Psychiatrists in 02149

Mindset Psychiatric & Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Everett, MA 02149
Dr. Rosemonde Paulo is a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience in family practice, geriatrics, and Psychiatry. I received my master's from Endicott College and Liberty University as well, and have been practicing for 4 years. I help people struggling with mental health condition including but not limited to depression, ADHD, anxiety these two areas of interest and education reflect my inherent passion for advancing quality holistic healthcare from all perspectives. Combined with many years of clinical experience, these disciplines have provided me with a more comprehensive view of wellness.
Dr. Rosemonde Paulo is a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience in family practice, geriatrics, and Psychiatry. I received my master's from Endicott College and Liberty University as well, and have been practicing for 4 years. I help people struggling with mental health condition including but not limited to depression, ADHD, anxiety these two areas of interest and education reflect my inherent passion for advancing quality holistic healthcare from all perspectives. Combined with many years of clinical experience, these disciplines have provided me with a more comprehensive view of wellness.

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.

Trive Tru Health Services Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Divine Ezewuzie, PMHNP-BC, has many years of experience in psychiatry, is specialized in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic mental illness across lifespan. Individualized treatment modality and utilizing holistic approach, collaborating with other healthcare team to meet all her patient needs. Each session, patients are treated with respect, empathy, and a therapeutic environment for all patients to discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Mood disorder, Bipolar, Sleep disorder, Addiction, or Schizophrenia, do not hesitate, give me call today and I can help.
Divine Ezewuzie, PMHNP-BC, has many years of experience in psychiatry, is specialized in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic mental illness across lifespan. Individualized treatment modality and utilizing holistic approach, collaborating with other healthcare team to meet all her patient needs. Each session, patients are treated with respect, empathy, and a therapeutic environment for all patients to discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Mood disorder, Bipolar, Sleep disorder, Addiction, or Schizophrenia, do not hesitate, give me call today and I can help.

Welcome to AmiTop Care LLC, where we are dedicated to providing top-tier, comprehensive psychiatry care. Our professional private practice, based in Massachusetts, seamlessly combines psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to deliver personalized mental health solutions. We extend our services to include telepsychiatry for follow-up visits, ensuring continuity of care. We offer specialized services in medication management, pharmacogenomic testing, and psychotherapy treatment. Our expertise extends to managing a range of conditions, including ADHD, depression and anxiety
Welcome to AmiTop Care LLC, where we are dedicated to providing top-tier, comprehensive psychiatry care. Our professional private practice, based in Massachusetts, seamlessly combines psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to deliver personalized mental health solutions. We extend our services to include telepsychiatry for follow-up visits, ensuring continuity of care. We offer specialized services in medication management, pharmacogenomic testing, and psychotherapy treatment. Our expertise extends to managing a range of conditions, including ADHD, depression and anxiety

Dr. Eugenio Bortoloto-Neto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
With over five years of dedicated experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my focus has centered on adult and geriatric mental health. During this time, I have honed my skills to prioritize the well-being of my clients. I firmly believe in setting realistic expectations and fostering collaborative relationships as essential elements of effective mental health care. In my practice, education plays a pivotal role. I am passionate about empowering my clients with knowledge. It's not just about prescribing medication; it's about equipping individuals with the understanding they need to grasp their health conditions fully.
With over five years of dedicated experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my focus has centered on adult and geriatric mental health. During this time, I have honed my skills to prioritize the well-being of my clients. I firmly believe in setting realistic expectations and fostering collaborative relationships as essential elements of effective mental health care. In my practice, education plays a pivotal role. I am passionate about empowering my clients with knowledge. It's not just about prescribing medication; it's about equipping individuals with the understanding they need to grasp their health conditions fully.

Monomoy Health - We have availability
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
At Monomoy Health, we understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to provide compassionate, thoughtful psychiatric care to guide you through every step of your journey. We specialize in ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and the unique challenges that come with developmental disabilities. Our clinicians, each with decades of experience, offer both telehealth and some in-person appointments, ensuring that care is accessible and comfortable for you. Whether you're struggling to focus, feeling trapped by cycles of worry, or navigating mood swings that disrupt your days.
At Monomoy Health, we understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to provide compassionate, thoughtful psychiatric care to guide you through every step of your journey. We specialize in ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and the unique challenges that come with developmental disabilities. Our clinicians, each with decades of experience, offer both telehealth and some in-person appointments, ensuring that care is accessible and comfortable for you. Whether you're struggling to focus, feeling trapped by cycles of worry, or navigating mood swings that disrupt your days.

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.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 10+ years of experience in the healthcare field. I have a strong background in acute care that has taught me the importance of comprehensive assessments and helps me to understand the metabolic factors that impact psychiatric conditions.
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 10+ years of experience in the healthcare field. I have a strong background in acute care that has taught me the importance of comprehensive assessments and helps me to understand the metabolic factors that impact psychiatric conditions.

Valerie Zelonis, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed to practice throughout the lifespan, and specialized in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry. In addition to this private practice, she works at Boston Children's, Inpatient Psychiatry Services.
Valerie Zelonis, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed to practice throughout the lifespan, and specialized in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry. In addition to this private practice, she works at Boston Children's, Inpatient Psychiatry Services.

Dr. Nicholas Barnes is a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist in the Boston area (Belmont, MA). He provides treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction and chronic pain. As a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and additionally a board-certified pain medicine physician, he is uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between medical and psychological treatments. Dr. Barnes draws on traditional talk therapy, mindfulness and philosophical perspectives, and modern neuroscience to help people develop insight, emotional freedom, self-acceptance, and behavioral change.
Dr. Nicholas Barnes is a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist in the Boston area (Belmont, MA). He provides treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction and chronic pain. As a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and additionally a board-certified pain medicine physician, he is uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between medical and psychological treatments. Dr. Barnes draws on traditional talk therapy, mindfulness and philosophical perspectives, and modern neuroscience to help people develop insight, emotional freedom, self-acceptance, and behavioral change.

At our practice, we're committed to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our modern approach to mental health focuses on an integrative approach to psychiatry combines traditional medical treatments with holistic therapies such as mindfulness, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to help you achieve optimal mental and emotional well-being. One of our greatest passions is working with teens and young adults during their formative years. We understand the unique challenges they face and strive to provide a safe and supportive space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
At our practice, we're committed to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. Our modern approach to mental health focuses on an integrative approach to psychiatry combines traditional medical treatments with holistic therapies such as mindfulness, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to help you achieve optimal mental and emotional well-being. One of our greatest passions is working with teens and young adults during their formative years. We understand the unique challenges they face and strive to provide a safe and supportive space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02141
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.

My ideal client is someone struggling with sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which impact their overall health and well-being. They need comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment to improve their sleep quality, enhance daily functioning, and reduce the risk of developing related medical or mental health conditions. Their goal is to achieve better sleep and overall health, which can prevent the onset of depression and other disorders. They seek a deeper understanding of the importance of sleep and personalized care to support their journey toward improved health and well-being.
My ideal client is someone struggling with sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which impact their overall health and well-being. They need comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment to improve their sleep quality, enhance daily functioning, and reduce the risk of developing related medical or mental health conditions. Their goal is to achieve better sleep and overall health, which can prevent the onset of depression and other disorders. They seek a deeper understanding of the importance of sleep and personalized care to support their journey toward improved health and well-being.

Victorious HealthCare Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN , MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Canton, MA 02021
I am Onyinye Osuagwu, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have extensive experience working as a nurse in multiple settings. I found my passion for mental health early in my nursing career. A few years ago, I made providing mental healthcare one of my life's missions and decided to advance my career by obtaining a master's degree in nursing. My goal is to provide client-centered, conscientious, and holistic care to my patients.
I am Onyinye Osuagwu, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have extensive experience working as a nurse in multiple settings. I found my passion for mental health early in my nursing career. A few years ago, I made providing mental healthcare one of my life's missions and decided to advance my career by obtaining a master's degree in nursing. My goal is to provide client-centered, conscientious, and holistic care to my patients.

If you've decided to make your mental health a priority, call us or book an appointment online. We have a range of providers with diverse experiences to be sure you have the right fit. We have immediate availability for medication prescribing and offer telehealth visits. We also offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate working people.
If you've decided to make your mental health a priority, call us or book an appointment online. We have a range of providers with diverse experiences to be sure you have the right fit. We have immediate availability for medication prescribing and offer telehealth visits. We also offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate working people.

Amanda Lyn Sheehan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02421
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health NP trained at Johns Hopkins University, providing holistic, value-aligned medication management & psychotherapeutic care. I am accepting new patients at this time with mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, & OCD spectrum, as well as the mental health effects of learning differences, endocrine conditions (like diabetes, PCOS, thyroid, hypoglycemia), & connective tissue disorders. I am invested in establishing meaningful connections to individuals coping with these conditions & am keenly sensitive to the stress additional health conditions confer upon wellbeing.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health NP trained at Johns Hopkins University, providing holistic, value-aligned medication management & psychotherapeutic care. I am accepting new patients at this time with mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, & OCD spectrum, as well as the mental health effects of learning differences, endocrine conditions (like diabetes, PCOS, thyroid, hypoglycemia), & connective tissue disorders. I am invested in establishing meaningful connections to individuals coping with these conditions & am keenly sensitive to the stress additional health conditions confer upon wellbeing.

Jennifer Theriault
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hingham, MA 02043
I specialize in providing innovative mental health care for individuals across the lifespan, dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addiction, or alcohol issues. I offer comprehensive medication management alongside personalized plans that include diet, lifestyle modifications, sleep optimization, nervous system regulation, and metabolic and nutritional psychiatry. I am currently in a functional and integrative psychiatry fellowship. My goal is to help clients achieve mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall wellness by addressing root causes, building resilience, and enhancing their quality of life
I specialize in providing innovative mental health care for individuals across the lifespan, dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addiction, or alcohol issues. I offer comprehensive medication management alongside personalized plans that include diet, lifestyle modifications, sleep optimization, nervous system regulation, and metabolic and nutritional psychiatry. I am currently in a functional and integrative psychiatry fellowship. My goal is to help clients achieve mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall wellness by addressing root causes, building resilience, and enhancing their quality of life

As a PMHNP, I offer a client-centered, holistic approach in the treatment of mental health across the lifespan. Through comprehensive psychiatric assessments, psychopharmacology, treatment planning, and advocacy, I work with the client to facilitate a positive change. Being culturally sensitive and aware of the cultural and social factors that may impact the client's mental health is a priority in my practice. My approach also emphasizes the importance of self-care practices while encouraging a healthy lifestyle, stress management, and work-life balance.
As a PMHNP, I offer a client-centered, holistic approach in the treatment of mental health across the lifespan. Through comprehensive psychiatric assessments, psychopharmacology, treatment planning, and advocacy, I work with the client to facilitate a positive change. Being culturally sensitive and aware of the cultural and social factors that may impact the client's mental health is a priority in my practice. My approach also emphasizes the importance of self-care practices while encouraging a healthy lifestyle, stress management, and work-life balance.

Advanced Psych Care, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN
Verified Verified
Online Only
Accepting New patients. ADHD testing. Telehealth/video. APC is a private practice located NH, owned by a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who treats Psychiatric/Mental illnesses (Bipolar, Depression, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, etc) and Substance Use Disorders/Addiction (Heroin/Fentanyl/Oxy). At APC, patients are treated with respect and we take the time to create a private and therapeutic environment where your medication concerns are heard, symptoms are treated and your overall wellbeing is a priority. We also offer Medication Assisted Treatment to patients who require Suboxone. Testing for ADHD.
Accepting New patients. ADHD testing. Telehealth/video. APC is a private practice located NH, owned by a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who treats Psychiatric/Mental illnesses (Bipolar, Depression, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, etc) and Substance Use Disorders/Addiction (Heroin/Fentanyl/Oxy). At APC, patients are treated with respect and we take the time to create a private and therapeutic environment where your medication concerns are heard, symptoms are treated and your overall wellbeing is a priority. We also offer Medication Assisted Treatment to patients who require Suboxone. Testing for ADHD.

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, despite trying everything but medication? If you're at a crossroads, struggling with emotions or impulses, know that seeking help is a sign of strength. I'm here to support and guide you towards your best self, offering a journey of transformation. Together, we can navigate this path, ensuring you don't have to face these challenges alone. I'm a Boston Psychiatrist who is currently serving all residents of MA via virtual psychiatry; please call for more information or a free 10 minute phone consultation!
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, despite trying everything but medication? If you're at a crossroads, struggling with emotions or impulses, know that seeking help is a sign of strength. I'm here to support and guide you towards your best self, offering a journey of transformation. Together, we can navigate this path, ensuring you don't have to face these challenges alone. I'm a Boston Psychiatrist who is currently serving all residents of MA via virtual psychiatry; please call for more information or a free 10 minute phone consultation!
See more therapy options for 02149
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 02149
< 10
Psychiatrists in 02149 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
86% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
86% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Tufts |
How Psychiatrists in 02149 see their clients
72% | In Person and Online | |
28% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 02149?
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.