Psychiatrists in Stroudsburg, PA
![Photo of Marjorie Maine, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, PNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/692811b2-7e33-4173-a298-0d09aaea2a98/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marjorie Maine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, PNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, extreme mood changes, or issues with focus? Are you plagued by addictions? Is this all affecting your work, physical health, and relationships? Hi, my name is Marjorie and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. If you're ready to begin your journey to mental wellness, I can help you navigate the path to living your best life. I believe in the mind-body connection and use a holistic approach to care. This can mean taking psychiatric medication, having psychotherapy sessions, making changes in your diet, or a combination.
Do you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, extreme mood changes, or issues with focus? Are you plagued by addictions? Is this all affecting your work, physical health, and relationships? Hi, my name is Marjorie and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. If you're ready to begin your journey to mental wellness, I can help you navigate the path to living your best life. I believe in the mind-body connection and use a holistic approach to care. This can mean taking psychiatric medication, having psychotherapy sessions, making changes in your diet, or a combination.
![Photo of Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD, FAPA, FACP, FACLP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d1674d4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Muhamad Aly Rifai
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA, FACP, FACLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Blue Mountain Psychiatry under the direction of Dr. Rifai provides comprehensive premium care integrating a thorough medical workup, psychotherapy and medication treatments. We also provide non-medication treatment options including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. We are a center for excellence in providing Ketamine treatments. Dr. Rifai is board certified in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Management and has practiced in the Greater Lehigh Valley for more than 20 years. Dr. Rifai currently serves as the president of the Lehigh Valley psychiatric Society
Blue Mountain Psychiatry under the direction of Dr. Rifai provides comprehensive premium care integrating a thorough medical workup, psychotherapy and medication treatments. We also provide non-medication treatment options including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. We are a center for excellence in providing Ketamine treatments. Dr. Rifai is board certified in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Management and has practiced in the Greater Lehigh Valley for more than 20 years. Dr. Rifai currently serves as the president of the Lehigh Valley psychiatric Society
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of John Paul Gomez - Water Gap Wellness Center, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2ddab24-3966-4b74-9bc7-4800065dcad5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello - I invite you to reach out! Water Gap Wellness offers out patient appointments as well as intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
Hello - I invite you to reach out! Water Gap Wellness offers out patient appointments as well as intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
![Photo of Dr. Joette Hoffman - Water Gap Wellness Center, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76b5752c-28ab-4498-8a3c-cc9fdd1c5e3d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Water Gap Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
PLEASE NOTE – INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. DO NOT CONTACT UNLESS YOU ARE INTERESTED. Water Gap Wellness offers the most comprehensive and intensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. The Program requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Preferred housing is available. The Program includes 1 weekly session with a psychiatrist, 2 sessions with your primary therapist, and daily group sessions. Water Gap Wellness is an outpatient provider that accepts all private insurance. Located 75 miles from NYC and less than 100 miles from Philadelphia and Connecticut.
PLEASE NOTE – INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. DO NOT CONTACT UNLESS YOU ARE INTERESTED. Water Gap Wellness offers the most comprehensive and intensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. The Program requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Preferred housing is available. The Program includes 1 weekly session with a psychiatrist, 2 sessions with your primary therapist, and daily group sessions. Water Gap Wellness is an outpatient provider that accepts all private insurance. Located 75 miles from NYC and less than 100 miles from Philadelphia and Connecticut.
![Photo of David Holland - Water Gap Wellness Center, PhD, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33dd863e-91b7-499a-b00a-1c495ca92002/3/320x400.jpeg)
Water Gap Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, CRNP
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNLESS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM AT WATER GAP WELLNESS. Water Gap Wellness offers the most comprehensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. The Program requires a commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Preferred housing is available. The Program includes 1 weekly session with a psychiatrist, 2 sessions with your primary therapist, and daily group sessions. Water Gap Wellness accepts all private insurance. David is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. help@watergapwellness.com
INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNLESS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM AT WATER GAP WELLNESS. Water Gap Wellness offers the most comprehensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. The Program requires a commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Preferred housing is available. The Program includes 1 weekly session with a psychiatrist, 2 sessions with your primary therapist, and daily group sessions. Water Gap Wellness accepts all private insurance. David is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. help@watergapwellness.com
![Photo of Courtney Chellew - Water Gap Wellness Center, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8d753f9-33c0-4cab-88ea-ec428177e53d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Please note that individual appointments are not available at this location. Please do not contact us unless you are interested in joining our comprehensive treatment program. Water Gap Wellness offers the most intensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. Our premier program requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
Please note that individual appointments are not available at this location. Please do not contact us unless you are interested in joining our comprehensive treatment program. Water Gap Wellness offers the most intensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. Our premier program requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
![Photo of Muhammad Asif - Millmark Health Inc, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a845816-d5d1-4b06-9cc3-909bfb4dc061/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Asif is a licensed physician and board certified psychiatrist by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He provides medication management and psychotherapy via telemedicine for adults across the State of Pennsylvania. He treats patients with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others.
Dr. Asif is a licensed physician and board certified psychiatrist by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He provides medication management and psychotherapy via telemedicine for adults across the State of Pennsylvania. He treats patients with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and others.
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 (Online Only)
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ** I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ** I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
![Photo of Christine Arezzi - Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9f8a6a9-c06d-448c-a3a1-5b24ba795dc9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Appointments available within the same week! Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center offers the most comprehensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in the Northeast. Water Gap Wellness outpatient center can bill insurance and offers attractive cash pay rates. Located 75 miles from NYC and less than 100 miles from Philadelphia and Connecticut. Christine Arezzi is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who can perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as recommend treatment options including medication management, TMS, Spravato, ADHD testing, and more as appropriate.
Appointments available within the same week! Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center offers the most comprehensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in the Northeast. Water Gap Wellness outpatient center can bill insurance and offers attractive cash pay rates. Located 75 miles from NYC and less than 100 miles from Philadelphia and Connecticut. Christine Arezzi is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who can perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as recommend treatment options including medication management, TMS, Spravato, ADHD testing, and more as appropriate.
![Photo of Aurea Cordero - Water Gap Wellness Center, CRNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07b92816-279c-4cf5-9705-a81aee93bd44/1/320x400.jpeg)
Water Gap Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Please note that individual sessions are not offered at this location. Water Gap Wellness offers an intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other providers, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you
Please note that individual sessions are not offered at this location. Water Gap Wellness offers an intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other providers, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you
![Photo of David Holland, CRNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be4c34cb-7038-4fc0-aa8b-9cc2dc7e6a7f/2/320x400.jpeg)
David Holland
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center is here to help you with your mental health needs. Dr. Holland offers telehealth and in-person visits at our East Stroudsburg, Pa location and is accepting new clients. Dr. Holland can telehealth with Pennsylvania clients.
Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center is here to help you with your mental health needs. Dr. Holland offers telehealth and in-person visits at our East Stroudsburg, Pa location and is accepting new clients. Dr. Holland can telehealth with Pennsylvania clients.
![Photo of Matthew ` Ottinger - Water Gap Wellness Center, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f52a734-533f-4d86-9e18-6107948515ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
Water Gap Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Please note that individual sessions are not offered at this location. Water Gap Wellness offers an intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other providers, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
Please note that individual sessions are not offered at this location. Water Gap Wellness offers an intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other providers, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
![Photo of Andrea Bloch, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c149143a-b585-4f19-b26a-47796edf945e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced psychiatrist licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. I offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management and can provide virtual sessions to people from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York who are not able to travel to East Stroudsburg. I love to get to know my patients and love to witness how my patients begin to feel "better."
I am an experienced psychiatrist licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. I offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management and can provide virtual sessions to people from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York who are not able to travel to East Stroudsburg. I love to get to know my patients and love to witness how my patients begin to feel "better."
![Photo of Tifany Semie Guirand - TSG Psychiatry LLC, MSN, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd5db6ab-abc8-4904-b2f8-7fa413440aae/1/320x400.jpeg)
TSG Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
I'm a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry, offer virtual consultations in my private practice. This setup enables me to provide accessible and flexible care options, empowering individuals to recover and improve their quality of life.
I'm a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatry, offer virtual consultations in my private practice. This setup enables me to provide accessible and flexible care options, empowering individuals to recover and improve their quality of life.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Amy Bush, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/729976d0-d962-44f0-a50c-2154677e1d64/1/320x400.jpeg)
There is no set approach to mental health care, individualized care is a key component to successful treatment. My experience enables me to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychiatric care. I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals seeking inner peace. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey. The goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
There is no set approach to mental health care, individualized care is a key component to successful treatment. My experience enables me to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychiatric care. I treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals seeking inner peace. I promise to be there for you every step of your journey. The goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
![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 Theresa Colberg, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d3533f9-96b1-4c27-b3c3-c21f0ea0972e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Theresa Colberg is a board certified adult psychiatrist. She offers guidance with navigating difficult and painful emotions that may result from mood disorders, stressful life situations, the loss of a loved one, traumatic events, attachment traumas, or neurodevelopment disorders. Within a safe, and supportive working relationship, Dr. Colberg will strive to reach an understanding your unique situation, identify the issues that are interfering with progress, and develop a plan to better identify and achieve your goals.
Dr. Theresa Colberg is a board certified adult psychiatrist. She offers guidance with navigating difficult and painful emotions that may result from mood disorders, stressful life situations, the loss of a loved one, traumatic events, attachment traumas, or neurodevelopment disorders. Within a safe, and supportive working relationship, Dr. Colberg will strive to reach an understanding your unique situation, identify the issues that are interfering with progress, and develop a plan to better identify and achieve your goals.
![Photo of Aviva Zohar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93e6ee76-051b-4e9d-bb47-212f2f99faee/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ready for change? At Thalia Medical, our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. Our services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. We are now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
Ready for change? At Thalia Medical, our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. Our services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. We are now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
![Photo of Nichelle Jones, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79a0eeed-06ba-4082-a22d-7b66b1421aa2/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
See more therapy options for Stroudsburg
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Stroudsburg, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Stroudsburg, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Addiction |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Substance Use |
100% | Behavioral Issues |
Average years in practice
27 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Humana |
How Psychiatrists in Stroudsburg, PA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Stroudsburg?
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.