Find a psychiatrist in Thornton, CO — covered by insurance


Top psychiatrists in Thornton, CO accepting new patients
Thornton residents can connect with empowering, solution-oriented providers across the city's vibrant neighborhoods. Headway's network of 359 therapists offers personalized care for anxiety, relationships, and more, with sessions covered by insurance and average savings of 75%.
I’m Makala Smith, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I am committed to providing holistic mental health care through a balanced and patient-centered approach.
My background includes neurology, trauma, and public health nursing. I earned my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from University of Colorado after I realized the need for psychiatric providers in my rural community of Meeker, Colorado and surrounding areas. By furthering my education, I am able to provide specialized, thoughtful, empathetic psychiatric care.
I’m a board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and more than a decade as a nurse practitioner. My work blends evidence-based medication management with an integrative, trauma-informed lens. I believe effective care looks beyond symptoms to understand the person as a whole.
I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner committed to supporting your mental wellness. I help children, teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders and ADHD.
I completed my training at Case Western Reserve University, and I went on to complete additional certification at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
I aim to create a safe space where you feel heard and empowered. I would love to assist you on your path to growing, as we work together to achieve personalized, goals that promote positive outcomes.
Dr. Vandenberg has over 25 years of experience in mental health treatment. As a board certified advanced nurse practitioner with a clinical doctorate, Dr. Vandenberg has extensive training providing psychiatric medication management for all ages.
With a background in both family practice and psychiatric mental health, Dr. Vandenberg recognizes the importance of treating the whole person, mind and body. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia and her Masters of Science in Nursing Education from Mercer University. Dr. Vandenberg went on to receive her post Masters of Science as a family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Vandenberg has practiced in a variety of psychiatric, integrated care and academic settings. Her research interests include integrative care , binge eating disorder and non suicidal self injury across the lifespan.
I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for adults. My approach integrates current research, individualized treatment planning, and collaborative decision-making to support each patient’s unique goals and needs.
I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment, including medication management using evidence-based practices. I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, and other mood disorders. My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care.
I believe that effective treatment is built on a strong therapeutic relationship. By working together, we will develop a personalized plan that promotes symptom management, resilience, and overall well-being. I am committed to helping you feel empowered in your mental health journey and to ensuring that your voice remains central in the treatment process
Completed my adult psychiatry residency at Duke University Medical Center and recognize the importance of synergistic effects of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy to achieve best clinical outcomes. Beyond Medical school and Psychiatric residency, I completed an additional Ph.D. in Neurosciences, fostering a deeper understanding of the field of Psychiatry and psychotropic treatment options. I have additional knowledge and experience in adjunct treatments including TMS and Ketamine.
Dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 27 years of healthcare experience.
- Passionate about supporting individuals of all ages in achieving their best mental health.
- Provide comprehensive care including medication management and supportive therapy.
- Deliver compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to diverse populations.
- Treat everyone the way I want to be treated, building trust, empathy, and respect.
- Highly individualized approach to ensure each person receives personalized support.
- Qualified to treat individuals across the lifespan with a wide range of mental health disorders.
I am able to evaluate and make diagnoses, and/or support existing diagnoses and work with you for a 'best-fit' solution to your needs. So many come from a past of being told they are 'X, Y, Z" and often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.
My goal is to help find a good treatment start point that resonates with you and provide evidence-based treatment to support your needs, goals, and desires to bring relief and remission, joy and hope.
All options on the table including progressive medication management, psychotherapy and counseling, or referrals for other modalities including deepTMS.
Hi, I’m Shannon. I bring over 20 years of experience in healthcare, including more than a decade as a nurse practitioner. I’ve worked as a family nurse practitioner since 2013, and over time my passion led me to focus my practice on mental wellness and emotional health. My path through many roles in healthcare—from nurse’s aide to NP—shapes a thoughtful, whole-person approach to care.
Welcome! I’m honored you’re considering care. I’m a doctorally prepared Nurse Practitioner with dual board certification in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Primary Mental Health. As a former first responder, I bring firsthand understanding of the unique stressors faced by those in high-intensity roles. I take a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to care. I specialize in working with individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, including first responders and members of the LGBTQ+ community. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to take steps toward healing.
About our psychiatrists located within 20 miles of Thornton, CO



- 100%PTSD
- 100%Depression
- 97%Anxiety
- 97%ADD/ADHD
- 97%Bipolar disorder

- 100%Aetna
- 100%Cigna
- 87%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 80%Select Health - Colorado

- 100%English
- 7%Spanish
- 3%Arabic
- 3%Portuguese
- 3%Russian

- 100%In-person or online

- 77%Woman
- 23%Man

- 97%Advanced Practice Nurse
- 3%Medical Doctor

- 93%Individual therapy
- 10%Family therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Thornton
Finding the right psychiatrist in Thornton, CO starts with understanding the type of care you need. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage ongoing medication plans. If you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or PTSD, a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) may be the right fit. Both can prescribe and adjust medication, and many are available for virtual appointments.
With providers spread across Thornton and the surrounding north Denver metro area — including Northglenn, Westminster, and Broomfield — narrowing your options can take time. Consider what matters most: a provider who specializes in a specific condition, someone who offers virtual visits, or a prescriber close to your neighborhood. Reading a provider's bio before booking can help you understand their background and approach.
Psychiatry sessions in Thornton can be costly without insurance. Using your in-network benefits is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs before you book, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a psychiatrist who fits both your clinical needs and your budget.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.






































