Psychiatrists in 13148

Photo of Tricia Ayala - Ayala Psychiatric NP Services, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ayala Psychiatric NP Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Tricia Ayala is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicing in the fingerlakes region of upstate New York. Tricia believes that connection and relationship are paramount to promoting physical and mental wellness. Realizing the power of empathy and compassion in fostering healing environments, Tricia has adapted her practice using concepts of the Theory of Human Caring. Throughout her career in nursing, Tricia has worked in many settings, which providedOffering telehealth services for children 4yo through the lifespan. Treating mental health and addiction recovery. Medication management and therapy services available.
Tricia Ayala is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicing in the fingerlakes region of upstate New York. Tricia believes that connection and relationship are paramount to promoting physical and mental wellness. Realizing the power of empathy and compassion in fostering healing environments, Tricia has adapted her practice using concepts of the Theory of Human Caring. Throughout her career in nursing, Tricia has worked in many settings, which providedOffering telehealth services for children 4yo through the lifespan. Treating mental health and addiction recovery. Medication management and therapy services available.
(315) 740-1526 View (315) 740-1526

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Rachelle Buchanan, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rachelle Buchanan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I combine psychiatric evaluation, functional medicine, medication management, and therapy services to help clients achieve their goals. My passion is to help individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional behaviors achieve their goals for authentic and genuine living. I specialize in neurodivergence including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
I combine psychiatric evaluation, functional medicine, medication management, and therapy services to help clients achieve their goals. My passion is to help individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional behaviors achieve their goals for authentic and genuine living. I specialize in neurodivergence including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
(585) 595-2195 View (585) 595-2195
Photo of Holly Ann Woodard, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Holly Ann Woodard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I am glad you are here! I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. I have been practicing in multiple diverse mental health settings for the past 18 years including community clinics, inpatient hospitals, and community based mobile mental health care. I specialize in the child and adolescent population as well as have extensive experience with young adult and adult populations. My areas of expertise include: ADHD, trauma and stressor related disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, and diagnostic assessments.
Hello, I am glad you are here! I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. I have been practicing in multiple diverse mental health settings for the past 18 years including community clinics, inpatient hospitals, and community based mobile mental health care. I specialize in the child and adolescent population as well as have extensive experience with young adult and adult populations. My areas of expertise include: ADHD, trauma and stressor related disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, and diagnostic assessments.
(585) 676-3731 View (585) 676-3731
Photo of Rosemary Shanahan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rosemary Shanahan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Caring for others is my passion and life work. It feels natural to me. However, in my 30-plus years in the medical and mental health fields, traditional medical treatments don’t always feel natural. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I strive to meet my clients needs by providing integrative care which focuses on treating the mind, body and spirit.
Caring for others is my passion and life work. It feels natural to me. However, in my 30-plus years in the medical and mental health fields, traditional medical treatments don’t always feel natural. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I strive to meet my clients needs by providing integrative care which focuses on treating the mind, body and spirit.
(585) 380-3634 View (585) 380-3634
Photo of Sandra Boebel, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sandra Boebel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, experienced at treating those age 16 and older with symptoms of depression, anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, Binge Eating, Autism Spectrum and thought disorders and/or those facing a difficult life transition. Although I prescribe medications when needed, I also can provide psychotherapy and a holistic approach where I consider all aspects of health as the potential cause of symptoms.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, experienced at treating those age 16 and older with symptoms of depression, anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, Binge Eating, Autism Spectrum and thought disorders and/or those facing a difficult life transition. Although I prescribe medications when needed, I also can provide psychotherapy and a holistic approach where I consider all aspects of health as the potential cause of symptoms.
(585) 286-5067 View (585) 286-5067
Photo of Dr. Brooke A. Finley, PhD, DNP, PMHNP, CARN-AP, APHN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Brooke A. Finley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, DNP, PMHNP, CARN-AP, APHN-BC
Verified Verified
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Whatever challenges you face, it is my experience that you can work through them when you are motivated to explore what you don't know about yourself and have a good fit with a skilled psychotherapist who understands you. Respectively, I practice psychoanalytic psychotherapy, an approach that most therapists choose for themselves because it is so transformative. It is particularly helpful for difficult, complex and/or long-term issues, providing continued growth and psychic relief. By helping you understand yourself deeply, I will help you foster new ways of listening to your soul so you can create a satisfactory life worth living.
Whatever challenges you face, it is my experience that you can work through them when you are motivated to explore what you don't know about yourself and have a good fit with a skilled psychotherapist who understands you. Respectively, I practice psychoanalytic psychotherapy, an approach that most therapists choose for themselves because it is so transformative. It is particularly helpful for difficult, complex and/or long-term issues, providing continued growth and psychic relief. By helping you understand yourself deeply, I will help you foster new ways of listening to your soul so you can create a satisfactory life worth living.
(585) 310-8899 View (585) 310-8899
Photo of Paige Cool, PMHNP, BSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Paige Cool
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I started my career at University of Rochester Medical Center and I have 10 years of experience working in psychiatry ranging from outpatient clinics to inpatient settings. I work with children and adolescents as well as adults. I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I received my master’s degree from the University of Rochester. Since 2019 I have lived and worked as a nurse practitioner in Denver, Colorado and now that I am back in New York, I look forward to help you in your mental health journey.
I started my career at University of Rochester Medical Center and I have 10 years of experience working in psychiatry ranging from outpatient clinics to inpatient settings. I work with children and adolescents as well as adults. I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and I received my master’s degree from the University of Rochester. Since 2019 I have lived and worked as a nurse practitioner in Denver, Colorado and now that I am back in New York, I look forward to help you in your mental health journey.
(585) 648-1141 View (585) 648-1141
Photo of Laneasha Marie Eudell, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Laneasha Marie Eudell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Camillus, NY 13031
For the past eight years, I have dedicated my career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to providing compassionate and evidence-based mental health care. Graduating from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, laid the foundation for my clinical expertise, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of psychiatric disorders and the complexities of mental health treatment. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered in their journey toward stability and wellness.
For the past eight years, I have dedicated my career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to providing compassionate and evidence-based mental health care. Graduating from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, laid the foundation for my clinical expertise, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of psychiatric disorders and the complexities of mental health treatment. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered in their journey toward stability and wellness.
(315) 993-5004 View (315) 993-5004
Photo of Olesya Alexis Dmytryk, PMHNP, BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Olesya Alexis Dmytryk
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Hello! When you are struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, Schizophrenia Bipolar d/o and other conditions I am here to help and support you with therapeutic intervention and medication management. My professional background encompasses extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health setting. This experience has provided me with a broad understanding of the diverse challenges individuals face. Whether you are struggling with a specific diagnosis or feeling overwhelmed please know you are not alone.
Hello! When you are struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, Schizophrenia Bipolar d/o and other conditions I am here to help and support you with therapeutic intervention and medication management. My professional background encompasses extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health setting. This experience has provided me with a broad understanding of the diverse challenges individuals face. Whether you are struggling with a specific diagnosis or feeling overwhelmed please know you are not alone.
(315) 843-0798 View (315) 843-0798
Photo of Heather Henderson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Heather Henderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Syracuse, NY 13219
Waitlist for new clients
The journey of life is unique and different for all of us. However, one of the common threads for us all is that this journey will be full of twists and turns and ups and downs. Heather will strive to assist you in navigating these twists and turns and ups and downs so that you are able to achieve wellness and your full potential.
The journey of life is unique and different for all of us. However, one of the common threads for us all is that this journey will be full of twists and turns and ups and downs. Heather will strive to assist you in navigating these twists and turns and ups and downs so that you are able to achieve wellness and your full potential.
(315) 564-4896 View (315) 564-4896
Photo of Adam DeNault, MS, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Adam DeNault
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Adam DeNault is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over nine years of experience in the mental health field across the lifespan. He has worked with patients 8-101 years old with the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, primary psychotic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and more. In his time as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, he has focused on improving the patient experience through partnership and client driven treatment planning.
Adam DeNault is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over nine years of experience in the mental health field across the lifespan. He has worked with patients 8-101 years old with the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, primary psychotic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and more. In his time as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, he has focused on improving the patient experience through partnership and client driven treatment planning.
(585) 575-0611 View (585) 575-0611
Photo of Edena Walden, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
(315) 610-7966 View (315) 610-7966
Photo of A. Cyrus Marcy, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
A. Cyrus Marcy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
If you are reading this, it is a safe bet you understand the challenges of living with an untreated or inadequately treated mental health condition. Day-to-day tasks that others navigate with ease become difficult. The once vivid dreams you had of the future become shaded with doubts. Perhaps you tried therapy and it was not enough. Maybe you tried medications and they had more side effects than they were worth. The only thing more frustrating than the symptoms of your illness is the growing sense that you will never get better.
If you are reading this, it is a safe bet you understand the challenges of living with an untreated or inadequately treated mental health condition. Day-to-day tasks that others navigate with ease become difficult. The once vivid dreams you had of the future become shaded with doubts. Perhaps you tried therapy and it was not enough. Maybe you tried medications and they had more side effects than they were worth. The only thing more frustrating than the symptoms of your illness is the growing sense that you will never get better.
(585) 252-5947 View (585) 252-5947
Photo of Dr. Cecile Matip - Fulton Family Tele- Psychiatry, Online services, Psychiatrist
Fulton Family Tele- Psychiatry, Online services
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Online Only
Being a mother of 6 children I know the importance of mental health and how difficult it is to find the right doctor, so I created a online private practice. One aspect of my practice involves helping patients of all ages to reassess their current medication regimen or explore the possibility of tapering off their medication. I understand that medication can be a useful tool in managing mental health symptoms, it is important to regularly reassess the effectiveness and side effects of any medication a patient is taking and evaluate the benefits and risks of their current medication to determine if any changes need to be made.
Being a mother of 6 children I know the importance of mental health and how difficult it is to find the right doctor, so I created a online private practice. One aspect of my practice involves helping patients of all ages to reassess their current medication regimen or explore the possibility of tapering off their medication. I understand that medication can be a useful tool in managing mental health symptoms, it is important to regularly reassess the effectiveness and side effects of any medication a patient is taking and evaluate the benefits and risks of their current medication to determine if any changes need to be made.
(315) 897-1473 View (315) 897-1473
Photo of Jarrod Marks, MD, Psychiatrist
Jarrod Marks
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am accepting new patients. I am a board-certified psychiatrist. I diagnose and treat a wide range of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I also work with people who are suffering in life from issues such as relationship or career concerns, grief and loss, life transitions, or identity issues. I will help you to know yourself better so you can experience life more fully.
I am accepting new patients. I am a board-certified psychiatrist. I diagnose and treat a wide range of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I also work with people who are suffering in life from issues such as relationship or career concerns, grief and loss, life transitions, or identity issues. I will help you to know yourself better so you can experience life more fully.
(315) 812-3480 View (315) 812-3480
Photo of Stephanie M Carletta, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stephanie M Carletta
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Welcome! I’m Stephanie Carletta, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in providing personalized care. I’m committed to creating a space where your unique experiences are truly valued. With a blend of medication management, integrative therapies, and lifestyle interventions, I tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs. My advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Obesity Medicine allows me to use functional and western medicine to support your optimal health and well-being.
Welcome! I’m Stephanie Carletta, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in providing personalized care. I’m committed to creating a space where your unique experiences are truly valued. With a blend of medication management, integrative therapies, and lifestyle interventions, I tailor treatment plans to meet your specific needs. My advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Obesity Medicine allows me to use functional and western medicine to support your optimal health and well-being.
(585) 204-2066 View (585) 204-2066
Photo of Dr. Archana Kathpal, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist
Dr. Archana Kathpal
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13202
If you’re facing challenges like anxiety, depression, or stress, and need expert medication management, you’re in the right place. As one of the few psychiatrists in the area with triple board certification in Adult, Child/Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatry, I specialize primarily in working with children and adolescents, bringing extensive expertise to address their unique needs. Additionally, I provide comprehensive care for adults. In my practice, I take inspiration from the Sanskrit word “Vihaan,” meaning sunrise, aiming to help each patient experience a new dawn in their mental health journey.
If you’re facing challenges like anxiety, depression, or stress, and need expert medication management, you’re in the right place. As one of the few psychiatrists in the area with triple board certification in Adult, Child/Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatry, I specialize primarily in working with children and adolescents, bringing extensive expertise to address their unique needs. Additionally, I provide comprehensive care for adults. In my practice, I take inspiration from the Sanskrit word “Vihaan,” meaning sunrise, aiming to help each patient experience a new dawn in their mental health journey.
(315) 908-0912 View (315) 908-0912
Photo of Uros Koprivica, APN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Uros Koprivica
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Serves Area
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
(315) 904-9115 View (315) 904-9115
Photo of Marion Fitzsimmons, PhD, NP , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Marion Fitzsimmons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, NP , PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
When the worry, or the pain, or the fear of our current situation is standing in front of us like a brick wall, what if we could see beyond that present wall? Would seeing what lies beyond the present change how it's affecting us? When triggered by the right stressors, the genes we are born with can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations. And throughout life, we may experience abuse, neglect, loss, poverty, trauma and situations that make us feel “stuck.”
When the worry, or the pain, or the fear of our current situation is standing in front of us like a brick wall, what if we could see beyond that present wall? Would seeing what lies beyond the present change how it's affecting us? When triggered by the right stressors, the genes we are born with can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations. And throughout life, we may experience abuse, neglect, loss, poverty, trauma and situations that make us feel “stuck.”
(716) 526-8865 View (716) 526-8865
Empower Psychiatric NP Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Auburn, NY 13021
We are locally owned and operated in Auburn, NY and serve Cayuga and surrounding counties. We offer face-to-face office visits as well as virtual. We offer a wide spectrum of mental health services, including therapy and medication management. We specialize with children-adolescents and adults. Our New York State-licensed psychiatric providers include board-certified nurse practitioners and licensed therapists. See the difference and book a session today.
We are locally owned and operated in Auburn, NY and serve Cayuga and surrounding counties. We offer face-to-face office visits as well as virtual. We offer a wide spectrum of mental health services, including therapy and medication management. We specialize with children-adolescents and adults. Our New York State-licensed psychiatric providers include board-certified nurse practitioners and licensed therapists. See the difference and book a session today.
(315) 232-6761 View (315) 232-6761

See more therapy options for 13148

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in 13148

< 10

Psychiatrists in 13148 who prioritize treating:

Average years in practice

3 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% Oxford

How Psychiatrists in 13148 see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in 13148?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.