Psychiatrists in 02467

Photo of Andrea Sawyer, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Andrea Sawyer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I provide medication management and consultation (virtually) for children, adolescents and young adults ages 5-21 with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, autism and mood disorders. Please visit my website and follow the link at the bottom of the page to arrange for a free consultation.
I provide medication management and consultation (virtually) for children, adolescents and young adults ages 5-21 with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, autism and mood disorders. Please visit my website and follow the link at the bottom of the page to arrange for a free consultation.
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Photo of Yupei Pearl Hu, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Yupei Pearl Hu
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Dr. Hu is a Duke-trained dual-board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, college students, adolescents and children. She emphasizes 3Cs in her practice- comprehensive, compassionate, evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Exposure-based approaches are one of the essential components, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) or acceptance commitment therapy (ACT). She supports clients to live fully and freely, who previously were imprisoned by worries, ruminations, sensitivity to rejection, or constant sense of inadequacy.
Dr. Hu is a Duke-trained dual-board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, college students, adolescents and children. She emphasizes 3Cs in her practice- comprehensive, compassionate, evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Exposure-based approaches are one of the essential components, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) or acceptance commitment therapy (ACT). She supports clients to live fully and freely, who previously were imprisoned by worries, ruminations, sensitivity to rejection, or constant sense of inadequacy.
(617) 404-4331 View (617) 404-4331
Photo of Julie P Dunne, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Julie P Dunne
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02467
I am a Clinical Associate Professor at Boston College and a Teaching Associate at Harvard Medical School. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a registered yoga teacher, I specialize in providing mindful mental health services, including prescribing psychiatric medications and using Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I utilize mindfulness-based techniques, such as MBCT and yoga in my treatment plans to support holistic mental health and meet the unique wellness goals of my clients. I provide new prescriptions or refills of psychiatric medications based on the needs and preferences of each individual.
I am a Clinical Associate Professor at Boston College and a Teaching Associate at Harvard Medical School. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a registered yoga teacher, I specialize in providing mindful mental health services, including prescribing psychiatric medications and using Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I utilize mindfulness-based techniques, such as MBCT and yoga in my treatment plans to support holistic mental health and meet the unique wellness goals of my clients. I provide new prescriptions or refills of psychiatric medications based on the needs and preferences of each individual.
(617) 404-1732 View (617) 404-1732
Photo of Leah Miller, MSN, RN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Leah Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I provide psychiatric care to individuals ages 9+ struggling with their mental health, including changes in mood, increased anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, stress, and loss. I offer an empathetic, collaborative approach with the intention of helping my clients feel heard and supported. I value my clients' preferences and take a holistic view of their lives when considering the best treatment for them. My clinical interests include working with tweens, teens, and young adults, as well as women of child-bearing age.
I provide psychiatric care to individuals ages 9+ struggling with their mental health, including changes in mood, increased anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, stress, and loss. I offer an empathetic, collaborative approach with the intention of helping my clients feel heard and supported. I value my clients' preferences and take a holistic view of their lives when considering the best treatment for them. My clinical interests include working with tweens, teens, and young adults, as well as women of child-bearing age.
(774) 208-0530 View (774) 208-0530
Photo of Dr. Ashley Matskevich, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ashley Matskevich
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Harvard trained and board certified psychiatrist, as well as a member of the Harvard Medical School faculty. I am licensed in both Massachusetts and New York. I provide warm, supportive, and down to earth care both in-person and online to help accommodate busy students, parents, and working professionals. I take a thorough and comprehensive approach with each patient, with the underlying belief that we can best meet our goals when we best understand ourselves.
I am a Harvard trained and board certified psychiatrist, as well as a member of the Harvard Medical School faculty. I am licensed in both Massachusetts and New York. I provide warm, supportive, and down to earth care both in-person and online to help accommodate busy students, parents, and working professionals. I take a thorough and comprehensive approach with each patient, with the underlying belief that we can best meet our goals when we best understand ourselves.
(617) 917-3522 View (617) 917-3522
Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
(857) 578-0503 View (857) 578-0503
Photo of Edena Walden, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
(857) 371-1683 View (857) 371-1683
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(339) 229-8654 View (339) 229-8654
Photo of Emily Coyle, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Emily Coyle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
(857) 371-4270 View (857) 371-4270
Photo of Sarlah Bernard, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sarlah Bernard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am a multilingual psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has worked across the lifespan in Massachusetts. I work with clients who are struggling with a myriad of mental health concerns, including substance abuse. My goal is to build therapeutic relationships with my clients to empower them to engage in their treatment to reach their maximum potential as individuals. My priority is that every client should walk out of my office feeling that they have adequate information while being an active participant to make an informed decision about their treatment plan.
I am a multilingual psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has worked across the lifespan in Massachusetts. I work with clients who are struggling with a myriad of mental health concerns, including substance abuse. My goal is to build therapeutic relationships with my clients to empower them to engage in their treatment to reach their maximum potential as individuals. My priority is that every client should walk out of my office feeling that they have adequate information while being an active participant to make an informed decision about their treatment plan.
(857) 342-4212 View (857) 342-4212
Photo of Carol Smith, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Carol Smith
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
(857) 376-3501 View (857) 376-3501
Photo of Samuel Sheffield, MD, Psychiatrist
Samuel Sheffield
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If your mental health challenges are hindering your personal, academic, or professional life, and you are ready to ask for help, you have taken a significant step by starting your search. I would like to help you find a path to greater well-being. My approach begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options.
If your mental health challenges are hindering your personal, academic, or professional life, and you are ready to ask for help, you have taken a significant step by starting your search. I would like to help you find a path to greater well-being. My approach begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options.
(617) 440-3579 View (617) 440-3579
Photo of Michelle McCarthy, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
(857) 384-5909 View (857) 384-5909
Photo of Rae Abarbanel, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rae Abarbanel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Many people find themselves feeling distressed and misunderstood when they struggle with their mental health. I understand that this can cause issues in relationships, work, school, and/or just getting through your day.
Many people find themselves feeling distressed and misunderstood when they struggle with their mental health. I understand that this can cause issues in relationships, work, school, and/or just getting through your day.
(617) 383-7839 View (617) 383-7839
Photo of Meredith Morrison, PMHNP, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Meredith Morrison
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with training and experience treating patients with mental health issues across the lifespan. My clinical career has taken me on a journey through the healthcare system, from inpatient to outpatient settings. My clinical practice focuses on assessing, diagnosing, treatment planning and care coordination for those struggling with a wide range of mental health issues. I specialize in psychopharmacology and provide diagnostic evaluations, assessments and ongoing treatment via medication management for my clients, tailored to their individual needs’.
I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with training and experience treating patients with mental health issues across the lifespan. My clinical career has taken me on a journey through the healthcare system, from inpatient to outpatient settings. My clinical practice focuses on assessing, diagnosing, treatment planning and care coordination for those struggling with a wide range of mental health issues. I specialize in psychopharmacology and provide diagnostic evaluations, assessments and ongoing treatment via medication management for my clients, tailored to their individual needs’.
(781) 222-9383 View (781) 222-9383
Photo of Jisselle Assad, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jisselle Assad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Jisselle is a Double Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Double Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who conducts psychiatric evaluations, formulates diagnoses, provides ongoing assessments, and prescribes effective medications to manage psychiatric symptoms. She has experience with a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, panic, PTSD, and ADHD. Jisselle's goal is to safely and effectively prescribe psychotropic medications to help improve your quality of life.
Jisselle is a Double Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Double Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who conducts psychiatric evaluations, formulates diagnoses, provides ongoing assessments, and prescribes effective medications to manage psychiatric symptoms. She has experience with a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, panic, PTSD, and ADHD. Jisselle's goal is to safely and effectively prescribe psychotropic medications to help improve your quality of life.
(413) 393-6422 View (413) 393-6422
Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Serves Area
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.
(857) 382-3124 View (857) 382-3124
Photo of Harmony Bay, Psychiatrist
Harmony Bay
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
(857) 887-2930 View (857) 887-2930
Photo of Claudio O. Toppelberg, MD, Psychiatrist
Claudio O. Toppelberg
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Dr. Toppelberg is an experienced, Harvard-trained child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, usually working with ages 3-30. He evaluates and treats emotional/ behavioral difficulties including ADHD, depression, trauma, stress, anxiety, and selective mutism, and those preventing weight loss. He has focused on issues of performance at work, study and competitive sports. He regularly works with tour-level tennis players and other professional and student athletes. He is an expert in neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as learning and language disabilities. He runs psychiatric services at an excellent school for children/adolescents with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, the prestigious New England Center for Children.
Dr. Toppelberg is an experienced, Harvard-trained child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, usually working with ages 3-30. He evaluates and treats emotional/ behavioral difficulties including ADHD, depression, trauma, stress, anxiety, and selective mutism, and those preventing weight loss. He has focused on issues of performance at work, study and competitive sports. He regularly works with tour-level tennis players and other professional and student athletes. He is an expert in neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as learning and language disabilities. He runs psychiatric services at an excellent school for children/adolescents with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, the prestigious New England Center for Children.
(617) 681-7184 View (617) 681-7184

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Chime Ajiere - Zoelife psychiatric services, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Zoelife psychiatric services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders.
We endeavor to partner with our patients, approaching their care from a holistic and integrative standpoint. We listen to and get to know our patients, addressing their needs from a medical, mental, and social health perspective. We provide medication management, supportive therapy, and several other services. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mood and personality disorders.
(319) 214-7918 View (319) 214-7918

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 02467

10+

Average cost per session

$300

Psychiatrists in 02467 who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
89% Medication Management
84% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
79% ADHD
74% Trauma and PTSD
63% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

93% BlueCross and BlueShield
86% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
79% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in 02467 see their clients

95% In Person and Online
5% Online Only

Gender breakdown

81% Female
13% Male
6% Non-Binary
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 02467?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.