Who can prescribe antidepressants?

Antidepressants help people reduce mental health symptoms and improve their daily functioning. They're used to manage depression, as well as conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. If you’re considering medication, you might be wondering who can prescribe antidepressants and whether they’re right for you.

Choosing a provider depends on the severity of your symptoms, your current treatment plan, and any personal preferences. On average, antidepressants can take up to eight weeks to be effective. This means you’ll want a provider who’s available to offer ongoing support. You should also consider what other services they offer and how they work with other providers. For example, major depression is best treated with a combination of medication and talk therapy.  

Here are four types of providers who can prescribe antidepressants and what to expect from each.

1. Psychiatrists

​​If you’re interested in antidepressants, seeing a psychiatrist is a good choice. ​​Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental and behavioral health conditions. At your first appointment, they’ll ask about your symptoms and health history. This is a chance to learn about you so they can create a treatment plan for your mental health needs. 

Psychiatrists think about several factors when prescribing antidepressants. They’ll consider your diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, and any co-occurring conditions. Their job is to balance the benefits with any potential risks or side effects. For example, they might need to switch medications or adjust the dosage to make it more effective. 

There are several factors to keep in mind when looking for a psychiatrist.

• How soon you need medication: It can take weeks or even months to see a psychiatrist in person. The good news is online mental health platforms can help you find a psychiatrist much sooner.

• Type of treatment: Depression and anxiety are often managed with both medication and therapy. In fact, the first-choice treatment for anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression is therapy.  Ask psychiatrists if they provide talk therapy or can refer you to someone who does. 

• Cost of care: Seeing a psychiatrist can be expensive. Finding a psychiatrist who’s in network with your insurance can lower the cost of care.

2. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP)

The U.S. is currently facing a shortage of psychiatrists, which means it might be difficult to find a psychiatrist who’s accepting new patients and is a good fit for you. The good news is that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMNHP) can provide the same type of specialized care. 

Like psychiatrists, PMNHPs specialize in treating mental and behavioral health conditions. They can assess your mental health needs, make a diagnosis, prescribe medication if needed, and provide talk therapy. If they decide you need antidepressants, they’re trained to find the most effective type and dosage for you. 

One difference is that PMHNPs need physician oversight in some states. This means they must have a collaborating physician who is available for consultation. 

3. Primary care providers (PCP)

Primary care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) can also prescribe psychiatric medication like antidepressants. In fact, it’s becoming more common for primary care providers (PCP) to manage depression and other mental health concerns when they are less severe or complicated. And if you already have a trusting relationship with your primary care provider, this can be a good place to start a discussion about depression treatment.

There are several reasons to see your primary care provider for antidepressants. To start, they’re already familiar with your health history. This can make it easier for them to rule out any underlying health concerns and help you determine whether you should consider medication. 

Working with a primary care provider can also be more convenient than finding a psychiatric provider. They might be a good choice if you don’t have access to a psychiatric provider who’s accepting new patients or takes your insurance. Many people start treatment of milder depression or anxiety with their PCP. If your symptoms are severe or aren’t improving (or you have a co-occurring mental health condition), it may be best to consider seeing a psychiatric specialist.

4. Physician assistants (PA) 

Another option is to meet with a physician assistant (PA). Research shows that PAs often help people with mental and behavioral health conditions.

Like primary care doctors, PAs can diagnose and treat medical and mental health conditions. They also prescribe medications like antidepressants. But while they can practice on their own, they must work with a collaborating physician.

Meeting with a PA is a good place to start if you already have a relationship with one and feel comfortable discussing your mental health concerns. It might also be easier to get an appointment with a PA than a psychiatrist. PAs work with other healthcare professionals, so they can refer you to a psychiatrist for medication or a therapist for talk therapy.

Clinician's take

If you have a positive relationship with your primary care provider, they may be a good choice for a first conversation. Then, they can either work with you to start treatment or refer you to a psychiatric specialist if that’s more appropriate for your needs.

Stephanie J Reed, MSW, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Clinical reviewer

Find care with Rula

If you’re interested in antidepressants, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. This includes psychiatrists, mental health nurse practitioners, and primary care doctors. They can assess your symptoms and help you find the right medication for your treatment plan. 

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.