Psychiatrists in Madison, WI
Wanting comprehensive and holistic mental health care? My approach is tailored to understand and address your specific needs and challenges and goes beyond medication management, incorporating depth psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and tangible skills to confront the demands of life today. I focus on treating the whole person, empowering individuals, parents, and families to overcome challenges and achieve growth and well-being. Find out more at centeredpsychiatry.org.
Wanting comprehensive and holistic mental health care? My approach is tailored to understand and address your specific needs and challenges and goes beyond medication management, incorporating depth psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and tangible skills to confront the demands of life today. I focus on treating the whole person, empowering individuals, parents, and families to overcome challenges and achieve growth and well-being. Find out more at centeredpsychiatry.org.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, confused, or stuck? I listen closely to your story, and through supportive, careful exploration, we work to increase your understanding of yourself and of the causes of your symptoms. We build on this to reduce symptoms and help you create positive change in your life. A warm and accepting therapy relationship, where you get to be seen and heard as you, can be transformative. I also prescribe medication when needed.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, confused, or stuck? I listen closely to your story, and through supportive, careful exploration, we work to increase your understanding of yourself and of the causes of your symptoms. We build on this to reduce symptoms and help you create positive change in your life. A warm and accepting therapy relationship, where you get to be seen and heard as you, can be transformative. I also prescribe medication when needed.
I am a compassionate practitioner with a doctorate in nursing and dual certifications as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP). In addition to working as a PMHNP, I was a lecturer and clinical instructor for undergraduate nursing students, published research on a variety of mental health topics, and provided medical care at a psychiatric hospital for adults and children/adolescents. My research focuses on resilience, positive thinking, and resourcefulness in vulnerable populations. In practice, I treat a broad range of mental health concerns for adults.
I am a compassionate practitioner with a doctorate in nursing and dual certifications as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP). In addition to working as a PMHNP, I was a lecturer and clinical instructor for undergraduate nursing students, published research on a variety of mental health topics, and provided medical care at a psychiatric hospital for adults and children/adolescents. My research focuses on resilience, positive thinking, and resourcefulness in vulnerable populations. In practice, I treat a broad range of mental health concerns for adults.
I would like to help people struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or ADHD.
I would like to help people struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or ADHD.
Kelly McAllister
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53718 (Online Only)
Now accepting NEW patients via telehealth! If you are struggling with mental health issues we can form an alliance! Together we will make a plan that incorporates your preferences, expectations, and goals. I accept patients of all ages from children to adults. Please contact me via email for an intake form or visit my website
Now accepting NEW patients via telehealth! If you are struggling with mental health issues we can form an alliance! Together we will make a plan that incorporates your preferences, expectations, and goals. I accept patients of all ages from children to adults. Please contact me via email for an intake form or visit my website
Elizabeth C Armstrong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53718
Not accepting new clients
Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and nursing assistant. I have worked with a large population of people over those 19 years and would love to help you out in a non-judgmental way.
Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and nursing assistant. I have worked with a large population of people over those 19 years and would love to help you out in a non-judgmental way.
Cynthia La Morgese MD Healing, LLC
Psychiatrist, MD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53719
Not accepting new clients
I am eager to work with patients who want to move from “surviving” into “thriving” and are willing to do the work needed to make lasting change.
I am eager to work with patients who want to move from “surviving” into “thriving” and are willing to do the work needed to make lasting change.
I am a psychiatrist who has been practicing since 1997, specializing in psychoanalytic therapy and psychopharmacology. I am currently entering my 4th year at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute for psychoanalytic training as of June 2024. I utilize other modalities including cognitive-behavioral techniques, and have extensive experience with psychopharmacology. I work within a confidential setting in my own private practice and enjoy meeting my clients "where they are", respecting each individual's needs, concerns and comfort level. My approach centers around honoring collaboration as fundamental to healing and growth.
I am a psychiatrist who has been practicing since 1997, specializing in psychoanalytic therapy and psychopharmacology. I am currently entering my 4th year at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute for psychoanalytic training as of June 2024. I utilize other modalities including cognitive-behavioral techniques, and have extensive experience with psychopharmacology. I work within a confidential setting in my own private practice and enjoy meeting my clients "where they are", respecting each individual's needs, concerns and comfort level. My approach centers around honoring collaboration as fundamental to healing and growth.
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. They may also face cultural or ethnic issues, grief, loss, or stress. This client is seeking support not only for their mental health but for other areas like substance use, addiction, or eating disorders. Their needs include emotional support, comprehensive treatment, and a care plan that incorporates therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. They seek a collaborative, patient-centered approach where they feel heard and empowered.
My ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. They may also face cultural or ethnic issues, grief, loss, or stress. This client is seeking support not only for their mental health but for other areas like substance use, addiction, or eating disorders. Their needs include emotional support, comprehensive treatment, and a care plan that incorporates therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. They seek a collaborative, patient-centered approach where they feel heard and empowered.
Shyleena Dettinger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53711
I work with patients to understand their concerns, needs, and goals. Ideally we work collaboratively toward the best plan of care and positive outcomes. My goal is to have a comfortable and open provider/patient relationship and have you leaving appointments feeling better.
I work with patients to understand their concerns, needs, and goals. Ideally we work collaboratively toward the best plan of care and positive outcomes. My goal is to have a comfortable and open provider/patient relationship and have you leaving appointments feeling better.
Dr. Saisha Jackson is a board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Hampton University followed by medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She has completed a Residency in Psychiatry at Howard University.
Dr. Saisha Jackson is a board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Hampton University followed by medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She has completed a Residency in Psychiatry at Howard University.
15 Second Videos
Kathy J Russeth
Shyleena Dettinger
Ronil Shah
Undivided Attention, LLC
Volker Nabavi
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Undivided Attention, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse, APNP, FNP-BC, ADC-C, ADHD, CCSP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53719
Kelly Pickens is an ADHD Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who works with adults and older adolescents with ADHD. She has extensive training in the underlying mechanisms of ADHD. Kelly understands the struggles people with ADHD experience, which go way beyond not being able to pay attention. There is a lot of misinformation and negative bias about ADHD among the public, in the media, and even in the clinical setting. People face significant challenges when trying to find a provider/doctor/clinician who fully understands ADHD and can diagnose and effectively treat the disorder with expertise and compassion.
Kelly Pickens is an ADHD Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who works with adults and older adolescents with ADHD. She has extensive training in the underlying mechanisms of ADHD. Kelly understands the struggles people with ADHD experience, which go way beyond not being able to pay attention. There is a lot of misinformation and negative bias about ADHD among the public, in the media, and even in the clinical setting. People face significant challenges when trying to find a provider/doctor/clinician who fully understands ADHD and can diagnose and effectively treat the disorder with expertise and compassion.
I'm Allison Barton, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner located in Madison, WI. I am accepting new clients. I prescribe psychiatric medications and provide therapy. I am trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which is a therapy used to treat PTSD, anxiety, self esteem concerns, and panic. I have experience serving individuals with diverse psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and substance use.
I'm Allison Barton, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner located in Madison, WI. I am accepting new clients. I prescribe psychiatric medications and provide therapy. I am trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which is a therapy used to treat PTSD, anxiety, self esteem concerns, and panic. I have experience serving individuals with diverse psychiatric conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and substance use.
Mental Health for Women: Medication Management
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, APNP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53716
I provide counseling and psychiatric medication management. I am also a Mindfulness practitioner and teach Mindfulness Meditation which is enormously beneficial for well-being and healing from within. I collaborate with the person I see regarding medication options. It's important that I understand my patient's story and experience in order to select appropriate medication/s. My specialities includes working with people with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders (ADD), mood disorders such as depression, and PTSD.
I provide counseling and psychiatric medication management. I am also a Mindfulness practitioner and teach Mindfulness Meditation which is enormously beneficial for well-being and healing from within. I collaborate with the person I see regarding medication options. It's important that I understand my patient's story and experience in order to select appropriate medication/s. My specialities includes working with people with anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorders (ADD), mood disorders such as depression, and PTSD.
Dr. Gregory Marc Varhely is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He grew up in Austin, Texas, and attended Texas State University, where he earned a BA in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Biology/Biochemistry. After graduating from medical school at Ross University, he completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Dr. Gregory Marc Varhely is a board-certified general adult psychiatrist. He grew up in Austin, Texas, and attended Texas State University, where he earned a BA in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Biology/Biochemistry. After graduating from medical school at Ross University, he completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
We are a network of psychiatric prescribers including physicians, GP psychiatric prescribers, and NPs, serving throughout Wisconsin. When you come in to our clinic or we see you via telehealth, we assist our patients and clients by working collaboratively with them to reach their treatment goals. We specialize in medication management & therapy for stress, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD management. We are also passionate about working with our college and graduate students, working professionals, and LGBTQ+ communit..
We are a network of psychiatric prescribers including physicians, GP psychiatric prescribers, and NPs, serving throughout Wisconsin. When you come in to our clinic or we see you via telehealth, we assist our patients and clients by working collaboratively with them to reach their treatment goals. We specialize in medication management & therapy for stress, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD management. We are also passionate about working with our college and graduate students, working professionals, and LGBTQ+ communit..
During initial visits, I provide a thorough examination of the psychological, physiological, and social etiologies of a patient's symptoms. With that foundation, I can offer the most appropriate and beneficial recommendations for pharmacotherapy and counseling. My holistic clinical approach encompasses the mind-body connection. I incorporate into my recommendations on compassion and mindfulness practices, proper nutrition and sleep, joyful movement, as well as medication in the creation and maintenance of overall well-being.
During initial visits, I provide a thorough examination of the psychological, physiological, and social etiologies of a patient's symptoms. With that foundation, I can offer the most appropriate and beneficial recommendations for pharmacotherapy and counseling. My holistic clinical approach encompasses the mind-body connection. I incorporate into my recommendations on compassion and mindfulness practices, proper nutrition and sleep, joyful movement, as well as medication in the creation and maintenance of overall well-being.
Monika Zawadzka is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2017. Monika believes she can help her clients by listening to their concerns, educating them about their illness and medications, and by including them in the process of developing a treatment plan. They are more likely to respond better to treatment when they understand it and when they are a part of the team. Outside of work, Monika enjoys hiking, biking, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Monika Zawadzka is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2017. Monika believes she can help her clients by listening to their concerns, educating them about their illness and medications, and by including them in the process of developing a treatment plan. They are more likely to respond better to treatment when they understand it and when they are a part of the team. Outside of work, Monika enjoys hiking, biking, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Anita Vijayakumar
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53713 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Anita Vijayakumar is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her medical training at the University of Illinois and and completed psychiatry residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she was the Chief Resident. She has been practicing for over 7 years and has a wide range of experience in depression, anxiety, and various life transitions. Dr. Vijayakumar's approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. She uses a measurement based approach so patients can see the progress they make.
Anita Vijayakumar is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her medical training at the University of Illinois and and completed psychiatry residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she was the Chief Resident. She has been practicing for over 7 years and has a wide range of experience in depression, anxiety, and various life transitions. Dr. Vijayakumar's approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. She uses a measurement based approach so patients can see the progress they make.
See more therapy options for Madison
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Madison, WI
30+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Madison, WI who prioritize treating:
91% | Depression |
89% | Anxiety |
83% | Medication Management |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
69% | ADHD |
63% | Trauma and PTSD |
63% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
71% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
62% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
62% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Madison, WI see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
30% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Madison?
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.