Psychiatrists in 11217

Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I aim to provide the highest quality care to my patients. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my expertise in psychopharmacology is best utilized by taking the whole person into account. There is no one size fits all approach to mental health treatment, and we will work together to carefully understand your unique struggles. We will then customize a plan to get you feeling centered and empowered. While I offer both medication and therapy services, I also enjoy collaborating with other providers and seeing clients solely for medication management.
Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I aim to provide the highest quality care to my patients. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my expertise in psychopharmacology is best utilized by taking the whole person into account. There is no one size fits all approach to mental health treatment, and we will work together to carefully understand your unique struggles. We will then customize a plan to get you feeling centered and empowered. While I offer both medication and therapy services, I also enjoy collaborating with other providers and seeing clients solely for medication management.

As a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, I treat individuals of all ages, with both medication and psychotherapy, as appropriate. Whether you are seeking care for yourself or your child, it is important that you feel confidence and trust in me if I'm to be of help. I strongly believe (and research shows!) that the most important factor in successful outcomes is the therapeutic relationship. I encourage you to ask questions, trust your gut, and take time to determine if you feel comfortable. I appreciate that speaking with a psychiatrist may not be easy and takes courage.
As a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, I treat individuals of all ages, with both medication and psychotherapy, as appropriate. Whether you are seeking care for yourself or your child, it is important that you feel confidence and trust in me if I'm to be of help. I strongly believe (and research shows!) that the most important factor in successful outcomes is the therapeutic relationship. I encourage you to ask questions, trust your gut, and take time to determine if you feel comfortable. I appreciate that speaking with a psychiatrist may not be easy and takes courage.

You deserve to live your best life, and I would like to help. I am an experienced, compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist serving the Brooklyn community. I utilize a balanced blend of psychotherapy, medication, and complementary approaches to help you find lasting solutions for both your mental health and your overall well-being. While I can assist with many concerns, I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, adults, and individuals of all sexual orientations. We'll take a collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals.
You deserve to live your best life, and I would like to help. I am an experienced, compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist serving the Brooklyn community. I utilize a balanced blend of psychotherapy, medication, and complementary approaches to help you find lasting solutions for both your mental health and your overall well-being. While I can assist with many concerns, I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, adults, and individuals of all sexual orientations. We'll take a collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals.

Rachel Griffin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MPH, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified, Columbia University educated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric assessment and medication management. Across the course of my career I have worked in a broad range of clinical settings and have experience treating a diversity of patients and diagnoses. I have particular expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and people with a history of trauma. I take a holistic, full-person approach to both assessment and treatment and will work collaboratively with you and with the rest of your healthcare and mental health providers.
I am a board-certified, Columbia University educated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric assessment and medication management. Across the course of my career I have worked in a broad range of clinical settings and have experience treating a diversity of patients and diagnoses. I have particular expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and people with a history of trauma. I take a holistic, full-person approach to both assessment and treatment and will work collaboratively with you and with the rest of your healthcare and mental health providers.

I am a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher with experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric and mental health conditions. My expertise includes treatment of major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychotic spectrum disorders, as well as attention and concentration issues (ADHD). I have experience helping clients with difficult life transitions, work/career issues, and relationships.
I am a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher with experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric and mental health conditions. My expertise includes treatment of major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychotic spectrum disorders, as well as attention and concentration issues (ADHD). I have experience helping clients with difficult life transitions, work/career issues, and relationships.
I work with people who suffer from a wide range of difficulties, from the every day to the more challenging obstacles. I utilize a range of therapeutic interventions, including my medical training as a physician, talk therapy, yogic breathing, meditation, and nutrition/herbs. Together we can create greater balance and wholeness in you and in your life.
I work with people who suffer from a wide range of difficulties, from the every day to the more challenging obstacles. I utilize a range of therapeutic interventions, including my medical training as a physician, talk therapy, yogic breathing, meditation, and nutrition/herbs. Together we can create greater balance and wholeness in you and in your life.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist , with a special interest in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance. I have also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy , family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Finding a psychiatrist can be a challenge , and it is important that you are listened to , your thoughts and ideas addressed, and through history and evaluation is utilized to ensure quality care. Whatever your reasons for seeking a psychiatrist ,with dedication and perseverance most people have the potential to feel better and achieve symptom relief. Please view my website and blog at gaba.healthcare
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist , with a special interest in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance. I have also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy , family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Finding a psychiatrist can be a challenge , and it is important that you are listened to , your thoughts and ideas addressed, and through history and evaluation is utilized to ensure quality care. Whatever your reasons for seeking a psychiatrist ,with dedication and perseverance most people have the potential to feel better and achieve symptom relief. Please view my website and blog at gaba.healthcare

Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Brooklyn-based Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 18 years of experience. I focus on integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology considering your priorities, lifestyle, and your symptoms to help you address your concerns and to enhance your life. As we collaborate to achieve your goals, you can expect a thorough, but gentle, compassionate and personalized experience. I work with both adolescents and adults, and serve individuals from every cultural background. I work in private practice with Dr. Beata Lewis MD at Mind Body Seven.
Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Brooklyn-based Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 18 years of experience. I focus on integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology considering your priorities, lifestyle, and your symptoms to help you address your concerns and to enhance your life. As we collaborate to achieve your goals, you can expect a thorough, but gentle, compassionate and personalized experience. I work with both adolescents and adults, and serve individuals from every cultural background. I work in private practice with Dr. Beata Lewis MD at Mind Body Seven.

Kari Groff, MD founded Park Slope Psychiatry to provide excellent and thoughtful psychopharmacology and therapy to children and adults. She is frequently consulted for her extensive training and experience in psychopharmacology, her gentle and appropriate use of medication, and her wellness-centered approach focusing on a patient’s strengths and goals. Dr. Groff trained at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was the chief resident, and completed her child training at NYU Child Study Center. She is an award-winning psychiatrist who values connection and compassion.
Kari Groff, MD founded Park Slope Psychiatry to provide excellent and thoughtful psychopharmacology and therapy to children and adults. She is frequently consulted for her extensive training and experience in psychopharmacology, her gentle and appropriate use of medication, and her wellness-centered approach focusing on a patient’s strengths and goals. Dr. Groff trained at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was the chief resident, and completed her child training at NYU Child Study Center. She is an award-winning psychiatrist who values connection and compassion.

TMR Mental Health Care PC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, OCN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11217
TMR is a comprehensive private practice. We offer psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to people of all ages. We offer psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. Our staff consists of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychotherapists (Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Professional Counselors), Nutritionist, and Clinical Psychologists who perform psychological testing and evaluations.
TMR is a comprehensive private practice. We offer psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to people of all ages. We offer psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. Our staff consists of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychotherapists (Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Professional Counselors), Nutritionist, and Clinical Psychologists who perform psychological testing and evaluations.

My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
15 Second Videos

Expert therapist for the hit reality series "Married at First Sight," former team psychiatrist for the Brooklyn Nets, and author of the self help book, "Reinvent Yourself: Essential Tools From a Brooklyn Psychiatrist Who Has Seen It All," Dr. Lops is known for being a "therapist's psychiatrist." All clients, children and adults, receive some form of therapy because all of us have the ability to benefit from further tool building or support. Dr. Lops realizes that upon initial assessment, symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD/disruptive behaviors maybe so significant that to do "the work" a trial of medication can be beneficial.
Expert therapist for the hit reality series "Married at First Sight," former team psychiatrist for the Brooklyn Nets, and author of the self help book, "Reinvent Yourself: Essential Tools From a Brooklyn Psychiatrist Who Has Seen It All," Dr. Lops is known for being a "therapist's psychiatrist." All clients, children and adults, receive some form of therapy because all of us have the ability to benefit from further tool building or support. Dr. Lops realizes that upon initial assessment, symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD/disruptive behaviors maybe so significant that to do "the work" a trial of medication can be beneficial.

Elena Frish is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (ages 18+). Her goal is to partner with her patients during their journeys to life fulfillment and improved performance by providing an individualized approach to treatment. She uses evidence-based psychopharmacology, which is integrated with lifestyle modification, mindfulness, and brief solution-focused therapy.
Elena Frish is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (ages 18+). Her goal is to partner with her patients during their journeys to life fulfillment and improved performance by providing an individualized approach to treatment. She uses evidence-based psychopharmacology, which is integrated with lifestyle modification, mindfulness, and brief solution-focused therapy.

Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.

I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.

Distinctive Ray Therapeutics
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with dual board certifications and over ten years of experience, I am dedicated to providing patient-centered mental healthcare that is accessible and inclusive for individuals from all walks of life. My extensive background in primary care, surgical, psychiatric, and veterans' care in Boston enables me to offer a culturally attuned, down-to-earth approach, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their care journey. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, bipolar disorder,
As a Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with dual board certifications and over ten years of experience, I am dedicated to providing patient-centered mental healthcare that is accessible and inclusive for individuals from all walks of life. My extensive background in primary care, surgical, psychiatric, and veterans' care in Boston enables me to offer a culturally attuned, down-to-earth approach, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their care journey. I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, bipolar disorder,

Hello and welcome! My name is Natalie and I’m a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over five years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in psychedelic medicine and currently offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at Healing Realms in Brooklyn. In a comfortable, safe, private office setting, I work with a co-therapist to collaboratively offer medical monitoring alongside transformative methods of depth-oriented psychotherapy. We personalize ketamine dosing for each client, administering via intramuscular injection in initial and subsequent doses as determined by client needs.
Hello and welcome! My name is Natalie and I’m a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over five years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in psychedelic medicine and currently offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at Healing Realms in Brooklyn. In a comfortable, safe, private office setting, I work with a co-therapist to collaboratively offer medical monitoring alongside transformative methods of depth-oriented psychotherapy. We personalize ketamine dosing for each client, administering via intramuscular injection in initial and subsequent doses as determined by client needs.

I am an experienced, Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and I specialize in treating patients who require psychodynamic treatment to understand themselves and their problems more deeply; medications; or often a combination of the two. Choice of treatment modality is always dependent on the needs and preferences of the patient.
I am an experienced, Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and I specialize in treating patients who require psychodynamic treatment to understand themselves and their problems more deeply; medications; or often a combination of the two. Choice of treatment modality is always dependent on the needs and preferences of the patient.

We are a privately owned medical center that offers both psychotherapy and psychophramacology to the community. We provide individual, family and group counseling services in a professional and comfortable environment. Our staff of psychiatrists' and therapists specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults. We work as a team to help our clients achieve real and lasting change.
We are a privately owned medical center that offers both psychotherapy and psychophramacology to the community. We provide individual, family and group counseling services in a professional and comfortable environment. Our staff of psychiatrists' and therapists specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults. We work as a team to help our clients achieve real and lasting change.

I am a board-certified, Cornell and Mount Sinai-trained adult and child psychiatrist in New York, California and Florida. My approach to treatment is holistic and firmly rooted in the science of the brain, combining psychotherapy (for individuals, families, and couples) with nutrition, lifestyle modification, as well as state-of-the-art medication treatment, when helpful. I view each person as a complex individual with a unique story to tell, so I take time getting to know my clients and work collaboratively to develop a targeted plan to achieve their treatment goals.
I am a board-certified, Cornell and Mount Sinai-trained adult and child psychiatrist in New York, California and Florida. My approach to treatment is holistic and firmly rooted in the science of the brain, combining psychotherapy (for individuals, families, and couples) with nutrition, lifestyle modification, as well as state-of-the-art medication treatment, when helpful. I view each person as a complex individual with a unique story to tell, so I take time getting to know my clients and work collaboratively to develop a targeted plan to achieve their treatment goals.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 11217
30+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in 11217 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
82% | Trauma and PTSD |
79% | Medication Management |
77% | ADHD |
77% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | Aetna |
78% | Cigna and Evernorth |
65% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 11217 see their clients
57% | In Person and Online | |
43% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
28% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 11217?
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.