Gladstone Providers are MDs, NPs, and Therapists

Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness has qualified and efficient providers that consistently provide quality care.

What’s the difference between a psychiatrist (MD) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)?

A psychiatrist (MD) is a physician who is specialized in the field of psychiatry to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. A psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who is board certified. A PMHNP has full prescriptive authority to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication to individuals.

Should I schedule my appointment with a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner?

Whether you schedule your appointment with a psychiatrist or a nurse practitioner, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands. Our group of qualified and dedicated providers will tailor your treatment to meet your needs. 

** Patients must currently be under the care of one of our Psychiatrists or Nurse Practitioners to be eligible to participate in non-DBT therapy at Gladstone. **

Can nurse practitioners prescribe medication?

Yes! Nurse practitioners are advanced practice psychiatric nurses who have undergone extensive training and hold licensure allowing them to see individuals without physician supervision. Psychiatric nurse practitioners can provide all behavioral health medications and services psychiatrists can on an outpatient basis. 

Who can benefit from seeing a nurse practitioner?

Generally, everyone who needs a thorough evaluation for any psychiatric condition, including problems with mood, anxiety, addiction, eating, trauma as well as other conditions can benefit from seeing a nurse practitioner. Our nurse practitioners review complex clinical situations with other providers who have extra training and experience in those areas. 

Specifically, nurse practitioners have access to board certified clinical experts in: 

  • Child and adolescent psychiatry
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Women’s health
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Addiction and recovery
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Mood and anxiety disorders 

Additionally, some medical situations such as menopause or sleep apnea are known to be associated with treatable mood and anxiety symptoms. Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat these behavioral health conditions, though the underlying medical conditions would usually be treated by one’s primary care provider. 

Who can benefit from seeing a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are doctorate level providers who have had extensive training in all aspects of medicine over 8 or more years. As medical doctors, psychiatrists have no limits on their scope of practice or licensure, though their training and practice is generally more focused on psychiatric evaluation and treatment. 

Everyone who needs a complete psychiatric evaluation for any psychiatric condition can benefit from seeing a psychiatrist. Just as with nurse practitioners, our psychiatrists also have access to our in-house clinical experts for consultation. 

Because psychiatrists also have considerable training in general medicine as well as psychiatry, those who have medical conditions closely intertwined with psychiatric illness, such as depression after a significant stroke or organ transplant may especially benefit from this expertise. 

Please note, Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness does not employ physician assistants.

*Physician assistants have a limited training and scope of practice that requires ongoing and close supervision of a physician. We believe people require care from providers who are licensed and trained to treat individuals without onerous supervision requirements. 

Should I schedule an appoinment with a therapist?

There may come a time at the beginning, or over the course of your treatment with a Gladstone Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner, that you would benefit from the additional support and guidance of a therapist. Gladstone’s licensed masters and doctoral level prepared therapists are available virtually and in-person for weekly, biweekly, and monthly sessions. Our caring and dedicated therapists have a wide range of experience and expertise, including: mood and anxiety related disorders, life transitions, grief, relationships, addiction and recovery, women’s health, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, and LGBTQ issues.

Therapists are trained in various modalities, such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Strategies, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Supportive Care, Mindfulness and Somatic based treatments, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. All providers use a Person-Centered approach to build a safe and supportive relationship that gives you comfort to set personal goals, work through issues, and build skills and strengths to improve your quality of life. Therapists and Gladstone’s Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners collaborate regularly as a treatment team to help you reach your goals and provide the best possible treatment outcomes. This allows you the opportunity to not only benefit from the expertise of your individual therapist, but from Gladstone’s entire clinical team.  Individual sessions for children and adults, as well as some group sessions, are available. Patients must currently be under the care of one of our Psychiatrists or Nurse Practitioners to be eligible to participate in therapy at Gladstone.

Start Your Mental Health Journey

Through longer appointment times and a strong emphasis on patient-provider relationships, we drive positive mental health outcomes. Are you ready to take your first step in your journey?