Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
Jeffrey Michael Panko
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11204 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Jeffrey Panko, PMHNP-BC, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in psychiatry. He has developed a holistic and comprehensive approach to promoting mental health. Drawing from his nursing background, he perceives patients as fully formed and complex human beings rather than just a set of symptoms. Jeffrey focuses on treating individuals seeking to improve their lives, not merely addressing just the symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Jeffrey and his patients collaborate closely to identify mental health issues, set treatment goals, and create plans to achieve these goals.
Jeffrey Panko, PMHNP-BC, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in psychiatry. He has developed a holistic and comprehensive approach to promoting mental health. Drawing from his nursing background, he perceives patients as fully formed and complex human beings rather than just a set of symptoms. Jeffrey focuses on treating individuals seeking to improve their lives, not merely addressing just the symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Jeffrey and his patients collaborate closely to identify mental health issues, set treatment goals, and create plans to achieve these goals.
I am Dr. Kabiite Mukisa Okello, a doctor-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 2 decades of experience. My practice style is versatile, offering evidence-based psychiatric medications and alternative natural treatments. I believe in a holistic approach, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit for optimal well-being. With a kind and detail-oriented approach, I tailor treatments to each patient's unique needs, ensuring patient-centered care and effective outcomes. Together, we create an agreeable evidence-based treatment plan, leading to happy and healthy patients!
I am Dr. Kabiite Mukisa Okello, a doctor-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 2 decades of experience. My practice style is versatile, offering evidence-based psychiatric medications and alternative natural treatments. I believe in a holistic approach, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit for optimal well-being. With a kind and detail-oriented approach, I tailor treatments to each patient's unique needs, ensuring patient-centered care and effective outcomes. Together, we create an agreeable evidence-based treatment plan, leading to happy and healthy patients!
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients: Specialize in treating adults and children with mental health conditions, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Autism Medication Management, ADHD, ODD, and Learning Disabilities. If you're feeling overwhelmed, tired, irritable, struggling with daily tasks, experiencing poor concentration, sadness, anxiety, frequent mood swings, or anger issues, it's crucial not to let these symptoms define you. Seek help today, as many of these symptoms may be linked to your mental health and are often treatable. To schedule a free 15-minute consult, visit our website, www.idealmentalcare.com
Accepting New Clients: Specialize in treating adults and children with mental health conditions, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Autism Medication Management, ADHD, ODD, and Learning Disabilities. If you're feeling overwhelmed, tired, irritable, struggling with daily tasks, experiencing poor concentration, sadness, anxiety, frequent mood swings, or anger issues, it's crucial not to let these symptoms define you. Seek help today, as many of these symptoms may be linked to your mental health and are often treatable. To schedule a free 15-minute consult, visit our website, www.idealmentalcare.com
Stephanie English
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, PhD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist, and life coach with over 30 years of experience. I work with clients who live in New York State, are between the ages of 18 and 60, and are considering medication to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, or attention deficits. I work with ALL clients and am particularly a good fit for those who are considering medication for the first time OR whose first experience with medication was less than ideal. Once stable, I offer coaching to improve your thinking, habits, and lifestyle to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve your overall well-being.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist, and life coach with over 30 years of experience. I work with clients who live in New York State, are between the ages of 18 and 60, and are considering medication to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, or attention deficits. I work with ALL clients and am particularly a good fit for those who are considering medication for the first time OR whose first experience with medication was less than ideal. Once stable, I offer coaching to improve your thinking, habits, and lifestyle to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve your overall well-being.
M and M Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Services PL
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Online Only)
Please note I do not provide therapy- we have therapist available. My specialty is medication management. ADHD Certifled Specialist. Our bilingual (Spanish/English) practice treats people of different backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, races, sexual orientations, and gender. Our expertise includes the treatment of major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychotic spectrum disorders, as well as attention and concentration issues (ADHD). Nosotras Podemos ayudarles en todas sus necesidades de salud mental, mediante la creacion de tratamientos personalizado, trabajando en conjunto con usted y su terapista.
Please note I do not provide therapy- we have therapist available. My specialty is medication management. ADHD Certifled Specialist. Our bilingual (Spanish/English) practice treats people of different backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, races, sexual orientations, and gender. Our expertise includes the treatment of major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychotic spectrum disorders, as well as attention and concentration issues (ADHD). Nosotras Podemos ayudarles en todas sus necesidades de salud mental, mediante la creacion de tratamientos personalizado, trabajando en conjunto con usted y su terapista.
Ariel Cotallat
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Ari. I specialize in helping individuals manage conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD through medication management and brief supportive therapy. I also provide support for personal challenges including relationships, self-esteem, and sexual health. Drawing from my own experiences within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, I create a practice that is deeply inclusive and affirming. This unique perspective allows me to connect authentically with each person I work with, ensuring our journey together is both healing and empowering.
Hello, my name is Ari. I specialize in helping individuals manage conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD through medication management and brief supportive therapy. I also provide support for personal challenges including relationships, self-esteem, and sexual health. Drawing from my own experiences within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, I create a practice that is deeply inclusive and affirming. This unique perspective allows me to connect authentically with each person I work with, ensuring our journey together is both healing and empowering.
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201
I offer specialized mental health services that cater to adults and children, providing expert support for individuals encountering various mental health conditions and symptoms. I am dedicated to supporting individuals facing various mental health conditions and symptoms, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, autism medication management, ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities.
I offer specialized mental health services that cater to adults and children, providing expert support for individuals encountering various mental health conditions and symptoms. I am dedicated to supporting individuals facing various mental health conditions and symptoms, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, autism medication management, ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities.
Jennifer Landolt has worked in psychiatric nursing since 1994. She is a career nursing professional with experience treating clients throughout the adult lifespan and in many different environments ranging from inpatient to outpatient and from institutional to the private practice sectors. Jennifer is trained in diagnosing mental health disorders, addiction support and offering treatment options in the form of prescribing medication and other nonpharmacological interventions. She believes in the power of structure, exercise, meditation, mindfulness and journaling.
Jennifer Landolt has worked in psychiatric nursing since 1994. She is a career nursing professional with experience treating clients throughout the adult lifespan and in many different environments ranging from inpatient to outpatient and from institutional to the private practice sectors. Jennifer is trained in diagnosing mental health disorders, addiction support and offering treatment options in the form of prescribing medication and other nonpharmacological interventions. She believes in the power of structure, exercise, meditation, mindfulness and journaling.
Vera Udebhulu is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner who renders services to young teen and older adults (age range 14 and older). She has worked in different settings providing care to individuals and families suffering from acute to chronic mental illness. Vera is very passionate about delivering comprehensive, integrated, and individualized care to those seeking her services. She has been providing mental health services since 2013 and truly believes that effectively engaging her clients is an integral part of successful treatment.
Vera Udebhulu is a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner who renders services to young teen and older adults (age range 14 and older). She has worked in different settings providing care to individuals and families suffering from acute to chronic mental illness. Vera is very passionate about delivering comprehensive, integrated, and individualized care to those seeking her services. She has been providing mental health services since 2013 and truly believes that effectively engaging her clients is an integral part of successful treatment.
Mariya Shavulskiy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I evaluate and treat psychiatric symptoms such as those associated with ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, shizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am currently accepting new clients and provide medication management services, first time consultations to discuss treatment plans, and medication review/ discussion of options.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I evaluate and treat psychiatric symptoms such as those associated with ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, shizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am currently accepting new clients and provide medication management services, first time consultations to discuss treatment plans, and medication review/ discussion of options.
Samantha Leathers, MD- Psychiatry & Psychoanalysis
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215
We often find ourselves stuck in certain patterns in our lives, feeling trapped in cycles of dissatisfying relationships and finding our work unfulfilling. You may feel lost, confused, frustrated, or struggle with your self-worth. As much as you might be struggling, at the same time, you are here seeking help with the hope that someone may help you sort through your struggles. I believe that my job is to help you to understand your thoughts and feelings. Together, we will start to gain a deeper understanding of the complex ways your mind works, so that you may start on a path of better health and functioning.
We often find ourselves stuck in certain patterns in our lives, feeling trapped in cycles of dissatisfying relationships and finding our work unfulfilling. You may feel lost, confused, frustrated, or struggle with your self-worth. As much as you might be struggling, at the same time, you are here seeking help with the hope that someone may help you sort through your struggles. I believe that my job is to help you to understand your thoughts and feelings. Together, we will start to gain a deeper understanding of the complex ways your mind works, so that you may start on a path of better health and functioning.
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You have taken a big step in seeking help. When I meet with you in my practice, I will want to get to know you and understand your challenges, strengths, and goals. Together we will come up with a plan which may include psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication. Through this process, my hope is to help you gain clarity and self-knowledge, relieve your suffering, improve your relationships, and support you in building a full and meaningful life.
You have taken a big step in seeking help. When I meet with you in my practice, I will want to get to know you and understand your challenges, strengths, and goals. Together we will come up with a plan which may include psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication. Through this process, my hope is to help you gain clarity and self-knowledge, relieve your suffering, improve your relationships, and support you in building a full and meaningful life.
Are you having difficulty with work, school, relationships or feeling stuck, anxious or unhappy? I am a board-certified psychiatrist providing adults, children and adolescents with compassionate, expert care incorporating the latest evidence based practices and integrative approaches to help you feel better. I specialize in work with children and adolescents in the areas of mood, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, tics, developmental and behavioral issues. I also welcome adults to my practice who may need help with depression, anxiety/panic, OCD, ADHD or struggling with stress related to work, relationships, transitions or career development.
Are you having difficulty with work, school, relationships or feeling stuck, anxious or unhappy? I am a board-certified psychiatrist providing adults, children and adolescents with compassionate, expert care incorporating the latest evidence based practices and integrative approaches to help you feel better. I specialize in work with children and adolescents in the areas of mood, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, tics, developmental and behavioral issues. I also welcome adults to my practice who may need help with depression, anxiety/panic, OCD, ADHD or struggling with stress related to work, relationships, transitions or career development.
Erin Shindle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201
I am trained and licensed to treat individuals across the lifespan with specialized experience working with older children, adolescents, and young adults. Treatment begins with an initial assessment to gain insight into you are and what brings you to treatment. We all may struggle to fully understand ourselves and our core challenges and patterns that may be impacting us adversely. Together, through thoughtful exploration, we will work to develop a shared understanding of these challenges and what underlies them. This shared understanding helps us to focus your treatment and guide you in achieving meaningful psychological change.
I am trained and licensed to treat individuals across the lifespan with specialized experience working with older children, adolescents, and young adults. Treatment begins with an initial assessment to gain insight into you are and what brings you to treatment. We all may struggle to fully understand ourselves and our core challenges and patterns that may be impacting us adversely. Together, through thoughtful exploration, we will work to develop a shared understanding of these challenges and what underlies them. This shared understanding helps us to focus your treatment and guide you in achieving meaningful psychological change.
Hello, my name is Shalita Clark, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practioner with a clinical career in outpatient settings. I specialize in managing the care of adults with depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizoaffective disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorders. I provide extensive psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological treatment initiation, monitoring, and management.
Hello, my name is Shalita Clark, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practioner with a clinical career in outpatient settings. I specialize in managing the care of adults with depression, bipolar, anxiety, panic, PTSD, ADHD, substance use, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizoaffective disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorders. I provide extensive psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacological treatment initiation, monitoring, and management.
Joel Bernanke
Psychiatrist, MD, MSc
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11242 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a Cornell and Columbia trained, board certified psychiatrist providing virtual care to teenagers and adults in New York City and State. My individualized, comprehensive treatments include psychotherapy, research-backed complementary and alternative approaches, and medication when needed. I work with people facing personal, academic, and professional challenges, like coping with intense emotions, feeling down, experiencing anxiety or stress, suffering from trauma, having trouble in relationships, or struggling with focus and organization.
I am a Cornell and Columbia trained, board certified psychiatrist providing virtual care to teenagers and adults in New York City and State. My individualized, comprehensive treatments include psychotherapy, research-backed complementary and alternative approaches, and medication when needed. I work with people facing personal, academic, and professional challenges, like coping with intense emotions, feeling down, experiencing anxiety or stress, suffering from trauma, having trouble in relationships, or struggling with focus and organization.
For those seeking for support, and treatment for co-occurring emotional/mental health issues and substance use, our team offers compassionate expertise.
For those seeking for support, and treatment for co-occurring emotional/mental health issues and substance use, our team offers compassionate expertise.
Casey Cuddy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11220 (Online Only)
You will find that I am interested in, respectful of, and responsive to your issues, struggles, and inquiries, and I will challenge you to solve problems, to heal, and to grow. We will strive to identify causes of, and strategies for addressing symptoms and problems—not take medications. You will learn about your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options to inform your healthcare choices. Trauma-related issues and safe, optimized prescribing are the primary focuses, although psychotherapy is also offered.
You will find that I am interested in, respectful of, and responsive to your issues, struggles, and inquiries, and I will challenge you to solve problems, to heal, and to grow. We will strive to identify causes of, and strategies for addressing symptoms and problems—not take medications. You will learn about your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options to inform your healthcare choices. Trauma-related issues and safe, optimized prescribing are the primary focuses, although psychotherapy is also offered.
Hi! I'm Dr. Lubin, a double board-certified child and adult psychiatrist licensed in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Hi! I'm Dr. Lubin, a double board-certified child and adult psychiatrist licensed in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
PLEASE NOTE This practice location is not in network with any insurance programs. I am a psychiatrist in private practice. I am currently accepting new patients--I see fully vaccinated patients in person on Thursdays in my office on Brooklyn Heights, or via telemedicine on other days of the week. In meeting, we can discuss what's been bothering you recently, and what you'd like to change to feel better.
PLEASE NOTE This practice location is not in network with any insurance programs. I am a psychiatrist in private practice. I am currently accepting new patients--I see fully vaccinated patients in person on Thursdays in my office on Brooklyn Heights, or via telemedicine on other days of the week. In meeting, we can discuss what's been bothering you recently, and what you'd like to change to feel better.
See more therapy options for Brooklyn
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
600+
Average cost per session
$275
Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
83% | Medication Management |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY see their clients
54% | Online Only | |
46% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
36% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brooklyn?
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.