Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs Psychiatrist in Arizona: What's the Difference?
Quick answer
In Arizona, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medication independently, because Arizona grants nurse practitioners full practice authority. A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO). Both can provide medication management; the training path differs. Angela Marton, PMHNP-BC, at Sigmon Psychiatric is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, not a physician.
Training and credentials compared
- Degree. PMHNP: master's or doctorate in nursing with a psychiatric specialty. Psychiatrist: medical school followed by a psychiatry residency.
- Board certification. PMHNP: ANCC (PMHNP-BC). Psychiatrist: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
- Arizona license. PMHNP: Arizona Board of Nursing, as an APRN with prescribing authority. Psychiatrist: Arizona Medical Board or Board of Osteopathic Examiners.
- Prescribing in Arizona. Both prescribe psychiatric medication; a PMHNP does so independently under full practice authority.
- Typical outpatient focus. Both provide evaluation and medication management; some psychiatrists also provide therapy.
What Arizona law allows
Arizona is a full-practice-authority state. A licensed nurse practitioner with prescribing authority may practice without physician supervision or a collaborative agreement. The Arizona Board of Nursing publishes the nurse practitioner role description, and individual licenses can be checked through the Board's public license lookup.
How to verify any provider before you book
- License: search the Arizona Board of Nursing (for a PMHNP) or the Arizona Medical Board (for a psychiatrist) for an active license.
- Certification: confirm PMHNP-BC status through ANCC, or psychiatry board certification through ABPN.
- Identity: confirm the provider's NPI in the NPI Registry. Angela Marton's NPI is 1265970065. The NPI record is identity evidence only; it does not verify certification or licensure.
- Reviews: prefer platforms that only accept reviews from booked visits.
What Sigmon Psychiatric offers
Sigmon Psychiatric accepts children, teens, and adults for psychiatric evaluations and medication management when they are physically located in Arizona during the appointment. Angela provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management by secure video for anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD. She does not provide psychotherapy and will discuss referral options when therapy would help.
Sigmon Psychiatric is rated 5.0 across 82 verified patient reviews on Zocdoc. Same-week openings are often available, but timing varies; the booking calendar shows exact times. Self-pay is $179 for an initial evaluation and $129 for follow-up visits. Commercial insurance plans may be accepted, but coverage and network participation vary by exact plan and are not guaranteed. Verify outpatient mental health and telehealth benefits by calling the member services number on your insurance card before care. Medicare and Medicaid (AHCCCS) are not accepted.
Which is right for you?
For most outpatient needs, whether the prescriber is a PMHNP or a psychiatrist matters less than whether the clinician is licensed, certified, thorough, reachable, and transparent about cost. If you need a specialized service a practice does not offer, a trustworthy provider will say so and refer you.
View current appointment times through Zocdoc, read how to evaluate a psychiatric provider in Arizona, or call (520) 650-5111.
Your provider: Angela Marton, PMHNP-BC
Angela Marton is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providing telehealth psychiatric care to patients across Arizona. She specializes in medication management and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and related conditions. Every visit is with the same provider. Same-week openings are often available, but timing varies; view current times when you book. More about Angela.
Insurance & costs
Commercial plans that may be accepted include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Oscar Health, and Optum. Coverage and network participation vary by exact plan, so verify benefits before your visit. Self-pay rates are $179 for an initial evaluation and $129 for follow-up visits; HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Medicare and Medicaid (AHCCCS) are not accepted at this time. Full insurance and pricing details.
Frequently asked questions
Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe medication in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona grants nurse practitioners full practice authority, so a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medication without physician supervision. Controlled-substance prescribing follows Arizona and federal requirements.
Is a PMHNP a doctor?
No. A PMHNP is an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate training in psychiatry, not a physician. Angela Marton is a board-certified PMHNP-BC and is never described as a physician or psychiatrist.
How can I verify a psychiatric nurse practitioner's credentials in Arizona?
Check the Arizona Board of Nursing license lookup for an active APRN license with prescribing authority, confirm board certification through ANCC, and confirm identity through the NPI Registry. Angela Marton's NPI is 1265970065.
Does Angela Marton provide therapy?
No. Angela Marton provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management, not psychotherapy. She can discuss therapy referrals when talk therapy would help alongside medication.