Psychiatrists in New York, NY
![Photo of Laura J Dalheim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce2136a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Would you like a warm and experienced psychiatrist to help you overcome your difficulties? I have extensive experience with all variety of emotional and psychiatric issues, having worked with adults in hospital, community and office settings. I provide psychotherapy for the individual, with or without medication management. I also will provide medication management alone if desired. Pharmacogenetic testing is an exciting technology which allows for selection of medications without trial and error. I now provide this testing (simple cheek swab), analysis and counseling. Test kits can be sent directly to patient.
Would you like a warm and experienced psychiatrist to help you overcome your difficulties? I have extensive experience with all variety of emotional and psychiatric issues, having worked with adults in hospital, community and office settings. I provide psychotherapy for the individual, with or without medication management. I also will provide medication management alone if desired. Pharmacogenetic testing is an exciting technology which allows for selection of medications without trial and error. I now provide this testing (simple cheek swab), analysis and counseling. Test kits can be sent directly to patient.
![Photo of Alexandra Dunn, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a9ec63b-9424-4d33-8f46-6e8c6d0b974d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Dunn completed her medical training at University of California, Irvine School of Medicine and moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During her training, she gained extensive clinical experience treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. She co-led a mindfulness group in the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately she chose to specialize in outpatient care, specifically treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Dunn completed her medical training at University of California, Irvine School of Medicine and moved to New York to complete her psychiatric residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. During her training, she gained extensive clinical experience treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. She co-led a mindfulness group in the outpatient clinic, worked with students at Baruch College and rotated with the Assertive Community Treatment team at MSBI. Ultimately she chose to specialize in outpatient care, specifically treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders.
![Photo of Moises Liriano Fernandez, APRN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a19135e-e75b-41a3-9a48-18cc5ae73ed7/1/320x400.png)
Moises Liriano Fernandez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, RN
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Moises, is a bilingual Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is fluent in Spanish. With over eight years of experience in mental health, he excels in medication management for various diagnoses such as Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, OCD,ADHD and sleep disorders. Moises obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Jersey City University and his Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Moises, is a bilingual Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is fluent in Spanish. With over eight years of experience in mental health, he excels in medication management for various diagnoses such as Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, OCD,ADHD and sleep disorders. Moises obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Jersey City University and his Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
![Photo of Katy Maggio, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c639f1cd-2c28-4467-adde-ffe368c34be8/2/320x400.jpeg)
My practice is oriented toward helping clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD and other issues identify and adhere to a treatment plan that meaningfully improves quality of life and helps them realize their goals and potential. My approach integrates your lived experience and symptoms with a broader view of how the environment you live and work in affects your well-being. This is a fundamentally collaborative practice - we will work together, in an open and non-judgemental way, to understand what is troubling you.
My practice is oriented toward helping clients with depression, anxiety, ADHD and other issues identify and adhere to a treatment plan that meaningfully improves quality of life and helps them realize their goals and potential. My approach integrates your lived experience and symptoms with a broader view of how the environment you live and work in affects your well-being. This is a fundamentally collaborative practice - we will work together, in an open and non-judgemental way, to understand what is troubling you.
![Photo of Jessica Georges, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0e97521-655b-41d1-84d1-6a4b7a88d3f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Georges
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010
All people are capable and deserving of meaningful and fulfilling lives. My mission is to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness while providing compassionate and high-quality care. I offer a psychodynamically-informed, hands-on approach with the intention of helping you develop awareness and insight into your thoughts and behaviors. While I may utilize psychopharmacological medications when clinically appropriate to help clients achieve their goals, I am committed to assisting you with developing the tools you need to lead a productive and meaningful life. I am dedicated to providing collaborative and holistic care.
All people are capable and deserving of meaningful and fulfilling lives. My mission is to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness while providing compassionate and high-quality care. I offer a psychodynamically-informed, hands-on approach with the intention of helping you develop awareness and insight into your thoughts and behaviors. While I may utilize psychopharmacological medications when clinically appropriate to help clients achieve their goals, I am committed to assisting you with developing the tools you need to lead a productive and meaningful life. I am dedicated to providing collaborative and holistic care.
![Photo of Gabriel Rivera-Delgado, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3239ffc3-067e-4662-ba0f-8ec8fe6fe9ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Gabriel A. RiveraDelgado is a Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2024. He graduated from University of Florida, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, and University of Virginia Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences. Although medications are a powerful tool in the fight against mental illness, they should never be viewed as the only solution; therefore, Dr. RiveraDelgado always strives to keep that in mind and view the patient in their entirety and in the context in which they exist.
Dr. Gabriel A. RiveraDelgado is a Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2024. He graduated from University of Florida, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, and University of Virginia Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences. Although medications are a powerful tool in the fight against mental illness, they should never be viewed as the only solution; therefore, Dr. RiveraDelgado always strives to keep that in mind and view the patient in their entirety and in the context in which they exist.
![Photo of Nirali Patel, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42dce7c2-3d05-4645-abb2-23f8ee3fc6b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nirali Patel is Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2011. While providing therapy and medication management, Nirali likes to ensure that there is also a focus on adequate nutrition, sleep, and exercise as these are all important factors in achieving wellness. Nirali has a particular interest in working with individuals around gender, racial, and cultural identity and how the experience of that identity impacts both mental and physical health. Outside of work, Nirali enjoys watching collegiate and professional sports and traveling.
Nirali Patel is Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2011. While providing therapy and medication management, Nirali likes to ensure that there is also a focus on adequate nutrition, sleep, and exercise as these are all important factors in achieving wellness. Nirali has a particular interest in working with individuals around gender, racial, and cultural identity and how the experience of that identity impacts both mental and physical health. Outside of work, Nirali enjoys watching collegiate and professional sports and traveling.
![Photo of Ike Uzowulu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acc74db7-ddc2-4580-afba-d940328f15e9/2/320x400.png)
Ike Uzowulu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders.
I am a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner. I have verifiable experience in treating variety of psychiatric disorders such as; mood disorders including resistant depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, stress and sleep related disorders.
![Photo of Amy Zhu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6480f22-9030-4d20-991b-4f37a909205d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I completed my psychiatric nurse practitioner training at NYU with a clinical focus in child/adolescent psychiatry. Since then I have worked extensively with adolescents coming out of intensive care programs for psychosis and children/adolescents with neurodiversity. I am also an adjunct faculty at NYU School of Nursing teaching inpatient psychiatric clinicals. I provide various psychiatric assessment and treatment, including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual therapy, school collorations and genetic testing. A typical initial evaluation is 90 minutes and the follow-ups are 30 minutes.
I completed my psychiatric nurse practitioner training at NYU with a clinical focus in child/adolescent psychiatry. Since then I have worked extensively with adolescents coming out of intensive care programs for psychosis and children/adolescents with neurodiversity. I am also an adjunct faculty at NYU School of Nursing teaching inpatient psychiatric clinicals. I provide various psychiatric assessment and treatment, including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual therapy, school collorations and genetic testing. A typical initial evaluation is 90 minutes and the follow-ups are 30 minutes.
![Photo of Kavitha Kolappa - Being Health | Dr. Kavitha Kolappa, MD, MPH, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16c58206-057d-48b7-bbae-e31e7ba038c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Being Health | Dr. Kavitha Kolappa, MD, MPH
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10005 (Online Only)
I believe in an integrated, whole-person approach to mental health, which means that in our work together we can use multiple tools (including psychotherapy, mindfulness, emphasizing the brain/body connection, and when needed, medications). I have worked in a wide variety of mental health care settings, and as such have experience managing common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, as well as relationship issues, burnout, stress and trauma-related conditions. I also have experience working in brain/body medicine addressing the mental health of people with physical health conditions.
I believe in an integrated, whole-person approach to mental health, which means that in our work together we can use multiple tools (including psychotherapy, mindfulness, emphasizing the brain/body connection, and when needed, medications). I have worked in a wide variety of mental health care settings, and as such have experience managing common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, as well as relationship issues, burnout, stress and trauma-related conditions. I also have experience working in brain/body medicine addressing the mental health of people with physical health conditions.
![Photo of Mohsin S Ahmed, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d9741a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you seeking a caring and compassionate provider who is attentive to your various dimensions: emotional, biological, cultural, and spiritual? Mohsin Ahmed, MD, PhD is a Columbia, Cambridge, and Cornell University educated and trained psychiatrist and neuroscientist who uniquely tailors an integrative approach for each individual. He is an expert in supportive, psychodynamic, and medication therapies and draws on the latest medical, neuroscientific, and holistic advances. He specializes in treatments for ADHD, mood/anxiety, memory and concentration issues, and difficulties with work, relationship, and cultural identity stressors.
Are you seeking a caring and compassionate provider who is attentive to your various dimensions: emotional, biological, cultural, and spiritual? Mohsin Ahmed, MD, PhD is a Columbia, Cambridge, and Cornell University educated and trained psychiatrist and neuroscientist who uniquely tailors an integrative approach for each individual. He is an expert in supportive, psychodynamic, and medication therapies and draws on the latest medical, neuroscientific, and holistic advances. He specializes in treatments for ADHD, mood/anxiety, memory and concentration issues, and difficulties with work, relationship, and cultural identity stressors.
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![Photo of Ankur Upadhyay, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1c02683-f160-45e6-9446-b981a74f53dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ankur Upadhyay is a licensed Psychiatrist. He provides psychiatric care supported by evidence based medical practices, highlighted by his experience with mindfulness based therapies and psychoanalysis. His journey started in India where he gained knowledge in spirituality and the practice of mindful living. He has since completed his Psychiatry residency training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Morningside-West Hospitals), and treated patients from diverse backgrounds. He has also completed training in the Intensive Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy program at William Alanson White Institute in NYC.
Dr. Ankur Upadhyay is a licensed Psychiatrist. He provides psychiatric care supported by evidence based medical practices, highlighted by his experience with mindfulness based therapies and psychoanalysis. His journey started in India where he gained knowledge in spirituality and the practice of mindful living. He has since completed his Psychiatry residency training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Morningside-West Hospitals), and treated patients from diverse backgrounds. He has also completed training in the Intensive Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy program at William Alanson White Institute in NYC.
![Photo of Sabrina Ghim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1873f140-954d-458f-ac6c-cf1fdd7fabd8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ghim is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who focuses on building a strong therapeutic and collaborative environment with patients who are struggling with depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety including social, obsessive compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorders, amongst others. Dr. Ghim provides primarily psychiatric medication management, in conjunction with supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions, and other modalities of therapeutic treatment.
Dr. Ghim is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who focuses on building a strong therapeutic and collaborative environment with patients who are struggling with depression, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety including social, obsessive compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorders, amongst others. Dr. Ghim provides primarily psychiatric medication management, in conjunction with supportive, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions, and other modalities of therapeutic treatment.
![Photo of Geoffrey Taylor, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8812d80d-7a53-4e3c-99b5-a9b558434b44/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist who treats both men and women from a comprehensive, whole-body perspective, paying close attention to your overall physical and mental health. I am double board certified in both general adult psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine, a subspecialty that focuses on the interaction between physical illness and mental health. I believe that optimal mental health care is highly individualized and I will work with you to understand and treat biological as well as social, psychological and relationship factors that contribute to your wellbeing.
I am a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychotherapist who treats both men and women from a comprehensive, whole-body perspective, paying close attention to your overall physical and mental health. I am double board certified in both general adult psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine, a subspecialty that focuses on the interaction between physical illness and mental health. I believe that optimal mental health care is highly individualized and I will work with you to understand and treat biological as well as social, psychological and relationship factors that contribute to your wellbeing.
![Photo of Korey Mann, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe18861a-210a-4748-86aa-c2f8678f6d75/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach to mental health follows a holistic and wellness model. I believe each individual is unique and aim to preserve that uniqueness when comprising a treatment plan. One of the most important factors in treatment is comprising the treatment plan together with a shared decision making model. My goal is to help sustain mental wellness over the course of life so that you can live in your most authentic way. I’m also fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, which aids in my goal to provide individualized, culturally-competent care.
My approach to mental health follows a holistic and wellness model. I believe each individual is unique and aim to preserve that uniqueness when comprising a treatment plan. One of the most important factors in treatment is comprising the treatment plan together with a shared decision making model. My goal is to help sustain mental wellness over the course of life so that you can live in your most authentic way. I’m also fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, which aids in my goal to provide individualized, culturally-competent care.
![Photo of Marie-Anne Mancuso - Inspire Mental Health Services, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8187b759-b85c-4ced-8fd6-5a530bbeff5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inspire Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023 (Online Only)
Imagine how life would feel with less anxiety and less stress, a better mood, and emotions that are more in your control. My holistic approach to psychiatric medication management will help improve your quality of life and will get you to believing in yourself again.
Imagine how life would feel with less anxiety and less stress, a better mood, and emotions that are more in your control. My holistic approach to psychiatric medication management will help improve your quality of life and will get you to believing in yourself again.
![Photo of Laura Beth Kaplan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8baddcd4-db3a-4214-927f-2a9e51a1654c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in distress related to parenting, pregnancy, and early adulthood. In my practice, I emphasize psychotherapy alongside the thoughtful use of psychiatric medications, and I have particular expertise in postpartum depression and anxiety, in prescribing psychiatric medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in grief related to infertility and pregnancy loss, in other mental health challenges related to women's reproductive lifecycle, and in the stresses of early adulthood. My practice centers on warm, personalized, and respectful care.
I specialize in distress related to parenting, pregnancy, and early adulthood. In my practice, I emphasize psychotherapy alongside the thoughtful use of psychiatric medications, and I have particular expertise in postpartum depression and anxiety, in prescribing psychiatric medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in grief related to infertility and pregnancy loss, in other mental health challenges related to women's reproductive lifecycle, and in the stresses of early adulthood. My practice centers on warm, personalized, and respectful care.
![Photo of Stephanie Liss, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0db83c03-2f8e-46cd-8313-2d3e9396914d/2/320x400.png)
Stephanie is a Certified Physician Assistant on the Mindful Care team practicing out of New York.
Stephanie is a Certified Physician Assistant on the Mindful Care team practicing out of New York.
![Photo of Missy Teklai, PMHNP-, BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/850fea32-c365-4f6a-8a81-e7a862fcc4ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Missy Teklai
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Missy and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of nursing experience. I specialize in medication management, anxiety and depression. I work at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatry and therapy shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, my name is Missy and I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of nursing experience. I specialize in medication management, anxiety and depression. I work at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatry and therapy shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
![Photo of Cheryl McGibbon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ff0555a-081b-4154-bfc9-b072cf6e58e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a board-certified, Cornell and Columbia-trained psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood, anxiety, attention, personality and psychotic disorders. I work extensively with individuals who are struggling with self-esteem, relationship issues, career/family balance, grief, trauma and life transitions. I also have specialty reproductive psychiatry training from the Columbia Women's clinic and have a special interest in pregnancy, postpartum depression, infertility, miscarriage, infant loss and parenting issues. I am dedicated to helping individuals gain a better understanding of the nature of their difficulties in order to learn, grow and find meaning in their challenges.
I'm a board-certified, Cornell and Columbia-trained psychiatrist with expertise in treating mood, anxiety, attention, personality and psychotic disorders. I work extensively with individuals who are struggling with self-esteem, relationship issues, career/family balance, grief, trauma and life transitions. I also have specialty reproductive psychiatry training from the Columbia Women's clinic and have a special interest in pregnancy, postpartum depression, infertility, miscarriage, infant loss and parenting issues. I am dedicated to helping individuals gain a better understanding of the nature of their difficulties in order to learn, grow and find meaning in their challenges.
See more therapy options for New York
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in New York, NY
1,000+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in New York, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
80% | Medication Management |
70% | ADHD |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in New York, NY see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
62% | Female | |
37% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in New York?
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.