Psychiatrists in Burlington, CT
Ifeyinwa Utoh-Ofodile
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Burlington, CT 06013 (Online Only)
Ideal clients are adults facing mood swings, anxiety, life adjustments, or attention challenges. They seek understanding, support, and evidence-based interventions to navigate their mental health journey toward improved well-being and fulfillment.
Ideal clients are adults facing mood swings, anxiety, life adjustments, or attention challenges. They seek understanding, support, and evidence-based interventions to navigate their mental health journey toward improved well-being and fulfillment.
Ascend Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Burlington, CT 06013
Now Welcoming New Clients. My focus is on individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Assisting those affected by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and significant life alterations. In these challenging times, seeking support is not only acceptable but necessary. As someone who is a seasoned professional, I understand the struggle to find professionals with direct experience and a deep comprehension of high-stress situations. Let's take the difficulty and guess work out of your mental health treatment.
Now Welcoming New Clients. My focus is on individual therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Assisting those affected by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and significant life alterations. In these challenging times, seeking support is not only acceptable but necessary. As someone who is a seasoned professional, I understand the struggle to find professionals with direct experience and a deep comprehension of high-stress situations. Let's take the difficulty and guess work out of your mental health treatment.
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Psych On Demand and Man Up Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New Britain, CT 06053 (Online Only)
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am an expert in clinical psychopharmacology and I treat all adult and pediatric disorders I see individuals from their early teens through middle age and beyond.
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am an expert in clinical psychopharmacology and I treat all adult and pediatric disorders I see individuals from their early teens through middle age and beyond.
Renew Mental Healthcare LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hartford, CT 06107
Accepting New Patients! Are you struggling with mental health issues? Do not suffer in silence as your mental health is essential and matters for your overall wellbeing. At Renew Mental Healthcare, we work with children and adults struggling with varying forms of mental health disorders that includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, PTSD & much more to promote mental and emotional wellness through pharmacotherapy to help patients achieve better quality of life.
Accepting New Patients! Are you struggling with mental health issues? Do not suffer in silence as your mental health is essential and matters for your overall wellbeing. At Renew Mental Healthcare, we work with children and adults struggling with varying forms of mental health disorders that includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, PTSD & much more to promote mental and emotional wellness through pharmacotherapy to help patients achieve better quality of life.
Milton Jason Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Avon, CT 06001 (Online Only)
Now accepting new patients. I have worked with outpatient clients of all ages that are struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, gender identity issues, and psychiatric symptoms associated with chronic medical disorders.
Now accepting new patients. I have worked with outpatient clients of all ages that are struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, gender identity issues, and psychiatric symptoms associated with chronic medical disorders.
Five Corners Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, MPH, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Farmington, CT 06032
Marti Stewart is a Nurse Practitioner who is board certified in both Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine. She sees patients age 16 and up. Marti’s specialties include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Depression.
Marti Stewart is a Nurse Practitioner who is board certified in both Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Medicine. She sees patients age 16 and up. Marti’s specialties include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Depression.
Cara Marie Bartos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNS, APRN
Verified Verified
Avon, CT 06001
Not accepting new clients
Finding a psychiatric provider can be overwhelming, whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one. I am a psychiatric APRN who specializes in treating children and adolescents who struggle with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. I have 18 years of experience working with children and adolescents facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and thought disorders. I have extensive experience in treating psychiatric symptoms related to trauma. When a child's symptoms impair their ability to achieve developmental milestones or a healthy quality of life, we must do our best to remove any obstacles that stand in their way.
Finding a psychiatric provider can be overwhelming, whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one. I am a psychiatric APRN who specializes in treating children and adolescents who struggle with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. I have 18 years of experience working with children and adolescents facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and thought disorders. I have extensive experience in treating psychiatric symptoms related to trauma. When a child's symptoms impair their ability to achieve developmental milestones or a healthy quality of life, we must do our best to remove any obstacles that stand in their way.
Zack Doubleday
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hartford, CT 06107 (Online Only)
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering telehealth only medication management to Connecticut residents. I specialize in treating ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Binge Eating Disorder, BPD, Depression, PTSD, Insomnia, and various other mental and behavioral health diagnoses. I also provide supportive therapy on a case-by-case basis.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering telehealth only medication management to Connecticut residents. I specialize in treating ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Binge Eating Disorder, BPD, Depression, PTSD, Insomnia, and various other mental and behavioral health diagnoses. I also provide supportive therapy on a case-by-case basis.
Virtual appointments only - I am a dedicated and compassionate board certified psychiatrist committed to helping individuals achieve optimal mental health and well-being. I help my patients better understand the complex nature of the human mind and address the diverse range of mental health challenges that they may be facing. I believe in a person-centered approach, incorporating evidence-based treatments and therapeutic interventions to support my patients on their journey towards healing and growth.
Virtual appointments only - I am a dedicated and compassionate board certified psychiatrist committed to helping individuals achieve optimal mental health and well-being. I help my patients better understand the complex nature of the human mind and address the diverse range of mental health challenges that they may be facing. I believe in a person-centered approach, incorporating evidence-based treatments and therapeutic interventions to support my patients on their journey towards healing and growth.
Caroline Polsky
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BS, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Farmington, CT 06032 (Online Only)
As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner trained throughout the lifespan with an additional certification in addictions, I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults with mental health and/or substance use concerns. I am skilled in treating anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. Whether you're not feeling like yourself or feeling like your anxieties are controlling you I can help. In order to provide the best quality treatment I look at the client as a whole from a holistic perspective and provide individualized treatment.
As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner trained throughout the lifespan with an additional certification in addictions, I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults with mental health and/or substance use concerns. I am skilled in treating anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. Whether you're not feeling like yourself or feeling like your anxieties are controlling you I can help. In order to provide the best quality treatment I look at the client as a whole from a holistic perspective and provide individualized treatment.
Serrita Roper
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Hartford, CT 06110
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management for mood disorders and ADHD. I offer both in-person and telehealth (for established patients). I am passionate about mental health and helping my patients achieve the proper tools to be the best versions of themselves.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I offer medication management for mood disorders and ADHD. I offer both in-person and telehealth (for established patients). I am passionate about mental health and helping my patients achieve the proper tools to be the best versions of themselves.
Thamara Jonathas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hartford, CT 06107 (Online Only)
Hello, I am a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry. I have 13 years of experience working in healthcare, providing care to patients of all ages. I am dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and building strong relationships with my patients to ensure their overall health and well-being. I am passionate about patient education and empowerment. I am committed to staying current on the latest advancements in healthcare and to provide the best possible care for my patients.
Hello, I am a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry. I have 13 years of experience working in healthcare, providing care to patients of all ages. I am dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and building strong relationships with my patients to ensure their overall health and well-being. I am passionate about patient education and empowerment. I am committed to staying current on the latest advancements in healthcare and to provide the best possible care for my patients.
Infinity Mental Wellness PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Farmington, CT 06032
Not accepting new clients
Awaken to your unlimited potential for growth and healing with Infinity Mental Wellness. My practice is rooted in a patient-centered approach, where I treat the whole person— mind, brain, body, and soul. As a holistically minded provider, I believe that psychotherapy is an integral tool to expressing our authentic selves and living a limitless life. When indicated, I combine short-term medication management to help with symptom relief, while doing inner-work on processing emotions and healing past trauma.
Awaken to your unlimited potential for growth and healing with Infinity Mental Wellness. My practice is rooted in a patient-centered approach, where I treat the whole person— mind, brain, body, and soul. As a holistically minded provider, I believe that psychotherapy is an integral tool to expressing our authentic selves and living a limitless life. When indicated, I combine short-term medication management to help with symptom relief, while doing inner-work on processing emotions and healing past trauma.
My name is Radmila Meyer. I am APRN, PMHNP-BC and specialize in medication-assisted treatment and provide therapy for patients who have mental health concerns and needs. During my working experience, I use a wide range of nursing, psychosocial, and neurobiological expertise in evaluating patients with psychiatric illnesses and their mental health needs. I provide behavioral counseling and education of patients and their families about psychiatric symptoms, maintain compliance with treatment plans, and detect adverse effects from prescribed medication.
My name is Radmila Meyer. I am APRN, PMHNP-BC and specialize in medication-assisted treatment and provide therapy for patients who have mental health concerns and needs. During my working experience, I use a wide range of nursing, psychosocial, and neurobiological expertise in evaluating patients with psychiatric illnesses and their mental health needs. I provide behavioral counseling and education of patients and their families about psychiatric symptoms, maintain compliance with treatment plans, and detect adverse effects from prescribed medication.
Shantelle Brokaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Avon, CT 06001 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
NOT Accepting new clients at this time. Helping women who experience anxiety, depression, or ADHD, lower and better manage their symptoms, adopt better lifestyle habits, improve the relationships in their lives and live with more clarity. Schedule an alignment call on the website; you will get 30 mins with me to answer any questions, get insight into your concerns, and see if it is a good fit to meet your needs.
NOT Accepting new clients at this time. Helping women who experience anxiety, depression, or ADHD, lower and better manage their symptoms, adopt better lifestyle habits, improve the relationships in their lives and live with more clarity. Schedule an alignment call on the website; you will get 30 mins with me to answer any questions, get insight into your concerns, and see if it is a good fit to meet your needs.
Latham Psychiatric NP Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, RN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Avon, CT 06001 (Online Only)
My family is my reason for everything. I have two beautiful daughters, a living husband and three very spoiled pups. I love learning. (
My family is my reason for everything. I have two beautiful daughters, a living husband and three very spoiled pups. I love learning. (
Dr. Chanon C. Biceglia, DNP of Medica Today LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, NP-C, APRN
Verified Verified
Simsbury, CT 06070
With a strong passion for helping others succeed & work through obstacles in their life, I serve as both a psychiatric and medical provider, with a comprehensive education & experience of 25+ years. Holding a doctorate and double board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & medical APRN, I hold full prescriptive authority to serve the needs of clients in Connecticut & Arizona. My background & experience includes trauma & crisis, primary care, inpatient hospital, out-patient, family/couples, school based intervention, ADD/ADHD, & ASD health and wellness.
With a strong passion for helping others succeed & work through obstacles in their life, I serve as both a psychiatric and medical provider, with a comprehensive education & experience of 25+ years. Holding a doctorate and double board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & medical APRN, I hold full prescriptive authority to serve the needs of clients in Connecticut & Arizona. My background & experience includes trauma & crisis, primary care, inpatient hospital, out-patient, family/couples, school based intervention, ADD/ADHD, & ASD health and wellness.
Maryfrances Lanosa-DeSteno
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Farmington, CT 06032 (Online Only)
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner (APRN), with a concentration as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. I have years of mental health treatment experience, focusing with a holistic approach towards the adult and senior populations. Through lifestyle and behavioral therapy, coupled with the responsible use of medication when clinically indicated, I have realized tremendous success with my patients. Let's work together!
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner (APRN), with a concentration as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. I have years of mental health treatment experience, focusing with a holistic approach towards the adult and senior populations. Through lifestyle and behavioral therapy, coupled with the responsible use of medication when clinically indicated, I have realized tremendous success with my patients. Let's work together!
Beatrice Peku, DNP, APRN, PMHNP - BC. Licensed in Connecticut. My approach to mental healthcare is evidence-based, client centered, integrative and holistic. I prioritize patient education, empowering those who come in contact with me to actively participate in their treatment. In my practice, I prioritize client-centered care, focusing on empathy and collaboration. I utilize an evidence-based approach and incorporate integrative practices including medication management as indicated to tailor treatment plans to each individual's need.
Beatrice Peku, DNP, APRN, PMHNP - BC. Licensed in Connecticut. My approach to mental healthcare is evidence-based, client centered, integrative and holistic. I prioritize patient education, empowering those who come in contact with me to actively participate in their treatment. In my practice, I prioritize client-centered care, focusing on empathy and collaboration. I utilize an evidence-based approach and incorporate integrative practices including medication management as indicated to tailor treatment plans to each individual's need.
Cassandra Shepard Wellness of Mind LLC.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
West Hartford, CT 06110 (Online Only)
The approach is working collaboratively with the clients and focus on teaching, health promotion, clinical guidelines, and integrative care. Cassandra is dual-licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner (PMHNP), board-certified and received her Doctorate of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. She has experience in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, inpatient, outpatient psychiatric treatment settings, teaching at a prestigious University, hospitalization care and partial hospitalization program services.
The approach is working collaboratively with the clients and focus on teaching, health promotion, clinical guidelines, and integrative care. Cassandra is dual-licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner (PMHNP), board-certified and received her Doctorate of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. She has experience in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, inpatient, outpatient psychiatric treatment settings, teaching at a prestigious University, hospitalization care and partial hospitalization program services.
See more therapy options for Burlington
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Burlington, CT
< 10
Psychiatrists in Burlington, CT who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
50% | Addiction |
50% | Child |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Burlington, CT see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Burlington?
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.