Psychiatrists in 02481
Dr. Joe O’Garr is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has been providing comprehensive psychiatric care in Massachusetts since 2010. He believes in a strength-based collaborative approach in identifying solutions for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Dr. Joe O’Garr is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has been providing comprehensive psychiatric care in Massachusetts since 2010. He believes in a strength-based collaborative approach in identifying solutions for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Investing in your mental health is a courageous decision that carries emotional weight. I want to support you on your journey. I provide compassionate, socioculturally informed, and personalized mental health care, including psychotherapy and medication management. I believe in a collaborative approach to care, offering a space for self-reflection, vulnerability, and building insight. I nurture a warm, supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to share your story, and for us to work together toward your goals. For my full bio and to request an appointment, please go to my website: www.kahanipsychiatry.com
Investing in your mental health is a courageous decision that carries emotional weight. I want to support you on your journey. I provide compassionate, socioculturally informed, and personalized mental health care, including psychotherapy and medication management. I believe in a collaborative approach to care, offering a space for self-reflection, vulnerability, and building insight. I nurture a warm, supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to share your story, and for us to work together toward your goals. For my full bio and to request an appointment, please go to my website: www.kahanipsychiatry.com
Jackie Audi, PMHNP is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with a BS in Health Psychology, and obtained her BS in Nursing and MS in Nursing from MGH Institute of Health Professions. She has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient and residential levels of care, working with patients across the lifespan. Jackie’s primary focus is a collaborative relationship with her patients, and a “pills and skills” trauma informed and culturally competent approach.
Jackie Audi, PMHNP is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with a BS in Health Psychology, and obtained her BS in Nursing and MS in Nursing from MGH Institute of Health Professions. She has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient and residential levels of care, working with patients across the lifespan. Jackie’s primary focus is a collaborative relationship with her patients, and a “pills and skills” trauma informed and culturally competent approach.
Valerie Rice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients, Valerie is a Psychiatric/Mental health nurse practitioner who will take time to fully explore medication options to help you meet your treatment goals, as well as non-pharmacological modalities that can help you feel like yourself. She trained as a nurse at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and received her Master’s degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing at Vanderbilt University.
Accepting new patients, Valerie is a Psychiatric/Mental health nurse practitioner who will take time to fully explore medication options to help you meet your treatment goals, as well as non-pharmacological modalities that can help you feel like yourself. She trained as a nurse at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and received her Master’s degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing at Vanderbilt University.
Sarah Power
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Sarah Power is a board-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Public Health from Tulane University. With experience across ten psychiatric hospitals and practices, Sarah possesses a robust understanding of diagnostic tools and of both medicinal and therapeutic treatment modalities.
Sarah Power is a board-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Public Health from Tulane University. With experience across ten psychiatric hospitals and practices, Sarah possesses a robust understanding of diagnostic tools and of both medicinal and therapeutic treatment modalities.
Are you overwhelmed by the weight of daily life, struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or OCD? Do you find it challenging to manage your emotions, stay focused, or break free from persistent, distressing thoughts and behaviors? Do you want to find relief from these symptoms, gain control over your life, and achieve a sense of well-being and stability? Are you seeking a compassionate professional who can guide you toward managing these symptoms more effectively and help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
Are you overwhelmed by the weight of daily life, struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or OCD? Do you find it challenging to manage your emotions, stay focused, or break free from persistent, distressing thoughts and behaviors? Do you want to find relief from these symptoms, gain control over your life, and achieve a sense of well-being and stability? Are you seeking a compassionate professional who can guide you toward managing these symptoms more effectively and help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
I provide outpatient TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Services- covered by most insurances) psychiatric services for ages 15 (per insurance coverage) and above for depression, Anxiety, OCD and ADHD. My patients benefit most from the opportunity to express themselves freely to me in a strictly confidential setting where we build a strong and trusting relationship.
I provide outpatient TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Services- covered by most insurances) psychiatric services for ages 15 (per insurance coverage) and above for depression, Anxiety, OCD and ADHD. My patients benefit most from the opportunity to express themselves freely to me in a strictly confidential setting where we build a strong and trusting relationship.
Great to meet you! Let’s make this easier. You’re looking for some help, clicking on people who look like they have kind faces (thanks!) and they seem pretty similar. Everyone is Harvard trained (me too!), listens empathetically and likes long walks on the beach. How do you pick? What really matters here is your relationship with your psychiatrist. Working with me is going to feel different. Patients who like me prefer directness, humor and an informal, relaxed style (can you tell?).
Great to meet you! Let’s make this easier. You’re looking for some help, clicking on people who look like they have kind faces (thanks!) and they seem pretty similar. Everyone is Harvard trained (me too!), listens empathetically and likes long walks on the beach. How do you pick? What really matters here is your relationship with your psychiatrist. Working with me is going to feel different. Patients who like me prefer directness, humor and an informal, relaxed style (can you tell?).
Korin Dayton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Influenced by concepts of holism and emergence, Korin partners with clients to collaboratively develop client-centered and integrative treatment plans. These plans may incorporate medication management, supportive therapy, mind-body modalities, and/or lifestyle interventions. She provides a nonjudgmental and safe space to strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and her approach is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. Korin is board-certified in psychiatric mental health (PMHNP-BC), general health/medical care across the lifespan (FNP-BC), and addictions (CARN-AP).
Influenced by concepts of holism and emergence, Korin partners with clients to collaboratively develop client-centered and integrative treatment plans. These plans may incorporate medication management, supportive therapy, mind-body modalities, and/or lifestyle interventions. She provides a nonjudgmental and safe space to strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and her approach is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. Korin is board-certified in psychiatric mental health (PMHNP-BC), general health/medical care across the lifespan (FNP-BC), and addictions (CARN-AP).
Kristy Lee Eagles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Kristy L. Eagles, CNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Master of Science in counseling psychology from Northeastern University, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has worked in the mental health field in some capacity since 2006. She offers psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy through telemedicine to people located in MA. She primarily sees adults.
Kristy L. Eagles, CNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Master of Science in counseling psychology from Northeastern University, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has worked in the mental health field in some capacity since 2006. She offers psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy through telemedicine to people located in MA. She primarily sees adults.
Naila Tariq, APRN, is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Naila worked as a psychiatric nurse for five years before obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing from Regis College and graduated summa cum laude. Naila has experience working in community mental health, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient practice, and consult psychiatry. Naila understands the struggles of finding the right psychiatric provider for her patients and wishes to provide the best evidence-based care. Naila sees patients 18 and older.
Naila Tariq, APRN, is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Naila worked as a psychiatric nurse for five years before obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing from Regis College and graduated summa cum laude. Naila has experience working in community mental health, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient practice, and consult psychiatry. Naila understands the struggles of finding the right psychiatric provider for her patients and wishes to provide the best evidence-based care. Naila sees patients 18 and older.
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Ashley Tobey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
In life, all people face periods of challenge and change. These stressful times can have a profound effect on one's ability to function and thrive. In my confidential private practice, I provide psychotherapy and, if indicated, medication treatment to help my patients move through these difficult periods, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their motivations, patterns and behaviors.
In life, all people face periods of challenge and change. These stressful times can have a profound effect on one's ability to function and thrive. In my confidential private practice, I provide psychotherapy and, if indicated, medication treatment to help my patients move through these difficult periods, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their motivations, patterns and behaviors.
Jonathan Moran
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481
Not accepting new clients
Are you sad or anxious too much of the time? Stressed from work? Do you wish you could be closer to the people in your life? Are you feeling a little lost? Life is challenging and seeking help can be an important first step towards feeling better. I offer weekly or every other week psychotherapy for adults in a warm, empathic and private setting. As a physician, my practice may include medications, if clinically indicated. I look forward to working together so that you may achieve a rewarding and fulfilling life.
Are you sad or anxious too much of the time? Stressed from work? Do you wish you could be closer to the people in your life? Are you feeling a little lost? Life is challenging and seeking help can be an important first step towards feeling better. I offer weekly or every other week psychotherapy for adults in a warm, empathic and private setting. As a physician, my practice may include medications, if clinically indicated. I look forward to working together so that you may achieve a rewarding and fulfilling life.
Emily Mendez
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, RN, PMH-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Through evidence-based techniques, including mindfulness practices, somatic work, and other therapeutic methods, I help clients develop effective coping skills, build supportive networks, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. My goal is to empower individuals to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Through evidence-based techniques, including mindfulness practices, somatic work, and other therapeutic methods, I help clients develop effective coping skills, build supportive networks, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. My goal is to empower individuals to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist treating adults and couples in metro Boston, with same week appointments currently available. Appointments are offered both via telehealth and in-person at my office in Boston's Financial District, convenient to all MBTA lines. I completed my residency in psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, where I pursued advanced training in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, couples therapy, and LGBTQIA+ psychiatry. Beyond these areas of special expertise, I also see adults with general psychiatric concerns, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.
I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist treating adults and couples in metro Boston, with same week appointments currently available. Appointments are offered both via telehealth and in-person at my office in Boston's Financial District, convenient to all MBTA lines. I completed my residency in psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, where I pursued advanced training in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, couples therapy, and LGBTQIA+ psychiatry. Beyond these areas of special expertise, I also see adults with general psychiatric concerns, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.
Christopher Robertson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I specialize in helping individuals with ADHD, depression, autism and those who are gender-diverse or other LGBTQ+ individuals. I believe in guiding and empowering you to make your own decisions about what is right for you and your mental health. Whether through diagnosis, medication, or therapy, I will help you meet your personal treatment goals. Ultimately, I believe the relationship between the clinician and the patient is the most important factor in treatment.
I am a board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I specialize in helping individuals with ADHD, depression, autism and those who are gender-diverse or other LGBTQ+ individuals. I believe in guiding and empowering you to make your own decisions about what is right for you and your mental health. Whether through diagnosis, medication, or therapy, I will help you meet your personal treatment goals. Ultimately, I believe the relationship between the clinician and the patient is the most important factor in treatment.
Donna Agave
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Are you looking for personalized and empathetic care for your mental health? Do you have more questions than answers and need someone who will patiently walk you through the path to mental wellness? I am sensitive to each persons struggles and have a range of experience to draw upon to better help my patients.
Are you looking for personalized and empathetic care for your mental health? Do you have more questions than answers and need someone who will patiently walk you through the path to mental wellness? I am sensitive to each persons struggles and have a range of experience to draw upon to better help my patients.
Pottsville Peace of Mind, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, MBA, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Teresa Blatt is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to the management of psychiatric patient care addressing the needs of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We take a holistic approach and consider the needs of each individual patient. Email the office at pottsvillepeaceofmind.com to make an appointment today.
Teresa Blatt is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to the management of psychiatric patient care addressing the needs of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We take a holistic approach and consider the needs of each individual patient. Email the office at pottsvillepeaceofmind.com to make an appointment today.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrists that specialize in treating Young Professionals, Adolescents and Adults. I specialize in treating ADHD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. My treatment philosophy is one of "shared decision making" and I take pride in being empathic toward our patients, listening to their needs and making them feel comfortable and in charge of their own mental health journey. In addition to conventional medication management, our pratice is also providing Spravato (S Ketamine) treatment - an FDA approved Fast and Effective treatment for Depression
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrists that specialize in treating Young Professionals, Adolescents and Adults. I specialize in treating ADHD, Trauma, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. My treatment philosophy is one of "shared decision making" and I take pride in being empathic toward our patients, listening to their needs and making them feel comfortable and in charge of their own mental health journey. In addition to conventional medication management, our pratice is also providing Spravato (S Ketamine) treatment - an FDA approved Fast and Effective treatment for Depression
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 02481
20+
Average cost per session
$275
Psychiatrists in 02481 who prioritize treating:
81% | Anxiety |
78% | Depression |
56% | ADHD |
56% | Medication Management |
52% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
52% | Trauma and PTSD |
52% | Stress |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
83% | Blue Cross |
78% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 02481 see their clients
59% | Online Only | |
41% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
77% | Female | |
23% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 02481?
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.