Psychiatrists, PAs, NPs

Psychiatrists, PAs, and NPs are all referred to as "providers" or "prescribers." Who are they and what do they do?

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are physicians who have graduated from medical school with a a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). After medical school they complete a residency training program in psychiatry. Of the 1 million practicing physicians in the US, approximately 56,000 (5.6%) are trained psychiatrists.

PAs

PAs (Physician Assistants, or Physician Associates) are healthcare professionals who have graduated from a physician assistant program, which usually is a 2-year master's level program. They are trained as generalists and are able to work in any specialty of medicine. Legally, they work under the supervision of a physician. Supervision can mean directly working with the PA, such as in the operating room, or it can mean chart reviews and consultations, such as in primary care or psychiatry. PAs evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medications. Of the 170,000 active PAs in the US, approximately 3,000 (1.8%) work in psychiatry.

NPs

NPs (Nurse Practitioners) are registered nurses (RN) who have completed additional masters level training to obtain a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Like physicians and PAs, NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, and prescribe medications. Unlike PAs they choose a specialty in NP school and are legally considered independent practitioners. Most NPs who work in psychiatry are Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP). Of the 390,000 active NPs in the US, approximately 10,000 (2.6%) work in psychiatry.

Who Should I see?

Psychiatrists, PAs, and NPs are all certified and licensed to provide care in the US. Many times, who you see will be determined by the practice and availability of providers.

Psychiatrists have the most training and often see the most complicated patients. As with any profession, experience is an important factor in good medical decision making, so make sure you know your medical provider and what type of training and experience they have. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable with your provider so that any questions or concerns can be properly addressed.