Psychiatrists in 19118

Lisa Harrelson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
4 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19118
My ideal client often deals with anxiety, depression, or a sense of directionlessness. They seek a supportive environment to explore their emotions and understand underlying issues. Their goals include achieving mental clarity, emotional stability, and personal growth. These clients aim to develop resilience and effective coping strategies to navigate life's challenges. They value a personalized, holistic treatment plan that combines psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication to achieve mental wellness and fulfillment.
My ideal client often deals with anxiety, depression, or a sense of directionlessness. They seek a supportive environment to explore their emotions and understand underlying issues. Their goals include achieving mental clarity, emotional stability, and personal growth. These clients aim to develop resilience and effective coping strategies to navigate life's challenges. They value a personalized, holistic treatment plan that combines psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication to achieve mental wellness and fulfillment.

My goal is to help patients improve their well-being by addressing mental health issues and/or addictions through the use of various treatments. Depending on your specific needs, Wave Treatment Centers offers a range of approaches from traditional medications to newer therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Additionally, talk therapy is often recommended as an essential component for personal growth and learning to effectively manage symptoms. I believe in honoring each patient's unique personal history, values, and treatment goals during the process of developing an effective treatment plan.
My goal is to help patients improve their well-being by addressing mental health issues and/or addictions through the use of various treatments. Depending on your specific needs, Wave Treatment Centers offers a range of approaches from traditional medications to newer therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Additionally, talk therapy is often recommended as an essential component for personal growth and learning to effectively manage symptoms. I believe in honoring each patient's unique personal history, values, and treatment goals during the process of developing an effective treatment plan.

I am a Harvard trained, board certified psychiatrist who practices holistically, interweaving traditional psychiatric interventions (therapy and medications) with an evidence based understanding of hormones, supplements, stress issues, and more. My vision is to create a nurturing space that supports you through unique issues that we face – whether it be depression, anxiety, work-life balance, mood disorders in pregnancy, infertility, menopause, and more. I also utilize functional/precision medicine approaches with testing for hormone and stress levels, using HRV and DUTCH tests, to provide a more comprehensive approach for you.
I am a Harvard trained, board certified psychiatrist who practices holistically, interweaving traditional psychiatric interventions (therapy and medications) with an evidence based understanding of hormones, supplements, stress issues, and more. My vision is to create a nurturing space that supports you through unique issues that we face – whether it be depression, anxiety, work-life balance, mood disorders in pregnancy, infertility, menopause, and more. I also utilize functional/precision medicine approaches with testing for hormone and stress levels, using HRV and DUTCH tests, to provide a more comprehensive approach for you.

Willow Women's Psychiatry and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Are you a woman struggling with a mental health condition? Do you feel hopeless? Is your anxiety so intense that it is hard to function? Do you use substances and find that they are making your life more difficult? Are you pregnant and want specialized treatment? Are you looking for holistic care that focuses on your needs and considers hormonal changes, gender identity, sexuality, pregnancy, physical and sexual health, family, social and work roles?
Welcome to Willow Women's Psychiatry and Wellness! I am a clinical expert in women's, perinatal and LGBTQIA+ mental health and addictions. I can help you gain peace and stability.
Are you a woman struggling with a mental health condition? Do you feel hopeless? Is your anxiety so intense that it is hard to function? Do you use substances and find that they are making your life more difficult? Are you pregnant and want specialized treatment? Are you looking for holistic care that focuses on your needs and considers hormonal changes, gender identity, sexuality, pregnancy, physical and sexual health, family, social and work roles?
Welcome to Willow Women's Psychiatry and Wellness! I am a clinical expert in women's, perinatal and LGBTQIA+ mental health and addictions. I can help you gain peace and stability.

I regard empathy, responsiveness, and respect for the patient as core therapeutic values. While I tailor treatment to the individual, as a psychoanalyst I place special importance on gaining insight about unconscious contributors to current difficulties. I also appreciate the importance of clarifying and resolving here-and-now problems. When appropriate I prescribe medications or work short-term. My style is collaborative rather than authoritarian. For many years I have taught psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to trainees in these fields. I also teach professional ethics. I have published in the major journals in my field and am a training and supervising psychoanalyst.
I regard empathy, responsiveness, and respect for the patient as core therapeutic values. While I tailor treatment to the individual, as a psychoanalyst I place special importance on gaining insight about unconscious contributors to current difficulties. I also appreciate the importance of clarifying and resolving here-and-now problems. When appropriate I prescribe medications or work short-term. My style is collaborative rather than authoritarian. For many years I have taught psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to trainees in these fields. I also teach professional ethics. I have published in the major journals in my field and am a training and supervising psychoanalyst.

Accepting new patients treatment-resistant depression with TMS and Spravato/ketamine. We continue to offer harm reduction and medication options to meet your goals when struggling w/ substance dependence. Triple-board certified and provide a comprehensive medical approach and psychotherapy. Extensive experience treating the most complex issues that you are facing. I will help you to break down these issues and identify recurring themes that may be the barriers to your mental and physical wellness. Addiction is a medical disorder not a moral failure; together we will address the neurobiology of addiction AND its psychological impact.
Accepting new patients treatment-resistant depression with TMS and Spravato/ketamine. We continue to offer harm reduction and medication options to meet your goals when struggling w/ substance dependence. Triple-board certified and provide a comprehensive medical approach and psychotherapy. Extensive experience treating the most complex issues that you are facing. I will help you to break down these issues and identify recurring themes that may be the barriers to your mental and physical wellness. Addiction is a medical disorder not a moral failure; together we will address the neurobiology of addiction AND its psychological impact.

Welcome to Wave Treatment Centers. I am a triple board certified psychiatrist. I relocated from Philadelphia where I opened the first location of Wave, specializing in substance use disorders and treatment-resistant depression (complex symptoms that haven't responded to first/second line medications/therapy). I have worked in faculty academic settings, residential treatment and various outpatient settings. My experience and reputation led to two consecutive prestigious "Top Doctor" awards (2023 + 2024) from Castle-Connolly and were featured in Philadelphia Magazine. I have been sought out for expert 2nd opinion consultation & care.
Welcome to Wave Treatment Centers. I am a triple board certified psychiatrist. I relocated from Philadelphia where I opened the first location of Wave, specializing in substance use disorders and treatment-resistant depression (complex symptoms that haven't responded to first/second line medications/therapy). I have worked in faculty academic settings, residential treatment and various outpatient settings. My experience and reputation led to two consecutive prestigious "Top Doctor" awards (2023 + 2024) from Castle-Connolly and were featured in Philadelphia Magazine. I have been sought out for expert 2nd opinion consultation & care.

Welcome! I'm a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatric Mental Health. I have the passion for helping adults and adolescents improve their mental health and emotional well-being. I understand that people often seek psychiatric support or therapy when they're experiencing emotional or psychological pain stemming from unrecognized beliefs, conflicts, or patterns. My goal as your mental health provider is to create a safe, private, trustworthy, and nonjudgemental place in which you can feel comfortable expressing your feelings and thoughts.
Welcome! I'm a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatric Mental Health. I have the passion for helping adults and adolescents improve their mental health and emotional well-being. I understand that people often seek psychiatric support or therapy when they're experiencing emotional or psychological pain stemming from unrecognized beliefs, conflicts, or patterns. My goal as your mental health provider is to create a safe, private, trustworthy, and nonjudgemental place in which you can feel comfortable expressing your feelings and thoughts.

Hello, I'm Lacy and I am glad you are here. Are you looking for a medication provider who considers you as an individual? Listening, compassion, understanding, and clinical expertise are the cornerstones of my practice. It is a privilege to be part of someone’s mental health care and my promise to you is to make every effort to ensure you feel heard, supported, and actively engaged in your health care. I value getting to know you as an individual and tailoring a treatment plan specifically for you. Please check your Spam Folder if you do not see a reply to your inquiry within 3 business days.
Hello, I'm Lacy and I am glad you are here. Are you looking for a medication provider who considers you as an individual? Listening, compassion, understanding, and clinical expertise are the cornerstones of my practice. It is a privilege to be part of someone’s mental health care and my promise to you is to make every effort to ensure you feel heard, supported, and actively engaged in your health care. I value getting to know you as an individual and tailoring a treatment plan specifically for you. Please check your Spam Folder if you do not see a reply to your inquiry within 3 business days.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.

Often the tribulations and traumas of life can expose our personal vulnerabilities, causing us to feel overwhelmed, unhappy in our relationships, and dissatisfied with our lives. Yet human beings are innately resilient and with the right support and guidance, we can not only diminish our suffering but cultivate greater understanding, deeper relationships, and wisdom. My aim is to use my advanced training in existential philosophy, positive psychology, and psychoanalysis to work collaboratively and compassionately with clients to help them feel better, develop greater insight, and develop greater sense of meaning in life.
Often the tribulations and traumas of life can expose our personal vulnerabilities, causing us to feel overwhelmed, unhappy in our relationships, and dissatisfied with our lives. Yet human beings are innately resilient and with the right support and guidance, we can not only diminish our suffering but cultivate greater understanding, deeper relationships, and wisdom. My aim is to use my advanced training in existential philosophy, positive psychology, and psychoanalysis to work collaboratively and compassionately with clients to help them feel better, develop greater insight, and develop greater sense of meaning in life.

The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.

Miss Fordjour has over 13 years of extensive expertise in Nursing, spanning from cardiology to psychiatry. In her therapeutic approach Rosemary focuses on leveraging the unique strengths, challenges and needs of each individual by focusing on the positive. Rosemary's care is based on the premise that patients who require mental health care respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. She places special emphasis on the integration of a psychotherapeutic approach with careful and limited use of medication prescribed only when necessary.
Miss Fordjour has over 13 years of extensive expertise in Nursing, spanning from cardiology to psychiatry. In her therapeutic approach Rosemary focuses on leveraging the unique strengths, challenges and needs of each individual by focusing on the positive. Rosemary's care is based on the premise that patients who require mental health care respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. She places special emphasis on the integration of a psychotherapeutic approach with careful and limited use of medication prescribed only when necessary.

Dr. Dustin R. Todaro is a board-certified psychiatrist who provides thoughtful, individualized medication management and psychotherapy for adults. He earned his MD and PhD at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, LA, and completed his Psychiatry Residency at the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine. He specializes in the treatment of a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD/trauma-associated disorders, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and psychotic spectrum disorders.
Dr. Dustin R. Todaro is a board-certified psychiatrist who provides thoughtful, individualized medication management and psychotherapy for adults. He earned his MD and PhD at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, LA, and completed his Psychiatry Residency at the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine. He specializes in the treatment of a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD/trauma-associated disorders, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and psychotic spectrum disorders.

My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress, and they are seeking relief from it. They are seeking someone who will listen to their concerns and collaborate with them to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe and nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver high-quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle, and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress, and they are seeking relief from it. They are seeking someone who will listen to their concerns and collaborate with them to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe and nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver high-quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle, and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.

Leon Cushenberry, MD Leon Cushenberry is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2018. He completed medical school at the University of California, Davis and psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Afterwards, he completed additional training at the University of Pennsylvania as a Public Psychiatry Fellow which allowed him to understand the impact of an individual's community and social factors on their lived experiences.
Leon Cushenberry, MD Leon Cushenberry is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2018. He completed medical school at the University of California, Davis and psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Afterwards, he completed additional training at the University of Pennsylvania as a Public Psychiatry Fellow which allowed him to understand the impact of an individual's community and social factors on their lived experiences.

Is depression robbing you of joy? Have you tried medication and/or therapy without consistent success? Don’t despair! TMS Integrative Brain Institute has another way to treat depression that is non-invasive, non-systemic, has minimal side effects and risks, is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for major, treatment-resistant depression and is covered by most insurance including Medicare. With our integrative approach to TMS therapy, we can help you change the way you feel about your life.
Is depression robbing you of joy? Have you tried medication and/or therapy without consistent success? Don’t despair! TMS Integrative Brain Institute has another way to treat depression that is non-invasive, non-systemic, has minimal side effects and risks, is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for major, treatment-resistant depression and is covered by most insurance including Medicare. With our integrative approach to TMS therapy, we can help you change the way you feel about your life.

Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are crucial for effectively utilizing the tools provided during our sessions, including medication management, lifestyle interventions, and therapy, to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are crucial for effectively utilizing the tools provided during our sessions, including medication management, lifestyle interventions, and therapy, to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.

The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.

I am Dr. Katelyn Shaffer, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP) providing care to patients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Throughout my career as a psychiatric NP, I’ve had the opportunity to work with patients across the lifespan in various settings, including outpatient psychiatry, acute inpatient care, research, and education. My primary interest and specialty, however, is working with adult patients in outpatient psychiatry. I am experienced in treating a wide range of diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders.
I am Dr. Katelyn Shaffer, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP) providing care to patients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Throughout my career as a psychiatric NP, I’ve had the opportunity to work with patients across the lifespan in various settings, including outpatient psychiatry, acute inpatient care, research, and education. My primary interest and specialty, however, is working with adult patients in outpatient psychiatry. I am experienced in treating a wide range of diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders.
See more therapy options for 19118
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 19118
< 10
Psychiatrists in 19118 who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
78% | ADHD |
78% | Medication Management |
67% | Addiction |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
60% | Aetna |
60% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in 19118 see their clients
89% | In Person and Online | |
11% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 19118?
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.