Psychiatrists in Princeton, NJ
![Photo of Anu Upadhyay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/972c3024-63de-4789-8b57-b2c58e6d9c79/3/320x400.jpeg)
At healthy minds Princeton LLC we focus on personalized, compassionate and evidence-based psychiatric care with options of using Telehealth and in person appointments. Our aim is to help you in your mental health recovery as best as possible so that you can return to being mentally well as quickly as possibleWe do not participate in any insurance plans. We offer Convenient evening and Saturday appointments .
At healthy minds Princeton LLC we focus on personalized, compassionate and evidence-based psychiatric care with options of using Telehealth and in person appointments. Our aim is to help you in your mental health recovery as best as possible so that you can return to being mentally well as quickly as possibleWe do not participate in any insurance plans. We offer Convenient evening and Saturday appointments .
![Photo of undefined - Andrea Papa (adolescent/teen specialist), DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb30f68b-0e96-4287-942e-edecc11014b4/2/320x400.png)
I am a Psychiatrist with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
I am a Psychiatrist with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
![Photo of undefined - Garden Psych, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/136ccd04-d631-47ec-98f5-abc854c4b574/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you have a busy life? Do you wish for you and your family to be as successful as possible? Garden Psych is a mental health practice with focus on telepsychiatry. The advantage of Garden Psych is using telemedicine to take less time off school or work. We are open on WEEKDAY EVENINGS and WEEKENDS! We have helped thousands of adults and children become more successful in their lives. Our award winning team of experts can help you do the same!
Do you have a busy life? Do you wish for you and your family to be as successful as possible? Garden Psych is a mental health practice with focus on telepsychiatry. The advantage of Garden Psych is using telemedicine to take less time off school or work. We are open on WEEKDAY EVENINGS and WEEKENDS! We have helped thousands of adults and children become more successful in their lives. Our award winning team of experts can help you do the same!
![Photo of undefined - Alexander Road Associates, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc41fb0b-cff0-47ae-b8dc-3c6c52f6c056/1/320x400.png)
ARA has been serving the Princeton area for over thirty years. ARA offers psychiatry, psychotherapy, psycho/educational testing and substance abuse counseling for people of all ages. ARA is dedicated to providing thoughtful and compassionate integrated care for our patients. Psychiatrists and therapists collaborate to offer evidence-based treatments including, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy and psycho-pharmacological intervention. ARA child, adolescent and adult psychiatrists are skilled in diagnosis & psychopharmacology.
ARA has been serving the Princeton area for over thirty years. ARA offers psychiatry, psychotherapy, psycho/educational testing and substance abuse counseling for people of all ages. ARA is dedicated to providing thoughtful and compassionate integrated care for our patients. Psychiatrists and therapists collaborate to offer evidence-based treatments including, but not limited to, cognitive behavioral therapy and psycho-pharmacological intervention. ARA child, adolescent and adult psychiatrists are skilled in diagnosis & psychopharmacology.
![Photo of undefined - Inside Out CURE Psychiatry LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ebfa70c-abe5-4a27-ab33-9f9d7fdb12ae/3/320x400.jpeg)
Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their strengths and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience & Empathy. I am a Harvard trained infant, child, & adult psychiatrist. Because of my unique background in infancy, parenting, perinatal health, ADHD, child and adult psychiatry, I offer services to all age groups by applying principals of psychotherapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience. I also do school consultation and provide comprehensive evaluations for excessive social media use, PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and stress or burnout.
Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their strengths and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience & Empathy. I am a Harvard trained infant, child, & adult psychiatrist. Because of my unique background in infancy, parenting, perinatal health, ADHD, child and adult psychiatry, I offer services to all age groups by applying principals of psychotherapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience. I also do school consultation and provide comprehensive evaluations for excessive social media use, PTSD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and stress or burnout.
![Photo of Ricardo J. Fernandez, MD, DFAPA, ABAM, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be82a50d-c967-432b-9822-55a7724c449d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our Mission is to provide highly individualized psychiatric care by specially trained experts. Working closely with the patient, the patient's family and other healthcare professionals, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan addressing biological, hormonal and psychosocial needs.In developing a clear diagnosis, we utilize comprenesive psychiatric testing in the evaluation phase to determine appropriate and effective treatment.Highly regarded within his field, Dr. Fernandez has almost 30 years experience in psychopharmacolgy and women's health. Quality of care is a priority.Patients are provided with round-the-clock access to their treating clinicians for emergencies and urgencies that cannot wait.
Our Mission is to provide highly individualized psychiatric care by specially trained experts. Working closely with the patient, the patient's family and other healthcare professionals, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan addressing biological, hormonal and psychosocial needs.In developing a clear diagnosis, we utilize comprenesive psychiatric testing in the evaluation phase to determine appropriate and effective treatment.Highly regarded within his field, Dr. Fernandez has almost 30 years experience in psychopharmacolgy and women's health. Quality of care is a priority.Patients are provided with round-the-clock access to their treating clinicians for emergencies and urgencies that cannot wait.
![Photo of Pattie James, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a45d066-7af4-44a8-bde7-4e1c14970b20/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client is committed to accomplishing personal goals through a collaborative relationship built on trust, accountability, and communication. The ideal client is driven to explore the root cause of issues, recognize the work required to promote psychological well-being, and utilize available resources. Clients present with issues from past experiences and current stressors that impact their personal, professional, and social lives. My ideal client is willing to gain a broader understanding of these issues, desire personal growth, and develop effective coping skills that will manifest in an improved quality of life.
My ideal client is committed to accomplishing personal goals through a collaborative relationship built on trust, accountability, and communication. The ideal client is driven to explore the root cause of issues, recognize the work required to promote psychological well-being, and utilize available resources. Clients present with issues from past experiences and current stressors that impact their personal, professional, and social lives. My ideal client is willing to gain a broader understanding of these issues, desire personal growth, and develop effective coping skills that will manifest in an improved quality of life.
![Photo of undefined - Shannon Bucciarelli (adolescent/teen specialist), MSN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f378061-29bd-454f-9f29-5cc3aa8d29fe/2/320x400.png)
Shannon Bucciarelli (adolescent/teen specialist)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
![Photo of Henrietta Udeh, MSN, CSN-NJ, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/399b8046-42fb-4861-b549-53c9ccf33dee/1/320x400.png)
Henrietta Udeh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CSN-NJ, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
My ideal client presents with anxiety; she has been experiencing a lot of panic attacks. She has been to the ER over three times in the past two months, where they ruled out cardiac problems. They always give her benzodiazepine and follow up with a psychiatrist. She does not want to be on medications, so she tried psychotherapy. She was then referred by her therapist. Her goal is to stay on medication for a short time. She prefers to use natural remedies. She is very fearful of science and the long-term effects of medications.
My ideal client presents with anxiety; she has been experiencing a lot of panic attacks. She has been to the ER over three times in the past two months, where they ruled out cardiac problems. They always give her benzodiazepine and follow up with a psychiatrist. She does not want to be on medications, so she tried psychotherapy. She was then referred by her therapist. Her goal is to stay on medication for a short time. She prefers to use natural remedies. She is very fearful of science and the long-term effects of medications.
![Photo of Les Linet, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b88ced2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Linet is comfortable using psychotherapy or psychopharmacology. He has expertise treating anxiety, depression and disruptive/acting out behavior whether caused by psychological problems, ADHD, bipolar or other mood disorders. He wrote "The Search for Stimulation: Understanding ADHD," a link to which can be found at www.LesLinetMD.com. Dr. Linet appeared on television discussing OCD and Tourette Syndrome. He is one of a relatively few thousand physicians with a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for addiction. He also counsels families and patients in handling substance abuse.
Dr. Linet is comfortable using psychotherapy or psychopharmacology. He has expertise treating anxiety, depression and disruptive/acting out behavior whether caused by psychological problems, ADHD, bipolar or other mood disorders. He wrote "The Search for Stimulation: Understanding ADHD," a link to which can be found at www.LesLinetMD.com. Dr. Linet appeared on television discussing OCD and Tourette Syndrome. He is one of a relatively few thousand physicians with a federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for addiction. He also counsels families and patients in handling substance abuse.
![Photo of undefined - Ruth MacKenzie (adolescent/teen specialist), APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95fee9c3-ad05-48df-9a08-6c4b00792df0/2/320x400.png)
Ruth MacKenzie (adolescent/teen specialist)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
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![Photo of Ann Nolan, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e3e7e58-0afa-4e7d-a3e0-be287f6d1767/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
![Photo of Edena Walden, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6bf7bf06-2561-4a37-8c17-99c057d6ef39/1/320x400.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 undefined - Hindi/Urdu/Punjabi & in person meetings available, PMHNP, -BC , Adults, Teens, Elders, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6bb0bfe2-27cf-4c8e-95d2-e010c173df71/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hindi/Urdu/Punjabi & in person meetings available
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC , Adults, Teens, Elders
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
I am a psychiatric provider/nurse practitioner Kaushiki Kapoor PMHNP-BC licensed by NJ board to prescribe psychiatric medications and can conduct psychotherapy at the same time. My personal philosophy of treatment is that just by meds all problems do not disappear. Medications and psychotherapy in combination need to happen for the body and mind wellness as well as growth. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. I can also offer my services to Hindi, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Urdu and Gujarati speaking patients. Call me today to book an appointment :)
I am a psychiatric provider/nurse practitioner Kaushiki Kapoor PMHNP-BC licensed by NJ board to prescribe psychiatric medications and can conduct psychotherapy at the same time. My personal philosophy of treatment is that just by meds all problems do not disappear. Medications and psychotherapy in combination need to happen for the body and mind wellness as well as growth. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. I can also offer my services to Hindi, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Urdu and Gujarati speaking patients. Call me today to book an appointment :)
![Photo of Dr. Bradford Bobrin, MD , FASAM , FACLP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fc37b79-dca1-40bb-9da8-dc2d09e64659/1/320x400.png)
I don't have an ideal client, except that they are open to change. I will see anyone who asks for help, but I expect they are or will be willing to change. I attempt to understand the patient as a whole, from birth to the present, from a medical, psychological, familial, and neurological perspective. I am focused on practical solutions and removing emotional blocks to making progress. I speak directly and am primarily concerned about the relationship with my patients. I am an avid advocate for my patients.
I don't have an ideal client, except that they are open to change. I will see anyone who asks for help, but I expect they are or will be willing to change. I attempt to understand the patient as a whole, from birth to the present, from a medical, psychological, familial, and neurological perspective. I am focused on practical solutions and removing emotional blocks to making progress. I speak directly and am primarily concerned about the relationship with my patients. I am an avid advocate for my patients.
![Photo of Amanda Decker, MA, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8232f9f1-2ee4-42ad-8c11-eee4731bbd21/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Decker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540 (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Mandy and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in integrative psychiatry. I work with all ages and my goal is to promote optimal wellness, rather than just stick a bandage on a wound via a pill. Integrative psychiatry means western medicine and eastern medicine. I do prescribe medication, however I may also recommend nutraceuticals, mind body approaches, and/or other therapeutic, holistic, energetic, or complementary means. I also deprescribe. My goal is to help you heal and help YOU get to know YOU better!
Hi, my name is Mandy and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in integrative psychiatry. I work with all ages and my goal is to promote optimal wellness, rather than just stick a bandage on a wound via a pill. Integrative psychiatry means western medicine and eastern medicine. I do prescribe medication, however I may also recommend nutraceuticals, mind body approaches, and/or other therapeutic, holistic, energetic, or complementary means. I also deprescribe. My goal is to help you heal and help YOU get to know YOU better!
![Photo of Karen Yeboah-Norment, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31f5e9b6-ba27-4f56-b36f-4b46fa4ddc3f/2/320x400.png)
Karen Yeboah-Norment
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve one’s mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stopped socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and are failing college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with one’s current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve one’s mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stopped socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and are failing college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with one’s current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.
![Photo of undefined - The Princeton Developmental & Psychiatric Center, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c018213-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Princeton Developmental & Psychiatric Center
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
I believe in evidence-based psychiatry but appreciates the role of emerging treatments.My comprehensive approach from the developmental,genetic,neurobiological, environmental and cultural/spiritual facets have consistently resulted in significant gains by the clients. My treatment focuses on symptom complex and how it is connected with the neurotransmitters and brain circuits rather than mere diagnostic criteria. I strongly believe that every individual is unique and requires individualized interventions for maximum benefit & personal growth.Understand and appreciate the complex needs of human being. Deep understanding of the pain of others as I live with a family member with mental health needs.
I believe in evidence-based psychiatry but appreciates the role of emerging treatments.My comprehensive approach from the developmental,genetic,neurobiological, environmental and cultural/spiritual facets have consistently resulted in significant gains by the clients. My treatment focuses on symptom complex and how it is connected with the neurotransmitters and brain circuits rather than mere diagnostic criteria. I strongly believe that every individual is unique and requires individualized interventions for maximum benefit & personal growth.Understand and appreciate the complex needs of human being. Deep understanding of the pain of others as I live with a family member with mental health needs.
![Photo of undefined - Garden Psych, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6687967-902f-4a25-b36e-bc315bb5b429/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you have a busy life? Do you wish for you and your family to be as successful as possible? Garden Psych is a mental health practice with focus on telepsychiatry. The advantage of Garden Psych is using telemedicine to take less time off school or work. We are open on WEEKDAY EVENINGS and WEEKENDS! We have helped thousands of adults and children become more successful in their lives. Our award winning team of experts can help you do the same!
Do you have a busy life? Do you wish for you and your family to be as successful as possible? Garden Psych is a mental health practice with focus on telepsychiatry. The advantage of Garden Psych is using telemedicine to take less time off school or work. We are open on WEEKDAY EVENINGS and WEEKENDS! We have helped thousands of adults and children become more successful in their lives. Our award winning team of experts can help you do the same!
![Photo of Eronmwon Balogun, MSN, APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed6f523d-9300-437f-9e68-5504d3407bc2/2/320x400.png)
Eronmwon Balogun
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
As an ideal psychiatric mental health client, I present with moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. My primary needs include medication management for symptom relief and psychoeducation on coping strategies. My goals are to attain emotional stability, enhance daily functioning, and reduce distress. I seek an understanding of my conditions, effective pharmacological interventions, and therapeutic support to develop resilience. Motivated by a desire for improved quality of life, I aim to cultivate a balanced mental state, fostering a sense of control and well-being in navigating life's challenges.
As an ideal psychiatric mental health client, I present with moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. My primary needs include medication management for symptom relief and psychoeducation on coping strategies. My goals are to attain emotional stability, enhance daily functioning, and reduce distress. I seek an understanding of my conditions, effective pharmacological interventions, and therapeutic support to develop resilience. Motivated by a desire for improved quality of life, I aim to cultivate a balanced mental state, fostering a sense of control and well-being in navigating life's challenges.
See more therapy options for Princeton
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Princeton, NJ
80+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Princeton, NJ who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
78% | Medication Management |
76% | ADHD |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
85% | Cigna and Evernorth |
77% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Princeton, NJ see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
30% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Princeton?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists 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 sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist 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. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.