Psychiatrists in Boise, ID
Jennifer Sims
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83706 (Online Only)
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Ms. Jennifer Sims is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has over 25 years of experience in psychiatry and in a variety of settings including inpatient, academics, and outpatient. Ms. Sims received her Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Indiana University. She is also a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and has an MBA. Her clinical passion is Patient-Centered Care and working in collaboration with Clients to assist them with their mental health well-being. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders to include, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in private practice in Boise, ID. As a PMHNP, I hold a master’s degree in nursing with specialized education and training in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. I am able to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications and use brief solution focused therapies. My approach to pharmacotherapy is judicious and thoughtful. I am currently accepting new clients ages 14 and up and I am credentialed with most major commercial insurance panels.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in private practice in Boise, ID. As a PMHNP, I hold a master’s degree in nursing with specialized education and training in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. I am able to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications and use brief solution focused therapies. My approach to pharmacotherapy is judicious and thoughtful. I am currently accepting new clients ages 14 and up and I am credentialed with most major commercial insurance panels.
I love working with children and families. I also love working with developmentally delayed children and adults. I will see all ages of clients though. I believe that every client I see wants to be as functional as the people that they see around them. My goal is to get them to a place where they feel that they can function within their role in society and feel fulfilled. Everyone in this world needs validation and to feel loved and needed. Often when we are struggling with mental health issues, those needs aren't being met. I want to get my patients to a place where they functioning and meeting those needs.
I love working with children and families. I also love working with developmentally delayed children and adults. I will see all ages of clients though. I believe that every client I see wants to be as functional as the people that they see around them. My goal is to get them to a place where they feel that they can function within their role in society and feel fulfilled. Everyone in this world needs validation and to feel loved and needed. Often when we are struggling with mental health issues, those needs aren't being met. I want to get my patients to a place where they functioning and meeting those needs.
Amanda is a dynamic and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience. Holding both a Master’s and Doctoral degree from Idaho State University, she brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical expertise to her practice. Amanda seeks to guide, engage, and collaborate with her patients to help them achieve their health goals and highest level of wellbeing.
Amanda is a dynamic and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience. Holding both a Master’s and Doctoral degree from Idaho State University, she brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical expertise to her practice. Amanda seeks to guide, engage, and collaborate with her patients to help them achieve their health goals and highest level of wellbeing.
Stephan France at Resilient Health Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Boise, ID 83702
Welcome to Resilient Health Psychiatry. I am Stephan France, an experienced board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I will ensure that your mental health needs are addressed with empathy and expertise. Through tailored treatment plans and attentive support, patients can anticipate a nurturing atmosphere where your concerns are understood and your values are respected. I will work with you to support and empower you as you learn to decrease the frequency and intensity of disruptive thoughts and behaviors. Thank you for visiting Resilient Health Psychiatry, where your journey to mental health resilience begins!
Welcome to Resilient Health Psychiatry. I am Stephan France, an experienced board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I will ensure that your mental health needs are addressed with empathy and expertise. Through tailored treatment plans and attentive support, patients can anticipate a nurturing atmosphere where your concerns are understood and your values are respected. I will work with you to support and empower you as you learn to decrease the frequency and intensity of disruptive thoughts and behaviors. Thank you for visiting Resilient Health Psychiatry, where your journey to mental health resilience begins!
Omega Mental Health has been serving the Treasure Valley community with quality healthcare since 1997. It has been our endeavor to bring to you the best healthcare available at affordable costs during hours that accommodate your schedule.
Omega Mental Health has been serving the Treasure Valley community with quality healthcare since 1997. It has been our endeavor to bring to you the best healthcare available at affordable costs during hours that accommodate your schedule.
I specialize in mental health and wellness, addiction (drug, alcohol, gambling, sex, and food), body image and weight loss support, transgender support, depression, anxiety, ADHD, borderline personality, RAD, ODD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, insomnia, Bipolar, schizophrenia, spectrum disorders, suicidal tendencies and emotional support across the lifespan licensed and trained in youth, adolescence, adult and geriatric population. I have both inpatient and outpatient care level experience as well as intensive outpatient support training and services. I encourage patient and family involvement in care planning and decision making.
I specialize in mental health and wellness, addiction (drug, alcohol, gambling, sex, and food), body image and weight loss support, transgender support, depression, anxiety, ADHD, borderline personality, RAD, ODD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, insomnia, Bipolar, schizophrenia, spectrum disorders, suicidal tendencies and emotional support across the lifespan licensed and trained in youth, adolescence, adult and geriatric population. I have both inpatient and outpatient care level experience as well as intensive outpatient support training and services. I encourage patient and family involvement in care planning and decision making.
Welcome! Are you ready to embark on your journey to well-being? I provide compassionate, personalized care tailored to meet your unique needs. Mental health can profoundly impact your well-being and I want to help you develop your individual path to healing. As a doctorally trained PA I specialize in understanding the unique nuances of each individual's mental health journey and address concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more. Your mental health is my priority and my goal is to empower you toward lasting transformation!
Welcome! Are you ready to embark on your journey to well-being? I provide compassionate, personalized care tailored to meet your unique needs. Mental health can profoundly impact your well-being and I want to help you develop your individual path to healing. As a doctorally trained PA I specialize in understanding the unique nuances of each individual's mental health journey and address concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more. Your mental health is my priority and my goal is to empower you toward lasting transformation!
Victor Onodjacha
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83702
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or OCD. They need a compassionate, proactive provider who listens and offers personalized treatment, including medication management and therapy. Their goals are to find stability, improve their emotional well-being, and regain control of their life. They seek a collaborative approach, wanting to feel heard, supported, and empowered as they work toward long-term mental and emotional balance. They want a partner in their journey to healing and personal growth.
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or OCD. They need a compassionate, proactive provider who listens and offers personalized treatment, including medication management and therapy. Their goals are to find stability, improve their emotional well-being, and regain control of their life. They seek a collaborative approach, wanting to feel heard, supported, and empowered as they work toward long-term mental and emotional balance. They want a partner in their journey to healing and personal growth.
Hope Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHCNS
Verified Verified
Boise, ID 83706 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Satu Woodland and am the Clinic Owner and Clinician at Hope Mental Health. We are a mental health clinic providing psych evals, med management and psychotherapy.
Hi, I'm Satu Woodland and am the Clinic Owner and Clinician at Hope Mental Health. We are a mental health clinic providing psych evals, med management and psychotherapy.
I opened Boise Ketamine Clinic over 8 years ago after losing a loved one to suicide. I read a study on ketamine for suicidal ER patients and the results were astounding, a 70% remission in 24 hours after a single ketamine dose. I opened BKC as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) and returned to school to obtain my PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner). I served a three year board term for the non-profit, American Society of Ketamine Practitioners. I then completed Integrative Psychiatry Institute Certificate Program for guiding non-ordinary states journeys and legal psychedelic medicine work.
I opened Boise Ketamine Clinic over 8 years ago after losing a loved one to suicide. I read a study on ketamine for suicidal ER patients and the results were astounding, a 70% remission in 24 hours after a single ketamine dose. I opened BKC as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) and returned to school to obtain my PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner). I served a three year board term for the non-profit, American Society of Ketamine Practitioners. I then completed Integrative Psychiatry Institute Certificate Program for guiding non-ordinary states journeys and legal psychedelic medicine work.
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Physician Assistant, MMS, PA-C, CAQ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83705 (Online Only)
Have you been considering medications for depression, anxiety or OCD, but not sure if this is the route for you? Do you have questions about what may be the best medication option for you? I understand, and I can help. Together, we can explore those questions and so much more. I focus on working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stressors, or life changes who want a collaborative approach to their mental healthcare. Together, we can create a welcoming and supportive relationship so that you can take an active role in your wellness.
Have you been considering medications for depression, anxiety or OCD, but not sure if this is the route for you? Do you have questions about what may be the best medication option for you? I understand, and I can help. Together, we can explore those questions and so much more. I focus on working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stressors, or life changes who want a collaborative approach to their mental healthcare. Together, we can create a welcoming and supportive relationship so that you can take an active role in your wellness.
Need to be heard? That is what I am here for. To listen and to explore what hasn't worked, and what has. Regardless of diagnosis, I want to help you with whatever symptoms are affecting you the most, and are your priority to address. I will help guide, but it is just as important that you feel comfortable with the options and any changes we make, every step of the way! I am well versed in psychopharmacology and want my patients to understand and feel comfortable with all our options, from prescription medications, supplements to brief psychotherapy; your situation is unique and your needs are too.
Need to be heard? That is what I am here for. To listen and to explore what hasn't worked, and what has. Regardless of diagnosis, I want to help you with whatever symptoms are affecting you the most, and are your priority to address. I will help guide, but it is just as important that you feel comfortable with the options and any changes we make, every step of the way! I am well versed in psychopharmacology and want my patients to understand and feel comfortable with all our options, from prescription medications, supplements to brief psychotherapy; your situation is unique and your needs are too.
We understand that seeking help for your mental health can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. We want your experience to be as stress-free as possible. We deliver care with empathy & understanding while still providing a solid guide to emotional wellness. Medication is only part of the process for achieving your mental health goals and while it is an important tool, we will push to keep your total medication burden as low as possible. We promote overall wellness such as exercise, diet, stress-reducing activities, and life balance. We will work with your other care providers to ensure continuity throughout your treatment.
We understand that seeking help for your mental health can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. We want your experience to be as stress-free as possible. We deliver care with empathy & understanding while still providing a solid guide to emotional wellness. Medication is only part of the process for achieving your mental health goals and while it is an important tool, we will push to keep your total medication burden as low as possible. We promote overall wellness such as exercise, diet, stress-reducing activities, and life balance. We will work with your other care providers to ensure continuity throughout your treatment.
Now accepting new clients! Alex Seaman at Well Being provides Psychiatric Medication Management for Children, Adolescents and Adults.
Now accepting new clients! Alex Seaman at Well Being provides Psychiatric Medication Management for Children, Adolescents and Adults.
Featherstone (Rachel) Featherstone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, WHNP-BC, MSN, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83701 (Online Only)
Parenting is a journey--you don't have to do it alone. Originally, the mission of Eucalyptus Health focused on parents, but the need for affirming psychiatric providers for the LGBTQIA+ community and veterans became increasingly apparent. Given my knowledge base of the brain, hormones, sexuality, gender roles, eating disorders, and pregnancy, as well as my lived experience as a nonbinary person and Army veteran, I am delighted to help people get back to enjoying their lives to the fullest.
Parenting is a journey--you don't have to do it alone. Originally, the mission of Eucalyptus Health focused on parents, but the need for affirming psychiatric providers for the LGBTQIA+ community and veterans became increasingly apparent. Given my knowledge base of the brain, hormones, sexuality, gender roles, eating disorders, and pregnancy, as well as my lived experience as a nonbinary person and Army veteran, I am delighted to help people get back to enjoying their lives to the fullest.
Psychiatry 121
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83702
Angela provides medication management, testing and treatment for adolescents and adults who are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorder, PTSD, women’s health issues including PMDD and postpartum depression.
Angela provides medication management, testing and treatment for adolescents and adults who are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorder, PTSD, women’s health issues including PMDD and postpartum depression.
Frances Spink
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MBA, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83704
Accepting new patients from anywhere in Idaho! Do you sometimes wonder if what you're feeling is normal? Do you wonder why you are so forgetful, why it's so hard to concentrate, or why you easily get distracted? Or maybe it's hard to get out of bed in the morning, you lack the motivation to participate in life anymore, and you can sometimes be tearful for no reason. Is it hard to fall asleep at night, or do you wake up multiple times, which leaves you feeling exhausted the next day? Have you experienced trauma that has left you feeling anxious and on edge? You do not have to go through these challenges alone! I would like to help.
Accepting new patients from anywhere in Idaho! Do you sometimes wonder if what you're feeling is normal? Do you wonder why you are so forgetful, why it's so hard to concentrate, or why you easily get distracted? Or maybe it's hard to get out of bed in the morning, you lack the motivation to participate in life anymore, and you can sometimes be tearful for no reason. Is it hard to fall asleep at night, or do you wake up multiple times, which leaves you feeling exhausted the next day? Have you experienced trauma that has left you feeling anxious and on edge? You do not have to go through these challenges alone! I would like to help.
Dana McKee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83706
Hi! I’m Dana McKee, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing at Treasure Valley Psychology. My specialty is mental health evaluation and medication management for conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. I am also certified to treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This means I am equipped to support people preparing for, in the midst of, and following a pregnancy and during lactation. I happily work with non-birthing partners, intended, and adoptive parents, as well as any non-childbearing adult desiring compassionate and supportive mental health care.
Hi! I’m Dana McKee, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing at Treasure Valley Psychology. My specialty is mental health evaluation and medication management for conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. I am also certified to treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This means I am equipped to support people preparing for, in the midst of, and following a pregnancy and during lactation. I happily work with non-birthing partners, intended, and adoptive parents, as well as any non-childbearing adult desiring compassionate and supportive mental health care.
Resolve Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boise, ID 83713 (Online Only)
We specialize in mental health treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and ODD in children, teens/adolescents and adults. We treat a small group of clients and focus on personalization of mental health services, in the comfort of your home, through telemedicine. Allow us to provide quality mental health telepsychiatry to you or your child.
We specialize in mental health treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and ODD in children, teens/adolescents and adults. We treat a small group of clients and focus on personalization of mental health services, in the comfort of your home, through telemedicine. Allow us to provide quality mental health telepsychiatry to you or your child.
See more therapy options for Boise
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Boise, ID
80+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Boise, ID who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Medication Management |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | Aetna |
71% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Boise, ID see their clients
61% | In Person and Online | |
39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
68% | Female | |
31% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Boise?
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.