Psychiatrists in Melrose, MA
![Photo of Margaret Hughes, PMHNP, CPNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fd3a62bb-dadd-452c-b8b4-6e6200f0ca8e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Hughes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CPNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176 (Online Only)
Margaret Hughes, PMHNP, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with degrees from Yale and Northeastern University. With a blend of clinical expertise and compassion, she specializes in providing comprehensive medication management, supportive therapy and genetic testing to individuals across the lifespan. She has a particular interest in college students and young adults and understands the unique challenges faced by these individuals, including academic pressure, identity formation, and the transition to independence.
Margaret Hughes, PMHNP, is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with degrees from Yale and Northeastern University. With a blend of clinical expertise and compassion, she specializes in providing comprehensive medication management, supportive therapy and genetic testing to individuals across the lifespan. She has a particular interest in college students and young adults and understands the unique challenges faced by these individuals, including academic pressure, identity formation, and the transition to independence.
![Photo of Angelique Empleo-Sandberg, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44103960-9b66-43de-bc48-7f825636b047/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angelique Empleo-Sandberg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Melrose, MA 02176
Any reason for seeking mental health care is significant, no matter how big or small it may seem. I believe that mental wellness is multi-faceted, and that each person has a unique story deserving of specialized care. I provide therapy and medication management for a range of conditions, with a special focus on depression and anxiety, as well as personality, interpersonal, and trauma-related disorders. My approach is client-centred and trauma-informed. I hope to provide a safe space for individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Any reason for seeking mental health care is significant, no matter how big or small it may seem. I believe that mental wellness is multi-faceted, and that each person has a unique story deserving of specialized care. I provide therapy and medication management for a range of conditions, with a special focus on depression and anxiety, as well as personality, interpersonal, and trauma-related disorders. My approach is client-centred and trauma-informed. I hope to provide a safe space for individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
![Photo of Darya Pokoevaya, PMHNP, RN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16af295b-6e6a-4da1-aa22-0e2d8cf455fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Darya Pokoevaya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, RN, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Thoughtful Psychiatry, P.C. I provide psychotherapy and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of stress related conditions. As therapist and prescriber, I try to pave the way for my clients to tell their stories and feel truly understood. I strive to provide a safe environment that allows for self-expression. While diagnosis can be helpful, I believe that each individual enters treatment with a unique set of circumstances, and that it is important to focus on the needs of each individual rather than focus only on his or her symptoms.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Thoughtful Psychiatry, P.C. I provide psychotherapy and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of stress related conditions. As therapist and prescriber, I try to pave the way for my clients to tell their stories and feel truly understood. I strive to provide a safe environment that allows for self-expression. While diagnosis can be helpful, I believe that each individual enters treatment with a unique set of circumstances, and that it is important to focus on the needs of each individual rather than focus only on his or her symptoms.
![Photo of Maybelle Mbiatem, PMHNPBC, CNP, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55d2fa74-2bb5-4fa0-afc8-aa4c958eeab0/6/320x400.jpeg)
Maybelle Mbiatem
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, CNP, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176
My approach to care is anchored in a deep commitment to inclusivity and understanding. I specialize in providing unbiased nonjudgmental care while recognizing the unique background and experience of each patient. Fostering an environment of understanding and empathy, where patients feel heard and supported. Developing supportive strategies that empower patients to achieve Wellness, respecting their challenges. I consistently integrate modern research and evidence-based practice into my care approach. This involves crafting individualized treatment plans, specifically tailored to each patient's needs, aiming at sustaining wellness.
My approach to care is anchored in a deep commitment to inclusivity and understanding. I specialize in providing unbiased nonjudgmental care while recognizing the unique background and experience of each patient. Fostering an environment of understanding and empathy, where patients feel heard and supported. Developing supportive strategies that empower patients to achieve Wellness, respecting their challenges. I consistently integrate modern research and evidence-based practice into my care approach. This involves crafting individualized treatment plans, specifically tailored to each patient's needs, aiming at sustaining wellness.
![Photo of Nixon Cornay - Frontline Psychiatric Services , MSN, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acaa94a3-edcd-4104-adc1-369dc1ddbdfc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Frontline Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176
Managing and maintaining daily life activities can sometimes be very challenging, stressful and a daunting task for some people, especially since and during the pandemic. If you have not been feeling yourself lately, you are not alone. Maybe, you feel stuck or confused in your current situation at work, school, family, career, financial or relationship. Do you feel marginalized, afraid or alienated because of your race, gender, sex orientation and culture? Perhaps you have been experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety that won't go away. Here, your story matters! This is a safe place for you to vent and to find relief.
Managing and maintaining daily life activities can sometimes be very challenging, stressful and a daunting task for some people, especially since and during the pandemic. If you have not been feeling yourself lately, you are not alone. Maybe, you feel stuck or confused in your current situation at work, school, family, career, financial or relationship. Do you feel marginalized, afraid or alienated because of your race, gender, sex orientation and culture? Perhaps you have been experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety that won't go away. Here, your story matters! This is a safe place for you to vent and to find relief.
![Photo of Gretchen Woodward, PHMNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cb0941c-cbf2-42c9-9f05-4a9cbde4ccde/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gretchen Woodward
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176 (Online Only)
Gretchen collaborates with clients to find the treatments that meet their individual needs. She has completed training in many therapy modalities. She brings her training blended with clinical experience and intuition to provide personalized care. Treating conditions that include ADHD, stress related and mood related disorders. Experienced in trauma based care.
Gretchen collaborates with clients to find the treatments that meet their individual needs. She has completed training in many therapy modalities. She brings her training blended with clinical experience and intuition to provide personalized care. Treating conditions that include ADHD, stress related and mood related disorders. Experienced in trauma based care.
![Photo of Edilia F Gomes, MSW, APRN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12e72e51-8c90-4ce8-ba10-1b0b4b3bf7c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Edilia F Gomes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSW, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176
Accepting new clients! As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Social Worker, I envision my ideal client seeking understanding, validation, and hope amidst mental health challenges. They desire a collaborative partnership, evidence-based interventions tailored to their needs, and a sense of empowerment on their healing journey. I am committed to meeting them with empathy, authenticity, and cultural humility, guiding them toward resilience and wholeness in a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Accepting new clients! As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Social Worker, I envision my ideal client seeking understanding, validation, and hope amidst mental health challenges. They desire a collaborative partnership, evidence-based interventions tailored to their needs, and a sense of empowerment on their healing journey. I am committed to meeting them with empathy, authenticity, and cultural humility, guiding them toward resilience and wholeness in a journey of self-discovery and growth.
![Photo of Hanna Yapikhina, AGNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74a4220e-4ce8-40f6-8611-833c8e25d3b1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hanna Yapikhina
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, AGNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176
Welcome to your wellness journey. I am currently accepting new adult clients for medication management. I am a dual board certified Psychiatric and Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with a compassionate approach and 10+ years of clinical experience. I provide a comprehensive psychiatric assessments, develop tailored treatment plans, and implement evidence-based interventions for diverse mental health conditions while considering medical comorbidities.
Welcome to your wellness journey. I am currently accepting new adult clients for medication management. I am a dual board certified Psychiatric and Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with a compassionate approach and 10+ years of clinical experience. I provide a comprehensive psychiatric assessments, develop tailored treatment plans, and implement evidence-based interventions for diverse mental health conditions while considering medical comorbidities.
![Photo of Tara Conklin, PMHNP, PMH-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a39895d-f7e5-4ad9-8ce3-73108a5b542e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tara Conklin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing medication management, genetic testing, and supportive therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I strive to develop an environment where patients feel safe to share their most authentic selves and feel empowered to work together toward meaningful solutions. I take a collaborative approach with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Together we will work to ensure the safest and most effective use of psychiatric medications to get you feeling like the best version of yourself.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing medication management, genetic testing, and supportive therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I strive to develop an environment where patients feel safe to share their most authentic selves and feel empowered to work together toward meaningful solutions. I take a collaborative approach with patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Together we will work to ensure the safest and most effective use of psychiatric medications to get you feeling like the best version of yourself.
![Photo of Alexandra Himel, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d6a487d-e048-4763-83d8-dd98011730dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra Himel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Melrose, MA 02176 (Online Only)
The decision to seek therapy and medication is a brave step forward. It takes courage to ask for help and a commitment to make long-lasting positive change. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, social anxiety, self-esteem, major life transitions, work stress and personal growth. I use an integration of mind-body awareness, CBT, DBT, ACT, and teach skills to improve one’s control over their attention and mindfulness. I ensure that treatment is up-to-to-date and tailored to your needs. At Thoughtful Psychiatry, I am part of a team of NPs and therapists with a mission to truly understand our clients and their needs.
The decision to seek therapy and medication is a brave step forward. It takes courage to ask for help and a commitment to make long-lasting positive change. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, social anxiety, self-esteem, major life transitions, work stress and personal growth. I use an integration of mind-body awareness, CBT, DBT, ACT, and teach skills to improve one’s control over their attention and mindfulness. I ensure that treatment is up-to-to-date and tailored to your needs. At Thoughtful Psychiatry, I am part of a team of NPs and therapists with a mission to truly understand our clients and their needs.
![Photo of Ineida Barros, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a16e5cfb-94b7-4cb5-a489-408327244210/1/320x400.png)
Ineida Barros
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Melrose, MA 02176
***Now ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS in Massachusetts VIA in-person or online appointments. Ineida Barros is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Licensed in Massachusetts, providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management specializing in a full range of mental health issues for individuals. Client-centered care is my top priority with individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
***Now ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS in Massachusetts VIA in-person or online appointments. Ineida Barros is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Licensed in Massachusetts, providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management specializing in a full range of mental health issues for individuals. Client-centered care is my top priority with individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
![Photo of Lisa J Pugh, DNP, APRN-BC, FPMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba3daa6d-505d-43c1-b499-e112066f2e77/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi I'm Lisa and I am here to help you. I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in anxiety and depression. I can offer you both therapy as well as medication management if appropriate. I am here to assist you with any array of symptoms or life experiencing that you may struggling that are disruptive to the quality of life that you want and deserve. I want to walk through this with you. I can offer you the option of in person sessions as well as telehealth conducted on a secure, confidential platform. My office is conveniently located on Rt. 1 in Saugus. Book with me now by clicking on my website.
Hi I'm Lisa and I am here to help you. I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in anxiety and depression. I can offer you both therapy as well as medication management if appropriate. I am here to assist you with any array of symptoms or life experiencing that you may struggling that are disruptive to the quality of life that you want and deserve. I want to walk through this with you. I can offer you the option of in person sessions as well as telehealth conducted on a secure, confidential platform. My office is conveniently located on Rt. 1 in Saugus. Book with me now by clicking on my website.
![Photo of Samantha Rose Jankowski, PMHNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ed44897-ef96-41ab-92b5-7c03e4658928/3/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Rose Jankowski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNP
Verified Verified
Melrose, MA 02176 (Online Only)
Now Accepting New Patients! Samantha is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience. Samantha offers convenient telehealth psychiatric medication management. She specializes in GAD, MDD, ADHD, OCD, and Eating Disorders. Samantha utilizes her therapeutic background to create a trusting and respectful environment for her patients. Samantha is committed to a patient-centered care approach, crediting positive outcomes to shared decision making and the patient-provider alliance.
Now Accepting New Patients! Samantha is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience. Samantha offers convenient telehealth psychiatric medication management. She specializes in GAD, MDD, ADHD, OCD, and Eating Disorders. Samantha utilizes her therapeutic background to create a trusting and respectful environment for her patients. Samantha is committed to a patient-centered care approach, crediting positive outcomes to shared decision making and the patient-provider alliance.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Yu Wang, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08ab1b63-ddbb-4dc0-aa65-17c085833ede/2/320x400.jpeg)
•• Accepting New Patients •• I received a doctoral degree at Rush University. I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health and adult/gerontology primary care. I have worked in hospital settings and out-patient clinics. I specialize in medication management in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and bipolar; serving populations 10 years and beyond.
•• Accepting New Patients •• I received a doctoral degree at Rush University. I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health and adult/gerontology primary care. I have worked in hospital settings and out-patient clinics. I specialize in medication management in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and bipolar; serving populations 10 years and beyond.
![Photo of Jason Driscoll, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/948fe393-1de6-44d6-870c-ccab38808a0f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jason Driscoll
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Malden, MA 02148
As a Boston College-trained Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer a compassionate and safe space for you to explore and confront these challenges. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your experiences, working towards a life where anxiety, ADHD and depression no longer limit your potential. My goal is to understand your unique story and tailor our sessions to meet your individual needs.
As a Boston College-trained Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer a compassionate and safe space for you to explore and confront these challenges. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your experiences, working towards a life where anxiety, ADHD and depression no longer limit your potential. My goal is to understand your unique story and tailor our sessions to meet your individual needs.
![Photo of Ashley Tobey, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05bb1d8c-f600-4068-aa9f-f163ec6a7299/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Tobey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malden, MA 02148 (Online Only)
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
![Photo of Divine Chinyere Ezewuzie - Trive Tru Health Services Inc, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e564f27-bd92-4f4a-b6eb-569c023d8888/2/320x400.jpeg)
Trive Tru Health Services Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malden, MA 02148
Divine Ezewuzie, PMHNP-BC, has many years of experience in psychiatry, is specialized in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic mental illness across lifespan. Individualized treatment modality and utilizing holistic approach, collaborating with other healthcare team to meet all her patient needs. Each session, patients are treated with respect, empathy, and a therapeutic environment for all patients to discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Mood disorder, Bipolar, Sleep disorder, Addiction, or Schizophrenia, do not hesitate, give me call today and I can help.
Divine Ezewuzie, PMHNP-BC, has many years of experience in psychiatry, is specialized in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic mental illness across lifespan. Individualized treatment modality and utilizing holistic approach, collaborating with other healthcare team to meet all her patient needs. Each session, patients are treated with respect, empathy, and a therapeutic environment for all patients to discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Mood disorder, Bipolar, Sleep disorder, Addiction, or Schizophrenia, do not hesitate, give me call today and I can help.
![Photo of Qi Mai, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ddade28-71e5-4a5c-821a-8c00084762dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Book with me now by clicking on my Website. Do you seek not just relief from their symptoms, but a deeper understanding of your experiences and a genuine connection with their healthcare provider? Are you struggling to find meaning or motivation in your daily life, feeling overwhelmed by persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or fear?
Book with me now by clicking on my Website. Do you seek not just relief from their symptoms, but a deeper understanding of your experiences and a genuine connection with their healthcare provider? Are you struggling to find meaning or motivation in your daily life, feeling overwhelmed by persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or fear?
![Photo of Marilyne Jones Jenkins, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbbb5339-792d-4024-8ac3-ffbddf496e8e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients...... Adult clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Let me help you reduce/alleviate your symptoms with the use of psychiatric medications and other therapeutic corrective measures. I will work with you as you make your journey toward mental health wellness!
Accepting New Patients...... Adult clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Let me help you reduce/alleviate your symptoms with the use of psychiatric medications and other therapeutic corrective measures. I will work with you as you make your journey toward mental health wellness!
![Photo of Jeffrey Lucero, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48f4dc8a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeffrey Lucero
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malden, MA 02148
Welcome. Thoughtful Psychiatry is a group of psychiatric providers devoted to providing a "thoughtful" approach to psychiatric care. The practice consists of multiple psychiatric prescribers that have extensive training in psychotherapy. While we believe that medications can be very helpful, we insist on providing more than medication for our patients.
Welcome. Thoughtful Psychiatry is a group of psychiatric providers devoted to providing a "thoughtful" approach to psychiatric care. The practice consists of multiple psychiatric prescribers that have extensive training in psychotherapy. While we believe that medications can be very helpful, we insist on providing more than medication for our patients.
See more therapy options for Melrose
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See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Melrose, MA
10+
Average cost per session
$215
Psychiatrists in Melrose, MA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
92% | Medication Management |
85% | Stress |
77% | Self Esteem |
69% | ADHD |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
83% | Harvard Pilgrim |
83% | Tufts |
How Psychiatrists in Melrose, MA see their clients
70% | In Person and Online | |
30% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
92% | Female | |
8% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Melrose?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.