Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners vs. Therapist vs. Psychologist... What’s the Difference?
At Evolving Minds Mental Health…
We specialize in psychiatric medication management, supportive therapy, and whole-person care—delivered by experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners who take the time to understand you.
If you’re unsure which type of care is right for you, we’re happy to talk it through—no pressure, no judgment.
When you’re looking for mental health care, the titles can get confusing. Here’s a helpful guide to understanding who does what:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
(Like Becky Bole & Amanda Tillemans at Evolving Minds Mental Health)
Who they are: Advanced practice nurses with specialized training in psychiatry.
What they do: Provide diagnoses, prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, offer supportive therapy, and create holistic care plans.
Training: Registered nurse (RN) + master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric mental health.
Best for: Those wanting personalized medication management and a whole-person, compassionate approach to care.
They often blend medication with supportive conversations, lifestyle support, and collaboration with other providers.
Psychiatrist
Who they are: Medical doctors (MD or DO) who specialize in mental health.
What they do: Diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage medications, and sometimes provide therapy (though not always).
Training: 4 years of medical school + 4 years of psychiatry residency.
Best for: People who may need medication, have complex diagnoses, or want a full medical/psychiatric evaluation.
Psychologist
Who they are: Mental health professionals with a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.).
What they do: Provide in-depth therapy and psychological testing (like IQ, ADHD, or personality assessments). In some states, they can prescribe medication, but usually they do not.
Training: Doctoral program (5–7 years), plus internship and postdoc.
Best for: People needing talk therapy, testing, or long-term psychological care.
Experts in testing, therapy, and how the mind works.
Therapist / Counselor
Who they are: Licensed professionals with a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field (e.g., LPC, LMFT, LICSW).
What they do: Provide talk therapy to help clients manage emotions, cope with life changes, build relationships, or work through trauma.
Training: Master’s degree + clinical experience + licensure.
Best for: People looking for ongoing talk therapy and emotional support.
Great for weekly sessions focused on healing, relationships, life stress, and growth.
Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Who they are: Your general doctor or nurse practitioner.
What they do: Can provide basic mental health support and prescriptions (e.g., for depression or anxiety), but they are not specialists in mental health.
Best for: Starting point for care, or if you're not sure where to begin.
They can refer you to a mental health specialist if needed.
Which One Do You Need?
It depends on:
Do you want someone who combines therapy + medication + lifestyle support? → PMHNP
Do you think medication might help? → Psychiatrist or PMHNP
Do you want to talk through issues or work on emotional growth? → Therapist or Psychologist
Do you need testing for ADHD, learning disorders, or personality? → Psychologist
At Evolving Minds Mental Health…
We specialize in psychiatric medication management, supportive therapy, and whole-person care—delivered by experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners who take the time to understand you.
If you’re unsure which type of care is right for you, we’re happy to talk it through—no pressure, no judgment.
