Psychiatrists in Suffolk County, MA
I am an ivy league-trained child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist seeing patients for combined psychotherapy and medication management services by telehealth. My practice is small and patient-focused with a tailored approach to meet every patient's unique needs. My approach to treatment is to provide a safe, comforting environment where patients feel able to express themselves emotionally without fear of judgment. I pride myself on being empathic, warm and caring with an ability to personally connect with each of my patients and their families. I love what I do and I believe this reflects in the results I help my patients achieve.
I am an ivy league-trained child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist seeing patients for combined psychotherapy and medication management services by telehealth. My practice is small and patient-focused with a tailored approach to meet every patient's unique needs. My approach to treatment is to provide a safe, comforting environment where patients feel able to express themselves emotionally without fear of judgment. I pride myself on being empathic, warm and caring with an ability to personally connect with each of my patients and their families. I love what I do and I believe this reflects in the results I help my patients achieve.
Taking New Patients. I understand that that taking steps towards receiving mental health requires tremendous strength. I aim to foster collaborative relationships with my clients as they move towards their unique goals. I am highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, currently practicing recently relocated from Austin, Texas. I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing from Boston College and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I bring a comprehensive educational background to my role as my clinical experience is extensive.
Taking New Patients. I understand that that taking steps towards receiving mental health requires tremendous strength. I aim to foster collaborative relationships with my clients as they move towards their unique goals. I am highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, currently practicing recently relocated from Austin, Texas. I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing from Boston College and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I bring a comprehensive educational background to my role as my clinical experience is extensive.
Tilo Mukherjee
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02115 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am an experienced board-certified psychiatrist and a graduate of the Brown University Psychiatry Residency Program. I am a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. I work with patients, adults ages 18 and above. I provide help to clients living all over Massachusetts. My private practice helps undergraduate college students, graduate students, and busy working professionals who are looking to achieve success, good health, and happiness. My clients are welcomed to a warm and safe environment, where their problems are discussed with an open mind, kindness, flexibility, and no judgement.
I am an experienced board-certified psychiatrist and a graduate of the Brown University Psychiatry Residency Program. I am a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. I work with patients, adults ages 18 and above. I provide help to clients living all over Massachusetts. My private practice helps undergraduate college students, graduate students, and busy working professionals who are looking to achieve success, good health, and happiness. My clients are welcomed to a warm and safe environment, where their problems are discussed with an open mind, kindness, flexibility, and no judgement.
Brittney Scavotto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02127 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializing in comprehensive and patient-centered psychopharmacological management. I am trained across the lifespan and have a unique passion working with children and adolescents. With years of inpatient RN and outpatient NP experience and a passion for helping individuals navigate their mental health journey, I offer a personalized approach to medication management. I understand that each person's needs are unique, and I take the time to listen attentively to your concerns, goals, and preferences.
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializing in comprehensive and patient-centered psychopharmacological management. I am trained across the lifespan and have a unique passion working with children and adolescents. With years of inpatient RN and outpatient NP experience and a passion for helping individuals navigate their mental health journey, I offer a personalized approach to medication management. I understand that each person's needs are unique, and I take the time to listen attentively to your concerns, goals, and preferences.
I am a Harvard trained, Board Certified, Psychiatrist with a private practice in the Back Bay Area, Boston. My training includes my MD from Stanford with honors, Harvard residency training at MGH-McLean, and my certification in cognitive behavioral therapy (for anxiety, depression and PTSD) while I was faculty at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Massachusetts. My outpatient clinic was previously at Cambridge Health Alliance and I now run a boutique private practice offering personalized, attentive care and support. Narrative therapy and mindfulness training are included along with meticulous psychopharmacology.
I am a Harvard trained, Board Certified, Psychiatrist with a private practice in the Back Bay Area, Boston. My training includes my MD from Stanford with honors, Harvard residency training at MGH-McLean, and my certification in cognitive behavioral therapy (for anxiety, depression and PTSD) while I was faculty at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Massachusetts. My outpatient clinic was previously at Cambridge Health Alliance and I now run a boutique private practice offering personalized, attentive care and support. Narrative therapy and mindfulness training are included along with meticulous psychopharmacology.
High quality mental healthcare requires an open minded, thoughtful, and dedicated approach. If we work together, I will approach your treatment in this way to evaluate which medications and/or therapy modalities are most appropriate for you. I have a therapeutic team based style to make sure your sessions are worthwhile and engaging.
High quality mental healthcare requires an open minded, thoughtful, and dedicated approach. If we work together, I will approach your treatment in this way to evaluate which medications and/or therapy modalities are most appropriate for you. I have a therapeutic team based style to make sure your sessions are worthwhile and engaging.
Yuan has experience working in community mental health, psychiatric consultation, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient practice. Yuan values the importance of understanding the stigma traditionally associated with mental health struggles and wishes to provide the best-individualized care with an evidence-based and effective holistic approach. She provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation to detect patterns in thoughts and behaviors in her patients, and then match them to appropriate diagnoses.
Yuan has experience working in community mental health, psychiatric consultation, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient practice. Yuan values the importance of understanding the stigma traditionally associated with mental health struggles and wishes to provide the best-individualized care with an evidence-based and effective holistic approach. She provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation to detect patterns in thoughts and behaviors in her patients, and then match them to appropriate diagnoses.
Global Behavioral Healthcare LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, MPH
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110
Global Behavioral Healthcare offers comprehensive mental health services in both outpatient and tele-psychiatry formats, catering to individuals residing in the Waltham and Boston regions. The convenience of tele-psychiatry allows you to receive support from the comfort of your home using a computer or phone. We gladly welcome new patients and accommodate those with busy schedules by providing evening and weekend hours. At Global Behavioral Healthcare, you will receive expert care from Annet Kabuusu, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience across various settings, including hospitals.
Global Behavioral Healthcare offers comprehensive mental health services in both outpatient and tele-psychiatry formats, catering to individuals residing in the Waltham and Boston regions. The convenience of tele-psychiatry allows you to receive support from the comfort of your home using a computer or phone. We gladly welcome new patients and accommodate those with busy schedules by providing evening and weekend hours. At Global Behavioral Healthcare, you will receive expert care from Annet Kabuusu, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive experience across various settings, including hospitals.
Patricia, an accomplished mental health professional, holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Rivier University, graduating with high honors. Boasting nearly two decades of invaluable experience, she has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in psychiatric nursing where she has provided direct care services, including expert medication management, to a diverse range of clients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Patricia, an accomplished mental health professional, holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Rivier University, graduating with high honors. Boasting nearly two decades of invaluable experience, she has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in psychiatric nursing where she has provided direct care services, including expert medication management, to a diverse range of clients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Carnegie Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02136
Currently accepting new patients for medication management. Melanie Daley's professional background as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in Massachusetts reflects a comprehensive and dedicated career in mental health care. With over twelve years of experience as a Registered Nurse in addiction medicine and dual diagnosis settings, Melanie possesses a robust skill set to address various mental health issues.
Currently accepting new patients for medication management. Melanie Daley's professional background as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in Massachusetts reflects a comprehensive and dedicated career in mental health care. With over twelve years of experience as a Registered Nurse in addiction medicine and dual diagnosis settings, Melanie possesses a robust skill set to address various mental health issues.
A person seeking compassionate psychiatric care who is experiencing anxiety, depression, or mood disorders is Dr Boham's ideal client. This individual appreciates a comprehensive strategy that blends medicine and therapy to create a unique, efficient treatment plan. This individual's ultimate goals are to achieve mental well-being and lead a balanced, meaningful life.
A person seeking compassionate psychiatric care who is experiencing anxiety, depression, or mood disorders is Dr Boham's ideal client. This individual appreciates a comprehensive strategy that blends medicine and therapy to create a unique, efficient treatment plan. This individual's ultimate goals are to achieve mental well-being and lead a balanced, meaningful life.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new patients for same week telehealth appointments in Ohio, Florida, Colorado and Massachusetts. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat adults suffering as a result of trauma, depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. I specialize in offering individualized, measurement based care to quickly assess and treat your illness. I prescribe psychiatric medications and recommend therapy modalities and natural remedies that are tailored to your symptoms. I take pride in improving your well-being quickly, while minimizing side effects from medications.
I am currently accepting new patients for same week telehealth appointments in Ohio, Florida, Colorado and Massachusetts. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I treat adults suffering as a result of trauma, depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. I specialize in offering individualized, measurement based care to quickly assess and treat your illness. I prescribe psychiatric medications and recommend therapy modalities and natural remedies that are tailored to your symptoms. I take pride in improving your well-being quickly, while minimizing side effects from medications.
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.
Jenny P Rivillas-O'Neill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, BSN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116
Looking forward to helping you achieve mental health by maximizing your strengths. I take a holistic approach to care that incorporates therapy with thoughtful medication management. Each individual's journey is unique, as is the way in which we process our environment(internal & external). I look forward to partnering with you. Treatment is a wellness journey, with an aim to enhance motivation and achieve clear goals. ***Currently only accepting referrals for Psychopharm services. Requirement that clients seeking assistance with medication management have a therapist in place.***
Looking forward to helping you achieve mental health by maximizing your strengths. I take a holistic approach to care that incorporates therapy with thoughtful medication management. Each individual's journey is unique, as is the way in which we process our environment(internal & external). I look forward to partnering with you. Treatment is a wellness journey, with an aim to enhance motivation and achieve clear goals. ***Currently only accepting referrals for Psychopharm services. Requirement that clients seeking assistance with medication management have a therapist in place.***
Harvard trained Board Certified Psychiatrist who completed a Harvard residency in psychiatry followed by a Consultation Liaison Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine) fellowship from Boston University. Diverse experience is in various mental illnesses and addiction. We provide services to patients with a wide range of psychopathology that is intertwined with socioeconomic problems. Visit nadermhs.com to schedule a virtual appointment.
Harvard trained Board Certified Psychiatrist who completed a Harvard residency in psychiatry followed by a Consultation Liaison Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine) fellowship from Boston University. Diverse experience is in various mental illnesses and addiction. We provide services to patients with a wide range of psychopathology that is intertwined with socioeconomic problems. Visit nadermhs.com to schedule a virtual appointment.
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.
Lauren Linsmeier is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in patient care across the lifespan. With a background in acute settings, including psychiatric hospitals and the emergency department, Lauren has devoted numerous years as a nurse and nurse practitioner to supporting individuals during their most challenging moments. She now enjoys working with patients alongside life’s ups and downs to provide assistance and support.
Lauren Linsmeier is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in patient care across the lifespan. With a background in acute settings, including psychiatric hospitals and the emergency department, Lauren has devoted numerous years as a nurse and nurse practitioner to supporting individuals during their most challenging moments. She now enjoys working with patients alongside life’s ups and downs to provide assistance and support.
Vanja Pumpalovic, PMHNP - OptiMindHealth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02115
Vanja received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Tennessee State University and her Masters of Science in psychiatric nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She strives to create a secure and stable environment for her patients in order to facilitate collaboration and the creation of an effective treatment plan.
Vanja received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Tennessee State University and her Masters of Science in psychiatric nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She strives to create a secure and stable environment for her patients in order to facilitate collaboration and the creation of an effective treatment plan.
Dr. Tetyana Tarnavsky is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She attended Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy in Ukraine where she received her M.D., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Psychiatry. Dr. Tarnavsky has completed her residency at Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Training Program in MA where she was elected Chief Resident.
Dr. Tetyana Tarnavsky is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She attended Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy in Ukraine where she received her M.D., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Psychiatry. Dr. Tarnavsky has completed her residency at Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Training Program in MA where she was elected Chief Resident.
I am a board certified adult psychiatrist. I bring many years of US and international experience into my practice. I have a special interest in working with college students and young professionals who suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. The majority of my work focuses on lifestyle modifications and medication management.
I am a board certified adult psychiatrist. I bring many years of US and international experience into my practice. I have a special interest in working with college students and young professionals who suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. The majority of my work focuses on lifestyle modifications and medication management.
See more therapy options for Suffolk County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Suffolk County, MA
400+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Suffolk County, MA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
73% | Medication Management |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | ADHD |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
65% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
82% | Aetna |
80% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Suffolk County, MA see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
69% | Female | |
30% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Suffolk County?
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.