I have a Private Psychotherapy Practice in Northern Virginia and practice independently as well as collaboratively with physicians. I am panelled with several insurance companies and do my own billing. I do not prescribe medications but my education included pharmacology with psychopharmacology.  It was my choice to become a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist instead of a Nurse Practitioner because I believe "talk therapy" is as beneficial as medication treatment or in conjunction with it. I believe there is a need for both types of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the health care arena. Our education levels are the same and I have used the title APRN since it was given to me when I became licensed as a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist.