Psychiatrists in Haddonfield, NJ
![Photo of Nicole Post, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4867813e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double Board Certified Psychiatrist in both Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, with an added Certification in Perinatal Mood Disorders. I specialize in treating Maternal Mental Health, Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders in the adult population.
I am a double Board Certified Psychiatrist in both Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, with an added Certification in Perinatal Mood Disorders. I specialize in treating Maternal Mental Health, Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders in the adult population.
![Photo of Gabriela Andrade - Haddonfield Psychiatry & Therapy, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53e4e42d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Andrade brings her wide range of experience and training to treat each person who comes to her as a unique, complex and multidimensional individual.
Dr. Andrade brings her wide range of experience and training to treat each person who comes to her as a unique, complex and multidimensional individual.
![Photo of Amy Glick, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/324faf18-2646-4b2d-bc5a-2072ee93f38d/2/320x400.jpeg)
For patients looking to improve their lives through the collaborative process of developing self-knowledge and making meaningful change.
For patients looking to improve their lives through the collaborative process of developing self-knowledge and making meaningful change.
![Photo of Jake Rosenberg, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dcf355db-f9be-4d68-b5af-309877d681d1/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Jake works with patients of all backgrounds to collaboratively target mental health concerns. Areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, addiction, and psychosis.
Dr. Jake works with patients of all backgrounds to collaboratively target mental health concerns. Areas of focus include ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, addiction, and psychosis.
![Photo of Dr. Emily Liberatore-Maguire, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01d63b7f-23d2-4a2b-8feb-1a85dddbd923/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Maguire is a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist at Haddonfield Psychiatry & Therapy, licensed to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Dr. Maguire is a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist at Haddonfield Psychiatry & Therapy, licensed to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.
![Photo of Gabriel Essilfie, APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0052923-bb45-47cb-921c-2385ad3490b8/1/320x400.png)
My ideal client would be a client who comes in ready to work on their treatment together through psychotherapy and, at times, medication management. I strive to allow the client to feel heard, spend time with the client to understand their symptoms, and provide good, competent care.
My ideal client would be a client who comes in ready to work on their treatment together through psychotherapy and, at times, medication management. I strive to allow the client to feel heard, spend time with the client to understand their symptoms, and provide good, competent care.
![Photo of Amanda Guarnere, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df1a85c1-bc16-408d-81df-d3dfc3844150/2/320x400.png)
There is no such thing as an "ideal client." Each individual is unique, and care will be tailored to fit patient needs.
There is no such thing as an "ideal client." Each individual is unique, and care will be tailored to fit patient needs.
![Photo of Michelle McCarthy, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7bf65e8a-e7d6-444f-aa80-5cc297ac5386/2/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a15a0fb4-8070-4621-a2fe-3c3661d063ed/2/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
Ruth MacKenzie (adolescent/teen specialist)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN
Verified Verified
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
![Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli - Shannon Bucciarelli (adolescent/teen specialist), MSN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0423fe48-0528-451b-9368-4b3cdee2bc51/2/320x400.png)
Shannon Bucciarelli (adolescent/teen specialist)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating teen/adolescents and their families. I focus on treating the whole individual with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate, and after careful assessment. The driving force behind my practice is to create a nurturing environment where kids can grow into healthy adults with learned coping skills and a better understanding of their own identity.
15 Second Videos
Michelle McCarthy
Allen Masry
Initia Nova - Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, TMS
![Photo of Karen Yeboah-Norment, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/595e842a-a4d2-4d6c-8c46-7647372c4adf/2/320x400.png)
Karen Yeboah-Norment
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve one’s mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stopped socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and are failing college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with one’s current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve one’s mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stopped socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and are failing college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with one’s current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.
![Photo of Patrick Sullivan - Initia Nova - Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, TMS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47827d35-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Initia Nova - Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, TMS
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Initia Nova is a comprehensive treatment team using advanced medical solutions to treat common problems, specializing in depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, addiction, and chronic headaches/migraines. Dr Patrick Sullivan and his team use ketamine infusions, ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), TMS, NAD+ Brain Restoration Therapy, novel medications like baclofen, and individual psychotherapy to achieve results that were once thought impossible. If you are looking for something different, email us for a free phone consultation. We cater to individuals needing confidentiality and who have busy work and home life schedules. Out Of Network
Initia Nova is a comprehensive treatment team using advanced medical solutions to treat common problems, specializing in depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, addiction, and chronic headaches/migraines. Dr Patrick Sullivan and his team use ketamine infusions, ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), TMS, NAD+ Brain Restoration Therapy, novel medications like baclofen, and individual psychotherapy to achieve results that were once thought impossible. If you are looking for something different, email us for a free phone consultation. We cater to individuals needing confidentiality and who have busy work and home life schedules. Out Of Network
![Photo of Daniel P Mirro, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d91d72a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a highly trained, board-certified psychiatrist with more than thirty five years of experience in integrated treatment in all forms of psychiatric problems. My skills include adolescent and adult psychiatry, hypnotherapy, group therapy, marital and family therapy, and psychopharmacology. In today's mental health market, almost all professionals either practice psychotherapy (social workers or psychologists) or prescribe medication (psychiatrists). I am one of the very few providers of combined intensive psychotherpay and psychopharmacology.
I am a highly trained, board-certified psychiatrist with more than thirty five years of experience in integrated treatment in all forms of psychiatric problems. My skills include adolescent and adult psychiatry, hypnotherapy, group therapy, marital and family therapy, and psychopharmacology. In today's mental health market, almost all professionals either practice psychotherapy (social workers or psychologists) or prescribe medication (psychiatrists). I am one of the very few providers of combined intensive psychotherpay and psychopharmacology.
![Photo of Gerald J Margolis, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5075e833-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with people who are suffering with anxiety, fears, depressive feelings, self-esteem problems, and relationship problems. My patients benefit from the opportunity to express themselves freely to me in a strictly confidential setting. I help the patient recognize, and gain deeper insight into the internal mental conflicts that have originated in childhood, evolved over their lifetime, and sit at the roots of their current problems. Understanding these unconscious connections in psychoanalytic psychotherapy allows the patient to experience relief of symptoms. This kind of treatment is only done by a psychoanalyst.
I work with people who are suffering with anxiety, fears, depressive feelings, self-esteem problems, and relationship problems. My patients benefit from the opportunity to express themselves freely to me in a strictly confidential setting. I help the patient recognize, and gain deeper insight into the internal mental conflicts that have originated in childhood, evolved over their lifetime, and sit at the roots of their current problems. Understanding these unconscious connections in psychoanalytic psychotherapy allows the patient to experience relief of symptoms. This kind of treatment is only done by a psychoanalyst.
![Photo of Alex Strauss, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fd17d21-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am board certified in both Adult psychiatry and Child & Adolescent psychiatry. I have expertise in the use of customized and collaborative therapeutic approaches including individual therapy, CBT, sports psychiatry, supportive therapy and family therapy. I complete a very detailed assessment in order to provide the most appropriate care and treatment plan. As a physician, I also recognize that at times medications are indicated in the recovery process. When appropriate, I will work with you on personalized medication management.
I am board certified in both Adult psychiatry and Child & Adolescent psychiatry. I have expertise in the use of customized and collaborative therapeutic approaches including individual therapy, CBT, sports psychiatry, supportive therapy and family therapy. I complete a very detailed assessment in order to provide the most appropriate care and treatment plan. As a physician, I also recognize that at times medications are indicated in the recovery process. When appropriate, I will work with you on personalized medication management.
![Photo of Gracie Yeo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/925dc542-fafa-4957-9264-0633266efba9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Yeo is an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology board certified psychiatrist specializing in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry as well as Adult Psychiatry. She offers evidence-based treatment that is individualized to the unique needs of each patient with psychotherapy and medication management. She has experience working with all ages from school aged children to older adults. She often coordinates with other providers (school counselors, teachers, therapists, family physicians) to ensure comprehensive and integrated care. Member of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 professionals in the Philadelphia area
Dr. Yeo is an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology board certified psychiatrist specializing in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry as well as Adult Psychiatry. She offers evidence-based treatment that is individualized to the unique needs of each patient with psychotherapy and medication management. She has experience working with all ages from school aged children to older adults. She often coordinates with other providers (school counselors, teachers, therapists, family physicians) to ensure comprehensive and integrated care. Member of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 professionals in the Philadelphia area
![Photo of Ryan Wooden, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/131e9901-7750-4fbf-a5d2-7c6495bb07b5/1/320x400.png)
Ryan Wooden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (Online Only)
Ryan Wooden is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in an integrative approach that may consist of therapy, medication, and non-medication healing techniques. He values the importance of each individual's uniqueness and incorporates this into each treatment plan for the most successful outcome. Above all, he loves to hear your story and wishes to guide you in your life journey the best he can. Ryan has a diverse background of knowledge with degrees.
Ryan Wooden is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in an integrative approach that may consist of therapy, medication, and non-medication healing techniques. He values the importance of each individual's uniqueness and incorporates this into each treatment plan for the most successful outcome. Above all, he loves to hear your story and wishes to guide you in your life journey the best he can. Ryan has a diverse background of knowledge with degrees.
![Photo of Rebecca Headley, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2981f92c-f7d8-46ec-a4c0-c90500e8bc84/1/320x400.png)
Rebecca Headley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (Online Only)
Rebecca, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), has worked in the medical field for over 20 years. She completes initial psychiatric evaluations and also manages and treats anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, and self-esteem concerns. Rebecca is also a board-certified Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC). Her professional goal is to improve mental health knowledge in the community to decrease the stigma that is currently placed on mental health. Preconceptions of mental health conditions can have a significant impact on one’s life as they may prevent many from seeking care.
Rebecca, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), has worked in the medical field for over 20 years. She completes initial psychiatric evaluations and also manages and treats anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, and self-esteem concerns. Rebecca is also a board-certified Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC). Her professional goal is to improve mental health knowledge in the community to decrease the stigma that is currently placed on mental health. Preconceptions of mental health conditions can have a significant impact on one’s life as they may prevent many from seeking care.
![Photo of Elizabeth Wray, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/267c6332-c276-4b47-99b4-0f075e949323/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Wray
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Provider within Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychotherapists offering in-office psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy in Philadelphia and on The Main Line, and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatric Appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. Call to see which providers are licensed in your location.
Provider within Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, a network of over 20 Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychotherapists offering in-office psychiatric evaluations, medication management and psychotherapy in Philadelphia and on The Main Line, and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatric Appointments to patients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD. Call to see which providers are licensed in your location.
See more therapy options for Haddonfield
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Haddonfield, NJ
20+
Average cost per session
$322
Psychiatrists in Haddonfield, NJ who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
81% | Trauma and PTSD |
76% | ADHD |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
71% | Stress |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
91% | Cigna and Evernorth |
91% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Haddonfield, NJ see their clients
86% | In Person and Online | |
14% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
64% | Female | |
36% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Haddonfield?
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.