental health illness that has frustrated other providers? I am very experienced: 25 years of working as a nurse and marriage and family therapist combined with an additional 13 years of prescribing holistic and traditional medications resulting in significant experience seeing patients for significant mental illnesses, I work to keep patients healthy, prescribing holistic as well as traditional methods of psychiatry and focused on improving functioning at home and work.
Have you been frustrated with not being able to understand your thoughts or being able to talk to your psychiatric provider? Have a complex family, medical or mental health illness that has frustrated other providers? I am very experienced: 25 years of working as a nurse and marriage and family therapist combined with an additional 13 years of prescribing holistic and traditional medications resulting in significant experience seeing patients for significant mental illnesses, I work to keep patients healthy, prescribing holistic as well as traditional methods of psychiatry and focused on improving functioning at home and work.
![Photo of Ayanna Logan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb5f504b-1515-4e5c-b6fb-90063bf981db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ayanna Logan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glenside, PA 19038 (Online Only)
Do you feel like your life is not where you want it to be? Are you experiencing mental difficulties and believe that this is preventing you from moving forward in your life? Well I'm here to lend you some assistance. Whatever you're going through, I want to help you work through it so you can be the best you possible.
Do you feel like your life is not where you want it to be? Are you experiencing mental difficulties and believe that this is preventing you from moving forward in your life? Well I'm here to lend you some assistance. Whatever you're going through, I want to help you work through it so you can be the best you possible.
![Photo of Mee Park, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f73f137-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an ABPN Board Certified, licensed psychiatrist providing comprehensive psychiatric services for adult men and women in the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs. I have a particular interest and spent many years specializing in the evaluation and treatment of complex trauma. My other interests involve helping those with significant interpersonal relationship difficulties, helping women navigate the various transitions they may experience in the course of their life, as well as working with individuals in the creative and performing arts and the particular challenges they may face.
I am an ABPN Board Certified, licensed psychiatrist providing comprehensive psychiatric services for adult men and women in the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs. I have a particular interest and spent many years specializing in the evaluation and treatment of complex trauma. My other interests involve helping those with significant interpersonal relationship difficulties, helping women navigate the various transitions they may experience in the course of their life, as well as working with individuals in the creative and performing arts and the particular challenges they may face.
![Photo of Danielle Giuliano, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f305d40-68c7-4dfb-ac25-faba121fa08b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone’s journey with mental health is not the same, so it’s important to have a personalized treatment plan, to fit each individual’s need. Often times, patients I work with have only ever been offered medication as the solution to their symptoms. I recognize the value in medication management, while also being an advocate for alternate therapies, such as TMS and esketamine. I believe it is important to establish an honest and trustworthy relationship, to ensure optimal quality care, through effective and safe approaches to care.
Everyone’s journey with mental health is not the same, so it’s important to have a personalized treatment plan, to fit each individual’s need. Often times, patients I work with have only ever been offered medication as the solution to their symptoms. I recognize the value in medication management, while also being an advocate for alternate therapies, such as TMS and esketamine. I believe it is important to establish an honest and trustworthy relationship, to ensure optimal quality care, through effective and safe approaches to care.
![Photo of Ife Ajuwon - Ife Ajuwon, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ef3a4d0-0130-4c5d-accd-17e5efe286dc/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner passionate about working with clients to improve their quality of life as it relates to their mental health. I believe in empathetic communication, patient advocacy, empowering my patients, and proactive and timely pharmacological and psychitherapeutic interventions. My mission at Psychtitude NP is to treat you in a therapeutic, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment while following evidence-based guidelines as well as clinical experience.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner passionate about working with clients to improve their quality of life as it relates to their mental health. I believe in empathetic communication, patient advocacy, empowering my patients, and proactive and timely pharmacological and psychitherapeutic interventions. My mission at Psychtitude NP is to treat you in a therapeutic, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment while following evidence-based guidelines as well as clinical experience.
![Photo of Lacy Clayton, DNP, CRNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cc8f574-09a6-4f17-8631-342e3279c901/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lacy Clayton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Waitlist for new clients
At this time Lacy Clayton Wellness is at full capacity. You may reach out via our website to be added to our waitlist. Thank you. Hello, I'm Lacy and I am glad you are here. Are you looking for a medication provider who considers you as an individual? Listening, compassion, understanding, and clinical expertise are the cornerstones of my practice. It is a privilege to be part of someone’s mental health care and my promise to you is to make every effort to ensure you feel heard, supported, and actively engaged in your health care. I value getting to know you as an individual and tailoring a treatment plan specifically for you.
At this time Lacy Clayton Wellness is at full capacity. You may reach out via our website to be added to our waitlist. Thank you. Hello, I'm Lacy and I am glad you are here. Are you looking for a medication provider who considers you as an individual? Listening, compassion, understanding, and clinical expertise are the cornerstones of my practice. It is a privilege to be part of someone’s mental health care and my promise to you is to make every effort to ensure you feel heard, supported, and actively engaged in your health care. I value getting to know you as an individual and tailoring a treatment plan specifically for you.
![Photo of Richard Yudell - Complete Mind Care of Pa , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d3dfd1b-e9cd-439b-9098-a5131a0e9a06/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Richard Yudell is a licensed psychiatrist with 41 years of experience. He received his medical degree from Universitat di Bologna Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia in Bologna, Italy. After medical school, he completed his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is currently affiliated with Friends Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Yudell association with Complete Mind Care of PA allows him to work with CMC of PA providers to help diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Dr. Richard Yudell is a licensed psychiatrist with 41 years of experience. He received his medical degree from Universitat di Bologna Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia in Bologna, Italy. After medical school, he completed his residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is currently affiliated with Friends Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Yudell association with Complete Mind Care of PA allows him to work with CMC of PA providers to help diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
I work with children, adolescents and adults who are looking for help to feel better about themselves and their lives. As a psychoanalyst with many years of experience working with all ages, I work with people to discover the causes of their distress. We can then work together to find new ways that they can understand the underlying problems and new ways to deal with them. I am also a psychiatrist with child, adolescent and adult training. While my primary focus is psychotherapy, I am also able to discuss possible needs for medication.
I work with children, adolescents and adults who are looking for help to feel better about themselves and their lives. As a psychoanalyst with many years of experience working with all ages, I work with people to discover the causes of their distress. We can then work together to find new ways that they can understand the underlying problems and new ways to deal with them. I am also a psychiatrist with child, adolescent and adult training. While my primary focus is psychotherapy, I am also able to discuss possible needs for medication.
See more therapy options for Wyndmoor
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Wyndmoor, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Wyndmoor, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Relationship Issues |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Grief |
67% | Parenting |
Average years in practice
43 Years
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
How Psychiatrists in Wyndmoor, PA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Wyndmoor?
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.