Psychiatrists in 12180
![Photo of Jan Yager - Latham NP Care PLLC, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPbc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/969917cf-4290-4f62-9ec1-021667b12d80/1/320x400.png)
Latham NP Care PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPbc
Verified Verified
Troy, NY 12180
Feeling overwhelmed in silent moments, convinced your anxious thoughts are visible to everyone around you? You're not alone, and I understand the weight of that secret worry." I have available appointment open at this time.
Feeling overwhelmed in silent moments, convinced your anxious thoughts are visible to everyone around you? You're not alone, and I understand the weight of that secret worry." I have available appointment open at this time.
![Photo of Olivia Vignone, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/622412ff-88a7-42d2-ae73-d88c7d7740b8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia Vignone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Troy, NY 12180
Waitlist for new clients
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I also applaud you for being proactive on your journey to mental wellness. My ideal client(s) is/are anyone needing help getting to be (or back to) their best self! Perhaps you're a parent who can't find a provider to help with their child's behavioral, emotional or attention issues. How about a teenager who is having a hard time in life? Or a person who has seen a plethora of providers ... I am well educated in psychopharmacology, constantly am learning of new medications and fully believe in the bio-psycho-social approach to healing and wellness. I can help!
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I also applaud you for being proactive on your journey to mental wellness. My ideal client(s) is/are anyone needing help getting to be (or back to) their best self! Perhaps you're a parent who can't find a provider to help with their child's behavioral, emotional or attention issues. How about a teenager who is having a hard time in life? Or a person who has seen a plethora of providers ... I am well educated in psychopharmacology, constantly am learning of new medications and fully believe in the bio-psycho-social approach to healing and wellness. I can help!
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a0292f6-004d-4449-aca5-cef029d363e4/2/320x400.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 Uros Koprivica, APN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fb4016e-26a2-4204-bdaf-157496f23cdb/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 Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4da96fcd-851b-4cf0-bdce-5240fecf2497/1/320x400.png)
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 Claudine Sapini, DPN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abc50bc4-e9bd-452e-a48a-e1be809d6bcc/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 Michelle McCarthy, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c938b2b-08f2-4c21-81b0-d2904585fd4c/1/320x400.png)
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 Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b099ee0b-c0f5-4871-998a-311c84742728/1/320x400.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 Nichole M. Orofino, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8e2ccab-3b89-4b0b-8063-3284e4043ca9/1/320x400.png)
Nichole M. Orofino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Troy, NY 12180
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
![Photo of Anita F. Lopes, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a74dea87-84bb-4208-8981-bf3c3c542797/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anita F. Lopes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Troy, NY 12180
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
![Photo of Ashley M. Monroe, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe367f88-37c0-4325-a74b-62ab31a6388f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
15 Second Videos
Latham NP Care PLLC
Allen Masry
Shannon Bucciarelli
Nichole M. Orofino
Anita F. Lopes
Ashley M. Monroe
Ronil Shah
Carrie I. Edick
Amber L. Shutter
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd7de7f3-e030-401e-830f-1bb1709f8912/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Carrie I. Edick, RN, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/583e0de9-fd0c-44d8-80ea-7474f8907ee8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carrie I. Edick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Troy, NY 12180
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Jacquelyn Ransbury
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Troy, NY 12180
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Depression and anxiety can significantly impact a person's quality of life. There are ways to combat these conditions with medication and therapy. A willingness to feel better and want to change is all that is needed to get started on the road to recovery. I look forward to treating the adult population (age 18+), utilizing medication management, brief person-centered psychotherapy and education to help manage distress, empower and motivate patients to achieve their life goals.
Depression and anxiety can significantly impact a person's quality of life. There are ways to combat these conditions with medication and therapy. A willingness to feel better and want to change is all that is needed to get started on the road to recovery. I look forward to treating the adult population (age 18+), utilizing medication management, brief person-centered psychotherapy and education to help manage distress, empower and motivate patients to achieve their life goals.
![Photo of Anne Hewitt, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae37698e-a047-4de2-bd25-417d548fbceb/2/320x400.jpeg)
I've experienced firsthand the weight of anxiety and the grip of depression. But from these struggles, I've emerged with a burning resolve to be a light for others. My aim is to serve as a beacon of hope and understanding, offering compassionate care rooted in honesty and clinical expertise. My approach to treatment is grounded in the belief that healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood.
I've experienced firsthand the weight of anxiety and the grip of depression. But from these struggles, I've emerged with a burning resolve to be a light for others. My aim is to serve as a beacon of hope and understanding, offering compassionate care rooted in honesty and clinical expertise. My approach to treatment is grounded in the belief that healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood.
![Photo of Amber L. Shutter, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1b60320-a208-496f-b0b0-be2b1f9069b9/1/320x400.png)
Amber L. Shutter
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Troy, NY 12180
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
Adult Patients Only - Luminous Psychiatric offers online & in-person availability. Please go to www.LuminousPsychiatric.com and select Request Appointment. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner affiliated with Luminous Psychiatric, a group of professionals dedicated to providing access to health and wellness solutions to those in need. We believe that while telehealth is making access to healthcare readily available, we only accept patients that can safely be treated remotely. Suitable mental and behavioral conditions for tele-healthcare are depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and certain mood disorders.
See more therapy options for 12180
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 12180
10+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in 12180 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
88% | Trauma and PTSD |
82% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
82% | Medication Management |
76% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
5 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
94% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 12180 see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
16% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 12180?
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.