Psychiatrists in 02111
Joshua Hatcher-Mullins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02111 (Online Only)
Joshua believes in caring for the whole person holistically. He strives to understand current mental health concerns as well as various stressors and past traumas. He provides a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment for clients. He works collaboratively with clients to create a plan, overcome stuck points, and reach treatment goals utilizing both therapeutic techniques and medication. Joshua's education consists of some of the highest rated programs in the country - Cornell, Duke University, and GSU, as well as an Emory Residency program. Most insurances accepted, generally with very low or NO copay - verified before first visit!
Joshua believes in caring for the whole person holistically. He strives to understand current mental health concerns as well as various stressors and past traumas. He provides a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment for clients. He works collaboratively with clients to create a plan, overcome stuck points, and reach treatment goals utilizing both therapeutic techniques and medication. Joshua's education consists of some of the highest rated programs in the country - Cornell, Duke University, and GSU, as well as an Emory Residency program. Most insurances accepted, generally with very low or NO copay - verified before first visit!
Joseph provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management in treating anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience & Behavior at the University of New Hampshire. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Nursing from MCPHS University. When working with Joe, you will receive an authentic, nonjudgmental point of view. After thorough evaluation, he will create a personalized treatment plan to help you succeed. ADHD Testing offered in house! Contact us today - same or next week appointments available!
Joseph provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management in treating anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience & Behavior at the University of New Hampshire. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Nursing from MCPHS University. When working with Joe, you will receive an authentic, nonjudgmental point of view. After thorough evaluation, he will create a personalized treatment plan to help you succeed. ADHD Testing offered in house! Contact us today - same or next week appointments available!
Although successful, you're not as happy as you deserve to be, and you are likely pretty good at hiding your internal distress. You may be dissatisfied with the situation at work, or with the quality of your relationships, or both. This gnaws at you, you want to fix it, and you may be skeptical about the “therapy industrial complex.” Before launching into the fix, you need to clearly understand the problem, and how different approaches may or may not address it. You like the idea of starting with an evaluation by a seasoned expert who gets people like you, and who will tell it like it is with compassion and understanding.
Although successful, you're not as happy as you deserve to be, and you are likely pretty good at hiding your internal distress. You may be dissatisfied with the situation at work, or with the quality of your relationships, or both. This gnaws at you, you want to fix it, and you may be skeptical about the “therapy industrial complex.” Before launching into the fix, you need to clearly understand the problem, and how different approaches may or may not address it. You like the idea of starting with an evaluation by a seasoned expert who gets people like you, and who will tell it like it is with compassion and understanding.
Albert Yeung, MD Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy
Psychiatrist, Albert , MD, ScD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02111
Dr. Yeung is a highly skilled and experienced psychiatrist affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He has extensive clinical experience in treating a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Yeung personalizes treatment to each individual he works with. He utilizes a holistic approach that combines the benefits of medication, dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and complementary mind-body treatments including mindfulness, tai chi, qigong, and acupuncture.
Dr. Yeung is a highly skilled and experienced psychiatrist affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He has extensive clinical experience in treating a wide spectrum of psychiatric conditions including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Yeung personalizes treatment to each individual he works with. He utilizes a holistic approach that combines the benefits of medication, dynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and complementary mind-body treatments including mindfulness, tai chi, qigong, and acupuncture.
Marcia L Zuckerman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02111 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and I help people with a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and psychosis. I combine medication management and psychotherapy in my practice. If you’re open to medication, we’ll work hard to find something that eases your pain. But the brain doesn't work in a vacuum--our experiences affect our neurochemicals, and psychotherapy actually changes the brain.
I am a board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and I help people with a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and psychosis. I combine medication management and psychotherapy in my practice. If you’re open to medication, we’ll work hard to find something that eases your pain. But the brain doesn't work in a vacuum--our experiences affect our neurochemicals, and psychotherapy actually changes the brain.
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Eustache Marie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02101
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified Psych Nurse Practitioner with great experience in the field. I provide diagnostic assessments and medication management to patients across the lifespan using holistic approach. I have experience working with adult and children(14+) with a variety of mental health needs. I have a primary clinical interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD and Pre and/or Postpartum related mood disorders.
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified Psych Nurse Practitioner with great experience in the field. I provide diagnostic assessments and medication management to patients across the lifespan using holistic approach. I have experience working with adult and children(14+) with a variety of mental health needs. I have a primary clinical interest in anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD and Pre and/or Postpartum related mood disorders.
Angela is a dedicated and empathetic Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) with extensive experience in providing comprehensive mental health care. Her career has been focused on supporting individuals facing various challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, substance use, ADHD, and sleep disorders, and navigating life experiences such as dating, career development, and relationships. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health.
Angela is a dedicated and empathetic Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) with extensive experience in providing comprehensive mental health care. Her career has been focused on supporting individuals facing various challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, substance use, ADHD, and sleep disorders, and navigating life experiences such as dating, career development, and relationships. With a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health.
Alexandra Strack
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116 (Online Only)
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and received my Master of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from Northeastern University.
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and received my Master of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from Northeastern University.
You want to take care of your mental health, but a one-size-fits-all system isn't working for you. You'd like a more flexible and creative approach and a highly personalized treatment plan. You're looking for a provider that is approachable, available, and attentive. The relationship between a provider and a client is everything in mental health treatment. I founded Newbury Street Psychiatry and Psychotherapy to provide patients with treatment relationships that are open, collaborative, and all about you.
You want to take care of your mental health, but a one-size-fits-all system isn't working for you. You'd like a more flexible and creative approach and a highly personalized treatment plan. You're looking for a provider that is approachable, available, and attentive. The relationship between a provider and a client is everything in mental health treatment. I founded Newbury Street Psychiatry and Psychotherapy to provide patients with treatment relationships that are open, collaborative, and all about you.
Kathleen Clevenger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Kathleen and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, Anger management / Impulse disorder, Anxiety, Binge eating disorder, Bipolar, Burnout, College & graduate student mental health, Depression, Family issues, Insomnia & sleep issues, Life coaching, etc. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Kathleen and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, Anger management / Impulse disorder, Anxiety, Binge eating disorder, Bipolar, Burnout, College & graduate student mental health, Depression, Family issues, Insomnia & sleep issues, Life coaching, etc. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Johanne Cazeau
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02104 (Online Only)
I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. My patient’s well-being, safety are of the upmost importance. My goal is to care for the community by providing a holistic approach that centered around medication management, emotional and spiritual well-being and meeting my clients where they are. Prior to obtaining a doctorate in nursing practice, I was a special educator for five years.
I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. My patient’s well-being, safety are of the upmost importance. My goal is to care for the community by providing a holistic approach that centered around medication management, emotional and spiritual well-being and meeting my clients where they are. Prior to obtaining a doctorate in nursing practice, I was a special educator for five years.
Shannon Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C , PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02109 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome to Shannon Psychiatry! I am accepting new patients at this time. My primary specialty is ages 14 years to 30 years. All visits are through telemedicine, so I can see anyone in the state of Massachusetts from the comfort of your home, without having to worry about the commute! If you are a new patient, urgently needing to be seen, I can usually get you in within 2-3 days. My love for what I do in psychiatry, comes from the joy I get in helping others improve their lives. Most of my patients do not know which direction to go when then come to me, and that is ok. We can work on that together!
Hello and welcome to Shannon Psychiatry! I am accepting new patients at this time. My primary specialty is ages 14 years to 30 years. All visits are through telemedicine, so I can see anyone in the state of Massachusetts from the comfort of your home, without having to worry about the commute! If you are a new patient, urgently needing to be seen, I can usually get you in within 2-3 days. My love for what I do in psychiatry, comes from the joy I get in helping others improve their lives. Most of my patients do not know which direction to go when then come to me, and that is ok. We can work on that together!
Carol Count Robinson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, ANP-BC, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Carol Robinson and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Chronic Illness, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Maternal Mental Health/Pre/Postpartum, PTSD/Trauma, Loss/Grief/Bereavement, OCD. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Carol Robinson and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Chronic Illness, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Maternal Mental Health/Pre/Postpartum, PTSD/Trauma, Loss/Grief/Bereavement, OCD. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Naila Azhar is a Boston-based psychiatrist trained both in psychotherapy and medication management. She helps her patients gain heightened self-awareness for making deep-seated and meaningful changes to his/her/their personality and emotional development. Understanding each patient’s unique neuro-biology, psychology, immune system functioning, hormonal levels, nutrition, and metabolism will be an integral part of prescribing medications for each patient. In addition, she uses psychotherapy and behavioral modification interventions to promote psychiatric health and well-being.
Naila Azhar is a Boston-based psychiatrist trained both in psychotherapy and medication management. She helps her patients gain heightened self-awareness for making deep-seated and meaningful changes to his/her/their personality and emotional development. Understanding each patient’s unique neuro-biology, psychology, immune system functioning, hormonal levels, nutrition, and metabolism will be an integral part of prescribing medications for each patient. In addition, she uses psychotherapy and behavioral modification interventions to promote psychiatric health and well-being.
Beth Makar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Beth and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, , Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Infertility, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Loss, grief, bereavement, Men's Issues, OCD, PTSD, Relationship Issues, Sexual Health/Dysfunction, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Stress Management and Women's Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Beth and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, , Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Infertility, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Life Transitions, Loss, grief, bereavement, Men's Issues, OCD, PTSD, Relationship Issues, Sexual Health/Dysfunction, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Stress Management and Women's Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Light Of Mind Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02101 (Online Only)
Violet Moses MSN APRN FNP-C PMHNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner with dual Board Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living in Massachusetts. Currently, her focus is in psychiatry with specialties in addiction medicine and eating disorders. She has experience in treating adolescents and adults with dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, substance use disorder, binge eating disorder, and many other common mental health conditions.https://headway.co/providers/violet-moses?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=22260
Violet Moses MSN APRN FNP-C PMHNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner with dual Board Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living in Massachusetts. Currently, her focus is in psychiatry with specialties in addiction medicine and eating disorders. She has experience in treating adolescents and adults with dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar, substance use disorder, binge eating disorder, and many other common mental health conditions.https://headway.co/providers/violet-moses?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=22260
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
Nichole Tagliavento
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN-BC, PMNHP
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02101
Integrative Healthcare Center—for mental health and behavioral health. We offer licensed therapists, prescription management, psychiatry, autism care, and more. Integrative medicine, as defined by the U.S. Government’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, explores many treatment avenues, working with patients to heal the whole person, not just one organ system. Integrative Healthcare Center fills a void in the healthcare landscape. Mental health services are hard to find. With providers scarce and in demand, even established patients find themselves waiting months for treatment.
Integrative Healthcare Center—for mental health and behavioral health. We offer licensed therapists, prescription management, psychiatry, autism care, and more. Integrative medicine, as defined by the U.S. Government’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, explores many treatment avenues, working with patients to heal the whole person, not just one organ system. Integrative Healthcare Center fills a void in the healthcare landscape. Mental health services are hard to find. With providers scarce and in demand, even established patients find themselves waiting months for treatment.
With nearly three decades of experience in psychiatry, focusing on neuropsychiatric conditions that affect mood and cognition, my goal is to deliver new, effective therapies to those struggling with depression, anxiety, post-COVID syndromes, cognitive impairments, and more. With my extensive background in neuropsychopharmacology (and affiliations with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School as Director of Photobiomodulation and Associate Professor respectively), I always start with the most scientifically proven treatments. I ensure that my approach aligns with the latest, evidence-based standards.
With nearly three decades of experience in psychiatry, focusing on neuropsychiatric conditions that affect mood and cognition, my goal is to deliver new, effective therapies to those struggling with depression, anxiety, post-COVID syndromes, cognitive impairments, and more. With my extensive background in neuropsychopharmacology (and affiliations with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School as Director of Photobiomodulation and Associate Professor respectively), I always start with the most scientifically proven treatments. I ensure that my approach aligns with the latest, evidence-based standards.
Taylor Blando
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02110 (Online Only)
I am a dual Board Certified Nurse Practitioner (psychiatry mental health and family medicine). I am happy to welcome new patients via telehealth during the covid crisis. I find of most importance in care is building and fostering a provider/patient relationship. I have been a nurse since 2008 working primarily at MGH and as an NP since 2016 at the VA as well as a private eating disorder facility in Boston, The Renfrew Center. I have notable experience working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, psychotic and personality disorders. Note, I will see pediatric patients on a case by case basis.
I am a dual Board Certified Nurse Practitioner (psychiatry mental health and family medicine). I am happy to welcome new patients via telehealth during the covid crisis. I find of most importance in care is building and fostering a provider/patient relationship. I have been a nurse since 2008 working primarily at MGH and as an NP since 2016 at the VA as well as a private eating disorder facility in Boston, The Renfrew Center. I have notable experience working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, psychotic and personality disorders. Note, I will see pediatric patients on a case by case basis.
See more therapy options for 02111
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 02111
< 10
Psychiatrists in 02111 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
80% | Anxiety |
80% | ADHD |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
60% | Relationship Issues |
60% | Psychosis |
60% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
24 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 02111 see their clients
60% | Online Only | |
40% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
80% | Male | |
20% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 02111?
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.