Psychiatrists in 94115
Jacob Sacks, MD is a compassionate and patient psychiatrist and psychotherapist assisting his patients through mental and emotional conditions in San Francisco. After graduating from medical school, he completed a rigorous training in psychiatry at NYU/Bellevue Hospital. He has pursued additional training, teaching and clinical work at UCSF & San Francisco General Hospital. He continues intensive advanced training in psychoanalysis, as well as teaching at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
Jacob Sacks, MD is a compassionate and patient psychiatrist and psychotherapist assisting his patients through mental and emotional conditions in San Francisco. After graduating from medical school, he completed a rigorous training in psychiatry at NYU/Bellevue Hospital. He has pursued additional training, teaching and clinical work at UCSF & San Francisco General Hospital. He continues intensive advanced training in psychoanalysis, as well as teaching at San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults as well as medication for older adolescents and adults when indicated. My areas of focus are relationship issues, life transitions, mood and anxiety issues, trauma, parent-child struggles and developmental issues. I work with you to bring forth your lesser known and understood thoughts, feelings and motivations that trip you up in life. The goal is to diminish their intensity and meaningfully change your most troublesome life patterns so that you can live, love, work and play more fully and freely.
I'm a psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults as well as medication for older adolescents and adults when indicated. My areas of focus are relationship issues, life transitions, mood and anxiety issues, trauma, parent-child struggles and developmental issues. I work with you to bring forth your lesser known and understood thoughts, feelings and motivations that trip you up in life. The goal is to diminish their intensity and meaningfully change your most troublesome life patterns so that you can live, love, work and play more fully and freely.
Eilly Yang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, WHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Trained at Johns Hopkins University and triple board-certified in psychiatry, family, and women's health, I have experience caring for a diverse client population. I use a holistic, whole-person approach, meaning that we not only focus on medication, but also on lifestyle and behavioral changes. When medication is recommended, our goal is to reduce side effects while maximizing the benefits. You will find that I am curious, open-minded, inquisitive, and accepting. I care about my clients deeply and aim to build trust and respect within our therapeutic relationship.
Trained at Johns Hopkins University and triple board-certified in psychiatry, family, and women's health, I have experience caring for a diverse client population. I use a holistic, whole-person approach, meaning that we not only focus on medication, but also on lifestyle and behavioral changes. When medication is recommended, our goal is to reduce side effects while maximizing the benefits. You will find that I am curious, open-minded, inquisitive, and accepting. I care about my clients deeply and aim to build trust and respect within our therapeutic relationship.
I help adults and working professionals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD overcome self-doubt and their life obstacles by offering evidence-informed treatment that includes medication management, psychotherapy, supplements, lifestyle coaching, and more. I founded Ordinary Psychiatry to help others realize what I have over the years — good mental health is as essential as water and best serves us when woven into daily life. My approach to psychiatry is deeply personal and holistic. Simply put, I believe in treating the individual, not just the symptoms.
I help adults and working professionals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD overcome self-doubt and their life obstacles by offering evidence-informed treatment that includes medication management, psychotherapy, supplements, lifestyle coaching, and more. I founded Ordinary Psychiatry to help others realize what I have over the years — good mental health is as essential as water and best serves us when woven into daily life. My approach to psychiatry is deeply personal and holistic. Simply put, I believe in treating the individual, not just the symptoms.
Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Jade Zapata
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Finding a provider who is the right fit can be quite challenging. I invite you to take a moment to read about the kinds of support I offer as well as details about my practice and approach to care. As a board certified psychiatrist (MD) with additional expertise in psychotherapy, I offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach that goes well beyond prescribing. I work with individuals to better understand how their mind works, cultivate growth, and create meaningful change. Working in this way can lead to an enduring sense of well being, curiosity and hope. More details can be found on my website: jadezapatamd.com
Finding a provider who is the right fit can be quite challenging. I invite you to take a moment to read about the kinds of support I offer as well as details about my practice and approach to care. As a board certified psychiatrist (MD) with additional expertise in psychotherapy, I offer a comprehensive and compassionate approach that goes well beyond prescribing. I work with individuals to better understand how their mind works, cultivate growth, and create meaningful change. Working in this way can lead to an enduring sense of well being, curiosity and hope. More details can be found on my website: jadezapatamd.com
Do you feel tired, down and unable to get through the day? Or do you feel anxious and restless all the time? Life doesn't have to feel that way. Don't let depression and anxiety ruin your day. Work with me so you can heal and to achieve happiness.
Do you feel tired, down and unable to get through the day? Or do you feel anxious and restless all the time? Life doesn't have to feel that way. Don't let depression and anxiety ruin your day. Work with me so you can heal and to achieve happiness.
Welcome! I am medically trained to diagnose and treat psychiatric illness, and rule out medical causes of psychiatric symptoms. In my practice I rely on laboratory testing as well as very detailed history as part of your assessment. We will work together on a plan to get your life back on track. I offer a free 15 min phone consultation. Contact form available on my website www.timelinepsychiatry.com.
Welcome! I am medically trained to diagnose and treat psychiatric illness, and rule out medical causes of psychiatric symptoms. In my practice I rely on laboratory testing as well as very detailed history as part of your assessment. We will work together on a plan to get your life back on track. I offer a free 15 min phone consultation. Contact form available on my website www.timelinepsychiatry.com.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you struggle with uncomfortable emotions or bodily sensations? Do you feel unsure about how to move forward with your life? Sometimes it takes a professional to help sort out what will be helpful for you. Together we can examine where the struggle lies, how ready you are to change, what the effective treatments are, and what role medications can play. If psychotherapy is a part of your treatment we can choose from various modalities to fit your needs including mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, behavioral strategies, exposure, and psychodynamic techniques.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you struggle with uncomfortable emotions or bodily sensations? Do you feel unsure about how to move forward with your life? Sometimes it takes a professional to help sort out what will be helpful for you. Together we can examine where the struggle lies, how ready you are to change, what the effective treatments are, and what role medications can play. If psychotherapy is a part of your treatment we can choose from various modalities to fit your needs including mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, behavioral strategies, exposure, and psychodynamic techniques.
The process of healing is a collaborative effort. Your role is to share with me your concerns and any issues which interfere with your or your loved one's daily life. Whether it be depression, anxiety, attention/focus or another mental heath topic, identifying the core issue is our first goal. I will then offer you my expert training and experience to recommend the best course of treatment to consider. Working together we will navigate along the healing process towards a happy, productive and satisfying quality of life.
The process of healing is a collaborative effort. Your role is to share with me your concerns and any issues which interfere with your or your loved one's daily life. Whether it be depression, anxiety, attention/focus or another mental heath topic, identifying the core issue is our first goal. I will then offer you my expert training and experience to recommend the best course of treatment to consider. Working together we will navigate along the healing process towards a happy, productive and satisfying quality of life.
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
Experience, insight, integrity, depth, support. I specialize in understanding you and what's happening: your culture, current dilemmas, patterns, strengths, interests, relationships, life history, and visions of yourself and the world. Our work will be tailored to fit your individual needs, through therapy, medications, or both. I have advanced training and interest in depth work, including psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches. The goal is to help you cope with life, grow, enjoy fulfilling relationships, achieve your potential and develop resilience. Board Certified Distinguished Fellow of the APA, active writer, and member of Asian American committee of the Northern California Psychiatric Society.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, AGNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
I am currently accepting new clients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, burnout, trauma, sleep/insomnia, alcohol/substance use, and relationship and attachment concerns.
I am currently accepting new clients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, burnout, trauma, sleep/insomnia, alcohol/substance use, and relationship and attachment concerns.
I provide a unique approach to psychiatric care, one that fully embraces a strengths-based, and personalized approach. While I treat the whole spectrum of mental health conditions, I specialize in ADD/ADHD, Trauma (PTSD), Sexual Health and Intimacy, Anxiety & Depression My work often focusses on professionals who have been successful, but now find themselves struggling, especially clinicians suffering from burnout.
I provide a unique approach to psychiatric care, one that fully embraces a strengths-based, and personalized approach. While I treat the whole spectrum of mental health conditions, I specialize in ADD/ADHD, Trauma (PTSD), Sexual Health and Intimacy, Anxiety & Depression My work often focusses on professionals who have been successful, but now find themselves struggling, especially clinicians suffering from burnout.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working with a variety of clients in-person and over tele-health. I specialize in the integrative treatment of patients with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, neuropsychiatric illness, and healing from trauma. I am a board certified neurologist, and understand the complex interplay between the structural “hardware” and emotional “software” in the brain. I have been featured in several media outlets including KQED and CBS for my work with clients with COVID-19 patients. I also teach extensively on neuropsychiatry and neuroanatomy at UCSF.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working with a variety of clients in-person and over tele-health. I specialize in the integrative treatment of patients with mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, neuropsychiatric illness, and healing from trauma. I am a board certified neurologist, and understand the complex interplay between the structural “hardware” and emotional “software” in the brain. I have been featured in several media outlets including KQED and CBS for my work with clients with COVID-19 patients. I also teach extensively on neuropsychiatry and neuroanatomy at UCSF.
Holistic mind and body treatment using psychiatric medication and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP). I specialize in management of mood disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. Visit www.drxia.org for more info.
Holistic mind and body treatment using psychiatric medication and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP). I specialize in management of mood disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. Visit www.drxia.org for more info.
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and loss—or even if something feels off to you, I am here. My goal is to help you better know yourself and your relationships with others, to know more about what may be holding you back, give word to the previously unknown and yet to be said in a welcoming and supportive space, an experience that can support you in dealing with your current struggles while looking at the bigger picture of your life, as well as your wishes, hopes, and dreams.
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and loss—or even if something feels off to you, I am here. My goal is to help you better know yourself and your relationships with others, to know more about what may be holding you back, give word to the previously unknown and yet to be said in a welcoming and supportive space, an experience that can support you in dealing with your current struggles while looking at the bigger picture of your life, as well as your wishes, hopes, and dreams.
I am a Yale and UCSF-trained psychiatrist with expertise in caring for a variety of mental health concerns using psychotherapy and medication. My approach to treatment is personalized to each individual's unique history, difficulties, strengths, and goals. In my practice, I focus on working with you to achieve long-lasting improvements in your mental health and life satisfaction by creating a space in which your inner life can be experienced and understood.
I am a Yale and UCSF-trained psychiatrist with expertise in caring for a variety of mental health concerns using psychotherapy and medication. My approach to treatment is personalized to each individual's unique history, difficulties, strengths, and goals. In my practice, I focus on working with you to achieve long-lasting improvements in your mental health and life satisfaction by creating a space in which your inner life can be experienced and understood.
Limitless Psychiatry: ADHD Speciality
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Coach, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Labeled as a PROCRAStINATOR, perpetually LATE, battling BRAIN-fog, or viewed as a time waster? These descriptors often strike a chord for those with ADHD, reflecting not a lack of effort or ambition but the complex challenges of an overlooked and undermanaged condition. As a PMHNP with a focus on ADHD, I've walked in your shoes. I know firsthand the frustration these labels can bring and how misleading they can be. My personal journey with ADHD, alongside my professional expertise, ignites my passion for offering care that goes beyond traditional management. Let's change the narrative. Together, we can rewrite your story.
Labeled as a PROCRAStINATOR, perpetually LATE, battling BRAIN-fog, or viewed as a time waster? These descriptors often strike a chord for those with ADHD, reflecting not a lack of effort or ambition but the complex challenges of an overlooked and undermanaged condition. As a PMHNP with a focus on ADHD, I've walked in your shoes. I know firsthand the frustration these labels can bring and how misleading they can be. My personal journey with ADHD, alongside my professional expertise, ignites my passion for offering care that goes beyond traditional management. Let's change the narrative. Together, we can rewrite your story.
Chelsea Landolin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP, ANP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Waitlist for new clients
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I offer virtual and in person visits for adults residing in California. I provide psychiatric consultation, diagnostic evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. I have extensive experience and treat most psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more). I aim to put you in the driver's seat in your life. You deserve to be there! I am kind, supportive, and offer specific advice and recommendations. I was trained in CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) by the Beck Institute.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I offer virtual and in person visits for adults residing in California. I provide psychiatric consultation, diagnostic evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. I have extensive experience and treat most psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more). I aim to put you in the driver's seat in your life. You deserve to be there! I am kind, supportive, and offer specific advice and recommendations. I was trained in CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) by the Beck Institute.
See more therapy options for 94115
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 94115
40+
Average cost per session
$337
Psychiatrists in 94115 who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
66% | ADHD |
64% | Medication Management |
64% | Stress |
62% | Trauma and PTSD |
55% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
82% | Cigna and Evernorth |
65% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 94115 see their clients
69% | In Person and Online | |
31% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
53% | Male | |
47% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 94115?
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.