Key takeaways
- A psychiatrist is a physician (medical school plus a four-year residency). A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree and national certification.
- Both assess, diagnose, order tests and prescribe. AANP classifies Arizona as a full practice authority state for nurse practitioners.
- A therapist (psychologist, counselor or social worker) provides talk therapy. Many people use a prescriber and a therapist together.
- The best choice is usually the clinician you can see soon, afford, and talk to openly. Ask about their experience with your concern.
If you are looking for psychiatric care, you will see three kinds of titles: psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and therapist. They overlap, but they are not the same. This guide explains what each does so you can pick with confidence.
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in mental health. The American Psychiatric Association describes psychiatrists as physicians who assess both the mental and physical aspects of a problem and can order medical and psychological tests. Training is medical school followed by a four-year residency (APA (opens in a new tab)).
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners says they complete master’s or doctoral programs and national certification, and that they diagnose, order tests, prescribe and counsel (AANP (opens in a new tab)). Psychiatric-mental health is one of the population foci.
The credential PMHNP-BC stands for board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. The American Nurses Credentialing Center says certification covers all age groups, requires a master’s degree, post-graduate certificate or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with at least 500 supervised clinical hours, and must be renewed every five years (ANCC (opens in a new tab)). Dr. Justin Schwarting, who leads Better Place Now, holds a DNP and the PMHNP-BC credential. He is a nurse practitioner, not a psychiatrist.
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe psychiatric medication in Arizona?
Yes. AANP lists Arizona as a full practice state, with the Arizona State Board of Nursing as the regulator (AANP, Arizona (opens in a new tab)). AANP defines full practice as state law allowing nurse practitioners to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret tests, and prescribe, including controlled substances, under the state board of nursing (AANP (opens in a new tab)). Arizona law directs the Board of Nursing to set by rule the acts a registered nurse practitioner may perform (A.R.S. 32-1606 (opens in a new tab)).
What does a therapist do?
Psychotherapy is provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors and psychiatric nurses. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the major evidence-based methods (NIMH (opens in a new tab)). Therapists focus on talk-based treatment, while a prescriber focuses on diagnosis and medication decisions. Many people benefit from both.
| Psychiatrist | Psychiatric NP (PMHNP) | Therapist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training | Medical school plus a four-year residency | Master’s or doctoral degree (DNP) plus national certification | Varies by role: psychology, counseling or social work degrees |
| Diagnoses | Yes | Yes | Depends on the license |
| Prescribes medication | Yes | Yes, in Arizona under full practice authority | Usually a separate prescriber does this |
| Talk therapy | Some do | Some offer it | Yes, this is the main service |
How do I choose who to see?
The title matters less than the fit. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests asking about a provider’s experience with your concern, their typical approach to treatment, how long treatment might last, and whether they accept your insurance (NIMH (opens in a new tab)). These questions help:
- How soon can I be seen? A good clinician you can reach this week is often better than a perfect one in three months.
- How long is the first visit? Time to be heard leads to better decisions.
- What is your approach to medication? Do they start with the smallest change likely to help, or add more by default?
- Do you coordinate with a therapist or my primary care doctor?
- What happens if my situation is outside your scope? A careful clinician refers you on.
When is a different kind of clinician the better fit?
No single provider is right for every situation. Some people have complicated medical conditions that need a specialist’s input, and some need a level of care, such as a hospital stay or a residential program, that an outpatient practice cannot provide. A good clinician says so plainly and helps you get there, rather than stretching beyond what they can safely do. That is worth asking about at the start: “What would make you send me somewhere else?” The answer tells you a lot about how a practice thinks.
What Better Place Now offers
Better Place Now is led by a PMHNP-BC who has worked in behavioral health since 2005 and has practiced independently since 2019. The first visit is a full 60 minutes, by secure video anywhere in Arizona or in person in the Phoenix area by arrangement. To learn about Dr. Justin, see the about page or read what to expect at a first psychiatry visit. To understand how medication and therapy fit together, see medication management vs. therapy.
Ready to book? You can request an appointment.
Common questions
Is a nurse practitioner a doctor?
A nurse practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) holds a doctoral degree in nursing. That is different from a physician (MD or DO). Dr. Justin Schwarting holds a DNP and is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
At Better Place Now, no. You can reach out directly. If your insurance requires a specialist referral, the team will let you know while verifying your benefits.
Can I see a prescriber and a therapist at the same time?
Yes, and many people do. A prescriber handles diagnosis and medication decisions, and a therapist provides talk therapy. They can coordinate with your permission.
Does Better Place Now offer therapy?
Therapy is offered as part of care at Better Place Now. Ask the team whether it is the right fit for what you need.
Sources
- What is psychiatry? (opens in a new tab). American Psychiatric Association.
- What's a nurse practitioner (NP)? (opens in a new tab). American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) certification (opens in a new tab). American Nurses Credentialing Center.
- Arizona: state practice environment (opens in a new tab). American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
- State practice environment (full practice definition) (opens in a new tab). American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2026.
- A.R.S. 32-1606: Powers and duties of the board (opens in a new tab). Arizona State Legislature.
- Psychotherapies (opens in a new tab). National Institute of Mental Health.
- Finding mental health care (opens in a new tab). National Institute of Mental Health, 2026.
