Psychiatrists in 07860

Florence Choge
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, FNPBC
Verified Verified
Newton, NJ 07860
As a dual-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), my mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and evidence-based care that meets the physical and mental health needs of individuals and families.
Thank you for trusting me with your care. I look forward to partnering with you on your path to wellness!
As a dual-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), my mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and evidence-based care that meets the physical and mental health needs of individuals and families.
Thank you for trusting me with your care. I look forward to partnering with you on your path to wellness!

Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.

Heart-Mind-Body
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC, NE-BC
Verified Verified
Newton, NJ 07860
In my practice, I use a holistic approach to wellbeing. I help patients who are interested in exploring traditional psychiatric medication in tandem with alternative, and energy medicine. I ask the question: what disrupts your connection with yourself and the world around you? Whether the cause for the disconnect be traumatic events, bouts of depression. persistent anxiety or the inability to cope. Together, we will find the issue/block that is troubling you as a whole person. We view wellbeing as a combination of the heart, mind and body.
In my practice, I use a holistic approach to wellbeing. I help patients who are interested in exploring traditional psychiatric medication in tandem with alternative, and energy medicine. I ask the question: what disrupts your connection with yourself and the world around you? Whether the cause for the disconnect be traumatic events, bouts of depression. persistent anxiety or the inability to cope. Together, we will find the issue/block that is troubling you as a whole person. We view wellbeing as a combination of the heart, mind and body.

Jacqueline Hunterton-Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newton, NJ 07860
During the many changes and challenges we face in life it is essential at times to seek help. This can be a tedious venture and finding the right provider can be complicated. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I am able to not only provide psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications but also become a part of your support system. Using psychotherapy and medication management I can help you gain the tools needed to move past the hard times. As a team we will be able to assess what your needs are and what the best possible treatment plan and outcomes can be obtained.
During the many changes and challenges we face in life it is essential at times to seek help. This can be a tedious venture and finding the right provider can be complicated. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I am able to not only provide psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications but also become a part of your support system. Using psychotherapy and medication management I can help you gain the tools needed to move past the hard times. As a team we will be able to assess what your needs are and what the best possible treatment plan and outcomes can be obtained.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.

Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.

Brienna Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Newton, NJ 07860
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.

Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.
Ideal clients come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire for mental and emotional well-being. They may be dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, or relationship issues. These individuals seek clarity, balance, and tools to manage their daily lives effectively. Their goals include gaining greater self-awareness, building resilience, and improving relationships—whether personal, family, or professional. They’re motivated by a strong desire to better understand themselves and achieve a meaningful change that brings peace and satisfaction to their lives.

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.

I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.

Welcome to my practice!
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with decades of experience in the psychiatric field, I specialize in psychopharmacology & provide supportive psychotherapy for a variety of mental health conditions at request. I work with the patient to develop an individualized, evidence-based care plan that prioritizes their goals.
I strive to provide a safe, empathetic, & non-judgmental space to help those struggling. If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to assist in facilitating overall wellness & quality of life by utilizing psychotropic medication with a holistic approach.
Welcome to my practice!
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with decades of experience in the psychiatric field, I specialize in psychopharmacology & provide supportive psychotherapy for a variety of mental health conditions at request. I work with the patient to develop an individualized, evidence-based care plan that prioritizes their goals.
I strive to provide a safe, empathetic, & non-judgmental space to help those struggling. If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out. My goal is to assist in facilitating overall wellness & quality of life by utilizing psychotropic medication with a holistic approach.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Bl3nd Tele Psych
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
With a genuine and nurturing nature, combined with a professional and ambitious faith-based approach. I am fluent in Spanish "Hablo Español". I have experience in interacting with diverse populations has given me in-depth understanding and awareness. Beyond my enthusiasm and dedication, I also have a background in treating patients of all ages 5 years and up. I am fluent in Spanish with experience in treating disorders that are fit for outpatient virtual services which include depression, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, ODD, bipolar, OCD, and eating disorders. I am licensed in New York and New Jersey
With a genuine and nurturing nature, combined with a professional and ambitious faith-based approach. I am fluent in Spanish "Hablo Español". I have experience in interacting with diverse populations has given me in-depth understanding and awareness. Beyond my enthusiasm and dedication, I also have a background in treating patients of all ages 5 years and up. I am fluent in Spanish with experience in treating disorders that are fit for outpatient virtual services which include depression, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, ODD, bipolar, OCD, and eating disorders. I am licensed in New York and New Jersey

My ideal client seeks support for mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or life transitions. They want to feel heard, valued, and understood while working toward improved well-being. Their goals include achieving stability, developing coping skills, and enhancing their quality of life through effective, compassionate care.
My ideal client seeks support for mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or life transitions. They want to feel heard, valued, and understood while working toward improved well-being. Their goals include achieving stability, developing coping skills, and enhancing their quality of life through effective, compassionate care.

Karen Yeboah-Norment
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve one’s mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stopped socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and are failing college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with one’s current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve one’s mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stopped socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and are failing college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with one’s current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.

Dr. Jennifer Castaneda-Ardizzone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize iin helping those who feel stuck, have low self-esteem, negative thinking and relationship issues even though they look "fine" on the outside. Clients I help may also be struggling with depression, anxiety, or substance use or difficulty communicating with loved ones. They may also have unresolved childhood trauma. They can be single, in a relationship or married. If this sounds like you reach out for support.
We offer evaluations, medication management & supportive therapies. We do work in network with many insurances.
I specialize iin helping those who feel stuck, have low self-esteem, negative thinking and relationship issues even though they look "fine" on the outside. Clients I help may also be struggling with depression, anxiety, or substance use or difficulty communicating with loved ones. They may also have unresolved childhood trauma. They can be single, in a relationship or married. If this sounds like you reach out for support.
We offer evaluations, medication management & supportive therapies. We do work in network with many insurances.

Meghan Carr Albanese
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, APN
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I customize care to meet the unique needs of each individual. Appointments include assessment, motivational interviewing, personalized talk therapy, and medication management. Care is offered to patients in the comfort of a private office and also through a secure tele-medicine platform. I treat patients with varying diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, post traumatic stress, focus/concentration disorders and more.
I customize care to meet the unique needs of each individual. Appointments include assessment, motivational interviewing, personalized talk therapy, and medication management. Care is offered to patients in the comfort of a private office and also through a secure tele-medicine platform. I treat patients with varying diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, post traumatic stress, focus/concentration disorders and more.

Thank you for visiting my page! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the life span, which means I help people of all ages) with a desire to help others that are faced with mental health concerns. My background includes working with various conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. My experience also includes inpatient stabilization and outpatient continued care.
Thank you for visiting my page! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the life span, which means I help people of all ages) with a desire to help others that are faced with mental health concerns. My background includes working with various conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. My experience also includes inpatient stabilization and outpatient continued care.

Many of my clients have battled symptoms for years. Some have been in psychotherapy and some have tried psychiatric medications. Few have been able to work with one care provider in both modalities simultaneously. I offer this possibility- the option that many research studies have shown to be the most effective!
As a physician I will take your overall health and nutritional status into account in formulating an approach to your care. I will make sure you are totally comfortable with our plan.
Many of my clients have battled symptoms for years. Some have been in psychotherapy and some have tried psychiatric medications. Few have been able to work with one care provider in both modalities simultaneously. I offer this possibility- the option that many research studies have shown to be the most effective!
As a physician I will take your overall health and nutritional status into account in formulating an approach to your care. I will make sure you are totally comfortable with our plan.
See more therapy options for 07860
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 07860
10+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in 07860 who prioritize treating:
92% | Depression |
92% | Anxiety |
92% | ADHD |
92% | Medication Management |
92% | Stress |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 07860 see their clients
85% | In Person and Online | |
15% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 07860?
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.