Should I See a Therapist or a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for My Mental Health Concerns?

In most cases, the therapeutic component of a patient’s treatment is conducted by mental health counselors, social, workers, therapists, or psychologists.

These professionals are not legally able to assess a patient’s need for medication nor prescribe it, whereas licensed psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists are. Therefore, assessment for medication tends to be the focus for psychiatric nurse practitioners.

What are therapists?

The term “therapist” is often broadly used to describe all types of mental health care professionals ranging from counselors to psychiatrists. Though, professionally, the term “therapist” is typically reserved for all mental health care providers that deploy treatment through talking to patients and having the patient share their experiences, thoughts and emotions to gain further insight into themselves. Some of the most commonly known professionals that are referred to as therapists are psychologists, licensed counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers. In general, therapists do not prescribe medication.

What are Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are medical doctors and nurse practitioners trained to diagnose and provide medication management for mental health conditions and psychiatric illnesses.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners first earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) then a master’s or PhD in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric mental health care. Although they are not medical doctors, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners share many of the same responsibilities as psychiatrists. PMHNPs can clinically assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health concerns of their patients. They can administer physical and psychosocial assessments and treatment effectiveness evaluations, as well as conduct psychotherapy and prescribe medications. 

Their primary roles are to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with psychiatric concerns. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners like Erin of Revival Psychiatry in Mesa, Arizona, focus more on psychopharmaceutical treatment and other medical treatments more than psychologists and other therapists do.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) like Erin Jones of Revival Psychiatry in Mesa, Arizona are next to psychiatrists in terms of being able to provide the highest level of mental health care. Although PMHNPs are not medical doctors, they do share similar responsibilities to psychiatrists, including diagnosing and prescribing medications. No other mental health providers on this list (with few exceptions) can provide the same level of care or range of solutions as psychiatrists and PMHNPs. You should consider seeing a PMHNP if you are looking for a treatment that involves prescribed medication.

Should I See a Therapist or a Psychiatrist?

If you’re interested in talk therapy (or ‘psychotherapy’), you can elect to begin treatment first with a therapist.

If you’re interested in medication, you would want to see a trained mental health professional that has the licensing to prescribe medication, such as a psychiatrist or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, like Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Erin Jones of Revival Psychiatry. Revival Psychiatry serves patients in this capacity throughout the Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale Arizona areas. If you do not currently have access to a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner or if you are unsure of which type of mental health care provider is best for you, it may be beneficial to consult with your primary care physician to discuss your options.  

Ultimately, you cannot go wrong in choosing to proceed with a therapist or psychiatric nurse practitioner in tending to your mental health. Despite differences in their approach, all mental health care providers share the same goal: To recognize, treat, and prevent mental illness so people can lead happier, healthier lives. So regardless of which type of mental health care provider you choose, they will always seek to devise the best treatment plan for you – even if that means introducing you to another type of provider. 

Addressing the increasing mental health concerns across the nation is an all hands on deck situation. Fortunately, there is a consortium of equally necessary, knowledgeable, and helpful mental health care providers that are dedicated to helping people lead happier, healthier lives!

Erin Jones, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP, of Revival Psychiatry, serves patients throughout the Valley in Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert and beyond from her office in Mesa and via virtual visits.

Boutique psychiatric practice
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480•613•8162📍Mesa AZ