Psychiatrists in 10028
Dr. Kawalick is a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. She treats a range of psychiatric conditions in adults utilizing psychotherapy, medication management, and combination treatment, based on individual need and preference. She completed residency training in psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident. She completed a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medicine Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry. She sees patients both virtually and at her office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
Dr. Kawalick is a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. She treats a range of psychiatric conditions in adults utilizing psychotherapy, medication management, and combination treatment, based on individual need and preference. She completed residency training in psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident. She completed a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell Medicine Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry. She sees patients both virtually and at her office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
I am an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and psychoanalyst working primarily through psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. I see most of my patients one to four times weekly. Although I do sometimes prescribe medication, the management of medication is not my primary focus. I believe in psychotherapy because it is more effective than medication for most concerns, and because it can be a powerful, depth-oriented experience that works to examine longstanding patterns. I consider each person's story carefully, and the particular dynamics that arise within them and between us, to try to understand how they came to be.
I am an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and psychoanalyst working primarily through psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. I see most of my patients one to four times weekly. Although I do sometimes prescribe medication, the management of medication is not my primary focus. I believe in psychotherapy because it is more effective than medication for most concerns, and because it can be a powerful, depth-oriented experience that works to examine longstanding patterns. I consider each person's story carefully, and the particular dynamics that arise within them and between us, to try to understand how they came to be.
So many people struggle with mental health issues or chemical dependency but are afraid to seek help. Here’s the truth — there is no shame in finding the care you need. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. Better mental health is a process, and there is no shame in working with an expert who can guide you through that journey. Our practice employs a holistic approach to care for people struggling with addiction, anxiety, insomnia, inattention, fatigue, low mood, stress, and depression.
So many people struggle with mental health issues or chemical dependency but are afraid to seek help. Here’s the truth — there is no shame in finding the care you need. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. Better mental health is a process, and there is no shame in working with an expert who can guide you through that journey. Our practice employs a holistic approach to care for people struggling with addiction, anxiety, insomnia, inattention, fatigue, low mood, stress, and depression.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally stuck—struggling with depression, panic, a relationship shift, or a pattern that no longer serves you. Many of my patients are outwardly high-functioning but inwardly exhausted. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, infertility, or identity concerns, you don’t have to go through it alone. This is a space for thoughtful, personalized support rooted in real listening and care.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally stuck—struggling with depression, panic, a relationship shift, or a pattern that no longer serves you. Many of my patients are outwardly high-functioning but inwardly exhausted. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, infertility, or identity concerns, you don’t have to go through it alone. This is a space for thoughtful, personalized support rooted in real listening and care.
We are currently accepting new patients. Our services are made with the busy student, family and professional in mind. Convenient evening and weekend virtual appointments are available to fit your busy schedule. Our goal is to find the core of your symptoms and create a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan. We will consider your professional/academic life, family responsibilities, personal relationships, and physical health to identify areas where you can find relief. We will work together to find the best combination of medications, therapy, coaching, and lifestyle changes to achieve your goals.
We are currently accepting new patients. Our services are made with the busy student, family and professional in mind. Convenient evening and weekend virtual appointments are available to fit your busy schedule. Our goal is to find the core of your symptoms and create a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan. We will consider your professional/academic life, family responsibilities, personal relationships, and physical health to identify areas where you can find relief. We will work together to find the best combination of medications, therapy, coaching, and lifestyle changes to achieve your goals.
Dr. Doreen Zarfati is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric and addiction disorders. She offers personalized care that integrates IV ketamine treatments tailored to each patient’s genetics, medication metabolism, and micronutrient deficiencies to enhance neuroplasticity. Her practice blends evidence-based psychiatry with NAD+, GLP-1s for weight loss, and hormone optimization. A Columbia-trained physician, she provides hybrid care and is committed to whole-person wellness and lasting transformation.
Dr. Doreen Zarfati is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychiatric and addiction disorders. She offers personalized care that integrates IV ketamine treatments tailored to each patient’s genetics, medication metabolism, and micronutrient deficiencies to enhance neuroplasticity. Her practice blends evidence-based psychiatry with NAD+, GLP-1s for weight loss, and hormone optimization. A Columbia-trained physician, she provides hybrid care and is committed to whole-person wellness and lasting transformation.
I am a Child, Adolescent, Adult Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst with over 20 years of experience. I help patients in developing self understanding of their own personal conflicts through play and talk therapy. I use medication when necessary, on agreement with the person that I treat and the parents of children in order to decrease suffering, and facilitate the therapy and psychoanalysis. I treat patient with medication only when appropriate and I collaborate with therapists who want me to prescribe medications to their patients.
I am a Child, Adolescent, Adult Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst with over 20 years of experience. I help patients in developing self understanding of their own personal conflicts through play and talk therapy. I use medication when necessary, on agreement with the person that I treat and the parents of children in order to decrease suffering, and facilitate the therapy and psychoanalysis. I treat patient with medication only when appropriate and I collaborate with therapists who want me to prescribe medications to their patients.
Precision psychiatry, made accessible.
Cohen Psychiatric is a virtual-first clinic, offering most appointments through telehealth for convenience and flexibility. When in-person care is needed, we provide appointments at our Manhattan office, where we also offer advanced interventional treatments and evidence-based therapies.
Precision psychiatry, made accessible.
Cohen Psychiatric is a virtual-first clinic, offering most appointments through telehealth for convenience and flexibility. When in-person care is needed, we provide appointments at our Manhattan office, where we also offer advanced interventional treatments and evidence-based therapies.
Fountain Health NYC is a physician-led integrated health organization delivering personalized, evidence-based care across IV Ketamine therapy, mental health, metabolic health, longevity, hormonal, sexual, and lifestyle medicine. Based in New York City, Fountain combines expert clinical practice with structured care frameworks, standardized protocols, and patient-centered programs, designed to support sustainable health, measurable progress, and long-term well-being.
Fountain Health NYC is a physician-led integrated health organization delivering personalized, evidence-based care across IV Ketamine therapy, mental health, metabolic health, longevity, hormonal, sexual, and lifestyle medicine. Based in New York City, Fountain combines expert clinical practice with structured care frameworks, standardized protocols, and patient-centered programs, designed to support sustainable health, measurable progress, and long-term well-being.
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist and member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry and the Academy of Organizational and Occupational Psychiatry. I provide consultation services and psychiatric care in the areas of self-confidence, setting and achieving goals, anxiety and stress, sleep, mood, and much more.
I have a specialized focus in performance optimization and sports psychiatry and am dedicated to helping high-performing individuals reach their full potential.
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist and member of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry and the Academy of Organizational and Occupational Psychiatry. I provide consultation services and psychiatric care in the areas of self-confidence, setting and achieving goals, anxiety and stress, sleep, mood, and much more.
I have a specialized focus in performance optimization and sports psychiatry and am dedicated to helping high-performing individuals reach their full potential.
I completed my Fellowship training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Cambridge Health Alliance Fellowship, Harvard Medical School, and I completed my Residency in Psychiatry at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, New York State Office of Mental Health/NYP/Columbia. I received my M.D. degree at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. I currently have a private practice in Manhattan. I also supervise Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists in training as Assistant Professor at Hofstra Medical School. I work with families, children, and adults, and provide family work, individual psychotherapies, and pharmacology.
I completed my Fellowship training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Cambridge Health Alliance Fellowship, Harvard Medical School, and I completed my Residency in Psychiatry at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, New York State Office of Mental Health/NYP/Columbia. I received my M.D. degree at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. I currently have a private practice in Manhattan. I also supervise Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists in training as Assistant Professor at Hofstra Medical School. I work with families, children, and adults, and provide family work, individual psychotherapies, and pharmacology.
Most patients seeking treatment feel that despite their best efforts, inside they feel helpless, confused and demoralized. Dynamic psychotherapy and its "big brother" psychoanalysis are treatments designed to repair self-esteem and restore a full capacity for living. I see patients frequently, usually twice a week and it is out of our work together that hidden self-knowledge emerges and a renewed optimism about life's possibilities arises. Please visit my web site: www.drvanderheide.com or call me to discuss how I might help you.
Most patients seeking treatment feel that despite their best efforts, inside they feel helpless, confused and demoralized. Dynamic psychotherapy and its "big brother" psychoanalysis are treatments designed to repair self-esteem and restore a full capacity for living. I see patients frequently, usually twice a week and it is out of our work together that hidden self-knowledge emerges and a renewed optimism about life's possibilities arises. Please visit my web site: www.drvanderheide.com or call me to discuss how I might help you.
My expertise lies in treating addiction and alcohol abuse in high functioning Executives and Professionals. Many of my clients seek treatment because their substance use is threatening their success: they have much to lose, and want to regain control of their lives. Rather than classify patients as "addicts" and put them in a one-size-fits-all spiritual or CBT program, my practice philosophy is a fully individualized, humanistic treatment approach. Each person is assessed to formulate a customized plan that can include medication assisted treatment (now considered a gold standard) and/or individual psychotherapy.
My expertise lies in treating addiction and alcohol abuse in high functioning Executives and Professionals. Many of my clients seek treatment because their substance use is threatening their success: they have much to lose, and want to regain control of their lives. Rather than classify patients as "addicts" and put them in a one-size-fits-all spiritual or CBT program, my practice philosophy is a fully individualized, humanistic treatment approach. Each person is assessed to formulate a customized plan that can include medication assisted treatment (now considered a gold standard) and/or individual psychotherapy.
Through my training and years of practice, I’ve searched for the best ways to help people make real and lasting change. While the standard psychiatric approach often focuses on medications, which can certainly be valuable, I’ve found it rarely provides the full answer on its own. In working with my patients, we’ve found that the biggest difference comes when we spend our sessions trying to understand what is driving their suffering. Consistently, we discover that the deepest causes lie within the mind rather than in the outside world. Seeing this clearly opens the possibility for real change.
Through my training and years of practice, I’ve searched for the best ways to help people make real and lasting change. While the standard psychiatric approach often focuses on medications, which can certainly be valuable, I’ve found it rarely provides the full answer on its own. In working with my patients, we’ve found that the biggest difference comes when we spend our sessions trying to understand what is driving their suffering. Consistently, we discover that the deepest causes lie within the mind rather than in the outside world. Seeing this clearly opens the possibility for real change.
I'm a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist based on the Upper East Side.
I see patients of all ages, from toddlers to adults, facing a range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, sensory issues, academic difficulties, family conflict, self-harm, suicidal ideation, psychosis and more.
I'm a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist based on the Upper East Side.
I see patients of all ages, from toddlers to adults, facing a range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, sensory issues, academic difficulties, family conflict, self-harm, suicidal ideation, psychosis and more.
So many people struggle with mental health issues or chemical dependency but are afraid to seek help. Here’s the truth — there is no shame in finding the care you need. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. Better mental health is a process, and there is no shame in working with an expert who can guide you through that journey. Our practice employs a holistic approach to care for people struggling with addiction, anxiety, insomnia, inattention, fatigue, low mood, stress, and depression.
So many people struggle with mental health issues or chemical dependency but are afraid to seek help. Here’s the truth — there is no shame in finding the care you need. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. Better mental health is a process, and there is no shame in working with an expert who can guide you through that journey. Our practice employs a holistic approach to care for people struggling with addiction, anxiety, insomnia, inattention, fatigue, low mood, stress, and depression.
My therapeutic approach is to combine best clinical psychotherapy and psychopharmacology practices informed by contemporary neuroscience. Rather than focusing on diagnosis and disease, I am oriented toward maximizing health and wellness. I try to help a person full his or her potential in work and relationships, while achieving realistic goals and higher aims. If you'd like to set up a consultation, please call me directly at 212 737 5099.
My therapeutic approach is to combine best clinical psychotherapy and psychopharmacology practices informed by contemporary neuroscience. Rather than focusing on diagnosis and disease, I am oriented toward maximizing health and wellness. I try to help a person full his or her potential in work and relationships, while achieving realistic goals and higher aims. If you'd like to set up a consultation, please call me directly at 212 737 5099.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and I believe in a holistic approach, incorporating physical and mental health. I combine up-to-date medical treatment with talk therapy to create a personalized plan to address an individual’s complaints and work collaboratively with patients and families to create a treatment plan that is driven by results. I attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine, completed psychiatry training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and I believe in a holistic approach, incorporating physical and mental health. I combine up-to-date medical treatment with talk therapy to create a personalized plan to address an individual’s complaints and work collaboratively with patients and families to create a treatment plan that is driven by results. I attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine, completed psychiatry training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and psychotherapy. The treatment I provide is often a unique combination which pulls from several different types of therapies, including interpersonal psychodynamic, supportive, DBT and CBT. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and psychotherapy. The treatment I provide is often a unique combination which pulls from several different types of therapies, including interpersonal psychodynamic, supportive, DBT and CBT. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who enjoys working with patients of all ages and their families. I completed my adult psychiatry residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital and my child and adolescent fellowship at NYP/Columbia/Cornell. In my small private practice, I strive to approach each patient with warmth, compassion, and thoughtfulness. I integrate psychotherapy with medication management to help you understand the core issues at hand and work toward making lasting positive change.
I currently see patients residing in Maryland in-person and virtually, and see patients residing in New York virtually.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who enjoys working with patients of all ages and their families. I completed my adult psychiatry residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital and my child and adolescent fellowship at NYP/Columbia/Cornell. In my small private practice, I strive to approach each patient with warmth, compassion, and thoughtfulness. I integrate psychotherapy with medication management to help you understand the core issues at hand and work toward making lasting positive change.
I currently see patients residing in Maryland in-person and virtually, and see patients residing in New York virtually.
See more therapy options for 10028
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 10028
80+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in 10028 who prioritize treating:
| 97% | Anxiety |
| 96% | Depression |
| 83% | Medication Management |
| 74% | ADHD |
| 72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 69% | Self Esteem |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 98% | Aetna |
| 79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
| 77% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 10028 see their clients
| 57% | In Person and Online | |
| 43% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 61% | Female | |
| 39% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 10028?
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.


