Psychiatrists in New York, NY
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. I possess strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients. I follow evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation and intuition. As a PMHNP, my role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate and therapist.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. I possess strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients. I follow evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation and intuition. As a PMHNP, my role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate and therapist.
Shirley Duane
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011 (Online Only)
Shirley Duane, FNP, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified throughout the Lifespan. She received her Post Master degree in Psychiatric Nursing at D'Youville University and her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree through SUNY Buffalo. She is also certified as a Geriatric Specialist. Shirley has practiced in a variety of settings and specialties allowing her to work with adolescents and adults with a wide range of disorders, including addictions, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD and PTSD.
Shirley Duane, FNP, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified throughout the Lifespan. She received her Post Master degree in Psychiatric Nursing at D'Youville University and her Family Nurse Practitioner Degree through SUNY Buffalo. She is also certified as a Geriatric Specialist. Shirley has practiced in a variety of settings and specialties allowing her to work with adolescents and adults with a wide range of disorders, including addictions, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD and PTSD.
I worked as an internist before training in psychiatry and then in psychoanalysis. My patients are generally people who are unhappy in some way in spite of their success in their career or family life or both - often people for whom medication and psychotherapy has not worked or worked only partially in the past . Most of my work is insight oriented talk therapy or psychoanalysis. However some patients whom I see only for medication I see only a couple of times each year.
I worked as an internist before training in psychiatry and then in psychoanalysis. My patients are generally people who are unhappy in some way in spite of their success in their career or family life or both - often people for whom medication and psychotherapy has not worked or worked only partially in the past . Most of my work is insight oriented talk therapy or psychoanalysis. However some patients whom I see only for medication I see only a couple of times each year.
Chelsea Woods
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Chelsea and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Binge Eating Disorder, Bipolar, Depression, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Loss/Grief/Bereavement, Maternal Mental Health, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (OCD). I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Chelsea and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Binge Eating Disorder, Bipolar, Depression, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Loss/Grief/Bereavement, Maternal Mental Health, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (OCD). I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Christina Ercole
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
MANY INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Christina Ercole, MSN is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who specializes in psychopharmacology across the lifespan. Ms. Ercole received her Bachelor's Degree from Fairfield University, where she studied psychology. She completed her advanced nursing degree at the Yale University School of Nursing. Ms. Ercole strongly believes in an integrative and interdisciplinary approach to mental health and empowers her patients to be active participants in their health care. She is currently working at Modern Integrative Psychiatry, an adult psychopharmacology practice located in NYC
MANY INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Christina Ercole, MSN is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who specializes in psychopharmacology across the lifespan. Ms. Ercole received her Bachelor's Degree from Fairfield University, where she studied psychology. She completed her advanced nursing degree at the Yale University School of Nursing. Ms. Ercole strongly believes in an integrative and interdisciplinary approach to mental health and empowers her patients to be active participants in their health care. She is currently working at Modern Integrative Psychiatry, an adult psychopharmacology practice located in NYC
As a psychiatrist with advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy I bring a wealth of experience working with people from various cultures, backgrounds and sensitivities. Through collaborative efforts, I can help you identify the roots of your struggles and develop alternative ways of relating. If needed, I can also prescribe medications carefully.
As a psychiatrist with advanced training in psychodynamic psychotherapy I bring a wealth of experience working with people from various cultures, backgrounds and sensitivities. Through collaborative efforts, I can help you identify the roots of your struggles and develop alternative ways of relating. If needed, I can also prescribe medications carefully.
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10014
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Emmie Macalisang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10018 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Emmie Macalisang is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a focus on a holistic and person-centered approach. She prides in providing compassionate and respectful care where clients feel attended to and valued, promoting a trusting and collaborative relationship with her clients. She has experience in caring for the underserved and diverse population with various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders.
Emmie Macalisang is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a focus on a holistic and person-centered approach. She prides in providing compassionate and respectful care where clients feel attended to and valued, promoting a trusting and collaborative relationship with her clients. She has experience in caring for the underserved and diverse population with various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist practicing virtually and in person in Midtown Manhattan. Licensed in NY, NJ, CT, and FL, I treat adults experiencing issues with mood, attention, stress, and/or problem-solving. I utilize a variety of strategies to help my patients feel better and meet their personal goals including DBT, CBT, ACT, Existential, and Supportive therapy. I am also board certified in Neurology, which gives me a unique perspective on the medications used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and panic. I am also a certified meditation instructor.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist practicing virtually and in person in Midtown Manhattan. Licensed in NY, NJ, CT, and FL, I treat adults experiencing issues with mood, attention, stress, and/or problem-solving. I utilize a variety of strategies to help my patients feel better and meet their personal goals including DBT, CBT, ACT, Existential, and Supportive therapy. I am also board certified in Neurology, which gives me a unique perspective on the medications used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and panic. I am also a certified meditation instructor.
Dr. Jabari Jones is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and an Emotional Health Consultant who has worked extensively with individuals and groups in both the public and private sectors for over a decade. His areas of focus are anxiety, depression, lifecycle-issues and trauma. Dr. Jones has an interest in Positive Psychology a field of study dedicated to human well-being and flourishing. In additional to offering traditional care (Medication and Psychotherapy) he also helps patients implement evidence-based interventions such as physical exercise, journaling and meditation into their lifestyle to help them in achieving their unique goals.
Dr. Jabari Jones is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and an Emotional Health Consultant who has worked extensively with individuals and groups in both the public and private sectors for over a decade. His areas of focus are anxiety, depression, lifecycle-issues and trauma. Dr. Jones has an interest in Positive Psychology a field of study dedicated to human well-being and flourishing. In additional to offering traditional care (Medication and Psychotherapy) he also helps patients implement evidence-based interventions such as physical exercise, journaling and meditation into their lifestyle to help them in achieving their unique goals.
Rivka Kramer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring a wealth of expertise and compassion to the realm of psychiatric mental health care. With advanced training and a deep understanding of both psychological principles and psychopharmacology, I treat mental health conditions including Depression, Anxiety, Perinatal mental health, ADHD, OCD and PTSD.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I bring a wealth of expertise and compassion to the realm of psychiatric mental health care. With advanced training and a deep understanding of both psychological principles and psychopharmacology, I treat mental health conditions including Depression, Anxiety, Perinatal mental health, ADHD, OCD and PTSD.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
My approach is to form an understanding, nonjudgmental and caring therapeutic relationship with clients. I have many years of providing mental health support in outpatient, inpatient and emergency room settings. I have experience with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
My approach is to form an understanding, nonjudgmental and caring therapeutic relationship with clients. I have many years of providing mental health support in outpatient, inpatient and emergency room settings. I have experience with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
Emily Hunt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Emily and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety and bipolar. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Emily and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety and bipolar. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Chika N Odili
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Dear future patients, my name is Chika Odili and I'm a board-certified nurse practitioner. I know we haven’t met yet, but when we do, please trust that you are in good hands. It is my absolute pleasure to assist in your care. I started my career doing an internship at a prestigious children’s hospital in the Texas Medical Center on an adolescent GI unit where I was able to work with individuals with eating related disorders. I then went on to complete my Bachelors in Nursing Degree and began working as a Registered Nurse in a Pediatric Unit caring for the psychiatric population.
Dear future patients, my name is Chika Odili and I'm a board-certified nurse practitioner. I know we haven’t met yet, but when we do, please trust that you are in good hands. It is my absolute pleasure to assist in your care. I started my career doing an internship at a prestigious children’s hospital in the Texas Medical Center on an adolescent GI unit where I was able to work with individuals with eating related disorders. I then went on to complete my Bachelors in Nursing Degree and began working as a Registered Nurse in a Pediatric Unit caring for the psychiatric population.
Aerin Hyun
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10019
Waitlist for new clients
Board certified Columbia trained psychiatrist (NY and NJ licensed) specializing in Women's Reproductive Health, Psychoanalysis, Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology. My Ph.D. is in English Literature, providing an additional perspective that many find enhances the treatment process, which I view largely as integrative (between medicine and the humanities, mind and body, and eastern and western perspectives).
Board certified Columbia trained psychiatrist (NY and NJ licensed) specializing in Women's Reproductive Health, Psychoanalysis, Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology. My Ph.D. is in English Literature, providing an additional perspective that many find enhances the treatment process, which I view largely as integrative (between medicine and the humanities, mind and body, and eastern and western perspectives).
Dr. Andrew Lelin is a board-certified Psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. Dr. Lelin has an in-depth education in various psychotherapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, habit-reversal, and cognitive-processing therapies, which he continues to incorporate into his daily practice. After completing training, he went on to provide inpatient consultation and crisis intervention services in New York City.
Dr. Andrew Lelin is a board-certified Psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry. Dr. Lelin has an in-depth education in various psychotherapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, habit-reversal, and cognitive-processing therapies, which he continues to incorporate into his daily practice. After completing training, he went on to provide inpatient consultation and crisis intervention services in New York City.
Arias A. Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010
As a provider, my goal is to facilitate your connection to your own strength, resilience, wisdom, and joy through holding space for the safe exploration of your inner world. I believe that medication is a valuable tool when used consciously and consensually, but is rarely the only support we need. My approach to care is sex-positive, identity-affirmative, and growth-centered, emerging from a position of non-judgement, gentleness, and curiosity. I have a particular commitment to trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people, as well as to those navigating the harms of racism, ableism, heterosexism, and fat-phobia.
As a provider, my goal is to facilitate your connection to your own strength, resilience, wisdom, and joy through holding space for the safe exploration of your inner world. I believe that medication is a valuable tool when used consciously and consensually, but is rarely the only support we need. My approach to care is sex-positive, identity-affirmative, and growth-centered, emerging from a position of non-judgement, gentleness, and curiosity. I have a particular commitment to trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people, as well as to those navigating the harms of racism, ableism, heterosexism, and fat-phobia.
Early on, I recognized a need for deeper healing, which led me to explore various ways to uplift clients through both traditional and innovative techniques. After supporting a family member step by step through a successful ketamine treatment, I became dedicated to expanding access to what I consider life-changing therapeutic care.
Early on, I recognized a need for deeper healing, which led me to explore various ways to uplift clients through both traditional and innovative techniques. After supporting a family member step by step through a successful ketamine treatment, I became dedicated to expanding access to what I consider life-changing therapeutic care.
It is no small task to lead a fulfilling life with meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose. In times of suffering, that goal can seem impossible. When our usual ways of adapting to stress fail, we need an outside perspective to guide us to a deeper understanding of our harmful and at times destructive mental patterns. There is no simple algorithm for healing the complex wounds formed over a lifetime. For some, a carefully tailored medication regimen can be helpful, leading to relatively quick relief of debilitating symptoms. For others a purely psychotherapeutic approach may be a better fit.
It is no small task to lead a fulfilling life with meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose. In times of suffering, that goal can seem impossible. When our usual ways of adapting to stress fail, we need an outside perspective to guide us to a deeper understanding of our harmful and at times destructive mental patterns. There is no simple algorithm for healing the complex wounds formed over a lifetime. For some, a carefully tailored medication regimen can be helpful, leading to relatively quick relief of debilitating symptoms. For others a purely psychotherapeutic approach may be a better fit.
I am a Columbia University trained psychiatrist and neuroscientist. I work with adults in both medication management and psychotherapy, with a particular focus on mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD and PTSD. My practice strives to take a warm, collaborative and non-judgmental stance to create individualized treatment plans for each patient, incorporating medication and/or psychotherapy as appropriate. My treatment approach draws from multiple perspectives in psychiatry, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and neuroscience, with a therapeutic style that is direct, transparent and empathic.
I am a Columbia University trained psychiatrist and neuroscientist. I work with adults in both medication management and psychotherapy, with a particular focus on mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD and PTSD. My practice strives to take a warm, collaborative and non-judgmental stance to create individualized treatment plans for each patient, incorporating medication and/or psychotherapy as appropriate. My treatment approach draws from multiple perspectives in psychiatry, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and neuroscience, with a therapeutic style that is direct, transparent and empathic.
See more therapy options for New York
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in New York, NY
1,000+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in New York, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
80% | Medication Management |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | ADHD |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in New York, NY see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
36% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in New York?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.