Key Takeaways
- Different types of mental health providers offer different types of mental health support. Some focus on medication, some on therapy, and some offer both.
- Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners have specialized training, while primary care doctors can help with more common concerns.
- Choosing the right provider depends on what you need. It’s OK to ask for someone who understands your background and goals.
If you’re exploring mental health treatment, it’s helpful to understand the different types of psychiatric care and the professionals who provide them. You might hear terms like psychiatrist, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNPs), or primary care doctor, and wonder what each one does.
In short, psychiatrists and PMHNPs can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, while primary care providers (PCPs) often serve as a starting point and may refer you to a mental health specialist. Each type of provider plays a unique role in helping you feel better. Knowing your options can make a big difference as you decide what kind of support is right for you.
For many people, combining psychiatric care with talk therapy offers the most comprehensive support, helping you manage symptoms while also working through the deeper emotional layers of your experience.
What do you need from a psychiatric provider?
Before you choose a provider, it can help to think about what kind of support you’re looking for. Do you need help finding the right medication? Are you looking for someone to give you a diagnosis? Or do you want a provider who can also offer talk therapy or work closely with your therapist?
Here’s a quick look at what different types of providers can do:
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Psychiatrists (MDs or DOs)
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They:
- Can diagnose mental health conditions
- Can prescribe and adjust medication
- May offer talk therapy (though many focus on medication management)
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
PMHNPs are advanced-practice nurses with specialized training in psychiatry. They:
- Can diagnose mental health conditions
- Can prescribe and adjust medication
- Are trained to offer therapy
Primary care providers (PCPs)
Your family doctor or general practitioner can also help with basic mental health needs. PCPs:
- Can prescribe for common concerns like anxiety or depression
- May be your first stop before getting a referral to a specialist
- Typically don’t provide therapy services
The type of relationship you build depends on your needs and the provider’s approach. Some people check in regularly with the same prescriber, while others meet just once or twice to start. If you’re unsure where to begin, a therapist or PCP can help guide you toward the right fit.
What kind of training do you want your provider to have?
When choosing a provider for psychiatric care, it helps to understand their education and background.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who have specialized training in mental health. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and offer therapy.
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced-practice nurses with extra training in psychiatry. Like psychiatrists, they can diagnose and prescribe medication, and many also provide therapy, depending on their preferences and where they work.
- Primary care providers (PCPs), like family doctors, have general training in mental health. They can prescribe medication for conditions like anxiety or depression but may not have the same level of expertise as psychiatrists or PMHNPs.
Seeing a specialized provider, like a psychiatrist or PMHNP, can be especially helpful if your symptoms are complex or if you’ve had trouble finding the right treatment.
That said, insurance coverage and availability may also play a role in your decision. Some plans have long waitlists for psychiatric care or cover certain provider types but not others. Understanding what your insurance offers — and how different providers approach care — can help you find the best fit for your needs.
What kind of treatment are you looking for?
When it comes to mental healthcare, the kind of support you need matters. Some people are looking for medication, others for talk therapy, and many benefit from a combination of both. Talk therapy can help you process emotions, build coping skills, and feel less alone. Knowing what each type of provider offers can help you make a choice that fits your needs and goals.
Some providers also bring specialized experience — like working with trauma, supporting LGBTQ+ clients, or understanding cultural identity and its role in mental health. If it’s important to you that a provider understands your background or unique challenges, it’s OK to prioritize that in your search. The right provider will not only be trained to help but will also help you feel safe, understood, and supported.
I feel like people aren’t aware of all the options in psychiatric care. You can have therapy alone, medication alone, or a combination! It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. There’s also misunderstanding about the effectiveness and safety of virtual care, but it can actually be more personalized and convenient to access healthcare this way.
Find care with Rula
Finding the right kind of psychiatric support starts with understanding your options. Whether you’re looking for medication, therapy, or both, there are providers trained to help. What matters most is finding someone who aligns with your needs, goals, and story. Support is out there — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
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.
About the author
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
