Psychiatrists in New York, NY
My practice is grounded in providing high quality, person-centered care. I am passionate about helping people navigate difficult periods in their lives. I also offer support to help change patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress. My approach respects and honors the unique experiences of those seeking treatment. I offer both therapy and medication management. Depending on your circumstances I might recommend one treatment modality or both. Treatment is dynamic and we would continue assess your needs over time.
My practice is grounded in providing high quality, person-centered care. I am passionate about helping people navigate difficult periods in their lives. I also offer support to help change patterns of thinking and behavior that cause distress. My approach respects and honors the unique experiences of those seeking treatment. I offer both therapy and medication management. Depending on your circumstances I might recommend one treatment modality or both. Treatment is dynamic and we would continue assess your needs over time.
Hello and welcome! As a dedicated psychiatrist based in Manhattan, New York, I prioritize building a mutual understanding of your mental health needs from the start. Our initial conversations might explore a formal diagnosis, essential for tailoring both medication and non-medication treatment strategies. My recommendations are grounded in the latest scientific research and best practices, ensuring that our approach is both comprehensive and personalized. This is particularly true when considering medication options. Through a detailed assessment, we'll develop a treatment plan uniquely suited to you.
Hello and welcome! As a dedicated psychiatrist based in Manhattan, New York, I prioritize building a mutual understanding of your mental health needs from the start. Our initial conversations might explore a formal diagnosis, essential for tailoring both medication and non-medication treatment strategies. My recommendations are grounded in the latest scientific research and best practices, ensuring that our approach is both comprehensive and personalized. This is particularly true when considering medication options. Through a detailed assessment, we'll develop a treatment plan uniquely suited to you.
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with an office conveniently located at Union Square. I offer comprehensive treatment for adolescents and adults who struggle with all kinds of emotional, relationship, and self-esteem problems. I work with patients to help them gain an understanding of behaviors that may be causing problems, an understanding which ultimately can lead to change.
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with an office conveniently located at Union Square. I offer comprehensive treatment for adolescents and adults who struggle with all kinds of emotional, relationship, and self-esteem problems. I work with patients to help them gain an understanding of behaviors that may be causing problems, an understanding which ultimately can lead to change.
Dr. Majmundar earned her medical degree from the Temple University School of Medicine and honed her expertise during a psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in vibrant Manhattan, New York. Beyond her private practice, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Room at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Dr. Majmundar's passion extends globally, as she has worked in diverse international settings, providing care to individuals from all walks of life. Her commitment to breaking down stigmas and barriers in psychiatry sets her apart.
Dr. Majmundar earned her medical degree from the Temple University School of Medicine and honed her expertise during a psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in vibrant Manhattan, New York. Beyond her private practice, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Room at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Dr. Majmundar's passion extends globally, as she has worked in diverse international settings, providing care to individuals from all walks of life. Her commitment to breaking down stigmas and barriers in psychiatry sets her apart.
Shoshannah Pearlman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10040
Attention, impulse control, and trauma-related issues are often misunderstood, stigmatized, and poorly treated. With time and treatment, patients who are affected learn to recognize and compensate for their symptoms. Self-acceptance brings appreciation for their own energy, strengths, and resilience. Many continue to exciting lives of high achievement and satisfaction. It is my privilege to accompany you on this journey.
Attention, impulse control, and trauma-related issues are often misunderstood, stigmatized, and poorly treated. With time and treatment, patients who are affected learn to recognize and compensate for their symptoms. Self-acceptance brings appreciation for their own energy, strengths, and resilience. Many continue to exciting lives of high achievement and satisfaction. It is my privilege to accompany you on this journey.
I have a strong commitment to the well-being of my patients. My goal is to enable them to move on and maintain optimum quality of life, by providing support and a cutting edge, evidence-based care. After a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and assessing individual's goals, together we discuss findings and recommendations and create strategy with a specific treatment plan. I work with individuals experiencing wide range of psychiatric issues, such as anxiety, relationship issues, career problems, OCD, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. I enjoy working with patients of all ethnicities/religions/sexual orientations/identities.
I have a strong commitment to the well-being of my patients. My goal is to enable them to move on and maintain optimum quality of life, by providing support and a cutting edge, evidence-based care. After a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and assessing individual's goals, together we discuss findings and recommendations and create strategy with a specific treatment plan. I work with individuals experiencing wide range of psychiatric issues, such as anxiety, relationship issues, career problems, OCD, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. I enjoy working with patients of all ethnicities/religions/sexual orientations/identities.
I believe that mental health should be especially individualized and managed with diligence, as it is not only a facet of our well-being, but it also shapes our personality, wants, and needs, as well as our lens through which we see the world. For this reason, communication and building rapport is the foundation to my care.
I believe that mental health should be especially individualized and managed with diligence, as it is not only a facet of our well-being, but it also shapes our personality, wants, and needs, as well as our lens through which we see the world. For this reason, communication and building rapport is the foundation to my care.
Dr. Zeynep Altun is Board-Certified in Psychiatry and holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Dr. Altun has extensive theoretical knowledge of the nervous system and its disorders and more than 10 years of experience in treating various mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, autism-spectrum and neuropsychiatric disorders, psychiatric emergencies and crisis management as well as cognitive behavioral and supportive psychotherapy.
Dr. Zeynep Altun is Board-Certified in Psychiatry and holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Dr. Altun has extensive theoretical knowledge of the nervous system and its disorders and more than 10 years of experience in treating various mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, autism-spectrum and neuropsychiatric disorders, psychiatric emergencies and crisis management as well as cognitive behavioral and supportive psychotherapy.
I am a Cornell educated psychiatrist in SoHo who helps people undergoing stressful circumstances live more meaningful and balanced lives. To do so, I take a warm, empathic and thorough approach to help find the right combination of psychotherapy - and if warranted - medication.
I am a Cornell educated psychiatrist in SoHo who helps people undergoing stressful circumstances live more meaningful and balanced lives. To do so, I take a warm, empathic and thorough approach to help find the right combination of psychotherapy - and if warranted - medication.
Margreth Chioma Onyiuke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011 (Online Only)
Do you feel that your current treatment plan is not providing the desired result? You have come to the right place, your wellbeing is my top priority. My role is to provide you with compassionate care, support and evidence-based treatment options tailored to your unique needs. My approach to care is centered around holistic well-being. I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, by considering your physical, emotional, and social needs. By taking a comprehensive assessment, I can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals. Above all, I am here to support you unconditionally.
Do you feel that your current treatment plan is not providing the desired result? You have come to the right place, your wellbeing is my top priority. My role is to provide you with compassionate care, support and evidence-based treatment options tailored to your unique needs. My approach to care is centered around holistic well-being. I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms, by considering your physical, emotional, and social needs. By taking a comprehensive assessment, I can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals. Above all, I am here to support you unconditionally.
Nothing’s been the same since your cancer diagnosis. First was shock and disbelief. Is this really happening to me? Then came the anger, quickly followed by anxiety and depression. You had a plan for your life, but that’s all been turned upside down. The future has never felt more uncertain. You want to sit down and take some time to process this news. But you’ve become buried under a host of new responsibilities. Now, you spend every day on a barrage of doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, and critical treatment decisions. Friends and family offer help, but you’re scared of being a burden to them. It all feels so overwhelming.
Nothing’s been the same since your cancer diagnosis. First was shock and disbelief. Is this really happening to me? Then came the anger, quickly followed by anxiety and depression. You had a plan for your life, but that’s all been turned upside down. The future has never felt more uncertain. You want to sit down and take some time to process this news. But you’ve become buried under a host of new responsibilities. Now, you spend every day on a barrage of doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, and critical treatment decisions. Friends and family offer help, but you’re scared of being a burden to them. It all feels so overwhelming.
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I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist who enjoys working with patients of all ages and their families. I completed my adult psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai and my child and adolescent fellowship at Columbia/Cornell. In my small private practice, I strive to approach each patient with warmth, compassion, and thoughtfulness. I integrate psychotherapy with medication management to help you understand the core issues at hand and work toward making lasting positive change. I treat patients located in New York and Maryland via telehealth. Please note, I do not prescribe controlled substances to patients in New York.
I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist who enjoys working with patients of all ages and their families. I completed my adult psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai and my child and adolescent fellowship at Columbia/Cornell. In my small private practice, I strive to approach each patient with warmth, compassion, and thoughtfulness. I integrate psychotherapy with medication management to help you understand the core issues at hand and work toward making lasting positive change. I treat patients located in New York and Maryland via telehealth. Please note, I do not prescribe controlled substances to patients in New York.
Hello, my name is Dr. Pavel Filimonov, M.D. and I am a Holistic Psychiatrist. I am a bit different because I don't limit myself to just writing prescriptions and using talk therapy. I integrate Eastern healing techniques with the best researched principles of Western medicine, combining these elements to evoke change in the system as a whole--physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. This combined approach helps me to deal with my patients' anxiety, fear and overwhelment in a much more efficient way, markedly REDUCING NEED FOR MEDICATIONS. *IMPORTANT: Insurance pays ONLY a small portion of Holistic treatment.
Hello, my name is Dr. Pavel Filimonov, M.D. and I am a Holistic Psychiatrist. I am a bit different because I don't limit myself to just writing prescriptions and using talk therapy. I integrate Eastern healing techniques with the best researched principles of Western medicine, combining these elements to evoke change in the system as a whole--physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. This combined approach helps me to deal with my patients' anxiety, fear and overwhelment in a much more efficient way, markedly REDUCING NEED FOR MEDICATIONS. *IMPORTANT: Insurance pays ONLY a small portion of Holistic treatment.
Latiema Merilus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003 (Online Only)
I am an adult psychiatric & mental health nurse practitioner serving the New York and Brooklyn, NY communities. I have experience in helping patients facing hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. At present, I offers virtual consultations at Orenda Psychiatry. I ensure a comfortable and non-judgmental environment to help my patients express themselves freely. I understand everyone’s unique situation and prepare individualized treatment plans. I also conducts psychiatry follow-ups to monitor progress and modify or change the care plan if needed.
I am an adult psychiatric & mental health nurse practitioner serving the New York and Brooklyn, NY communities. I have experience in helping patients facing hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. At present, I offers virtual consultations at Orenda Psychiatry. I ensure a comfortable and non-judgmental environment to help my patients express themselves freely. I understand everyone’s unique situation and prepare individualized treatment plans. I also conducts psychiatry follow-ups to monitor progress and modify or change the care plan if needed.
Connie Yip
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
New York, NY 10017 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP), I do talk therapy and prescribe psychiatric medication for individuals with a variety of therapeutic needs. As a certified advanced schema therapist, I integrate CBT, psychodynamic, and gestalt therapy. My experience includes working with adolescents, families, and adults in hospital, residential, and school settings. Whether you are going through a difficult transition in your life or addressing a longstanding issue, I can help you meet your individual goals with pragmatic tools. I focus on the strengths of each individual, providing a safe space to discuss your personal narrative.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP), I do talk therapy and prescribe psychiatric medication for individuals with a variety of therapeutic needs. As a certified advanced schema therapist, I integrate CBT, psychodynamic, and gestalt therapy. My experience includes working with adolescents, families, and adults in hospital, residential, and school settings. Whether you are going through a difficult transition in your life or addressing a longstanding issue, I can help you meet your individual goals with pragmatic tools. I focus on the strengths of each individual, providing a safe space to discuss your personal narrative.
Dr. Zelimir Vukasin is an adult psychiatrist. He completed his psychiatric residency training at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. He also completed an internal medicine residency at New York Hospital, Medical Center of Queens. Dr. Vukasin received his medical degree from the University of Zagreb medical school in Croatia. He has practiced in various setting over his career including inpatient psychiatry, long term care, private practice, and non-profit outpatient psychiatric programs. He has more than 31 years of experience providing patients with compassionate psychiatric care through medication management.
Dr. Zelimir Vukasin is an adult psychiatrist. He completed his psychiatric residency training at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. He also completed an internal medicine residency at New York Hospital, Medical Center of Queens. Dr. Vukasin received his medical degree from the University of Zagreb medical school in Croatia. He has practiced in various setting over his career including inpatient psychiatry, long term care, private practice, and non-profit outpatient psychiatric programs. He has more than 31 years of experience providing patients with compassionate psychiatric care through medication management.
As a psychiatrist with over a decade of experience, I’m dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of life. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and I understand how these conditions can impact your daily life. My approach is compassionate and personalized, focusing on what works best for you. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings openly. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet your individual needs.
As a psychiatrist with over a decade of experience, I’m dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of life. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and I understand how these conditions can impact your daily life. My approach is compassionate and personalized, focusing on what works best for you. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings openly. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet your individual needs.
As a Columbia/Cornell educated psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, I provide state of the art psychiatric evaluation, psychotherapy, and medication management. My goal is to meaningfully enhance the happiness and well-being of each one of my patients. I believe that true emotional health is more than the absence of illness, and includes a sense of optimism and enjoyment in relationships, work/school, and self image.
As a Columbia/Cornell educated psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, I provide state of the art psychiatric evaluation, psychotherapy, and medication management. My goal is to meaningfully enhance the happiness and well-being of each one of my patients. I believe that true emotional health is more than the absence of illness, and includes a sense of optimism and enjoyment in relationships, work/school, and self image.
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services via video across New York. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services via video across New York. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
Tamoya Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10003 (Online Only)
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 13 years of nursing experience, including one year as a PMHNP. I graduated from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pa.I specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and more. I offer initial psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care. I want clients to feel understood, supported, and comfortable during sessions. My goal is to foster a supportive environment where clients can openly express their concerns and explore solutions.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 13 years of nursing experience, including one year as a PMHNP. I graduated from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pa.I specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and more. I offer initial psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care. I want clients to feel understood, supported, and comfortable during sessions. My goal is to foster a supportive environment where clients can openly express their concerns and explore solutions.
See more therapy options for New York
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in New York, NY
1,000+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in New York, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
80% | Medication Management |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | ADHD |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in New York, NY see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
36% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in New York?
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.