Key Takeaways
Not all mental health professionals can prescribe medication, so it’s important to know your options and choose a provider who meets your needs.
Each provider brings unique strengths depending on your circumstances and goals.
The right provider depends on fit, comfort, and whether you want therapy, medication, or both.
Starting mental health medication for the first time can feel confusing. Not all mental health professionals can write prescriptions, so it helps to know who can prescribe mental health medications.
Knowing your options can help you feel more in charge of your care and choose a provider who meets your needs. The right fit matters. You want someone who you trust, listens to you, and can guide you through the medical and emotional parts of treatment.
Therapists can’t prescribe medication. They’re professionals who focus on talk therapy and don’t have the training or licensing to prescribe. But a therapist may be able to refer you to a provider who can. Sometimes, people work with a therapist and a prescriber at the same time. The key is finding the right combination of support so you get the emotional help and the medical care you need.
Here’s a closer look at who can prescribe mental health medications.
Psychiatrists/Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health while psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are nurses with advanced training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. In many states, they can prescribe medication on their own, while in others, they work under a doctor.
Psychiatrists and PMHNPs can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications. They can also adjust your treatment as needed.
Because they have deep training in psychiatry, psychiatrists are often the top choice for complex or hard-to-treat conditions like bipolar disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Some psychiatric providers also provide therapy, but the majority focus on medication management. They tend to be the primary prescribers for antipsychotic medications. The downside? They can be harder to get an appointment with and more expensive, depending on your insurance. Because PMHNPs are a rapidly growing workforce, they may be especially important for improving access to mental healthcare and addressing provider shortages.
Many now offer telehealth for follow-ups, which can make staying on track easier.
Primary care physician (PCP)
Your primary care physician (PCP) can be a great starting point for mental health treatment. They can prescribe medication for common issues like anxiety or depression and may already know your health history. This makes it easier to look at your mental health alongside other medical concerns.
PCPs, along with nurse practitioners and physician assistants, prescribe more than half of all psychiatric medications. For adults age 65 and older, they prescribe about two-thirds of medications.
If your needs are more complex, they can refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatric provider. The biggest plus with PCPs is convenience, as you may be able to get help faster through a doctor you already trust.
Many PCPs now offer virtual visits for medication check-ins.
Psychiatric physician assistant (PA)
Psychiatric physician assistants (PAs) are licensed to evaluate mental health symptoms and manage ongoing care. They can prescribe medication — usually under the supervision of a physician, often a psychiatrist. This team approach can make appointments easier to get, whether you’re starting treatment or need a prescription refill.
Many psychiatric PAs now offer telehealth visits for follow-ups, which can make staying on track more convenient. Complex medication decisions may still involve their supervising doctor. But psychiatric PAs can be a helpful and accessible part of your mental healthcare team.
Obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN)
OB-GYNs don’t only focus on reproductive health. They can also prescribe medication for mental health conditions, particularly when symptoms are related to:
These professionals can be a great first stop if you’re experiencing mood changes connected to hormonal shifts. While they may not manage long-term psychiatric treatment, they can help you start medication and connect you to other providers for ongoing care.
Telehealth options are becoming more common in OB-GYN offices, especially for follow-up appointments.
Psychologist with prescriptive authority
In most states, psychologists can’t prescribe medication. But in a few states (like New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho), certain specially trained psychologists can. These providers have advanced education in psychopharmacology and can both offer therapy and manage medication.
If you live in one of these states, this can be a convenient way to get both talk therapy and prescriptions in one place. Access may be limited, though.
Choosing a provider that fits your needs
Finding the right provider isn’t about picking the “best” title. It’s about what fits your needs. When choosing a provider, consider:
Whether you want someone who focuses mainly on medication, provides therapy, or both
Your comfort level with the provider
Their experience with your specific mental health concerns
How they collaborate with other providers you may be seeing
The right match can make all the difference in feeling supported and making progress with your mental healthcare.
Clinician's take
If you feel confused about what provider to see for mental health medication, I would recommend discussing these concerns with your primary doctor or therapist first. They can help you make a decision.
Find care with Rula
When it comes to getting a prescription for mental health medication, it can be hard to know where to start. This is especially true because not all mental health professionals can prescribe medication. Different professionals, like psychiatrists or PMHNPs, have unique strengths and can help in different ways. The right support is available, and finding a provider who fits your needs is the first step toward getting help.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
