Psychiatrists in 10009
![Photo of Olayinka Oyawusi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d9bc9f4-c692-45f1-ac79-c1d4d06467c6/1/320x400.png)
Olayinka Oyawusi, MSN, PMHNP-BC, BSN, RN, is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Before nursing, she also studied nutrition and food science at Montclair State University with a concentration in Dietetics. Olayinka is committed to providing holistic mental health care to her patients. Olayinka values creating a non-judgmental environment, practicing empathy, attentive listening, effective communication, and recognizing that a patient's needs take precedence as the crucial elements of patient care. She offers individualized care to tailor your unique needs through medication management, therapy, and wellness programs.
Olayinka Oyawusi, MSN, PMHNP-BC, BSN, RN, is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Before nursing, she also studied nutrition and food science at Montclair State University with a concentration in Dietetics. Olayinka is committed to providing holistic mental health care to her patients. Olayinka values creating a non-judgmental environment, practicing empathy, attentive listening, effective communication, and recognizing that a patient's needs take precedence as the crucial elements of patient care. She offers individualized care to tailor your unique needs through medication management, therapy, and wellness programs.
![Photo of Dr. Cassandra Nunez, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d698ec6-3705-4794-8b3c-eacbab1eb281/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Cassandra Nunez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10009 (Online Only)
Looking to conquer your mood while maintaining peak performance as a young professional? Ready to elevate your well-being with a comprehensive and holistic approach tailored to your busy lifestyle? In challenging moments, finding solace, and feeling heard is crucial. Lighten your load with compassionate care designed just for you. Irrespective of the obstacles you face, your care should be designed to meet your specific needs.
Looking to conquer your mood while maintaining peak performance as a young professional? Ready to elevate your well-being with a comprehensive and holistic approach tailored to your busy lifestyle? In challenging moments, finding solace, and feeling heard is crucial. Lighten your load with compassionate care designed just for you. Irrespective of the obstacles you face, your care should be designed to meet your specific needs.
![Photo of Josefina Sta Romana, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43e1d08a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
It's unrealistic for me to say I can instantly and magically make all your troubles disappear ,so I won't promise you that. But I promise to do my best to help you. I am a board-certified telepsychiatrist with 22 years of clinical experience seeing adults from all walks of life. I completed my psychiatric residency at Brown University in Providence, RI where I learned the art and science of psychiatry. I provide psychotherapy and medication management online . I only prescribe psychotropic medications when medically necessary. I have a 100% multi-state telepsychiatry practice.
It's unrealistic for me to say I can instantly and magically make all your troubles disappear ,so I won't promise you that. But I promise to do my best to help you. I am a board-certified telepsychiatrist with 22 years of clinical experience seeing adults from all walks of life. I completed my psychiatric residency at Brown University in Providence, RI where I learned the art and science of psychiatry. I provide psychotherapy and medication management online . I only prescribe psychotropic medications when medically necessary. I have a 100% multi-state telepsychiatry practice.
![Photo of Claudine Sapini, DPN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2143fbb2-710c-4476-a1b8-f24460225a2a/2/320x400.png)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and DNP with graduate degrees from Molloy University. I have experience working with adolescents and adults facing various complex mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, panic disorders, grief, and relationship concerns, in multiple settings.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and DNP with graduate degrees from Molloy University. I have experience working with adolescents and adults facing various complex mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, panic disorders, grief, and relationship concerns, in multiple settings.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8ef563d-09df-45cb-906e-1656fba4ab41/2/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbb8ce32-53b5-493e-a5c2-295ae2a9a6ac/1/320x400.png)
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10009
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
![Photo of Edena Walden, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f099b120-cca1-40f4-abe9-81263134470a/1/320x400.png)
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
![Photo of Michelle McCarthy, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77847c69-a1b6-4185-9bb3-448addfa0a4f/2/320x400.png)
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10009
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
![Photo of Uros Koprivica, APN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a7f17f1-8163-4bf8-be32-47f0bac11496/1/320x400.png)
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
![Photo of Niru Shamsun Nahar, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80dffbbd-6809-4016-9d06-e0bcc2616964/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist (Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine). I completed psychiatry residency training at Harlem hospital/Columbia University and NYSPI/Columbia university. I have more than 20 years' experience in dealing with clients with high stress jobs that can lead to depression & anxiety, I also work with ADHD, OCD, and more.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist (Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine). I completed psychiatry residency training at Harlem hospital/Columbia University and NYSPI/Columbia university. I have more than 20 years' experience in dealing with clients with high stress jobs that can lead to depression & anxiety, I also work with ADHD, OCD, and more.
![Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1672c713-353b-425c-b5dd-3a7587f3b2cb/1/320x400.png)
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
![Photo of Elena Bruck, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fd08a3b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and guidance on life style modification aimed to improve my patients' well-being. I believe in treatment which takes into account the whole person with their psychiatric, psychological, social and spiritual issues. I use the eclectic approach, which combines elements of different kinds of treatment such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal and Supportive Therapy. Beyond all this, my role as a therapist and a psychiatrist is to foster hope and insight, decrease suffering and help my patients achieve more freedom through personal growth.
I provide psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and guidance on life style modification aimed to improve my patients' well-being. I believe in treatment which takes into account the whole person with their psychiatric, psychological, social and spiritual issues. I use the eclectic approach, which combines elements of different kinds of treatment such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal and Supportive Therapy. Beyond all this, my role as a therapist and a psychiatrist is to foster hope and insight, decrease suffering and help my patients achieve more freedom through personal growth.
![Photo of Nivea Briggitte Calico - Holistic Medicine and Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403b93b4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Our goal at Holistic Medicine and Psychiatry is to help you feel better and get you back to living a meaningful and joy filled life. We believe in comprehensive & compassionate care. An approach that takes into account all of your needs. It is our practice to offer you multiple ways of healing and improved health. Through the use psychotherapy, nutritional analysis, and psychopharmacology, as well as enhanced guidance on lifestyle modifications, we are capable of joining with you to significantly improve your life & well-being.
Our goal at Holistic Medicine and Psychiatry is to help you feel better and get you back to living a meaningful and joy filled life. We believe in comprehensive & compassionate care. An approach that takes into account all of your needs. It is our practice to offer you multiple ways of healing and improved health. Through the use psychotherapy, nutritional analysis, and psychopharmacology, as well as enhanced guidance on lifestyle modifications, we are capable of joining with you to significantly improve your life & well-being.
![Photo of Madison Leigh Collins, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9503cc5-b223-4636-99c6-d2eafc307fce/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Health System specializing in holistic healing. My practice integrates expertise in sleep, pain, and mindfulness to treat diverse disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. I'm passionate about helping individuals achieve lasting mental well-being through personalized care.
I'm an Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Health System specializing in holistic healing. My practice integrates expertise in sleep, pain, and mindfulness to treat diverse disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. I'm passionate about helping individuals achieve lasting mental well-being through personalized care.
![Photo of Paolo Travers, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a28f3dc-7a55-41d9-85ea-5edb460353f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Paolo Travers is a Psychiatrist based in New York, with over two and a half decades of experience in the field. He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, specializing in Psychiatry, as well as from the American Board of Preventive Medicine, with a focus on Addiction Medicine. Dr. Travers completed his residency training at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, NY, where he specialized in Psychiatry. He further honed his expertise through fellowship training at the same institution, focusing on Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, now recognized as Psychosomatic Medicine.
Dr. Paolo Travers is a Psychiatrist based in New York, with over two and a half decades of experience in the field. He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, specializing in Psychiatry, as well as from the American Board of Preventive Medicine, with a focus on Addiction Medicine. Dr. Travers completed his residency training at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, NY, where he specialized in Psychiatry. He further honed his expertise through fellowship training at the same institution, focusing on Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, now recognized as Psychosomatic Medicine.
![Photo of Imran Faisal, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4621a8d6-12bf-4dbe-97e7-8196506fa6bb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Imran Faisal is a Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2000. He graduated from King Edward Medical College Pakistan. Imran believes in a treatment philosophy that is biological and eclectic. In his spare time, Imran enjoys European football.
Imran Faisal is a Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2000. He graduated from King Edward Medical College Pakistan. Imran believes in a treatment philosophy that is biological and eclectic. In his spare time, Imran enjoys European football.
![Photo of Donna McCabe, DNP, GNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f42492c7-679e-4b69-95cf-7522a5ebcc93/4/320x400.png)
Donna McCabe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, GNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10009 (Online Only)
My name is Donna McCabe I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and geriatric nurse practitioner. I have over 20 years of experience as a clinician. I have expertise in helping people who are dealing with the mental health issues of depression and anxiety, including those that often accompany other medical conditions. Managing ongoing health conditions is challenging! Developing tools to strengthen your coping and resilience to manage these conditions can promote overall wellness and enhance quality of life. Let me help you focus on your health and living well.
My name is Donna McCabe I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and geriatric nurse practitioner. I have over 20 years of experience as a clinician. I have expertise in helping people who are dealing with the mental health issues of depression and anxiety, including those that often accompany other medical conditions. Managing ongoing health conditions is challenging! Developing tools to strengthen your coping and resilience to manage these conditions can promote overall wellness and enhance quality of life. Let me help you focus on your health and living well.
![Photo of Dr. Trish Lawson, DNP, PMHNP, ANP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4019a30e-807b-4e60-96b3-06f195c58d92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Trish Lawson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, ANP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10009 (Online Only)
You are not alone. Emotional pain is real and extremely painful. Not feeling your best affects everything including work, school, and relationships. You cannot be your best when you are not feeling well. There is hope. My goal is to help people achieve emotional wellness. I work with my patients to enhance specific areas of life to promote better psychological well-being and cognitive function. I treat a variety of mental health conditions. Let me help you to improve the quality of your life. Book a consultation today! secure.helloalma.com/providers/triesha-gayle
You are not alone. Emotional pain is real and extremely painful. Not feeling your best affects everything including work, school, and relationships. You cannot be your best when you are not feeling well. There is hope. My goal is to help people achieve emotional wellness. I work with my patients to enhance specific areas of life to promote better psychological well-being and cognitive function. I treat a variety of mental health conditions. Let me help you to improve the quality of your life. Book a consultation today! secure.helloalma.com/providers/triesha-gayle
![Photo of Saira Bhatti, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f365a2fc-7b1f-4637-8f3b-d6622f812957/2/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal patient is one who is struggling in their day to day lives and is looking to make a change. That change can be in the form of therapy, medication, or a second opinion- I provide my medical recommendations and suggestions, while respecting your choices and autonomy. Making that first phone call, typing out that first email, making it to that first appointment are tremendous steps that are often the most difficult to make. Why not make the rest of your journey easier with someone who you can trust?
My ideal patient is one who is struggling in their day to day lives and is looking to make a change. That change can be in the form of therapy, medication, or a second opinion- I provide my medical recommendations and suggestions, while respecting your choices and autonomy. Making that first phone call, typing out that first email, making it to that first appointment are tremendous steps that are often the most difficult to make. Why not make the rest of your journey easier with someone who you can trust?
![Photo of Sin Yan Jianne Lo, MSN , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54f34400-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sin Yan Jianne Lo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10009 (Online Only)
Hi! I am a licensed and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner trained at Yale. I offer psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and medication management services via telehealth for NY residents. I speak fluent English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. I treat a wide range of conditions but the most common include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, women’s mental health, grief, life transitions, and relationship concerns.
Hi! I am a licensed and board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner trained at Yale. I offer psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and medication management services via telehealth for NY residents. I speak fluent English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. I treat a wide range of conditions but the most common include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, women’s mental health, grief, life transitions, and relationship concerns.
See more therapy options for 10009
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 10009
20+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in 10009 who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | Medication Management |
68% | ADHD |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
59% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 10009 see their clients
73% | In Person and Online | |
27% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
21% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 10009?
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.