Psychiatrists in 19010

Dr Amy MacIntyre is a Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Brown University's Butler Hospital and went on to a fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Her training focused on medication treatment of psychiatric disorders across all ages, and therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. The services Dr MacIntyre provides include evaluations, second opinions, med management and therapy.
Dr Amy MacIntyre is a Board Certified Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her adult psychiatry residency at Brown University's Butler Hospital and went on to a fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Her training focused on medication treatment of psychiatric disorders across all ages, and therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. The services Dr MacIntyre provides include evaluations, second opinions, med management and therapy.

Accepting New Patients in February 2025!
Juno Mental Health PLLC is the private practice of Dr. Kathryn Zagrabbe, a Harvard-trained board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in women's mental health. Dr. Zagrabbe offers personalized psychiatric care for each of her patients. She cares for women ages 18 and above who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, panic disorder, as well as ADHD. She has particular expertise in caring for women in the perinatal period (before, during, and after pregnancy) as well as in perimenopause.
Accepting New Patients in February 2025!
Juno Mental Health PLLC is the private practice of Dr. Kathryn Zagrabbe, a Harvard-trained board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in women's mental health. Dr. Zagrabbe offers personalized psychiatric care for each of her patients. She cares for women ages 18 and above who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, panic disorder, as well as ADHD. She has particular expertise in caring for women in the perinatal period (before, during, and after pregnancy) as well as in perimenopause.

Taylor Bell is a board certified physician assistant who completed her medical training at Duke University Physician Assistant Program. She received her undergrad degree from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biobehavioral Health and a minor in Human Development Family Studies. Prior to arriving to Dr. MacIntyre’s practice, Taylor worked in a psychiatry practice in North Carolina, treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, psychosis, personality disorders, and more. She is excited to continue treating patients in the Philadelphia area.
Taylor Bell is a board certified physician assistant who completed her medical training at Duke University Physician Assistant Program. She received her undergrad degree from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biobehavioral Health and a minor in Human Development Family Studies. Prior to arriving to Dr. MacIntyre’s practice, Taylor worked in a psychiatry practice in North Carolina, treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, psychosis, personality disorders, and more. She is excited to continue treating patients in the Philadelphia area.

I understand that your mental health is too important for one-size-fits-all "fixes." That’s why I focus on holistic and integrative psychiatry, offering a personalized approach that goes beyond conventional care.
I understand that your mental health is too important for one-size-fits-all "fixes." That’s why I focus on holistic and integrative psychiatry, offering a personalized approach that goes beyond conventional care.

Carrie Malanga
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MEd, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, working with individuals ranging from young adults through the lifespan. My clinical approach to Psychopharmacology is solution focused and evidence based. I allow for 30-minute follow up sessions, in order to best meet the needs of my clients and offer a personalized and integrated approach to Psychiatry. I incorporate the strengths of western medicine as well as eastern philosophies, including contemplative psychology. In order to provide the highest level of patient care, our work together will extend beyond medication, allowing for holistic and co-created treatment planning.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, working with individuals ranging from young adults through the lifespan. My clinical approach to Psychopharmacology is solution focused and evidence based. I allow for 30-minute follow up sessions, in order to best meet the needs of my clients and offer a personalized and integrated approach to Psychiatry. I incorporate the strengths of western medicine as well as eastern philosophies, including contemplative psychology. In order to provide the highest level of patient care, our work together will extend beyond medication, allowing for holistic and co-created treatment planning.

I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience and expertise in psychopharmacology and therapy. My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and substance use disorders. I believe in a collaborative approach to treatment, and I will work with you to develop a medication regimen that is tailored to your individual needs.
My goal is to ensure that you are on medication only when absolutely necessary, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration appropriate.
I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience and expertise in psychopharmacology and therapy. My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and substance use disorders. I believe in a collaborative approach to treatment, and I will work with you to develop a medication regimen that is tailored to your individual needs.
My goal is to ensure that you are on medication only when absolutely necessary, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration appropriate.

I am trained as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience treating adolescents,young adults, and adults. My practice is divided between intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, and leadership consulting for executives and family enterprises. Approximately half of my professional time is spent in my consulting practice, advising CEOs, boards, and executive teams on psychological aspects of managing and leading their organizations. I work with companies and family businesses to address a leader's personal crises that is affecting their company.
I am trained as a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over 25 years experience treating adolescents,young adults, and adults. My practice is divided between intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, and leadership consulting for executives and family enterprises. Approximately half of my professional time is spent in my consulting practice, advising CEOs, boards, and executive teams on psychological aspects of managing and leading their organizations. I work with companies and family businesses to address a leader's personal crises that is affecting their company.

Elizabeth Pak- Impak Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Availability within 1-2 weeks with insurances, virtual and in person! Hi, my name is Elizabeth, and I’m a UPenn trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management for ages 18 to 65. I treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, postpartum mental conditions, PMDD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, among other conditions. The mission at Impak Psychiatry is empowering you to live your best life. Core Philosophy is to minimize medication use, while optimizing your quality of life. I take a collaborative and integrative approach. For more info, please visit my website at impakpsychiatry(dot)com.
Availability within 1-2 weeks with insurances, virtual and in person! Hi, my name is Elizabeth, and I’m a UPenn trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I provide medication management for ages 18 to 65. I treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, postpartum mental conditions, PMDD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, among other conditions. The mission at Impak Psychiatry is empowering you to live your best life. Core Philosophy is to minimize medication use, while optimizing your quality of life. I take a collaborative and integrative approach. For more info, please visit my website at impakpsychiatry(dot)com.

Our team of Harvard-trained psychiatrists bring over 25 years of experience specializing in evidence-based psychiatry. We provide personalized and compassionate care through innovative treatments, including medication management and meticulously selected psychotherapy. Academically affiliated, we stay current with up to date and innovative treatments and continue to present at academic meetings. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our approach is that it is important to spend time making a diagnosis before recommending treatment.
Our team of Harvard-trained psychiatrists bring over 25 years of experience specializing in evidence-based psychiatry. We provide personalized and compassionate care through innovative treatments, including medication management and meticulously selected psychotherapy. Academically affiliated, we stay current with up to date and innovative treatments and continue to present at academic meetings. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our approach is that it is important to spend time making a diagnosis before recommending treatment.

I am a highly experienced board-certified psychiatrist with added qualifications in addiction psychiatry. I spend a good deal of time and energy to establish an accurate diagnosis, then create a treatment plan tailored to the individual. I am interested in learning about a person’s strengths and resources as well as his or her challenges and conflicts. Because of my training and experience I am able to be helpful to adults of different ages who come to me with a wide range of mental health concerns.
I am a highly experienced board-certified psychiatrist with added qualifications in addiction psychiatry. I spend a good deal of time and energy to establish an accurate diagnosis, then create a treatment plan tailored to the individual. I am interested in learning about a person’s strengths and resources as well as his or her challenges and conflicts. Because of my training and experience I am able to be helpful to adults of different ages who come to me with a wide range of mental health concerns.

Casual, relaxed setting to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, unstable mood (bipolar), insomnia, and issues with focus/concentration. I specialize in working with older adolescents, college/graduate students, and young adults launching careers and building relationships. Of course I work with adults of all ages.
Casual, relaxed setting to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, unstable mood (bipolar), insomnia, and issues with focus/concentration. I specialize in working with older adolescents, college/graduate students, and young adults launching careers and building relationships. Of course I work with adults of all ages.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Christine Mulligan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Suffering with mental health issues or conditions is a challenge that no one should face alone, nor without support and treatment. There are many pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year (2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Suffering with mental health issues or conditions is a challenge that no one should face alone, nor without support and treatment. There are many pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year (2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.

My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.
My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.

Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and several different learning disabilities made me a sensitive, empathic, and understanding child and adolescent psychiatrist. In grade school, I couldn’t sit still or be quiet; in college and medical school, I needed extra time to complete my assignments. I needed more time in residency than my colleagues to write my notes. Treating ADHD involves more than just medication; it’s a lifetime process about what you need to do differently than others to achieve your goals. I’ve lived that life. My “insider” knowledge facilitates rapport, a core indicator of successful treatment.
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and several different learning disabilities made me a sensitive, empathic, and understanding child and adolescent psychiatrist. In grade school, I couldn’t sit still or be quiet; in college and medical school, I needed extra time to complete my assignments. I needed more time in residency than my colleagues to write my notes. Treating ADHD involves more than just medication; it’s a lifetime process about what you need to do differently than others to achieve your goals. I’ve lived that life. My “insider” knowledge facilitates rapport, a core indicator of successful treatment.

I view individuals as a “whole” with the understanding that our biology, social context, spirituality and community make us who we are. I frequently integrate these issues along with nutrition, exercise and lifestyle to support mental health. Underlying all my work with individuals and families is a foundation of open communication and a therapeutic relationship.
I view individuals as a “whole” with the understanding that our biology, social context, spirituality and community make us who we are. I frequently integrate these issues along with nutrition, exercise and lifestyle to support mental health. Underlying all my work with individuals and families is a foundation of open communication and a therapeutic relationship.

I work with each client to come up with the best treatment plan for you. I like to be flexible in my approach. I focus on med management and I highly encourage therapy as a co treatment. I often recommend optimizing sleep whether that involves a sleep study, medication or therapeutic techniques. I encourage patients to help me communicate with their therapists. I value exercise and nutrition and like to help patients make goals towards optimal health.
I work with each client to come up with the best treatment plan for you. I like to be flexible in my approach. I focus on med management and I highly encourage therapy as a co treatment. I often recommend optimizing sleep whether that involves a sleep study, medication or therapeutic techniques. I encourage patients to help me communicate with their therapists. I value exercise and nutrition and like to help patients make goals towards optimal health.

Dr. Silverberg offers unparalleled diagnostic evaluations and ongoing treatment recommendations for patients of all ages and needs. He serves the greater Philadelphia western suburbs and offer a wide array of programming and treatment options. Dr. Silverberg grew up in Devon, PA and graduated from The Haverford School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Pennsylvania and then continued on to earn his Medical Degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Silverberg did his psychiatric residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Dr. Silverberg offers unparalleled diagnostic evaluations and ongoing treatment recommendations for patients of all ages and needs. He serves the greater Philadelphia western suburbs and offer a wide array of programming and treatment options. Dr. Silverberg grew up in Devon, PA and graduated from The Haverford School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Pennsylvania and then continued on to earn his Medical Degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Silverberg did his psychiatric residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

As a UPenn-trained psychiatrist, I work with you to craft a personalized treatment strategy, which may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. My commitment is to establish a lasting, trusted partnership with you aimed at enriching your overall well-being. Together, we collaborate to create a plan tailored to meet your unique needs and circumstances.
As a UPenn-trained psychiatrist, I work with you to craft a personalized treatment strategy, which may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. My commitment is to establish a lasting, trusted partnership with you aimed at enriching your overall well-being. Together, we collaborate to create a plan tailored to meet your unique needs and circumstances.

I am a psychiatrist who works with patients who are struggling with mental health problems. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as evidenced and empirically-based medication management. I consider my approach to be psychopharmacologically conservative and minimalist. What this means is that I aim to minimize the use of medication, and recommend that my patients have a psychotherapist as well. I have a network of excellent therapists that include social workers, counselors, coaches and psychologists with whom I work closely.
I am a psychiatrist who works with patients who are struggling with mental health problems. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as evidenced and empirically-based medication management. I consider my approach to be psychopharmacologically conservative and minimalist. What this means is that I aim to minimize the use of medication, and recommend that my patients have a psychotherapist as well. I have a network of excellent therapists that include social workers, counselors, coaches and psychologists with whom I work closely.

Mental health issues are complex problems with the body, mind, and spirit. They demand a comprehensive evaluation to detect abnormal brain chemistry and physiology to employ an individualized and integrative approach to treat the root causes and relieve the symptoms. I have helped numerous people who are tired of the side effects and lack of efficacy of psychotropic medications and desire to achieve a healthier and happier life.
Mental health issues are complex problems with the body, mind, and spirit. They demand a comprehensive evaluation to detect abnormal brain chemistry and physiology to employ an individualized and integrative approach to treat the root causes and relieve the symptoms. I have helped numerous people who are tired of the side effects and lack of efficacy of psychotropic medications and desire to achieve a healthier and happier life.
See more therapy options for 19010
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 19010
30+
Average cost per session
$325
Psychiatrists in 19010 who prioritize treating:
92% | Depression |
92% | Anxiety |
79% | Medication Management |
76% | ADHD |
76% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
86% | Cigna and Evernorth |
71% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 19010 see their clients
90% | In Person and Online | |
10% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
55% | Female | |
45% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 19010?
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.