Psychiatrists in 07071
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed by anxiety, mood changes, or past trauma and is seeking relief, stability, and hope. They want to understand their experiences, feel heard and supported, and develop healthier ways to cope. Their goal is to heal, feel grounded and confident, and regain a sense of control and meaning in their life.
My ideal client is someone who feels overwhelmed by anxiety, mood changes, or past trauma and is seeking relief, stability, and hope. They want to understand their experiences, feel heard and supported, and develop healthier ways to cope. Their goal is to heal, feel grounded and confident, and regain a sense of control and meaning in their life.
I am a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 10 years of experience providing high-quality, patient-centered mental health care. I am deeply committed to improving access to care and supporting individuals across the lifespan living with a wide range of psychiatric conditions. I prioritize building trusting relationships and tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs. My clinical approach blends evidence-based practice with empathy, helping patients feel heard, empowered, and supported on their journey toward mental health wellness.
I am a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 10 years of experience providing high-quality, patient-centered mental health care. I am deeply committed to improving access to care and supporting individuals across the lifespan living with a wide range of psychiatric conditions. I prioritize building trusting relationships and tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs. My clinical approach blends evidence-based practice with empathy, helping patients feel heard, empowered, and supported on their journey toward mental health wellness.
I am deeply committed to improving access to care and supporting individuals across the lifespan living with a wide range of psychiatric conditions. I prioritize building trusting relationships and tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs. My clinical approach blends evidence-based practice with empathy, helping patients feel heard, empowered, and supported on their journey toward menta
I am deeply committed to improving access to care and supporting individuals across the lifespan living with a wide range of psychiatric conditions. I prioritize building trusting relationships and tailoring treatment to each person’s unique needs. My clinical approach blends evidence-based practice with empathy, helping patients feel heard, empowered, and supported on their journey toward menta
Patients choose to work with me because I combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion. I’m Dr. Marcel Kaganovskaya a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, mood disorders, grief, stress, and LGBTQI mental health needs. My approach is rooted in kindness, empathy, and evidence-based care. I incorporate talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), into our sessions to support sustained healing. I see patients of all age groups and walks of life, using evidenced based care.
Patients choose to work with me because I combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion. I’m Dr. Marcel Kaganovskaya a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, mood disorders, grief, stress, and LGBTQI mental health needs. My approach is rooted in kindness, empathy, and evidence-based care. I incorporate talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), into our sessions to support sustained healing. I see patients of all age groups and walks of life, using evidenced based care.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
I’m Sasha, a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience in Health Care. Her Harmony Mental Health is dedicated to helping individuals in New York combat mental health issues. I see clients from ages 13-65.
I’m Sasha, a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience in Health Care. Her Harmony Mental Health is dedicated to helping individuals in New York combat mental health issues. I see clients from ages 13-65.
Yaakov is a caring and compassionate provider who integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities alongside medication management to help clients facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sleep, trauma, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, ADHD, and substance use. Yaakov has extensive experience working in a variety of mental health, medical, addiction and psychiatric settings. He is passionate about helping clients find the right treatment plan one that supports stability, clarity, and long-term well-being. I work to demystify treatment, reduce stigma, and help clients feel empowered in their recovery journey.
Yaakov is a caring and compassionate provider who integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities alongside medication management to help clients facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sleep, trauma, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, ADHD, and substance use. Yaakov has extensive experience working in a variety of mental health, medical, addiction and psychiatric settings. He is passionate about helping clients find the right treatment plan one that supports stability, clarity, and long-term well-being. I work to demystify treatment, reduce stigma, and help clients feel empowered in their recovery journey.
P & P Psychiatric and Recovery Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSW, MSc, BSC
Springfield, NJ 07081
My name is Adenike Adetule, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC with a rich background in patient assessment, clinical diagnoses, and treatment plan formulation. I deliver culturally competent care for clients of all ages, addressing various mental health and substance abuse needs to enhance their well-being. I am compassionate and devoted to my patients. I am a skilled, experienced healthcare provider who will evaluate and manage your case with the utmost care and in strict compliance with confidentiality standards. Coupled with my background in Health Social Work, patients can be advocated with necessary referrals.
My name is Adenike Adetule, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC with a rich background in patient assessment, clinical diagnoses, and treatment plan formulation. I deliver culturally competent care for clients of all ages, addressing various mental health and substance abuse needs to enhance their well-being. I am compassionate and devoted to my patients. I am a skilled, experienced healthcare provider who will evaluate and manage your case with the utmost care and in strict compliance with confidentiality standards. Coupled with my background in Health Social Work, patients can be advocated with necessary referrals.
Our ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, alcohol abuse, or substance use disorder, who feels overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn. They need compassionate, stigma-free support and effective treatment options that fit their lifestyle. Their goal is to regain control, achieve full remission of symptoms, and live a fulfilling, joyful life. Ultimately, they want to feel understood, empowered, and hopeful for their future. Some clients feel trapped by their mental illness, but that’s not true—healing is possible, and hope is always within reach.
Our ideal client is someone struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, alcohol abuse, or substance use disorder, who feels overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn. They need compassionate, stigma-free support and effective treatment options that fit their lifestyle. Their goal is to regain control, achieve full remission of symptoms, and live a fulfilling, joyful life. Ultimately, they want to feel understood, empowered, and hopeful for their future. Some clients feel trapped by their mental illness, but that’s not true—healing is possible, and hope is always within reach.
I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care to individuals across the lifespan. My background includes extensive work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I have had the privilege of treating children, families, adolescents, and adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. I believe in creating a warm and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care to individuals across the lifespan. My background includes extensive work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I have had the privilege of treating children, families, adolescents, and adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. I believe in creating a warm and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
I am a Board-certified Psychiatrist with additional certification in Geriatrics. I have 20 plus years of experience treating patients in an outpatient setting. I provide diagnostic evaluation and medication monitoring for adults. I treat patients with different symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolarity and attentional issues. I believe in a collaborative and team approach to treatment. I like to understand the patient’s goals and needs and formulate a personalized treatment plan. I provide telepsychiatry to all my patients. “
I am a Board-certified Psychiatrist with additional certification in Geriatrics. I have 20 plus years of experience treating patients in an outpatient setting. I provide diagnostic evaluation and medication monitoring for adults. I treat patients with different symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolarity and attentional issues. I believe in a collaborative and team approach to treatment. I like to understand the patient’s goals and needs and formulate a personalized treatment plan. I provide telepsychiatry to all my patients. “
Luminous Cares, LLC, is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Provider, an expertise in psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, medication management, and consultation, from children to adults (including Geriatrics) with psychiatric-mental health concerns. We pride ourselves in providing care dedicated to the spirit, soul and body of the individual; placing compassion, empathy and immediate response to emerging recovery/wellness issues. We maintain a data base of referrals for special therapies and for clients with medical problems. To foster the mental health of our population, we accept other insurances, plus medicare.
Luminous Cares, LLC, is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Provider, an expertise in psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, medication management, and consultation, from children to adults (including Geriatrics) with psychiatric-mental health concerns. We pride ourselves in providing care dedicated to the spirit, soul and body of the individual; placing compassion, empathy and immediate response to emerging recovery/wellness issues. We maintain a data base of referrals for special therapies and for clients with medical problems. To foster the mental health of our population, we accept other insurances, plus medicare.
My ideal client is struggling with anxiety and/or depression and is seeking services to find balance.
My ideal client is struggling with anxiety and/or depression and is seeking services to find balance.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, ADHD, PTSD and substance use disorder, let Ofmeme Psychiatric Care provide you with services that are specific to your needs. Dr. Udofia offers comprehensive assessment, medication management and a range of treatment opportunities aimed at restoring patients back to optimal health. At Ofmeme Psychiatric Care, we also provide psychiatric evaluation for bariatric surgery.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, ADHD, PTSD and substance use disorder, let Ofmeme Psychiatric Care provide you with services that are specific to your needs. Dr. Udofia offers comprehensive assessment, medication management and a range of treatment opportunities aimed at restoring patients back to optimal health. At Ofmeme Psychiatric Care, we also provide psychiatric evaluation for bariatric surgery.
Dr. Ophelia O Matthews
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Dr, DNP, MSN, PMHNP, BC
1 Endorsed
Jersey City, NJ 07302
If you’ve been feeling anxious, sad, unable to concentrate, or simply not like yourself. You’re not alone and you don’t have to face it alone.
I’m Dr. Ophelia Matthews, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I specialize in helping individuals living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that fits you.
If you’ve been feeling anxious, sad, unable to concentrate, or simply not like yourself. You’re not alone and you don’t have to face it alone.
I’m Dr. Ophelia Matthews, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I specialize in helping individuals living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that fits you.
At Beyond Mental Health & Wellness, we support individuals in Philadelphia and New Jersey ready to take charge of their mental health. Clients seek care for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, and life stressors impacting work, school, and relationships. Many are high-achievers, caregivers, or professionals who appear “fine” but feel overwhelmed or burned out. Others are navigating life transitions and need consistent, compassionate support to regain balance, build coping skills, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
At Beyond Mental Health & Wellness, we support individuals in Philadelphia and New Jersey ready to take charge of their mental health. Clients seek care for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, and life stressors impacting work, school, and relationships. Many are high-achievers, caregivers, or professionals who appear “fine” but feel overwhelmed or burned out. Others are navigating life transitions and need consistent, compassionate support to regain balance, build coping skills, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Since I was 9 years old, I knew I wanted to be a psychiatrist. I was enthralled by how humans were influenced by emotions and wanted to better understand that within myself and others. I am a board-certified NYU-trained child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, who uses a holistic approach to carefully understand an individual's needs. I use a mix of psychotherapy and psychiatric medicine to alleviate symptoms. My hope is that you will feel better each time we meet.
I have two office locations. Both are located conveniently near major transit sites (e.g. Penn Station and Grand Central).
Since I was 9 years old, I knew I wanted to be a psychiatrist. I was enthralled by how humans were influenced by emotions and wanted to better understand that within myself and others. I am a board-certified NYU-trained child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, who uses a holistic approach to carefully understand an individual's needs. I use a mix of psychotherapy and psychiatric medicine to alleviate symptoms. My hope is that you will feel better each time we meet.
I have two office locations. Both are located conveniently near major transit sites (e.g. Penn Station and Grand Central).
We work with patients seeking to uncover the root cause of their symptoms and provide evidence-based solutions. Symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders can manifest in several ways and interfere with day-to-day functioning. If you are experiencing sadness, mood swings, irritability, tiredness, low energy, trouble concentrating, poor sleep, or appetite changes, you have come to the right place! At PsychCare Health & Wellness, we begin with a comprehensive assessment and work with you to devise an evidence-based treatment plan that focuses on your unique needs. We also offer pharmacogenomic tests to guide medication management.
We work with patients seeking to uncover the root cause of their symptoms and provide evidence-based solutions. Symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders can manifest in several ways and interfere with day-to-day functioning. If you are experiencing sadness, mood swings, irritability, tiredness, low energy, trouble concentrating, poor sleep, or appetite changes, you have come to the right place! At PsychCare Health & Wellness, we begin with a comprehensive assessment and work with you to devise an evidence-based treatment plan that focuses on your unique needs. We also offer pharmacogenomic tests to guide medication management.
Da Brij LLC (Psychiatry and Mental Health Care)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Olukayode Agunbiade offers psychiatry and counseling services both in-person and via Telehealth in Newark and Jersey City areas. I am a board certified nurse practitioner who offers assessment, counseling and medication management to children, adolescents and adults as may be required. My goal is to take good care of mentally-ill patients, assist clients in the journey of life, and foster a safe environment for all patients.
Olukayode Agunbiade offers psychiatry and counseling services both in-person and via Telehealth in Newark and Jersey City areas. I am a board certified nurse practitioner who offers assessment, counseling and medication management to children, adolescents and adults as may be required. My goal is to take good care of mentally-ill patients, assist clients in the journey of life, and foster a safe environment for all patients.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my career began in a correctional facility, where I found purpose in helping people during their lowest moments. That experience continues to inspire my passion for guiding others toward hope, healing, and a renewed sense of self. I believe treatment should feel like a genuine human-to-human connection built on empathy, trust, and understanding. My approach meets you exactly where you are, without judgment, and helps you take meaningful steps toward where you want to be.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my career began in a correctional facility, where I found purpose in helping people during their lowest moments. That experience continues to inspire my passion for guiding others toward hope, healing, and a renewed sense of self. I believe treatment should feel like a genuine human-to-human connection built on empathy, trust, and understanding. My approach meets you exactly where you are, without judgment, and helps you take meaningful steps toward where you want to be.
You might be balancing parenting, work, or post-college life while feeling anxious, distracted, or emotionally drained. Many of my patients show up high-functioning on the outside but quietly struggling to keep it together. They are ready for a space where they do not have to hold it all in, where their concerns are taken seriously. Together, we begin to make sense of the overwhelm and build a path toward steadiness and feeling like yourself again.
You might be balancing parenting, work, or post-college life while feeling anxious, distracted, or emotionally drained. Many of my patients show up high-functioning on the outside but quietly struggling to keep it together. They are ready for a space where they do not have to hold it all in, where their concerns are taken seriously. Together, we begin to make sense of the overwhelm and build a path toward steadiness and feeling like yourself again.
See more therapy options for 07071
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 07071
< 10
Psychiatrists in 07071 who prioritize treating:
| 100% | Depression |
| 100% | ADHD |
| 100% | Anxiety |
| 100% | Grief |
| 100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
| 100% | Self Esteem |
| 100% | Stress |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 100% | 1199SEIU |
| 100% | Wellpoint | Amerigroup |
| 100% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 07071 see their clients
| 100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 50% | Female | |
| 50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 07071?
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.

