How to Find a Therapist Who Can Prescribe Medication

When I started therapy, I was curious about psychiatric medication, but wasn’t sure which type of provider could help me understand my options. Should I talk to my therapist about meds? See a psychiatrist? Schedule a visit with my PCP? I had plenty of experience navigating the healthcare system, but this was confusing new territory.

Whether you’re considering medication for the first time, continuing treatment and need a new provider, or are looking to get back on medication, you might also be struggling to figure out your next steps.

After learning the ins and outs of who can manage psychiatric meds and talking to experts at Alma and beyond, I’m happy to share what I’ve discovered so you can move forward with confidence.

How do I know if I can benefit from psychiatric medication?

Many people seek medication without therapy, and vice versa. But, for some conditions — most notably anxiety and depression — you’ll likely experience added benefits if you combine both therapy and medication.

According to 2020 research, patients with depression who combine medication with therapy experience a 35 percent increase in effectiveness compared to therapy or medication as a standalone treatment. A similar 2017 study also found that combined treatment is more effective at improving overall quality of life for those with anxiety.

Which providers prescribe psychiatric medication?

Providers who can prescribe and manage psychiatric medication include:

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing and managing medication. If you want weekly therapy as well, you may need to see a separate therapist — some psychiatrists also provide therapy, but not all.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP)

PMHNPs and PMHNP-APRNs are advanced practice nurses with specialized training in mental health and psychiatric medication management. They can safely and effectively diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage your ongoing psychiatric care, but do not typically provide therapy.

Primary care providers (PCPs)

While they’re not mental health specialists, many types of primary care providers, including medical doctors (MDs), specially trained physician assistants (PAs), and family nurse practitioners (FNPs) can prescribe psychiatric meds for common conditions like depression and anxiety. And just like your PCP will refer you to a dermatologist or cardiologist if you need one, they can determine if your circumstances and symptoms require a psychiatric specialist.

Board-Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs)

While not very common, BCPPs are clinically trained pharmacists with specialized training who can prescribe and manage psychiatric medication. They typically work directly with patients in clinics and hospitals.

Do I need a psychiatrist to manage my medication?

You don’t need to see a psychiatrist to manage medication, but it’s definitely a great option. Of all the providers listed above, psychiatrists have the most training and expertise when it comes to prescribing and managing medication for all types of mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are also qualified to provide ongoing therapy, though not all psychiatrists offer weekly sessions.

“A psychiatrist applies their years of extensive training to evaluate the root cause of your symptoms, providing a precise and accurate diagnosis upon which your treatment plan will be based. They’ll then talk through your treatment options to help you figure out a plan that best fits your unique needs and preferences,” says Betterly.

“Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners are also considered gold-standard providers of psychiatric care,” says Brianna Dawson, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, a Philadelphia-based psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in helping women overcome anxiety, depression, and perinatal mood disorders. “In my opinion, PCPs should be referring to psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses whenever possible.”

Currently in therapy with a provider who doesn’t provide medication management? Consider letting them know that you’re interested in exploring this option. They may be able to refer you to a psychiatric specialist who they trust. Ideally, whoever you see about medication will collaborate closely with your therapist on your care.

When is it OK to get psychiatric meds from a PCP?

When seeing a psychiatrist is too costly or inconvenient, your PCP may be able to provide you with the care you need. “Due to access to care issues, you might seek care from a PCP in a pinch,” says Dawson. “This can be a short-term care plan, for example 1 to 3 months, for individuals who need to be seen sooner rather than later.”

The bottom line is that if anything is stopping you from seeing a psychiatric specialist, it’s much better to talk to your primary care provider about your mental health symptoms than it is to wait months to get help or to skip care altogether.

What can I expect from medication-focused sessions?

Once you’ve found a provider who can prescribe medication, you’ll have an initial intake session. You may be asked to fill out forms, such as questionnaires about your symptoms, before the appointment begins. Your first session will likely consist of a thorough mental health evaluation, so your provider can better understand your unique situation and assess what medication options might be a good fit for you.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all process when it comes to prescribing mental health medication. Individual providers might have their own process. Some providers might expect appointments to be shorter and less frequent while others may want more time with you more frequently.

As a patient, you can also express your preferences on appointment length and frequency—and it’s important for your provider to attune to your needs and expectations. If you feel a provider isn’t a good fit, you can always try out another provider.

Are medication-focused sessions more expensive?

Typically, seeing a psychiatric specialist for medication will be more expensive than seeing a primary care provider. However, the cost of visits of individual providers will vary. If you have insurance, choosing a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse who is in-network with your insurance plan is likely to cost you less in co-pays. Note that with some plans, you may have a deductible that you need to meet before your mental health benefits will kick-in.

Without insurance, initial evaluations can range from $300 to $500, while follow-up sessions can range from $100 to $200 per session. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to submit claims from out-of-network providers for potential reimbursement. Even if you’ve already met your main deductible, you may have an additional out-of-network deductible that you have to meet before you can use out-of-network benefits.

How to find a therapist who can provide medication

Finding the right provider to talk to about mental health medication depends on your needs and preferences. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners provide the highest level of care in terms of medication prescription and management, but can be harder to access. Some primary care providers and pharmacists are also qualified to manage medication but most are not mental health specialists.

If you already have a therapist, asking them for a referral to a provider who can prescribe medication is likely to lead you to a specialist who is well suited to your needs.