Psychiatrists in 07645

I am a board certified psychiatrist treating adolescents and adults suffering from stress related issues that are causing dysfunction in your life. Some issues are as simple as learning healthy coping skills and having a support system that understands you. If you are suffering from a new onset or chronic illness such as bipolar, depression, substance use disorder, or anxiety, our practice will provide both medication and therapy to help in certain cases. You will receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We provide concierge service (travel) to you in the comfort of your home or office-(postponed).
I am a board certified psychiatrist treating adolescents and adults suffering from stress related issues that are causing dysfunction in your life. Some issues are as simple as learning healthy coping skills and having a support system that understands you. If you are suffering from a new onset or chronic illness such as bipolar, depression, substance use disorder, or anxiety, our practice will provide both medication and therapy to help in certain cases. You will receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We provide concierge service (travel) to you in the comfort of your home or office-(postponed).
Dr. Sam Sostre is a Board Certified Psychiatrist that has been practicing psychiatry since 1993. She received her undergraduate degree at New York University with a bachelors in Biology and Literature with honors. She obtained her medical degree from the SUNY School of Medicine at Buffalo, and she received her internship and residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore in New York City, and also completed her fellowship in administration and psychotherapy at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
Dr. Sam Sostre is a Board Certified Psychiatrist that has been practicing psychiatry since 1993. She received her undergraduate degree at New York University with a bachelors in Biology and Literature with honors. She obtained her medical degree from the SUNY School of Medicine at Buffalo, and she received her internship and residency training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore in New York City, and also completed her fellowship in administration and psychotherapy at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

I am an experienced nurse practitioner who strives to provide personalized care. I am specialized in anxiety, depression, OCD and bipolar. My goal is to increase ones quality of life through trust and relationship building with the most recent advances in medication management. I am accepting patients in NY NJ and FL.
I am an experienced nurse practitioner who strives to provide personalized care. I am specialized in anxiety, depression, OCD and bipolar. My goal is to increase ones quality of life through trust and relationship building with the most recent advances in medication management. I am accepting patients in NY NJ and FL.
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I was drawn to the psychiatric nurse practitioner role because I have an innate desire to treat and support individuals combating various mental health conditions. If you are struggling with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, panic disorders, or depression, I will be your trusted partner on your journey to mental well-being. I understand that life’s experiences are as diverse as the people who live them, and I believe that everyone deserves personalized, compassionate care without judgment. My mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals to live their best lives by providing expert medication management and unwavering support.
I was drawn to the psychiatric nurse practitioner role because I have an innate desire to treat and support individuals combating various mental health conditions. If you are struggling with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, panic disorders, or depression, I will be your trusted partner on your journey to mental well-being. I understand that life’s experiences are as diverse as the people who live them, and I believe that everyone deserves personalized, compassionate care without judgment. My mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals to live their best lives by providing expert medication management and unwavering support.

My ideal client should come to the appointment as they are. This client may be nervous, apprehensive, or even scared about a possible mental health diagnosis, which is okay. The client may have issues or illnesses regarding depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, personality, mood, psychosis, or substance abuse. The ideal client desires to be heard and cared for in a professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental manner. They should also be educated on their treatment options, which may include medication management, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
My ideal client should come to the appointment as they are. This client may be nervous, apprehensive, or even scared about a possible mental health diagnosis, which is okay. The client may have issues or illnesses regarding depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, personality, mood, psychosis, or substance abuse. The ideal client desires to be heard and cared for in a professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental manner. They should also be educated on their treatment options, which may include medication management, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

As an ideal psychiatric mental health client, I present with moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. My primary needs include medication management for symptom relief and psychoeducation on coping strategies. My goals are to attain emotional stability, enhance daily functioning, and reduce distress. I seek an understanding of my conditions, effective pharmacological interventions, and therapeutic support to develop resilience. Motivated by a desire for improved quality of life, I aim to cultivate a balanced mental state, fostering a sense of control and well-being in navigating life's challenges.
As an ideal psychiatric mental health client, I present with moderate depression and generalized anxiety disorder. My primary needs include medication management for symptom relief and psychoeducation on coping strategies. My goals are to attain emotional stability, enhance daily functioning, and reduce distress. I seek an understanding of my conditions, effective pharmacological interventions, and therapeutic support to develop resilience. Motivated by a desire for improved quality of life, I aim to cultivate a balanced mental state, fostering a sense of control and well-being in navigating life's challenges.

Dr. Marcela Pekarova
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Montclair, NJ 07042
Accepting new patients who are 18 years and older! Specialties: Women's Health, Bipolar, ADHD, stress management, depression treatment and eating disorder. With a deep passion for mental health, I am dedicated to help my patients achieve their optimal well-being. I believe that psychiatric care should be affordable, and evidence based. Practicing since 2016, I offer both in person and telehealth visits to accommodate your needs and goals. I am convinced in the strong connection between mind and body. My ideal patient is open-minded and ready to embrace change. Everyone has the potential to get better!
Accepting new patients who are 18 years and older! Specialties: Women's Health, Bipolar, ADHD, stress management, depression treatment and eating disorder. With a deep passion for mental health, I am dedicated to help my patients achieve their optimal well-being. I believe that psychiatric care should be affordable, and evidence based. Practicing since 2016, I offer both in person and telehealth visits to accommodate your needs and goals. I am convinced in the strong connection between mind and body. My ideal patient is open-minded and ready to embrace change. Everyone has the potential to get better!

Uzoamaka Orji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I have several years of experience working in community mental health. My skill set focuses on the major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD. I encourage clients to approach their mental health holistically and thinking outside the box.
I have several years of experience working in community mental health. My skill set focuses on the major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD. I encourage clients to approach their mental health holistically and thinking outside the box.

Welcome to my private practice. Do not suffer in silence, there is hope and help. I have extensive experience of over forty years treating anxiety, depression, panic disorder, O.C.D., mood disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia, among others. I provide comprehensive mental health evaluation, diagnosis,and treatment for the adult, geriatric, and adolescent population. I have special expertise in psychopharmacology and the treatment of individuals who did not respond to various treatments in the past. I believe in compassionate care, I do not give up until my patients feel they have reached their maximum level of wellbeing.
Welcome to my private practice. Do not suffer in silence, there is hope and help. I have extensive experience of over forty years treating anxiety, depression, panic disorder, O.C.D., mood disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia, among others. I provide comprehensive mental health evaluation, diagnosis,and treatment for the adult, geriatric, and adolescent population. I have special expertise in psychopharmacology and the treatment of individuals who did not respond to various treatments in the past. I believe in compassionate care, I do not give up until my patients feel they have reached their maximum level of wellbeing.

Althea Andrade is a PMHNP-BC with years of experience in treating children, adolescence adults and geriatric population with various mental illnesses not limited to ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, mood disorders, Gender identity disorders, eating disorder etc. Currently licensed in NJ, NY, and FL. Graduated with Presidential honor at Chamberlain University and honors at Walden University . Strongly believe mental health is wealth, and with a dynamic treatment of medication combined with psychotherapy client will benefit a great deal and be able to function effectively in society. Strongly believe in the well-being of my patient
Althea Andrade is a PMHNP-BC with years of experience in treating children, adolescence adults and geriatric population with various mental illnesses not limited to ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, mood disorders, Gender identity disorders, eating disorder etc. Currently licensed in NJ, NY, and FL. Graduated with Presidential honor at Chamberlain University and honors at Walden University . Strongly believe mental health is wealth, and with a dynamic treatment of medication combined with psychotherapy client will benefit a great deal and be able to function effectively in society. Strongly believe in the well-being of my patient

My ideal client should come to the appointment as they are. This client may be nervous, apprehensive, or even scared about a possible mental health diagnosis, which is okay. The client may have issues or illnesses regarding depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, personality, mood, psychosis, or substance abuse. The ideal client desires to be heard and cared for in a professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental manner. They should also be educated on their treatment options, which may include medication management, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
My ideal client should come to the appointment as they are. This client may be nervous, apprehensive, or even scared about a possible mental health diagnosis, which is okay. The client may have issues or illnesses regarding depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, personality, mood, psychosis, or substance abuse. The ideal client desires to be heard and cared for in a professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental manner. They should also be educated on their treatment options, which may include medication management, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Wendy and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New Jersey. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Binge Eating Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Women’s issues, Chronic Illness, Maternal Mental Health / Pre / Postpartum, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Trauma. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Wendy and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New Jersey. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Binge Eating Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Women’s issues, Chronic Illness, Maternal Mental Health / Pre / Postpartum, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Trauma. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.

I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.

Bolanle Akinronbi M.D is an empathic psychiatrist and a great listener. She offers practical recommendations and treatment solutions that uses her knowledge of medicine while taking into account the multiple factors that affect a person's wellness - biology, environment, diet, relationships and daily routine. Her treatment approach is dynamic, person centered and holistic. She believes that everyone can and should live as the best possible version of themselves at any point in time.
Bolanle Akinronbi M.D is an empathic psychiatrist and a great listener. She offers practical recommendations and treatment solutions that uses her knowledge of medicine while taking into account the multiple factors that affect a person's wellness - biology, environment, diet, relationships and daily routine. Her treatment approach is dynamic, person centered and holistic. She believes that everyone can and should live as the best possible version of themselves at any point in time.

Hi there, I'm Leo Onuoha, MSN, PMHNP, APN. I adopt a holistic approach to mental health and addiction management by integrating medication with psychotherapy to ensure personalized and effective care. Empowerment, non judgmental, patient centered and nurturing approach. Applies multi dimensional strategies encompassing, psychodynamics, behaviorism, humanistic, and cognitive functions.
Hi there, I'm Leo Onuoha, MSN, PMHNP, APN. I adopt a holistic approach to mental health and addiction management by integrating medication with psychotherapy to ensure personalized and effective care. Empowerment, non judgmental, patient centered and nurturing approach. Applies multi dimensional strategies encompassing, psychodynamics, behaviorism, humanistic, and cognitive functions.

Reservoir Health Psychiatry - Jenika L. Miles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
My ideal client is motivated to improve their mental health, regardless of their specific condition. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other symptoms. They want a safe, supportive environment where they can develop coping skills and explore their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to provide personalized treatment and help them achieve their goals, whether that's managing their symptoms or feeling more content in daily life.
My ideal client is motivated to improve their mental health, regardless of their specific condition. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other symptoms. They want a safe, supportive environment where they can develop coping skills and explore their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to provide personalized treatment and help them achieve their goals, whether that's managing their symptoms or feeling more content in daily life.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with more than sixteen years of clinical experience. I am committed to improving the well-being of my patients through high quality care, compassion and academic excellence. In my practice I use a combination of psychopharmacology and supportive psychotherapy to ensure a better quality of life. I practice evidence-based medicine and apply current scientific evidence in helping patients with both medications and talk therapy. Treatment is custom-designed based on individual clinical and psychological needs.
My areas of expertise include Depression, Anxiety Disorders (including OCD).
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with more than sixteen years of clinical experience. I am committed to improving the well-being of my patients through high quality care, compassion and academic excellence. In my practice I use a combination of psychopharmacology and supportive psychotherapy to ensure a better quality of life. I practice evidence-based medicine and apply current scientific evidence in helping patients with both medications and talk therapy. Treatment is custom-designed based on individual clinical and psychological needs.
My areas of expertise include Depression, Anxiety Disorders (including OCD).

Tolga Taneli
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
Not accepting new clients
I'm a child & adolescent psychiatrist who trained physicians and medical students, as the Division Director for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for 13 years. I worked a busy emergency room and sub-specialty clinics. I specialize in medicine treatments for Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, and anxiety disorders. I am honored to have been recognized by the readers of NJ Family Magazine as one of "New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs" in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2016 & 2022).
I'm a child & adolescent psychiatrist who trained physicians and medical students, as the Division Director for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for 13 years. I worked a busy emergency room and sub-specialty clinics. I specialize in medicine treatments for Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, and anxiety disorders. I am honored to have been recognized by the readers of NJ Family Magazine as one of "New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs" in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2016 & 2022).

I treat grade schooler and adolescent patients who are looking for comprehensive and attentive care. I believe that to help someone, we need to know who that person is and what their individual goals are. Let's get you back to feeling like your full self!
I treat grade schooler and adolescent patients who are looking for comprehensive and attentive care. I believe that to help someone, we need to know who that person is and what their individual goals are. Let's get you back to feeling like your full self!

Cedarview Health - Dr. Sinead Sobers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of psychiatric conditions, I employ a patient-centered approach to treatment, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs and circumstances are at the forefront of their care plan. Find out more about me and my practice at www.cedarview.health
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of psychiatric conditions, I employ a patient-centered approach to treatment, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs and circumstances are at the forefront of their care plan. Find out more about me and my practice at www.cedarview.health
See more therapy options for 07645
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 07645
< 10
Psychiatrists in 07645 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Other |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
67% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | TRICARE |
How Psychiatrists in 07645 see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 07645?
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.