Psychiatrists in Pittsford, NY
Stephanie M Carletta
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
Welcome! I’m Stephanie Carletta, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in providing personalized care. I’m committed to creating a space where your unique experiences are truly valued. With a blend of medication management, integrative therapies, and lifestyle interventions, I tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs. My advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Obesity Medicine allows me to use functional and western medicine to support your optimal health and well-being.
Welcome! I’m Stephanie Carletta, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in providing personalized care. I’m committed to creating a space where your unique experiences are truly valued. With a blend of medication management, integrative therapies, and lifestyle interventions, I tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs. My advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Obesity Medicine allows me to use functional and western medicine to support your optimal health and well-being.
Adam DeNault
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
Adam DeNault is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over nine years of experience in the mental health field across the lifespan. He has worked with patients 8-101 years old with the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, primary psychotic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and more. In his time as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, he has focused on improving the patient experience through partnership and client driven treatment planning.
Adam DeNault is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over nine years of experience in the mental health field across the lifespan. He has worked with patients 8-101 years old with the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, primary psychotic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and more. In his time as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, he has focused on improving the patient experience through partnership and client driven treatment planning.
Amanda T Rivera
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
Not accepting new clients
My focus of care is centered in the treatment of mood disorders through the family life span. Whether a mood disorder is affecting the ability to conceive a child, or is impacting your family unit and parenting style, I work to assist in improving clients' sense of inner well-being and ability to manage various family dynamics. I have 10+ years' experience working with individuals challenged by mental health concerns in various psychiatric settings including group homes, community clinics, inpatient hospitals, home-based care and correctional facilities. Treating ages 16 years and older.
My focus of care is centered in the treatment of mood disorders through the family life span. Whether a mood disorder is affecting the ability to conceive a child, or is impacting your family unit and parenting style, I work to assist in improving clients' sense of inner well-being and ability to manage various family dynamics. I have 10+ years' experience working with individuals challenged by mental health concerns in various psychiatric settings including group homes, community clinics, inpatient hospitals, home-based care and correctional facilities. Treating ages 16 years and older.
Rachelle Buchanan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
I combine psychiatric evaluation, functional medicine, medication management, and therapy services to help clients achieve their goals. My passion is to help individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional behaviors achieve their goals for authentic and genuine living. I specialize in neurodivergence including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
I combine psychiatric evaluation, functional medicine, medication management, and therapy services to help clients achieve their goals. My passion is to help individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional behaviors achieve their goals for authentic and genuine living. I specialize in neurodivergence including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Keighley Loveland
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
I am accepting clients for telehealth appointments! I see older teens (16+) and adults for medication management. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with nearly 10 years of experience in the mental health field including inpatient settings, residential care, outpatient clinics, and consultation work. My experience has crossed the lifespan, from 5 to 105. All backgrounds and identities are welcomed and embraced in my practice. I strongly believe in the power of listening as part of the healing process and as a means of partnering with clients to ensure treatment goals are understood.
I am accepting clients for telehealth appointments! I see older teens (16+) and adults for medication management. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with nearly 10 years of experience in the mental health field including inpatient settings, residential care, outpatient clinics, and consultation work. My experience has crossed the lifespan, from 5 to 105. All backgrounds and identities are welcomed and embraced in my practice. I strongly believe in the power of listening as part of the healing process and as a means of partnering with clients to ensure treatment goals are understood.
A. Cyrus Marcy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
Waitlist for new clients
If you are reading this, it is a safe bet you understand the challenges of living with an untreated or inadequately treated mental health condition. Day-to-day tasks that others navigate with ease become difficult. The once vivid dreams you had of the future become shaded with doubts. Perhaps you tried therapy and it was not enough. Maybe you tried medications and they had more side effects than they were worth. The only thing more frustrating than the symptoms of your illness is the growing sense that you will never get better.
If you are reading this, it is a safe bet you understand the challenges of living with an untreated or inadequately treated mental health condition. Day-to-day tasks that others navigate with ease become difficult. The once vivid dreams you had of the future become shaded with doubts. Perhaps you tried therapy and it was not enough. Maybe you tried medications and they had more side effects than they were worth. The only thing more frustrating than the symptoms of your illness is the growing sense that you will never get better.
Marti K Klaver @ Mindset Integrative Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
At Mindset Integrative, my mission is to provide compassionate care and support to those struggling with mental health issues. My goal has always been for patients to have the least amount of medication that is effective for them. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and I strive to make that a reality for my clients, therefore I will be offering financing for those in need. Now accepting the following insurances: Oscar Health, United Healthcare, Oxford Live, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield New York (formerly Empire), Cigna, Aetna and Horizon BCBS of New Jersey.
At Mindset Integrative, my mission is to provide compassionate care and support to those struggling with mental health issues. My goal has always been for patients to have the least amount of medication that is effective for them. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and I strive to make that a reality for my clients, therefore I will be offering financing for those in need. Now accepting the following insurances: Oscar Health, United Healthcare, Oxford Live, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield New York (formerly Empire), Cigna, Aetna and Horizon BCBS of New Jersey.
I am now accepting adult clients in my new practice for medication management. I have experience with various psychiatric disorders and can help you develop a medication regime that works for you.
I am now accepting adult clients in my new practice for medication management. I have experience with various psychiatric disorders and can help you develop a medication regime that works for you.
Stacey M Perrotta
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsford, NY 14534
One thing we all know for sure: life throws us curveballs. And it's time to normalize that life isn't always perfect; trust me, I know. We visit professionals all the time that improve our mood, self-esteem, and physical function. Massage and physical therapists, hair stylists, cosmetic injectors, chiropractors, personal trainers - they all share one thing in common; the ability to improve how we feel. Our minds and emotional health deserve the same level of care we give our bodies. I'm here for you when life is life'ing, including both the hardships and beautiful moments alike.
One thing we all know for sure: life throws us curveballs. And it's time to normalize that life isn't always perfect; trust me, I know. We visit professionals all the time that improve our mood, self-esteem, and physical function. Massage and physical therapists, hair stylists, cosmetic injectors, chiropractors, personal trainers - they all share one thing in common; the ability to improve how we feel. Our minds and emotional health deserve the same level of care we give our bodies. I'm here for you when life is life'ing, including both the hardships and beautiful moments alike.
Are you or a loved one struggling? As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I’m here to help. My mission is to transform the experience of receiving mental health care and to support you in reaching your goals. My approach to care is both holistic and collaborative, with you at the center of the treatment team. Using evidence based treatment, I provide an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment or referral focused around meeting your individual needs.
Are you or a loved one struggling? As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I’m here to help. My mission is to transform the experience of receiving mental health care and to support you in reaching your goals. My approach to care is both holistic and collaborative, with you at the center of the treatment team. Using evidence based treatment, I provide an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment or referral focused around meeting your individual needs.
Estelle “Stella” Webster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pittsford, NY 14534 (Online Only)
Updating insurances-check back. Private pay, cash only at this time- $300 initial/$150 follow up. Addiction, and /or mental health treatment. I provide medication management and therapy combined. If you struggle with addiction, depression, intrusive thoughts, or anxiety and social awkwardness, I can help. Do you find yourself afraid to do the things you did prior to COVID isolation? Perhaps you struggle with addiction combined with mental illness, not knowing which came first? Addiction is a response to trauma. Together, we can, uncover your true potential by creating a new narrative and discovering your true self.
Updating insurances-check back. Private pay, cash only at this time- $300 initial/$150 follow up. Addiction, and /or mental health treatment. I provide medication management and therapy combined. If you struggle with addiction, depression, intrusive thoughts, or anxiety and social awkwardness, I can help. Do you find yourself afraid to do the things you did prior to COVID isolation? Perhaps you struggle with addiction combined with mental illness, not knowing which came first? Addiction is a response to trauma. Together, we can, uncover your true potential by creating a new narrative and discovering your true self.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with 30 years of clinical experience in treating different mental diseases including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, etc. in different settings and cultures. I attended Southeastern University Medical School in Nanjing, China and did my residency at Strong Memorial Hospital of University of Rochester and my fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital of Harvard Medical School. With my extensive training and experience, I can help you successfully deal with any mental health challenges you are facing.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with 30 years of clinical experience in treating different mental diseases including: depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, etc. in different settings and cultures. I attended Southeastern University Medical School in Nanjing, China and did my residency at Strong Memorial Hospital of University of Rochester and my fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital of Harvard Medical School. With my extensive training and experience, I can help you successfully deal with any mental health challenges you are facing.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Sean P. Murphy, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Rochester, NY 14618 (Online Only)
If psychiatric symptoms are causing you pain and limiting your life, I want to help. Evidence-based psychiatric medication management services can help patients improve their lives. I bring to clinic an abiding commitment to offering you collaborative, kind, affirming, and personalized care.
If psychiatric symptoms are causing you pain and limiting your life, I want to help. Evidence-based psychiatric medication management services can help patients improve their lives. I bring to clinic an abiding commitment to offering you collaborative, kind, affirming, and personalized care.
The Mindful Lemon Marriage and Family Therapy INC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14600 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office-based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, and what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness, or any combination of the above.
If you've hopped from one medication or provider to the next for years and still aren't finding relief, you may be questioning the methods or doubting your progress. Persistent mental health challenges make life complicated enough, and it might seem like your options are more limited than they actually are. As an active decision-maker in your mental well-being, you have permission to try alternative options. If something doesn’t seem to be working, there is nothing wrong with switching gears as needed. We can experiment with tools to figure out what works for you.
If you've hopped from one medication or provider to the next for years and still aren't finding relief, you may be questioning the methods or doubting your progress. Persistent mental health challenges make life complicated enough, and it might seem like your options are more limited than they actually are. As an active decision-maker in your mental well-being, you have permission to try alternative options. If something doesn’t seem to be working, there is nothing wrong with switching gears as needed. We can experiment with tools to figure out what works for you.
Kristina M Moss Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse, RN, MS, NPP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14618
Now accepting new patients! Finding the right match, the one person you feel like you can truly trust to tell your story to is one of the biggest challenges in finding someone to help you. Today, I accept this challenge. My name is Kristina Moss and I am proud to have been trained locally at the University of Rochester. I have over 17 years of experience with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including the hospital, outpatient clinics and private practice.
Now accepting new patients! Finding the right match, the one person you feel like you can truly trust to tell your story to is one of the biggest challenges in finding someone to help you. Today, I accept this challenge. My name is Kristina Moss and I am proud to have been trained locally at the University of Rochester. I have over 17 years of experience with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including the hospital, outpatient clinics and private practice.
Laura Jean Capuano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, BSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14607
My goal is to bring the newest and most effective psychiatric treatment to the Rochester area. I offer targeted therapies and medications individualized for each person.
My goal is to bring the newest and most effective psychiatric treatment to the Rochester area. I offer targeted therapies and medications individualized for each person.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Trina and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Chronic illness, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, Insomnia & sleep issues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 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 Trina and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Chronic illness, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, Insomnia & sleep issues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 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.
Sarah Rubinrott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14618 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Sarah and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Burnout, Bipolar, Depression, Chronic Illness, College & Graduate Student Mental Health, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Stress Management, Life Transitions and Loss/Grief/Bereavement. 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 Sarah and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Burnout, Bipolar, Depression, Chronic Illness, College & Graduate Student Mental Health, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Stress Management, Life Transitions and Loss/Grief/Bereavement. 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.
Rosetta Richards At Core Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14600 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Book an appointment on our website at corepsychiatry.org! Rosetta Richards is a Board-Certified Adult and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in New York and New Jersey. Rosetta received her Adult NP from Stony Brook University in 1999 and her Psychiatric NP from Molloy University in 2012. She has over twenty years of inpatient experience. She is qualified and experienced in treating patients with psychiatric disorders across their lifespans.
Book an appointment on our website at corepsychiatry.org! Rosetta Richards is a Board-Certified Adult and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in New York and New Jersey. Rosetta received her Adult NP from Stony Brook University in 1999 and her Psychiatric NP from Molloy University in 2012. She has over twenty years of inpatient experience. She is qualified and experienced in treating patients with psychiatric disorders across their lifespans.
See more therapy options for Pittsford
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Pittsford, NY
10+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Pittsford, NY who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
92% | Medication Management |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
58% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | Oxford |
How Psychiatrists in Pittsford, NY see their clients
92% | In Person and Online | |
8% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Pittsford?
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.