Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
M And M Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Services PL
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Online Only)
Ms. Penny is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her degree from Adelphi University. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their mental health goals and live their best lives. KerryAnn has a strong understanding of mental health disorders and is able to effectively diagnose and treat them. She assists her patients in pursuing healing by conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessment and focusing on her clients interpretation of optimal health.
Ms. Penny is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her degree from Adelphi University. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their mental health goals and live their best lives. KerryAnn has a strong understanding of mental health disorders and is able to effectively diagnose and treat them. She assists her patients in pursuing healing by conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessment and focusing on her clients interpretation of optimal health.
Fatimah K Boone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11225 (Online Only)
Fatimah Boone is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adults 18 and older. She specializes in anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, OCD, and other psychiatric issues and disorders. She brings experience working inpatient and outpatient clinics. She performs psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric diagnoses, and prescribes and provides medication management as well as person-centered psychotherapy to patients residing in New York and Delaware. Appointments are only on weekday evenings and weekends.
Fatimah Boone is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adults 18 and older. She specializes in anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, OCD, and other psychiatric issues and disorders. She brings experience working inpatient and outpatient clinics. She performs psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric diagnoses, and prescribes and provides medication management as well as person-centered psychotherapy to patients residing in New York and Delaware. Appointments are only on weekday evenings and weekends.
Osarugue Blessing Erhunmwunsee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11212 (Online Only)
Clients with mental health issues struggle to be heard, understood, and treated with empathy and compassion, and to be able function at their best.
Clients with mental health issues struggle to be heard, understood, and treated with empathy and compassion, and to be able function at their best.
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.
Hannah Bock
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
My goal is to guide people towards reducing challenging psychological symptoms. I do largely adult psychiatric medication management with a comprehensive approach to care that integrates therapy. I help clients use their own practical skills and strengths to problem solve.
My goal is to guide people towards reducing challenging psychological symptoms. I do largely adult psychiatric medication management with a comprehensive approach to care that integrates therapy. I help clients use their own practical skills and strengths to problem solve.
Olivier Djoumessi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with eight years of healthcare experience. I am dedicated, compassionate, and patient focused. My approach to care combines medication management with supportive therapy, focusing on empowering individuals to overcome personal challenges through a comprehensive and integrative method. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing, tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs of my patients.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with eight years of healthcare experience. I am dedicated, compassionate, and patient focused. My approach to care combines medication management with supportive therapy, focusing on empowering individuals to overcome personal challenges through a comprehensive and integrative method. I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing, tailoring each treatment plan to the unique needs of my patients.
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.
Hi there! My name is Ketrice and I’m a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. My career began at the bedside but I’ve always maintained a passion for knowing people. I’ve been academically prepared at Hofstra University, where I’m also obtaining my doctoral degree. I have experience working inpatient with the severely ill but also with those who just need some support through a rough time. I look forward to getting to know you!
Hi there! My name is Ketrice and I’m a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. My career began at the bedside but I’ve always maintained a passion for knowing people. I’ve been academically prepared at Hofstra University, where I’m also obtaining my doctoral degree. I have experience working inpatient with the severely ill but also with those who just need some support through a rough time. I look forward to getting to know you!
I am an experienced, Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and I specialize in treating patients who require psychodynamic treatment to understand themselves and their problems more deeply; medications; or often a combination of the two. Choice of treatment modality is always dependent on the needs and preferences of the patient.
I am an experienced, Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and I specialize in treating patients who require psychodynamic treatment to understand themselves and their problems more deeply; medications; or often a combination of the two. Choice of treatment modality is always dependent on the needs and preferences of the patient.
I work with patients with treatment-resistant depression when medications and therapy don’t provide enough quality of life improvement. I can refer my patients to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the brain (TMS) or Ketamine treatment, if necessary. I treat patients with ADHD, PTSD, Mood disorders, Anxiety spectrum disorders, and Dual diagnosis patients.
I work with patients with treatment-resistant depression when medications and therapy don’t provide enough quality of life improvement. I can refer my patients to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the brain (TMS) or Ketamine treatment, if necessary. I treat patients with ADHD, PTSD, Mood disorders, Anxiety spectrum disorders, and Dual diagnosis patients.
Margarette Dessources
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, MSN, BSN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11236
I am a Board Certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner, with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I have nine years of experience in treatment of mental disorders across the lifespan. My areas of expertise include; Diagnosis and treatment for Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety/Panic Disorders, OCD and trauma-related disorders, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I work primarily in underserved communities in New York. My approach is grounded in evidence-based treatment. I utilize an integrative model that draws upon cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness based copying strategies.
I am a Board Certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner, with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I have nine years of experience in treatment of mental disorders across the lifespan. My areas of expertise include; Diagnosis and treatment for Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety/Panic Disorders, OCD and trauma-related disorders, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I work primarily in underserved communities in New York. My approach is grounded in evidence-based treatment. I utilize an integrative model that draws upon cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness based copying strategies.
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Sabina Kasai
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Online Only)
Sabina is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years nursing experience at one of the top hospital institutions in the city. She is graduate from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing's PMHNP master's program, and an alum from LIU Brooklyn's nursing program. She is also the cofounder of Noir Wellness Group. Noir Wellness Group is a web based mental health practice offering telehealth service specializing in mental wellness, and therapy. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Sabina is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years nursing experience at one of the top hospital institutions in the city. She is graduate from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing's PMHNP master's program, and an alum from LIU Brooklyn's nursing program. She is also the cofounder of Noir Wellness Group. Noir Wellness Group is a web based mental health practice offering telehealth service specializing in mental wellness, and therapy. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out.
I am a Harvard and UCSF trained psychiatrist who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders.
I am a Harvard and UCSF trained psychiatrist who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders.
I work with people who suffer from a wide range of difficulties, from the every day to the more challenging obstacles. I utilize a range of therapeutic interventions, including my medical training as a physician, talk therapy, yogic breathing, meditation, and nutrition/herbs. Together we can create greater balance and wholeness in you and in your life.
I work with people who suffer from a wide range of difficulties, from the every day to the more challenging obstacles. I utilize a range of therapeutic interventions, including my medical training as a physician, talk therapy, yogic breathing, meditation, and nutrition/herbs. Together we can create greater balance and wholeness in you and in your life.
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.
Jason Meisel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHMP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Waitlist for new clients
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Master's Degree in Nursing from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing. My goal is to work with you and utilize medications and therapy to get a handle and understanding on your mental health struggles.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Master's Degree in Nursing from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing. My goal is to work with you and utilize medications and therapy to get a handle and understanding on your mental health struggles.
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.
M And M Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Services PL
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
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.
Faith Ogala, NP, PMHNP-BC, is an experienced and compassionate mental health nurse practitioner. Faith graduated with her bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She then continued her education, earning a master's degree in psychiatric nursing from Walden University. She is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Faith brings forth multidisciplinary outpatient clinic experience designed to meet the psychological and psychiatric needs of her clients. Faith will explain the benefits and side effects when suggesting medication so clients can make informed decisions.
Faith Ogala, NP, PMHNP-BC, is an experienced and compassionate mental health nurse practitioner. Faith graduated with her bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She then continued her education, earning a master's degree in psychiatric nursing from Walden University. She is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Faith brings forth multidisciplinary outpatient clinic experience designed to meet the psychological and psychiatric needs of her clients. Faith will explain the benefits and side effects when suggesting medication so clients can make informed decisions.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical expertise working with college students and young adults. I am licensed to practice medicine in New York and Connecticut. I specialize in treating adolescents and young adults with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship difficulties, and challenging life transitions. My style is guided by warmth, compassion, and flexibility and I work collaboratively with patients to create treatment plans individualized to their specific needs.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry and clinical expertise working with college students and young adults. I am licensed to practice medicine in New York and Connecticut. I specialize in treating adolescents and young adults with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship difficulties, and challenging life transitions. My style is guided by warmth, compassion, and flexibility and I work collaboratively with patients to create treatment plans individualized to their specific needs.
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 |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY see their clients
56% | Online Only | |
44% | 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.