Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA
![Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30ba6d50-5eef-432f-8d58-b5c79c94371a/1/320x400.png)
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
![Photo of Sosunmolu O Shoyinka, MD, MBA, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a924af3-b46a-43eb-af68-074e399d7ac6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello. I am Dr Sosunmolu Shoyinka. If you are on this page, you or a family member are most likely struggling with a mental health issue. I work with adults and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to a medical condition. In my daily work with patients, my top priority is that they feel heard, understood and supported. Together as a team in each session, we will establish a plan till we meet again the following month. I believe collaboration is key and that "it takes a village". So with consent, I am happy to speak with other clinicians involved in your care.
Hello. I am Dr Sosunmolu Shoyinka. If you are on this page, you or a family member are most likely struggling with a mental health issue. I work with adults and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, and mental health issues related to a medical condition. In my daily work with patients, my top priority is that they feel heard, understood and supported. Together as a team in each session, we will establish a plan till we meet again the following month. I believe collaboration is key and that "it takes a village". So with consent, I am happy to speak with other clinicians involved in your care.
![Photo of Lisa Smith, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44d9fd46-234a-4480-9c10-e7d40ac1b81f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Smith is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Masters of Nursing- PMHNP from Desales University. Lisa is passionate about creating a space in which patients feel safe, informed, and comfortable when discussing their care. She uses a holistic treatment approach and values understanding each person's unique experiences, background, and attributes. Lisa believes every client should be an active participant in their care and it is her goal to support each client in reaching their individual treatment goals to achieve optimal functional and wellbeing.
Lisa Smith is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Masters of Nursing- PMHNP from Desales University. Lisa is passionate about creating a space in which patients feel safe, informed, and comfortable when discussing their care. She uses a holistic treatment approach and values understanding each person's unique experiences, background, and attributes. Lisa believes every client should be an active participant in their care and it is her goal to support each client in reaching their individual treatment goals to achieve optimal functional and wellbeing.
![Photo of Ashley Womack, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb0c5f95-05ce-40a8-8e01-dca2f101abde/3/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
I'm Ashley, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. I have been working in the mental health field for eight years. I started my career as an Associate degree registered nurse in geriatric psychiatry. Later, I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Wilmington University. I have worked in the crisis and inpatient adult behavioral healthcare settings at my local community hospital, providing acute psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan.
![Photo of Christine Mulligan, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f456352-b3cd-46ef-a307-2613047179a4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Mulligan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Suffering with mental health issues or conditions is a challenge that no one should face alone, nor without support and treatment. There are many pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year (2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Suffering with mental health issues or conditions is a challenge that no one should face alone, nor without support and treatment. There are many pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year (2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.
![Photo of Steven S Rolfe, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc5030b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
I am trained as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience treating adolescents,young adults, and adults. My practice is divided between intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, and leadership consulting for executives and family enterprises. Approximately half of my professional time is spent in my consulting practice, advising CEOs, boards, and executive teams on psychological aspects of managing and leading their organizations. I work with companies and family businesses to address a leader's personal crises that is affecting their company.
I am trained as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience treating adolescents,young adults, and adults. My practice is divided between intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, and leadership consulting for executives and family enterprises. Approximately half of my professional time is spent in my consulting practice, advising CEOs, boards, and executive teams on psychological aspects of managing and leading their organizations. I work with companies and family businesses to address a leader's personal crises that is affecting their company.
![Photo of Marie Kamara, PMHNP, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a9414c8-6a87-4900-bf1f-d2e4bde8d845/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marie Kamara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newtown Square, PA 19073 (Online Only)
Mrs. Marie Kamara has over 15 years of extensive expertise in Nursing, spanning from internal medicine to psychiatry. In her therapeutic approach Marie focuses on leveraging the unique strengths, challenges and needs of each individual by focusing on the positive. Marie's care is based on the premise that patients who require mental health care respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. She places special emphasis on the integration of a psychotherapeutic approach with careful and limited use of medication prescribed only when necessary. At Julie Mental Health Services we take each patient’s case very seriously.
Mrs. Marie Kamara has over 15 years of extensive expertise in Nursing, spanning from internal medicine to psychiatry. In her therapeutic approach Marie focuses on leveraging the unique strengths, challenges and needs of each individual by focusing on the positive. Marie's care is based on the premise that patients who require mental health care respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. She places special emphasis on the integration of a psychotherapeutic approach with careful and limited use of medication prescribed only when necessary. At Julie Mental Health Services we take each patient’s case very seriously.
![Photo of Jamie Kakkanattu, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC, CCRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c809f60b-ed84-4ba8-b714-f497a81e288f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jamie Kakkanattu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC, CCRN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Broomall, PA 19008 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatric Mental Health. I have the passion for helping adults and adolescents improve their mental health and emotional well-being. I understand that people often seek psychiatric support or therapy when they're experiencing emotional or psychological pain stemming from unrecognized beliefs, conflicts, or patterns. My goal as your mental health provider is to create a safe, private, trustworthy, and nonjudgemental place in which you can feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings.
Welcome! I'm a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatric Mental Health. I have the passion for helping adults and adolescents improve their mental health and emotional well-being. I understand that people often seek psychiatric support or therapy when they're experiencing emotional or psychological pain stemming from unrecognized beliefs, conflicts, or patterns. My goal as your mental health provider is to create a safe, private, trustworthy, and nonjudgemental place in which you can feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings.
![Photo of William (Bill) Sonis, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32dcb567-e8f1-48a1-95cf-f8a4db2a0a94/2/320x400.jpeg)
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and several different learning disabilities made me a sensitive, empathic, and understanding child and adolescent psychiatrist. In grade school, I couldn’t sit still or be quiet; in college and medical school, I needed extra time to complete my assignments. I needed more time in residency than my colleagues to write my notes. Treating ADHD involves more than just medication; it’s a lifetime process about what you need to do differently than others to achieve your goals. I’ve lived that life. My “insider” knowledge facilitates rapport, a core indicator of successful treatment.
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and several different learning disabilities made me a sensitive, empathic, and understanding child and adolescent psychiatrist. In grade school, I couldn’t sit still or be quiet; in college and medical school, I needed extra time to complete my assignments. I needed more time in residency than my colleagues to write my notes. Treating ADHD involves more than just medication; it’s a lifetime process about what you need to do differently than others to achieve your goals. I’ve lived that life. My “insider” knowledge facilitates rapport, a core indicator of successful treatment.
![Photo of Sharon Bell-East, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea54ee78-29b1-4582-8a13-df223fe083d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Bell-East
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Radnor, PA 19087
Sharon B. East is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and the founder of Renewing Mindsets. With over 26 years of healthcare experience, 19 of which were spent in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Sharon is a reliable psychiatric mental health support resource. She specializes in treating adolescents and adults struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADD,Stress mental health challenges. Sharon is a passionate advocate for the importance of mental health, believing that patients can become empowered to make the right decisions for themselves with the right coping skills.
Sharon B. East is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and the founder of Renewing Mindsets. With over 26 years of healthcare experience, 19 of which were spent in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Sharon is a reliable psychiatric mental health support resource. She specializes in treating adolescents and adults struggling with Anxiety, Depression, ADD,Stress mental health challenges. Sharon is a passionate advocate for the importance of mental health, believing that patients can become empowered to make the right decisions for themselves with the right coping skills.
![Photo of Michael Silverberg, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f5d23df-ffd0-4e80-a6ef-8acc2a657ce1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Silverberg offers unparalleled diagnostic evaluations and ongoing treatment recommendations for patients of all ages and needs. He serves the greater Philadelphia western suburbs and offer a wide array of programming and treatment options. Dr. Silverberg grew up in Devon, PA and graduated from The Haverford School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Pennsylvania and then continued on to earn his Medical Degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Silverberg did his psychiatric residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Dr. Silverberg offers unparalleled diagnostic evaluations and ongoing treatment recommendations for patients of all ages and needs. He serves the greater Philadelphia western suburbs and offer a wide array of programming and treatment options. Dr. Silverberg grew up in Devon, PA and graduated from The Haverford School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Pennsylvania and then continued on to earn his Medical Degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Silverberg did his psychiatric residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
15 Second Videos
Sosunmolu O Shoyinka
William (Bill) Sonis
Andrea Papa-Molter
Michelle Antanovich
Mo Dattu, MD Psychiatrist
Suparna Basu
Linda Kim
Andrea Papa-Molter
Maksam Health & Wellness Center
North Star Psychiatry
Allen Masry
Allen Masry
Paul Joseph Resignato
Edena Walden
Andrea Papa-Molter
Aviva Zohar
Michelle McCarthy
Andrea Papa-Molter
Eileen Peirce
Edena Walden
Allen Masry
Denise Chase
Emily Bernstein
Danielle M Trenelli
Karen (Yang) Chen
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e06b534-9d52-427c-91a3-d3de2605a63d/2/320x400.png)
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
![Photo of Michelle Antanovich, PMHNP, BC, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e35516f5-3e9f-4aec-9b33-991cb0ce2dd6/1/320x400.png)
Michelle Antanovich
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, DNP
Verified Verified
Radnor, PA 19087 (Online Only)
Michelle Antanovich is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Michelle understands that many of her patients are facing anxiety, depression, attention issues, and mood changes throughout their lives. She believes that understanding how to handle these fluctuations is key for healthy coping and living life to the fullest. In-session, Michelle is friendly, patient, and understanding.
Michelle Antanovich is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner. Michelle understands that many of her patients are facing anxiety, depression, attention issues, and mood changes throughout their lives. She believes that understanding how to handle these fluctuations is key for healthy coping and living life to the fullest. In-session, Michelle is friendly, patient, and understanding.
![Photo of Mutiat Ajibade - Essential Behavioral Health LLC , MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b502754-c779-4ff8-ac9d-60da2830d3bb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Essential Behavioral Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesterbrook, PA 19087 (Online Only)
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
![Photo of Zechariah Thompson, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1eb57a8-1ad1-4ebd-b0d3-f5b6ddaa0b85/1/320x400.jpeg)
Zechariah Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Media, PA 19063
Hello! My name is Zechariah Thompson and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. In close collaboration with a long-serving Psychiatrist, I provide the highest standards of evidence-based care through a comprehensive range of services including thorough psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, and individualized, integrated management of mental health concerns with a focus on medication management.
Hello! My name is Zechariah Thompson and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. In close collaboration with a long-serving Psychiatrist, I provide the highest standards of evidence-based care through a comprehensive range of services including thorough psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, and individualized, integrated management of mental health concerns with a focus on medication management.
![Photo of Summer Alonso, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31e4de7e-e12d-4850-89e0-2242656d84b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone is on a journey in life. We are all individuals with our own unique experiences and perspectives that make us who we are. It is important to me as a psychiatric nurse practitioner to provide individualized and holistic care that respects all people in their own unique context of culture, experiences, genetics, perspectives, emotions, spirituality, and goals. I take seriously the honor and trust of sharing time with people to help them to have the best quality of life and mental health possible.
Everyone is on a journey in life. We are all individuals with our own unique experiences and perspectives that make us who we are. It is important to me as a psychiatric nurse practitioner to provide individualized and holistic care that respects all people in their own unique context of culture, experiences, genetics, perspectives, emotions, spirituality, and goals. I take seriously the honor and trust of sharing time with people to help them to have the best quality of life and mental health possible.
![Photo of Pranesh N Patel, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb7235f8-197c-4e66-ab0e-3eb51c7c0093/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Pranesh N. Patel is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Patel offers a whole lifestyle approach to mental health, the mind is affected by much more than just medications, sleep, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy alone. Mental health treatment is the combination of these things in conjunction with one another. Outside of work, Dr. Patel loves to work with his hands, he has renovated his kitchen and bathrooms on his own and enjoys the gratification of knowing that he built something with his hands.
Dr. Pranesh N. Patel is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Patel offers a whole lifestyle approach to mental health, the mind is affected by much more than just medications, sleep, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy alone. Mental health treatment is the combination of these things in conjunction with one another. Outside of work, Dr. Patel loves to work with his hands, he has renovated his kitchen and bathrooms on his own and enjoys the gratification of knowing that he built something with his hands.
![Photo of Stephanie Reesman, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba809075-705d-4631-8899-4814880ae588/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Reesman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Radnor, PA 19087 (Online Only)
Stephanie Reesman is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) as well as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who practices in Pennsylvania. Stephanie is a graduate of Walden University, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health. Stephanie has been treating the Psychiatric population since 2005 and has worked with adults and children throughout these years. Stephanie is very passionate about providing quality, compassionate care across the lifespan.
Stephanie Reesman is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) as well as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who practices in Pennsylvania. Stephanie is a graduate of Walden University, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health. Stephanie has been treating the Psychiatric population since 2005 and has worked with adults and children throughout these years. Stephanie is very passionate about providing quality, compassionate care across the lifespan.
![Photo of Claudia Baldassano - Main Line Institute, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e51e6bd6-ec3c-4c47-9d01-477ebd008826/2/320x400.png)
Our team of Harvard-trained psychiatrists bring over 25 years of experience specializing in evidence-based psychiatry. We provide personalized and compassionate care through innovative treatments, including medication management and meticulously selected psychotherapy. Academically affiliated, we stay current with up to date and innovative treatments and continue to present at academic meetings. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our approach is that it is important to spend time making a diagnosis before recommending treatment.
Our team of Harvard-trained psychiatrists bring over 25 years of experience specializing in evidence-based psychiatry. We provide personalized and compassionate care through innovative treatments, including medication management and meticulously selected psychotherapy. Academically affiliated, we stay current with up to date and innovative treatments and continue to present at academic meetings. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our approach is that it is important to spend time making a diagnosis before recommending treatment.
![Photo of Maureen Clark, PMHNP, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a615e772-569b-4f5a-b0d2-5bd7060cc06a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen Clark is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2021. She is a nursing graduate from Thomas Jefferson University and has a Masters in Nursing and a Post-Master certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Wilkes University. Maureen's philosophy of nursing is simple: serve anyone at any time. She has worked in various roles/settings with patients across the lifespan. Her approach involves acknowledging each individual person as a whole by addressing mind, body, and spirit to improve patients' lives.
Maureen Clark is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2021. She is a nursing graduate from Thomas Jefferson University and has a Masters in Nursing and a Post-Master certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Wilkes University. Maureen's philosophy of nursing is simple: serve anyone at any time. She has worked in various roles/settings with patients across the lifespan. Her approach involves acknowledging each individual person as a whole by addressing mind, body, and spirit to improve patients' lives.
See more therapy options for Delaware County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA
100+
Average cost per session
$240
Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
74% | ADHD |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
74% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
63% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | Aetna |
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
81% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA see their clients
78% | In Person and Online | |
22% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
29% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Delaware County?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.