Psychiatrists in 01532

Dr. Flynn is an expert Harvard-trained psychopharmacologist, skilled psychotherapist and certified Menopause practitioner. Dr. Flynn applies integrated consideration of the patient as a whole being which includes a collaborative exploration of one's inner life with judicious use of medication when needed. She sees adult patients only: ages 18+ with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. Her hours are Mondays and Tuesdays 8:30am-5pm and Thursdays 8:30am - 2pm. If you are a friend or family member of the patient, please note that Dr. Flynn requires the patient to reach out to her directly. All appointments are telehealth only.
Dr. Flynn is an expert Harvard-trained psychopharmacologist, skilled psychotherapist and certified Menopause practitioner. Dr. Flynn applies integrated consideration of the patient as a whole being which includes a collaborative exploration of one's inner life with judicious use of medication when needed. She sees adult patients only: ages 18+ with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. Her hours are Mondays and Tuesdays 8:30am-5pm and Thursdays 8:30am - 2pm. If you are a friend or family member of the patient, please note that Dr. Flynn requires the patient to reach out to her directly. All appointments are telehealth only.

RNL Behavioral Health Services INC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Northborough, MA 01532
RNL Behavioral Health Services INC provides medication management, compassionate and patient-centered care and support to meet the mental health and behavioral health needs of individuals aged 18yrs and above. We utilize evidence-based practice to improve your overall quality of life. Services includes medication management • Bipolar Disorder • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Autism • Depression • Substance Use Disorder • ADHD • Anxiety • Insomnia • PTSD • Psychotherapy • Diagnostic Clarification • Second Opinion Evaluations • Reduction of Poly-pharmacy.
RNL Behavioral Health Services INC provides medication management, compassionate and patient-centered care and support to meet the mental health and behavioral health needs of individuals aged 18yrs and above. We utilize evidence-based practice to improve your overall quality of life. Services includes medication management • Bipolar Disorder • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Autism • Depression • Substance Use Disorder • ADHD • Anxiety • Insomnia • PTSD • Psychotherapy • Diagnostic Clarification • Second Opinion Evaluations • Reduction of Poly-pharmacy.

Jennifer Lehto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northborough, MA 01532
Waitlist for new clients
I am a double board-certified Nurse Practitioner who started her journey into the mental health field after obtaining my baccalaureate degree in psychology in 2004. Since then, I first became a Family Nurse Practitioner and provided both primary care and mental health services to all ages. During that time, I realized that the true path to Peak Wellness is through promoting inner peace, resilience, and finding joy, not just by managing chronic illnesses after they manifest. So, I went back and earned a post-master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, expanding my expertise as a mental health provider.
I am a double board-certified Nurse Practitioner who started her journey into the mental health field after obtaining my baccalaureate degree in psychology in 2004. Since then, I first became a Family Nurse Practitioner and provided both primary care and mental health services to all ages. During that time, I realized that the true path to Peak Wellness is through promoting inner peace, resilience, and finding joy, not just by managing chronic illnesses after they manifest. So, I went back and earned a post-master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, expanding my expertise as a mental health provider.

Savina Nicole (Nikki) Setze
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
Online Only
Accepting new patients for medication management! In-network with BCBS of MA, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. To request an appointment, please send me an email with details on what I can help you with, insurance plan info, and best days/times for scheduling a 60-min intake appointment. Office hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays 10:30am-6:30pm and Fridays 10:30am-4:30pm. The office is closed Mondays and weekends.
Accepting new patients for medication management! In-network with BCBS of MA, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. To request an appointment, please send me an email with details on what I can help you with, insurance plan info, and best days/times for scheduling a 60-min intake appointment. Office hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays 10:30am-6:30pm and Fridays 10:30am-4:30pm. The office is closed Mondays and weekends.

Mind Healing & Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Northborough, MA 01532
Update Jan 2025: Accepting Patient for therapy only as well
We are an Outpatient Mental Health Group Practice clinic offering a patient focused, holistic approach in management of Psychiatric and Substance use treatment. W
We have a team of Providers, including Therapists that love working with all our patients in helping them achieve optimal well being.
Please reach out to us to schedule your appointment. We work on seeing our Patients in 24hrs-48hrs.
Update Jan 2025: Accepting Patient for therapy only as well
We are an Outpatient Mental Health Group Practice clinic offering a patient focused, holistic approach in management of Psychiatric and Substance use treatment. W
We have a team of Providers, including Therapists that love working with all our patients in helping them achieve optimal well being.
Please reach out to us to schedule your appointment. We work on seeing our Patients in 24hrs-48hrs.

At Integrated Psychiatric Consulting, PC, our providers have a broad background in mental health conditions. We provide medication management for conditions like ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, impulse control disorders, and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as brain injuries and intellectual/developmental disabilities. We also provide cognitive-behavioral therapy for these conditions as well as coping with phase of life transitions, men's and women's mental health, and relationship and peer difficulties. Please give us a call to see how we can help.
At Integrated Psychiatric Consulting, PC, our providers have a broad background in mental health conditions. We provide medication management for conditions like ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders, impulse control disorders, and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as brain injuries and intellectual/developmental disabilities. We also provide cognitive-behavioral therapy for these conditions as well as coping with phase of life transitions, men's and women's mental health, and relationship and peer difficulties. Please give us a call to see how we can help.

Great to meet you! I am dual board certified as a psychiatric mental health NP and a family/ primary care NP. As a primary care provider, I quickly recognized that mental health is the foundation of wellness. I love having the opportunity to form lasting partnerships with my patients and having the time to really get to know you. This motivated me to start my private practice, focusing on providing personalized and evidence-based care. I keep my patient panel small so that I can see you as frequently as you may need. I have experience diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more.
Great to meet you! I am dual board certified as a psychiatric mental health NP and a family/ primary care NP. As a primary care provider, I quickly recognized that mental health is the foundation of wellness. I love having the opportunity to form lasting partnerships with my patients and having the time to really get to know you. This motivated me to start my private practice, focusing on providing personalized and evidence-based care. I keep my patient panel small so that I can see you as frequently as you may need. I have experience diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more.

William Chad Garrett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
When you are suffering, you want help now, not one month from now. If symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, or insomnia are negatively affecting your life, follow the link to my website and click the "Request Consultation" button to get started.
When you are suffering, you want help now, not one month from now. If symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, or insomnia are negatively affecting your life, follow the link to my website and click the "Request Consultation" button to get started.

Individuals seeking mental health care, regardless of age, may be grappling with a range of issues such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating and mood disorders, PTSD, or OCD. These conditions can significantly impact their daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Their needs revolve around finding effective treatment and support tailored to their unique circumstances and preferences. Their ultimate goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve coping mechanisms, and regain a sense of stability and fulfillment in their lives. They seek understanding, empathy, and guidance on their journey towards mental wellness.
Individuals seeking mental health care, regardless of age, may be grappling with a range of issues such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating and mood disorders, PTSD, or OCD. These conditions can significantly impact their daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Their needs revolve around finding effective treatment and support tailored to their unique circumstances and preferences. Their ultimate goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve coping mechanisms, and regain a sense of stability and fulfillment in their lives. They seek understanding, empathy, and guidance on their journey towards mental wellness.

My name is Melanie Kelley, and I am an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about delivering innovative mental health care, including psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. I combine both medication management and psychotherapy modalities to treat children, adolescents, and adults to achieve sustainable and safe outcomes. As many of us know, treatment takes a collaborative and multimodal approach that is unique and individualized based on the patient's desired goals and outcomes.
My name is Melanie Kelley, and I am an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about delivering innovative mental health care, including psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. I combine both medication management and psychotherapy modalities to treat children, adolescents, and adults to achieve sustainable and safe outcomes. As many of us know, treatment takes a collaborative and multimodal approach that is unique and individualized based on the patient's desired goals and outcomes.

Accepting New Patients with Immediate availability. Pease email Admin(at sign)PBHealthLLC.com to have an intake form sent to you. With experience in treating both children and adults, We believe mental health is the foundation of an individual's over-all health. We focus on an integrative treatment approach with an emphasis on making life changes in addition to treatment with medication. We work with my clients to develop an understanding of their own unique stressors and pressure of everyday life in order to create a well-rounded treatment plan
Accepting New Patients with Immediate availability. Pease email Admin(at sign)PBHealthLLC.com to have an intake form sent to you. With experience in treating both children and adults, We believe mental health is the foundation of an individual's over-all health. We focus on an integrative treatment approach with an emphasis on making life changes in addition to treatment with medication. We work with my clients to develop an understanding of their own unique stressors and pressure of everyday life in order to create a well-rounded treatment plan
More Psychiatrists Nearby

I appreciate the opportunity to work with people seeking improvement in their health and quality of life.
I appreciate the opportunity to work with people seeking improvement in their health and quality of life.

I approach the clients by understanding each client as a whole person, deep respect for individuals as unique human beings by using a creative process and open-ended communication. I am mindful in prescribing medications. My ultimate treatment goals not only target the treatment of mental health problems, but I will take effort to facilitate clients’ personal growth and improve their vitality.
I approach the clients by understanding each client as a whole person, deep respect for individuals as unique human beings by using a creative process and open-ended communication. I am mindful in prescribing medications. My ultimate treatment goals not only target the treatment of mental health problems, but I will take effort to facilitate clients’ personal growth and improve their vitality.

I am an Adolescent, Adult, and Addiction Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. I am a graduate of UMass Medical School. I served as the Medical Director of the Adolescent service at the renowned Cottonwood de Tucson Recovery Center in Tucson, AZ. I have served as faculty at Harvard Medical School. I have been recognized by President Obama's Secretary of the VA for my teaching and service in the field of Addictions. I have treated students as the psychiatrist for Northeastern University and students and faculty as a psychiatrist at MIT.
I am an Adolescent, Adult, and Addiction Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. I am a graduate of UMass Medical School. I served as the Medical Director of the Adolescent service at the renowned Cottonwood de Tucson Recovery Center in Tucson, AZ. I have served as faculty at Harvard Medical School. I have been recognized by President Obama's Secretary of the VA for my teaching and service in the field of Addictions. I have treated students as the psychiatrist for Northeastern University and students and faculty as a psychiatrist at MIT.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I’m passionate about supporting people on their mental health journey. I focus on supporting older adolescents, young adults/college students and adults. I have a special interest in women’s mental health with additional training in perinatal mental health.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I’m passionate about supporting people on their mental health journey. I focus on supporting older adolescents, young adults/college students and adults. I have a special interest in women’s mental health with additional training in perinatal mental health.

Heritage Health System LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Online Only
Mental health is a priority to you and us at the Heritage Health System as I offer the care towards your mental health needs and good level of functioning.
I provide psychopharm evaluation/medication management, including diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, mood and psychotic disorders. I'm currently taking new patients and available on weekdays and weekends virtually.
Mental health is a priority to you and us at the Heritage Health System as I offer the care towards your mental health needs and good level of functioning.
I provide psychopharm evaluation/medication management, including diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, mood and psychotic disorders. I'm currently taking new patients and available on weekdays and weekends virtually.

Behavioral and Mental Health Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP,C, APRN,BC, MSN
Verified Verified
Online Only
Welcome to Behavioral and Mental Health Care. As a double-boarded Adult Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. My journey in healthcare includes 20 years of service to our veterans as a VA NP, during which time I gained invaluable experience in addressing complex health needs.
Welcome to Behavioral and Mental Health Care. As a double-boarded Adult Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. My journey in healthcare includes 20 years of service to our veterans as a VA NP, during which time I gained invaluable experience in addressing complex health needs.

I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs.
I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs.

Kristy L. Eagles, CNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Master of Science in counseling psychology from Northeastern University, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has worked in the mental health field in some capacity since 2006. She offers psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy through telemedicine to people located in MA. She primarily sees adults.
Kristy L. Eagles, CNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Master of Science in counseling psychology from Northeastern University, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has worked in the mental health field in some capacity since 2006. She offers psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy through telemedicine to people located in MA. She primarily sees adults.

I treat adults with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD. I also treat adults with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. I believe in individualizing treatment based on each person's needs. I offer medication management visits, complemented with elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodymanic psychotherapy. I also offer psychotherapy visits without medication management, if someone is not in need of medications.
I treat adults with mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD. I also treat adults with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. I believe in individualizing treatment based on each person's needs. I offer medication management visits, complemented with elements of Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodymanic psychotherapy. I also offer psychotherapy visits without medication management, if someone is not in need of medications.
See more therapy options for 01532
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 01532
10+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in 01532 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Medication Management |
91% | Trauma and PTSD |
91% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
89% | Aetna |
89% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 01532 see their clients
54% | Online Only | |
46% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 01532?
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.