Psychiatrists in 03054

Tuyet Nguyen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merrimack, NH 03054
Tuyet is familiar with treating a variety of disorders including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, grief, and adjustment disorders (to name a few). Tuyet is also a certified Buprenorphine prescriber.
Tuyet is familiar with treating a variety of disorders including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, grief, and adjustment disorders (to name a few). Tuyet is also a certified Buprenorphine prescriber.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner credentialed with the American Nurses Credentialing Center currently licensed in New Hampshire. I received my Masters of Science in Nursing from Rivier University in 2022 specializing in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Prior to this, I was a psychiatric and mental health registered nurse for 9 years on a locked acute inpatient behavioral and mental health unit. I found my passion for those who suffer from mental health while serving 9 years in the United States Navy. I am compassionate and caring and use a direct approach in caring for my patients.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner credentialed with the American Nurses Credentialing Center currently licensed in New Hampshire. I received my Masters of Science in Nursing from Rivier University in 2022 specializing in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. Prior to this, I was a psychiatric and mental health registered nurse for 9 years on a locked acute inpatient behavioral and mental health unit. I found my passion for those who suffer from mental health while serving 9 years in the United States Navy. I am compassionate and caring and use a direct approach in caring for my patients.

Tuyet Nguyen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, AGPCNP
Verified Verified
Merrimack, NH 03054
Zen Behavioral Health Clinic offers assessment, diagnosing and treatment for people struggling with various mental health illnesses. Our clinicians are highly educated and have years of training and experience helping individuals and families cope with mental health issues. We strive to provide a comprehensive and patient centered treatments that are trailered to an individual's and family's needs. The focus at Zen is too educate, empower and encourage individual struggling with mental illness to feel better and to succeed. We understand each person is unique and we respect every diversity and differences among our patients.
Zen Behavioral Health Clinic offers assessment, diagnosing and treatment for people struggling with various mental health illnesses. Our clinicians are highly educated and have years of training and experience helping individuals and families cope with mental health issues. We strive to provide a comprehensive and patient centered treatments that are trailered to an individual's and family's needs. The focus at Zen is too educate, empower and encourage individual struggling with mental illness to feel better and to succeed. We understand each person is unique and we respect every diversity and differences among our patients.

Wanda R Lanigan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Merrimack, NH 03054
Our lives are a tapestry woven from experiences, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. These threads, with relationships that enrich us, define who we are. I believe in a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
We utilize medication management, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. We prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship. Reaching out takes courage. I offer a direct and compassionate approach. We'll work together to achieve your goals and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. I strive to provide a supportive environment where you feel heard and empowered.
Our lives are a tapestry woven from experiences, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. These threads, with relationships that enrich us, define who we are. I believe in a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
We utilize medication management, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation. We prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship. Reaching out takes courage. I offer a direct and compassionate approach. We'll work together to achieve your goals and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. I strive to provide a supportive environment where you feel heard and empowered.

Hi, I'm Hallick! I have worked in mental health care for about 8 years. I strongly believe in the importance of building strong therapeutic relationships with my clients. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and exploring their challenges. I am a strong advocate for client-centered care and believe in empowering individuals to take an active role in their mental health treatment.
Hi, I'm Hallick! I have worked in mental health care for about 8 years. I strongly believe in the importance of building strong therapeutic relationships with my clients. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and exploring their challenges. I am a strong advocate for client-centered care and believe in empowering individuals to take an active role in their mental health treatment.

Amy provides psychopharmacological evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management as a generalist psychiatric provider. Areas of clinical focus include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, and autism spectrum disorder. Amy utilizes a holistic, biopsychosocial approach that takes into account the whole person. Providing evidence-based, compassionate care that is tailored to the individual is a core value. Amy believes that patients should feel empowered when making decisions about their health, which is why education is a key part of her practice.
Amy provides psychopharmacological evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management as a generalist psychiatric provider. Areas of clinical focus include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, and autism spectrum disorder. Amy utilizes a holistic, biopsychosocial approach that takes into account the whole person. Providing evidence-based, compassionate care that is tailored to the individual is a core value. Amy believes that patients should feel empowered when making decisions about their health, which is why education is a key part of her practice.

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.

Stephen C. Ellen, MD graduated from The University of Pennsylvania summa cum laude with a BA in the biological basis of behavior and then attended Harvard Medical School, where he received his MD in 1989. He completed his adult psychiatry residency within the Harvard system at The Cambridge Hospital before pursuing a fellowship in psychodynamic psychotherapy at The Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and a fellowship in electroconvulsive therapy at ColumbiaPresbyterian Medical Center in New York City.
Stephen C. Ellen, MD graduated from The University of Pennsylvania summa cum laude with a BA in the biological basis of behavior and then attended Harvard Medical School, where he received his MD in 1989. He completed his adult psychiatry residency within the Harvard system at The Cambridge Hospital before pursuing a fellowship in psychodynamic psychotherapy at The Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and a fellowship in electroconvulsive therapy at ColumbiaPresbyterian Medical Center in New York City.

Part of Dr. Krishnan's clinical time is devoted to working with resident physicians from Portsmouth Regional Hospital-HCA Healthcare/Tufts University. Resident physicians are licensed doctors who have completed medical school and are finalizing their specialty training in psychiatry. They are currently completing their 3rd postgraduate year of training at LifeStance Health, Inc. Your initial appointment may either be solely with Dr. Krishnan, or may be with a resident physician with Dr. Krishnan joining towards the end of the appointment to review history, current symptoms, and discuss the plan of care with the resident physician.
Part of Dr. Krishnan's clinical time is devoted to working with resident physicians from Portsmouth Regional Hospital-HCA Healthcare/Tufts University. Resident physicians are licensed doctors who have completed medical school and are finalizing their specialty training in psychiatry. They are currently completing their 3rd postgraduate year of training at LifeStance Health, Inc. Your initial appointment may either be solely with Dr. Krishnan, or may be with a resident physician with Dr. Krishnan joining towards the end of the appointment to review history, current symptoms, and discuss the plan of care with the resident physician.

Roselin Raja is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with over 9 years’ experience in the behavioral health area. She earned both Bachelor’s in Nursing and Master’s in Nursing (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) from Rivier University. Her experience comes through working in various behavioral health settings such as in-patient, outpatient and community care. She works with clients ages 6 - 64 using both telehealth and in-person visits. Specializes in psychopharmacologic evaluation and medication management.
Roselin Raja is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with over 9 years’ experience in the behavioral health area. She earned both Bachelor’s in Nursing and Master’s in Nursing (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) from Rivier University. Her experience comes through working in various behavioral health settings such as in-patient, outpatient and community care. She works with clients ages 6 - 64 using both telehealth and in-person visits. Specializes in psychopharmacologic evaluation and medication management.

Welcome to Phenix Psychiatric. We offer convenient self scheduling options so you can come see us in person at our comfortable Bedford office, or extensive telehealth options with availability in the evenings until 8pm, and Saturdays. We are a short drive from MA and easily accessible to Southern NH with a wide range of insurances being accepted. See our website for insurance, directions and appointments: www.phenixpsychiatric.com. We differentiate ourselves by being more present and accessible for your questions in a low stress environment. With the addition of NP Brady we are currently accepting new patients into 2025.
Welcome to Phenix Psychiatric. We offer convenient self scheduling options so you can come see us in person at our comfortable Bedford office, or extensive telehealth options with availability in the evenings until 8pm, and Saturdays. We are a short drive from MA and easily accessible to Southern NH with a wide range of insurances being accepted. See our website for insurance, directions and appointments: www.phenixpsychiatric.com. We differentiate ourselves by being more present and accessible for your questions in a low stress environment. With the addition of NP Brady we are currently accepting new patients into 2025.

Juliana Pires
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have helped people who reported anxiety that "comes unannounced from nowhere", or had been feeling low and having difficulty finding motivation, or who were just not feeling like themselves for different reasons including poor sleep, low energy, inability to stop worrying, and inability to concentrate to complete tasks.
I have helped people who reported anxiety that "comes unannounced from nowhere", or had been feeling low and having difficulty finding motivation, or who were just not feeling like themselves for different reasons including poor sleep, low energy, inability to stop worrying, and inability to concentrate to complete tasks.
Absolute Psych Care is a private practice located in Nashua, NH. We offer psychopharmacological treatment for individuals with mood, anxiety, sleep, and psychotic disorders including Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Binge-Eating Disorder, Depression, Insomnia, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder. 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.
Absolute Psych Care is a private practice located in Nashua, NH. We offer psychopharmacological treatment for individuals with mood, anxiety, sleep, and psychotic disorders including Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Binge-Eating Disorder, Depression, Insomnia, OCD, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder. 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.

My clinical focus is on holistic care for adults and adolescents, with special attention given to treating anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and substance use. I take a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to helping people reach their goals. My practice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship to facilitate the process of healing. I am passionate about working with diverse populations regardless of gender, religion, race/ethnicity or sexual orientation. I'm understand culturally-conscious care, and have helped many families who have experienced trauma and cultural barriers.
My clinical focus is on holistic care for adults and adolescents, with special attention given to treating anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and substance use. I take a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to helping people reach their goals. My practice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship to facilitate the process of healing. I am passionate about working with diverse populations regardless of gender, religion, race/ethnicity or sexual orientation. I'm understand culturally-conscious care, and have helped many families who have experienced trauma and cultural barriers.

Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.

Linda J Schommer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric NP serving both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I treat patients with Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder and many other Psychiatric Issues. I provide a holistic approach to patient care. My patients and I work as a team to build a treatment plan focused on each individual's personal goals. I look forward to working with you!
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric NP serving both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I treat patients with Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Panic Disorder and many other Psychiatric Issues. I provide a holistic approach to patient care. My patients and I work as a team to build a treatment plan focused on each individual's personal goals. I look forward to working with you!
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Ms. Dumont practices psychiatric nursing with patients aged 18 and older, including the psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment and management of broad spectrum mental health conditions, with specialty interests in depression, anxiety, mood disorders and attention deficits. Ms. Dumont has additional interest in the psychological impact of women’s reproductive events on mental health.
Ms. Dumont practices psychiatric nursing with patients aged 18 and older, including the psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment and management of broad spectrum mental health conditions, with specialty interests in depression, anxiety, mood disorders and attention deficits. Ms. Dumont has additional interest in the psychological impact of women’s reproductive events on mental health.

Aspire ADHD
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CARN-AP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Concord, NH 03301
At Aspire ADHD, our mission is simple: Empower. Focus. Achieve We empower our patients by giving them the tools and support they need to take control of their ADHD, helping them focus on their strengths and goals. Through personalized care, we address not only ADHD but also coexisting conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mood swings. By managing these interconnected symptoms, we help our patients achieve their fullest potential, ensuring they thrive both personally and professionally. At Aspire ADHD, we are here to guide you every step of the way toward success.
At Aspire ADHD, our mission is simple: Empower. Focus. Achieve We empower our patients by giving them the tools and support they need to take control of their ADHD, helping them focus on their strengths and goals. Through personalized care, we address not only ADHD but also coexisting conditions like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mood swings. By managing these interconnected symptoms, we help our patients achieve their fullest potential, ensuring they thrive both personally and professionally. At Aspire ADHD, we are here to guide you every step of the way toward success.

Tonya is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, Addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tonya is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2018. She received her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Michigan-Flint. Specialty areas include medication management for major depressive disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, psychotic disorders, Addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I am a board certified dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic mental illnesses. Utilizing a holistic approach, I integrate evidence-based practices to collaboratively develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans with patients. I prioritize continuous patient monitoring and education, fostering a supportive environment for recovery. With unrestricted DEA prescribing licenses in MA and NH, I am committed to delivering high-quality care, emphasizing empathy and effective communication.
I am a board certified dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic mental illnesses. Utilizing a holistic approach, I integrate evidence-based practices to collaboratively develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans with patients. I prioritize continuous patient monitoring and education, fostering a supportive environment for recovery. With unrestricted DEA prescribing licenses in MA and NH, I am committed to delivering high-quality care, emphasizing empathy and effective communication.
See more therapy options for 03054
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 03054
10+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in 03054 who prioritize treating:
94% | Medication Management |
88% | Depression |
88% | Anxiety |
75% | ADHD |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
50% | Sleep or Insomnia |
44% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
94% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
94% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in 03054 see their clients
82% | In Person and Online | |
18% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
77% | Female | |
23% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 03054?
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.