Psychiatrists in 02476
![Photo of Amanda Sideri, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a0d0471-941d-4939-be62-c3390102ab92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Sideri
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02476 (Online Only)
Imagine waking up in the morning feeling calm, deeply connected to your body, and energized, ready to embrace each day with renewed vitality. If this vision feels distant, rest assured, you’ve come to the right place to transform it into a reality. Are you experiencing disconnection, exhaustion, low mood, overwhelm, and stress? Tired of hurried healthcare visits resulting in generic prescriptions that may or may not improve your well-being? While these symptoms are common, I recognize your uniqueness and strongly believe you deserve personalized care that truly listens to you. After all, you are the expert on your own body.
Imagine waking up in the morning feeling calm, deeply connected to your body, and energized, ready to embrace each day with renewed vitality. If this vision feels distant, rest assured, you’ve come to the right place to transform it into a reality. Are you experiencing disconnection, exhaustion, low mood, overwhelm, and stress? Tired of hurried healthcare visits resulting in generic prescriptions that may or may not improve your well-being? While these symptoms are common, I recognize your uniqueness and strongly believe you deserve personalized care that truly listens to you. After all, you are the expert on your own body.
![Photo of Margaret Cheng Tuttle, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/482d0898-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Cheng Tuttle
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02476
Not accepting new clients
I am a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, where I see adults in the outpatient general psychiatry clinic. In my private practice in Lexington, I enjoy working with clients to design individualized treatment plans, taking into account preferences for psychotherapy, medication, or some combination of the two.
I am a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, where I see adults in the outpatient general psychiatry clinic. In my private practice in Lexington, I enjoy working with clients to design individualized treatment plans, taking into account preferences for psychotherapy, medication, or some combination of the two.
![Photo of Sue Lyons, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10e70b0e-2090-4330-84f3-9f3cdbce8dc8/2/320x400.jpeg)
You are the one thing in this world that you must never give up on… Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you will ever know. -Actress Lily Reinhart. Being mentally healthy and finding balance in all aspects of life is just as important as being physically healthy. Taking care of our mental wellbeing is not always easy. I am a dual certified adult nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. I can help you find that balance which promotes your optimal mental health.
You are the one thing in this world that you must never give up on… Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you will ever know. -Actress Lily Reinhart. Being mentally healthy and finding balance in all aspects of life is just as important as being physically healthy. Taking care of our mental wellbeing is not always easy. I am a dual certified adult nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. I can help you find that balance which promotes your optimal mental health.
![Photo of Rhianna Candido, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67f1b67f-6166-4d2e-aff7-239bf67d510a/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I’m passionate about supporting people on their mental health journey. I focus on supporting older adolescents, young adults/college students, and adults. I have a special interest in women’s mental health with additional training in perinatal mental health.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I’m passionate about supporting people on their mental health journey. I focus on supporting older adolescents, young adults/college students, and adults. I have a special interest in women’s mental health with additional training in perinatal mental health.
![Photo of Jessica Frawley - Northeast Wellness, LLC, PA-C, MSPAS, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d259cfa6-1d5b-4ff9-ac07-f8e12f8f15ce/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Frawley is a Physician Assistant who is dedicated to improving the mental health of her patients. Receiving her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, she utilizes her skillset to approach mental health from both a psychological and psychiatric point of view. Jessica’s clinical areas of focus include the treatment of mood disorders, ADHD, and Anxiety. She is a strong advocate of using a multifaceted model in helping her patient’s journey in their mental health and overall wellness.
Jessica Frawley is a Physician Assistant who is dedicated to improving the mental health of her patients. Receiving her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, she utilizes her skillset to approach mental health from both a psychological and psychiatric point of view. Jessica’s clinical areas of focus include the treatment of mood disorders, ADHD, and Anxiety. She is a strong advocate of using a multifaceted model in helping her patient’s journey in their mental health and overall wellness.
![Photo of Ashley Tobey, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05bb1d8c-f600-4068-aa9f-f163ec6a7299/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Tobey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, MA 02476 (Online Only)
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
![Photo of Flore Pierre - Northeast Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1e1f4d1-9217-4b04-8330-3a6c8a219bf3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Northeast Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, MA 02476
Flore Pierre is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner with a passion for providing holistic and high-quality mental health care. She has a strong educational background, having earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Northeastern University and her Master of Science Degree from Regis College. She has extensive experience working with culturally diverse populations in a variety of healthcare settings including medical and psychiatric facilities and highlights the importance of how overall physical and spiritual health plays a role in mental health.
Flore Pierre is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner with a passion for providing holistic and high-quality mental health care. She has a strong educational background, having earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Northeastern University and her Master of Science Degree from Regis College. She has extensive experience working with culturally diverse populations in a variety of healthcare settings including medical and psychiatric facilities and highlights the importance of how overall physical and spiritual health plays a role in mental health.
![Photo of Alicia Battles - Northeast Wellness, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e280ead6-885e-4fd0-82f5-f569a9cb910b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Northeast Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, MA 02476
Alicia Battles is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has spent over a decade providing direct patient care as a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, and residential counsellor. She has experience working with adolescent and adult populations in a variety of settings including the emergency room, inpatient, and residential levels of care. A strong advocate for mental health education, Alicia enjoys working with nursing students and providing clinical instruction in the behavioral health specialties. Alicia’s areas of interest include ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma related disorders.
Alicia Battles is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has spent over a decade providing direct patient care as a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, and residential counsellor. She has experience working with adolescent and adult populations in a variety of settings including the emergency room, inpatient, and residential levels of care. A strong advocate for mental health education, Alicia enjoys working with nursing students and providing clinical instruction in the behavioral health specialties. Alicia’s areas of interest include ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma related disorders.
![Photo of Valerie Rice, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/351ec73a-0fe9-4e00-9163-a4d3e5bcd323/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie Rice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02476 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients, Valerie is a Psychiatric/Mental health nurse practitioner who will take time to fully explore medication options to help you meet your treatment goals, as well as non-pharmacological modalities that can help you feel like yourself. She trained as a nurse at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and received her Master’s degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing at Vanderbilt University.
Accepting new patients, Valerie is a Psychiatric/Mental health nurse practitioner who will take time to fully explore medication options to help you meet your treatment goals, as well as non-pharmacological modalities that can help you feel like yourself. She trained as a nurse at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and received her Master’s degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing at Vanderbilt University.
![Photo of Brian Jewers - Northeast Wellness, PLLC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae62a792-6a34-4090-9d43-8e57e83fe7fa/3/320x400.jpeg)
Northeast Wellness, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02476
Brian Jewers is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with many years of experience and a passion to help his community. Brian specializes in ADHD, Depression and Anxiety. Brian is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he served for nearly a decade, and translates the same commitment to serve into his nursing career. Now accepting new patients ages 14 and older.
Brian Jewers is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with many years of experience and a passion to help his community. Brian specializes in ADHD, Depression and Anxiety. Brian is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he served for nearly a decade, and translates the same commitment to serve into his nursing career. Now accepting new patients ages 14 and older.
![Photo of Tyrone J Williams, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8c1f27-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts with board certification in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry. I have 19 years of experience in practice and most commonly treat ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use. I specialize in individual therapy and provide guidance to parents and families. I normally emphasize diet, exercise, and sleeping habits as essential elements to therapy. If I think it makes sense, I will prescribe medications, collaborating with my patients and their healthcare providers to make safe and appropriate medication choices.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts with board certification in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry. I have 19 years of experience in practice and most commonly treat ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use. I specialize in individual therapy and provide guidance to parents and families. I normally emphasize diet, exercise, and sleeping habits as essential elements to therapy. If I think it makes sense, I will prescribe medications, collaborating with my patients and their healthcare providers to make safe and appropriate medication choices.
![Photo of Ruxandra Carp, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f59dd49-a910-4abc-bbc4-05d1496465d6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on developing a collaborative relationship with my clients and I am deeply interested in getting to know their unique strengths, needs, and life experiences. I combine evidence based medicine with various therapeutic interventions, to empower my clients to balance their emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Subsequently, they develop healthier life patterns and pursue their personal, academic, and career goals. I completed my residency and fellowship at training programs affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Dual Board Certifications in Adult Psychiatry and in Child Psychiatry.
I focus on developing a collaborative relationship with my clients and I am deeply interested in getting to know their unique strengths, needs, and life experiences. I combine evidence based medicine with various therapeutic interventions, to empower my clients to balance their emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Subsequently, they develop healthier life patterns and pursue their personal, academic, and career goals. I completed my residency and fellowship at training programs affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Dual Board Certifications in Adult Psychiatry and in Child Psychiatry.
![Photo of Mark Green, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f803b1d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a specialist in dual disorders, and treat people with addictions as well as the full range of psychiatric disorders, like schizophrenia, bipolar illnesses, depression, OCD and panic. I often work with people other docs have not connected with, or considered too tough, because I listen, and am flexible and straightforward, yet at the same time thorough and safe. This includes those not ready to make a behavior change, younger people, those with unstable or complex conditions, pain, sleep disorders and those who don't want to take medicines.
I am a specialist in dual disorders, and treat people with addictions as well as the full range of psychiatric disorders, like schizophrenia, bipolar illnesses, depression, OCD and panic. I often work with people other docs have not connected with, or considered too tough, because I listen, and am flexible and straightforward, yet at the same time thorough and safe. This includes those not ready to make a behavior change, younger people, those with unstable or complex conditions, pain, sleep disorders and those who don't want to take medicines.
![Photo of Elena Mascarenhas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4862752c-616c-4e77-bc31-c02bbc46c9a3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elena Mascarenhas has been a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) since 2014. She graduated from Boston College with a Masters in Nursing and from Northeastern University with a Bachelors in Psychology. She has over 13 years of experience working in mental healthcare, including experience in community mental health, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs and addictions treatment.
Elena Mascarenhas has been a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) since 2014. She graduated from Boston College with a Masters in Nursing and from Northeastern University with a Bachelors in Psychology. She has over 13 years of experience working in mental healthcare, including experience in community mental health, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs and addictions treatment.
![Photo of Can Bulucu, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/525e5d01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, ADHD and relational problems for more than 20 years. I have dual Board Certification in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. I am very careful in treating my patients with medications and my goal is to find the lowest effective dose and avoid multiple medication use when possible. I think therapy is as important as medications and I offer both, at times together, when necessary. For self pay patients cost for initial 60 min evaluation is $500, 15 min fallow up is $150, 30 min fallow up is $275 and 45min fallow up is $400.
I have extensive experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, ADHD and relational problems for more than 20 years. I have dual Board Certification in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. I am very careful in treating my patients with medications and my goal is to find the lowest effective dose and avoid multiple medication use when possible. I think therapy is as important as medications and I offer both, at times together, when necessary. For self pay patients cost for initial 60 min evaluation is $500, 15 min fallow up is $150, 30 min fallow up is $275 and 45min fallow up is $400.
Vanessa Loukas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, CARN-AP
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02476
Not accepting new clients
See more therapy options for 02476
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 02476
10+
Average cost per session
$268
Psychiatrists in 02476 who prioritize treating:
75% | Depression |
69% | Anxiety |
63% | Bipolar Disorder |
63% | Medication Management |
56% | ADHD |
50% | Trauma and PTSD |
44% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
85% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
85% | Blue Cross |
85% | Blue Shield |
How Psychiatrists in 02476 see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 02476?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.