Psychiatrists in Nassau County, NY
One Mind Psychiatry NP PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP-P
Verified Verified
Manhasset, NY 11030 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
Today’s stressful demands require a holistic approach to health care. The National Wellness Model’s Six Dimensions of Wellness stress the importance of the interconnectedness of your emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual health. This resonates in my philosophy as a psychiatrist.
Today’s stressful demands require a holistic approach to health care. The National Wellness Model’s Six Dimensions of Wellness stress the importance of the interconnectedness of your emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual health. This resonates in my philosophy as a psychiatrist.
Dr. Soomro is a trained Child Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Soomro completed his Adult Psychiatry training at New York University Medical School North Shore University Hospital Manhasset. Dr. Soomro subsequently completed his Child and Adolescents Psychiatry training at Dartmouth. Dr. Soomro has been affiliated with Brookdale Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, Northwell Health, Saint Joseph Medical Center, and NYCC Health and Hospital Corporation . Dr. Soomro has been involved in teaching and supervision of resident and fellows in training. Dr. Soomro has extensive experience in treating children, Adolescent and Adults.
Dr. Soomro is a trained Child Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Soomro completed his Adult Psychiatry training at New York University Medical School North Shore University Hospital Manhasset. Dr. Soomro subsequently completed his Child and Adolescents Psychiatry training at Dartmouth. Dr. Soomro has been affiliated with Brookdale Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, Northwell Health, Saint Joseph Medical Center, and NYCC Health and Hospital Corporation . Dr. Soomro has been involved in teaching and supervision of resident and fellows in training. Dr. Soomro has extensive experience in treating children, Adolescent and Adults.
Asking for help can be hard. Finding the right psychiatrist for you can be hard. As a board certified psychiatrist with a small patient-centered practice, I strive to create a personalized and thoughtful experience for you. I treat adults of all ages with a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various phobias. We can address issues such as sleeping difficulties (insomnia), relationship challenges, work stress, and life stage transitions.
Asking for help can be hard. Finding the right psychiatrist for you can be hard. As a board certified psychiatrist with a small patient-centered practice, I strive to create a personalized and thoughtful experience for you. I treat adults of all ages with a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and various phobias. We can address issues such as sleeping difficulties (insomnia), relationship challenges, work stress, and life stage transitions.
Ketie D Saintelus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Hempstead, NY 11550
Hello, my name is Ketie Saintelus, I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I have 23 years of Nursing experience providing family-centered healthcare to patients of all ages. Mental Illness is real and it can take a toll on you. It is time to take charge of your life, stop procrastinating, do no be afraid and seek help. Simply ask me how? I am here to hear you, to help you feel well, to help you smile, and to help you appreciate you and fall in love with you all over again.
Hello, my name is Ketie Saintelus, I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I have 23 years of Nursing experience providing family-centered healthcare to patients of all ages. Mental Illness is real and it can take a toll on you. It is time to take charge of your life, stop procrastinating, do no be afraid and seek help. Simply ask me how? I am here to hear you, to help you feel well, to help you smile, and to help you appreciate you and fall in love with you all over again.
Kamilia Ait Belkacem
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
West Hempstead, NY 11552 (Online Only)
Kamilia is a Certified Physician Assistant on the Mindful Care team practicing out of New York and Florida.
Kamilia is a Certified Physician Assistant on the Mindful Care team practicing out of New York and Florida.
Jiji George works in a private office at Long Island Psychiatric Services, PC. in Merrick, NY. It is a group of professionals committed to provide mental health services to residents of Long Island. Our compassionate staff provides a warm and comfortable atmosphere, knowledgeable psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric NPs and social workers. We do evaluations and provide recommendations for best treatment for you or your loved ones. We offer individual and family psychotherapy sessions, as well as medication management. We are open Monday through Friday, with late evenings availability. We do offer some Saturday hours.
Jiji George works in a private office at Long Island Psychiatric Services, PC. in Merrick, NY. It is a group of professionals committed to provide mental health services to residents of Long Island. Our compassionate staff provides a warm and comfortable atmosphere, knowledgeable psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric NPs and social workers. We do evaluations and provide recommendations for best treatment for you or your loved ones. We offer individual and family psychotherapy sessions, as well as medication management. We are open Monday through Friday, with late evenings availability. We do offer some Saturday hours.
Richard Satriano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wantagh, NY 11793 (Online Only)
Feeling unwell can negatively impact one's ability to function optimally in multiple areas of life, including maintaining personal relationships and fulfilling professional and/or caregiving obligations. Many people are hesitant to seek assistance from a professional to improve their mental well-being for various reasons, and taking the first step can be daunting. Rest assured that I will make every effort to provide an atmosphere in which you feel safe, comfortable, and supported, enabling you to express yourself freely. Together, we can identify your goals and determine the most effective approaches to help you attain them.
Feeling unwell can negatively impact one's ability to function optimally in multiple areas of life, including maintaining personal relationships and fulfilling professional and/or caregiving obligations. Many people are hesitant to seek assistance from a professional to improve their mental well-being for various reasons, and taking the first step can be daunting. Rest assured that I will make every effort to provide an atmosphere in which you feel safe, comfortable, and supported, enabling you to express yourself freely. Together, we can identify your goals and determine the most effective approaches to help you attain them.
Hope & Resilience, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Farmingdale, NY 11735
I see patients of all ages. I have special training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
I see patients of all ages. I have special training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Alyshiann Taylor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hempstead, NY 11550
My ideal client is someone facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or trauma, and seeks a holistic approach to recovery. They may be struggling with addiction, managing ADHD, or overcoming PTSD, and want to regain control of their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Their goal is to improve their quality of life, gain resilience, and find balance through a tailored treatment plan. They desire compassionate, personalized care that integrates therapy and medication management to achieve long-lasting results and restore their sense of self.
My ideal client is someone facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or trauma, and seeks a holistic approach to recovery. They may be struggling with addiction, managing ADHD, or overcoming PTSD, and want to regain control of their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Their goal is to improve their quality of life, gain resilience, and find balance through a tailored treatment plan. They desire compassionate, personalized care that integrates therapy and medication management to achieve long-lasting results and restore their sense of self.
Alexander Ivan Gumbs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Syosset, NY 11791
Alexander Gumbs, FNP/PMHNP-BC is a dual board-certified practitioner in psychiatry and family medicine. Mr. Gumbs uses an integrative holistic approach to treat the bodies and minds of his patients. He is proficient in treating those across the lifespan (children, adolescents, adults, and seniors). Community focus is his passion. He has experience treating disadvantaged populations, such as the homeless and those in the criminal justice system transitioning back to civilian life. Mr. Gumbs treats those with anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, autism, insomnia, dementia, and postpartum depression.
Alexander Gumbs, FNP/PMHNP-BC is a dual board-certified practitioner in psychiatry and family medicine. Mr. Gumbs uses an integrative holistic approach to treat the bodies and minds of his patients. He is proficient in treating those across the lifespan (children, adolescents, adults, and seniors). Community focus is his passion. He has experience treating disadvantaged populations, such as the homeless and those in the criminal justice system transitioning back to civilian life. Mr. Gumbs treats those with anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, depression, autism, insomnia, dementia, and postpartum depression.
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Mary A. Pestrak
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, APRN, NP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Nassau County. I hold a Master's of Science from Columbia University (2008) and I am ANCC Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health. I diagnose and treat adults with a wide spectrum of psychiatric illnesses.
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Nassau County. I hold a Master's of Science from Columbia University (2008) and I am ANCC Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health. I diagnose and treat adults with a wide spectrum of psychiatric illnesses.
Nisha Pradeep
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Garden City, NY 11530
I am a board certified psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner with over 9 yrs of experience in treating adults with various mental illness including but not limited to anxiety, panic disorder, depression, OCD, and ADHD. I have completed my masters degree from Stony Brook University and Doctorate degree from University at Buffalo. Every individual has unique needs and I use individually tailored treatment plans for my patients. Please use the website link, call or email to book an appointment.
I am a board certified psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner with over 9 yrs of experience in treating adults with various mental illness including but not limited to anxiety, panic disorder, depression, OCD, and ADHD. I have completed my masters degree from Stony Brook University and Doctorate degree from University at Buffalo. Every individual has unique needs and I use individually tailored treatment plans for my patients. Please use the website link, call or email to book an appointment.
Shihab Touhid is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in New York who has been practicing since 2011. He provides patient-centered and trauma-informed care with experience in treatment planning, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, and psychotropic medication education. He believes in treating patients with the fewest number of medications. He strongly educates clients about the potential for addiction when taking controlled substances. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, driving, watching wild animals and funny videos.
Shihab Touhid is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in New York who has been practicing since 2011. He provides patient-centered and trauma-informed care with experience in treatment planning, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, and psychotropic medication education. He believes in treating patients with the fewest number of medications. He strongly educates clients about the potential for addiction when taking controlled substances. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, driving, watching wild animals and funny videos.
Our Psychiatrist are MD and provides Tele-Psychiatry Consults via Video or Phone Session. We Offer Psychiatric consultations and Medication Management, Our staff is Board Certified Adult and Child Psychiatrists. We have convenient evening hours available for working Individuals. we treat all ages including Children, Adolescents and senior citizens. We treat all psychiatric conditions!, Accept several Insurances , Cash fees for Medication visits is $ 100 The First consultation is only $ 175 Appointments can be made by calling 718 381 2829. Managed by: Tele healthcare 365 LLC. and New Life Psychiatry Counseling svc. PC,
Our Psychiatrist are MD and provides Tele-Psychiatry Consults via Video or Phone Session. We Offer Psychiatric consultations and Medication Management, Our staff is Board Certified Adult and Child Psychiatrists. We have convenient evening hours available for working Individuals. we treat all ages including Children, Adolescents and senior citizens. We treat all psychiatric conditions!, Accept several Insurances , Cash fees for Medication visits is $ 100 The First consultation is only $ 175 Appointments can be made by calling 718 381 2829. Managed by: Tele healthcare 365 LLC. and New Life Psychiatry Counseling svc. PC,
I am not an MD I do NOT prescribe medication...I have been a therapist for more than 30 years. During that time I have lived through many of the life events my clients may have been or are experiencing. I am the daughter of an aging mother, the mother of married children and a grandmother. I have experienced the loss of a parent and my spouse and understand all the emotions that come along with all life's stressful events, both joyous and sad.
I am not an MD I do NOT prescribe medication...I have been a therapist for more than 30 years. During that time I have lived through many of the life events my clients may have been or are experiencing. I am the daughter of an aging mother, the mother of married children and a grandmother. I have experienced the loss of a parent and my spouse and understand all the emotions that come along with all life's stressful events, both joyous and sad.
Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, AGNP-BC
Verified Verified
Rockville Centre, NY 11570 (Online Only)
Mr. Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health & Adult Nurse Practitioner, Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus specializes in Suboxone, Alcohol Addiction, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Pain Management Treatment at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction Services. He can provide confidential online treatment plans and consultations for you or a loved one seeking help.
Mr. Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health & Adult Nurse Practitioner, Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus specializes in Suboxone, Alcohol Addiction, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Pain Management Treatment at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction Services. He can provide confidential online treatment plans and consultations for you or a loved one seeking help.
Dr. Manpreet Nijjar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Syosset, NY 11791 (Online Only)
At Arborview Psychiatry, Dr. Manpreet Nijjar, a highly qualified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, spearheads the practice. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, she earned both her Doctorate and Masters from Columbia University, focusing on Psychiatric Mental Health, and boasts a dual Bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware in Dietetics and Nursing. She prioritizes establishing a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and collaboration to empower her clients on their journey toward mental health recovery and fulfillment.
At Arborview Psychiatry, Dr. Manpreet Nijjar, a highly qualified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, spearheads the practice. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, she earned both her Doctorate and Masters from Columbia University, focusing on Psychiatric Mental Health, and boasts a dual Bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware in Dietetics and Nursing. She prioritizes establishing a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy, and collaboration to empower her clients on their journey toward mental health recovery and fulfillment.
Adewunmi Bankole At Core Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hempstead, NY 11550 (Online Only)
Book an appointment on our website at corepsychiatry.org! Dr. Adewunmi Bankole, PMHNP-BC is a doctoral prepared Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with vast experience in psychiatry treating adults, children, adolescent and geriatric population. Dr. Bankole believes that care should be patient focus and holistic with best evidence-based practice.
Book an appointment on our website at corepsychiatry.org! Dr. Adewunmi Bankole, PMHNP-BC is a doctoral prepared Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with vast experience in psychiatry treating adults, children, adolescent and geriatric population. Dr. Bankole believes that care should be patient focus and holistic with best evidence-based practice.
Michelle Salz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Port Washington, NY 11050 (Online Only)
Welcome. I am a dual board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and midwife with over 20 years experience in women's health. My clients feel uniquely understood during their pre-conception, prenatal and postpartum years and beyond. I am passionate about providing evidence based, safe and effective psychiatric medication management for women during and after their reproductive years. There are many medications that can be used safely in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and peri-menopausal women may benefit from some medications over others.
Welcome. I am a dual board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and midwife with over 20 years experience in women's health. My clients feel uniquely understood during their pre-conception, prenatal and postpartum years and beyond. I am passionate about providing evidence based, safe and effective psychiatric medication management for women during and after their reproductive years. There are many medications that can be used safely in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and peri-menopausal women may benefit from some medications over others.
See more therapy options for Nassau County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Nassau County, NY
200+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Nassau County, NY who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
89% | Depression |
72% | Medication Management |
69% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
69% | Bipolar Disorder |
66% | ADHD |
61% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
75% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Nassau County, NY see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Nassau County?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.