Psychiatrist vs Psychologist vs PMHNP: Who Treats What
A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO) who completed a psychiatry residency and, when board-certified, is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). A psychologist is typically a PhD or PsyD clinician who provides assessment and psychotherapy and does not prescribe in Florida. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is an advanced practice registered nurse, board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), who can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medications under Florida APRN rules. Peace & Heart Wellness is led by Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC — a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner, not an ABPN psychiatrist and not a psychologist.
People search 'psychiatrist vs psychologist' because the words are used loosely in ads. Under Florida Statute §458 and §459, only licensed MDs and DOs practice as physicians; psychiatry residencies and ABPN certification sit on that pathway. Under Florida Statute §490, psychologists provide assessment and psychotherapy and do not prescribe in this state. Under Florida Statute §464.012 and Board of Nursing rules, a PMHNP-BC may diagnose and prescribe within specialty scope. This page is the credential map for this clinic: what we can do, what we refer, and why we will not put 'board-certified psychiatrist' in the title tag.
care snapshot
Book a PMHNP-BC evaluation if medication or a diagnostic interview is the job — or ask for a psychology referral if testing or weekly therapy is the job.
Deep context
Why this guide matters
A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO) who completed a psychiatry residency and, when board-certified, is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). A psychologist is typically a PhD or PsyD clinician who provides assessment and psychotherapy and does not prescribe in Florida. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is an advanced practice registered nurse, board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), who can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medications under Florida APRN rules. Peace & Heart Wellness is led by Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC — a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner, not an ABPN psychiatrist and not a psychologist.
Move readers to action
People search 'psychiatrist vs psychologist' because the words are used loosely in ads. Under Florida Statute §458 and §459, only licensed MDs and DOs practice as physicians; psychiatry residencies and ABPN certification sit on that pathway. Under Florida Statute §490, psychologists provide assessment and psychotherapy and do not prescribe in this state. Under Florida Statute §464.012 and Board of Nursing rules, a PMHNP-BC may diagnose and prescribe within specialty scope. This page is the credential map for this clinic: what we can do, what we refer, and why we will not put 'board-certified psychiatrist' in the title tag.
clear scope map: MD/DO psychiatrist, PhD/PsyD psychologist, PMHNP-BC
honest credential: DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
when to see each profession
prescribing authority in Florida
why this site does not claim ABPN board certification
Specific health focus
Three professions, three jobs
Use this map before you book. Peace & Heart Wellness is a PMHNP-BC medical home for evaluation and prescribing, not an ABPN psychiatry residency clinic and not a psychology testing office.
Psychiatrist (MD/DO, often ABPN)
Physician who completed a psychiatry residency. Can admit in hospitals, perform some procedures, and hold ABPN board certification. This clinic does not have that credential.
Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)
Assessment and psychotherapy. Does not prescribe in Florida. We refer when testing batteries, weekly therapy, or neuropsychological work is the primary need.
PMHNP-BC (ANCC)
Dr. Dorothy Chatelier holds DNP, FNP-BC, and PMHNP-BC. She can diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe, including many controlled substances under Florida APRN rules.
Key Labs & Metrics
RangesCredential to verify
ANCC PMHNP-BC + Florida APRN
Use the Florida license lookup. Do not equate DNP with MD.
Prescribing
Yes, PMHNP; no, psychologist
Medication management visits are medical visits.
Therapy hours
Referral
This clinic is not a 50-minute weekly psychotherapy practice by default.
Answer concerns up front
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always seek care from a qualified clinician for questions about a medical or psychiatric condition. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department.