Psychiatrists in Cheshire, CT

At Advanced Telepsych, we have providers with extensive knowledge in mental health, in CT, FL, and MA. Our providers specialize in psychiatric evaluation, medication management and therapy in a virtual care environment. We offer these services via live video, from the convenience of your own private space, on a confidential/HIPAA compliant, secure platform.
At Advanced Telepsych, we have providers with extensive knowledge in mental health, in CT, FL, and MA. Our providers specialize in psychiatric evaluation, medication management and therapy in a virtual care environment. We offer these services via live video, from the convenience of your own private space, on a confidential/HIPAA compliant, secure platform.

Are you seeking to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, mood swings, and trauma-related distress? Persistent symptoms can interfere with everyday life, making it hard to focus, function, or feel content. Relief from these symptoms is often the first step toward reclaiming a sense of normalcy and improving quality of life. Accessing mental health care is a proactive way for individuals to lead healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives, with benefits that can positively impact their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. Let’s take that first step together!
Are you seeking to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, mood swings, and trauma-related distress? Persistent symptoms can interfere with everyday life, making it hard to focus, function, or feel content. Relief from these symptoms is often the first step toward reclaiming a sense of normalcy and improving quality of life. Accessing mental health care is a proactive way for individuals to lead healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives, with benefits that can positively impact their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. Let’s take that first step together!

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or out of balance? Struggling with self-doubt, stress, or emotional exhaustion can affect your well-being and relationships. If you’re ready for a change, we can work together to build coping strategies, find clarity, and reconnect with your inner strength. Imagine feeling grounded, confident, and in control of your emotions, managing life’s challenges with resilience. I’m here to support you on your journey to better mental health!
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or out of balance? Struggling with self-doubt, stress, or emotional exhaustion can affect your well-being and relationships. If you’re ready for a change, we can work together to build coping strategies, find clarity, and reconnect with your inner strength. Imagine feeling grounded, confident, and in control of your emotions, managing life’s challenges with resilience. I’m here to support you on your journey to better mental health!

Hi, I’m Yvon Mukunzi, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Advanced TelePsych. My journey in mental health stems from my personal experiences as an immigrant navigating cultural adjustment, isolation, and stigma. These challenges inspired my passion for providing accessible, compassionate care to communities. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders. With a holistic, personalized approach, I strive to empower my clients to achieve their mental and physical health goals. At Advanced TelePsych, I offer flexible, confidential telepsychiatry services.
Hi, I’m Yvon Mukunzi, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Advanced TelePsych. My journey in mental health stems from my personal experiences as an immigrant navigating cultural adjustment, isolation, and stigma. These challenges inspired my passion for providing accessible, compassionate care to communities. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders. With a holistic, personalized approach, I strive to empower my clients to achieve their mental and physical health goals. At Advanced TelePsych, I offer flexible, confidential telepsychiatry services.

I am a compassionate Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works closely with my clients by listening to their needs and concerns. We will work together to have you achieving the best quality of life possible. I specialize in adults with depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
I am a compassionate Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works closely with my clients by listening to their needs and concerns. We will work together to have you achieving the best quality of life possible. I specialize in adults with depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Karla’s goal is to create an environment that is comfortable, empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental. Her approach is informed by her work witnessing the ways in which many aspects of life (housing, work, economic security, racial identity, gender identity, and sexuality) impact mental health. She takes a strength-based approach that is client-centered and works with people to determine what tools work best for them at the time; healing is not always linear. When psychiatric symptoms are too overwhelming and difficult to be addressed with psychotherapy alone, many clients may seek treatment with medications.
Karla’s goal is to create an environment that is comfortable, empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental. Her approach is informed by her work witnessing the ways in which many aspects of life (housing, work, economic security, racial identity, gender identity, and sexuality) impact mental health. She takes a strength-based approach that is client-centered and works with people to determine what tools work best for them at the time; healing is not always linear. When psychiatric symptoms are too overwhelming and difficult to be addressed with psychotherapy alone, many clients may seek treatment with medications.

Wholistic Perspective
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Verified Verified
Cheshire, CT 06410
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering and at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Mental Health Practitioners, we are trained to provide mental health treatment via psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Here at Wholisitic Perspective, we have providers that have experience with children, adolescent and adult populations. At Wholistic Perspective we believe the patient is the expert and emphasize collaboration and communication to find the best treatment for you! We take a holistic approach to treatment and collaborate with other providers to ensure safety and accomplishment of treatment goals. We provide psychiatric evaluations to better understand diagnoses and medication management. We are also certified to provide evaluations for medical marijuana for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults.
Unresolved emotional conflicts lie at the core of human suffering and at times life can be unusually painful, scary and confusing. We may feel anxious, sad, discouraged and alone and not know what to do. Talking things out with someone can help us become clearer about who we are, our strengths and also our self-defeating ways so we can move forward with an improved sense of self and direction. As a Mental Health Practitioners, we are trained to provide mental health treatment via psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Here at Wholisitic Perspective, we have providers that have experience with children, adolescent and adult populations. At Wholistic Perspective we believe the patient is the expert and emphasize collaboration and communication to find the best treatment for you! We take a holistic approach to treatment and collaborate with other providers to ensure safety and accomplishment of treatment goals. We provide psychiatric evaluations to better understand diagnoses and medication management. We are also certified to provide evaluations for medical marijuana for posttraumatic stress disorder in adults.

Ashley LaBonte is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, receiving her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph in 2018. Since that time, she has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, intensive outpatient treatment programs and more recently in outpatient community mental health.
Ashley LaBonte is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, receiving her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph in 2018. Since that time, she has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, intensive outpatient treatment programs and more recently in outpatient community mental health.

Christine believes in treating people so that their individual and therapeutic goals are met and is dedicated to serving and healing the community through patient-centered care. Treatment should be an avenue to show compassion and understanding to patients and their needs without judgment or stigma whether it is through mediation, therapy, or both.
Christine believes in treating people so that their individual and therapeutic goals are met and is dedicated to serving and healing the community through patient-centered care. Treatment should be an avenue to show compassion and understanding to patients and their needs without judgment or stigma whether it is through mediation, therapy, or both.

Welcome! I am Laura Somerville, a Psychiatric APRN specializing in the treatment of children, teens, and young adults. I focus on anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health challenges. With a compassionate approach, I provide personalized care to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood. I use evidence-based treatments and stay updated on advancements in psychiatric care. My goal is to collaborate with patients and families to develop effective strategies, addressing symptoms and fostering long-term growth. I’m committed to building strong relationships and supporting mental wellness.
Welcome! I am Laura Somerville, a Psychiatric APRN specializing in the treatment of children, teens, and young adults. I focus on anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health challenges. With a compassionate approach, I provide personalized care to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood. I use evidence-based treatments and stay updated on advancements in psychiatric care. My goal is to collaborate with patients and families to develop effective strategies, addressing symptoms and fostering long-term growth. I’m committed to building strong relationships and supporting mental wellness.

Life is an amazing and unpredictable journey we all share. It can bring joy, success, love and optimism, and also present extreme challenges, loss, sadness, grief and despair. We can sometimes feel overwhelmed, stressed or "stuck" for many reasons involving relationships, life transitions, illness, trauma, and personal circumstances. This can lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings and uncertainty about how to feel better and move forward. Regardless of what challenges you are facing, no situation is hopeless and there is always a way forward to a better you and and a better life.
Life is an amazing and unpredictable journey we all share. It can bring joy, success, love and optimism, and also present extreme challenges, loss, sadness, grief and despair. We can sometimes feel overwhelmed, stressed or "stuck" for many reasons involving relationships, life transitions, illness, trauma, and personal circumstances. This can lead to depression, anxiety, mood swings and uncertainty about how to feel better and move forward. Regardless of what challenges you are facing, no situation is hopeless and there is always a way forward to a better you and and a better life.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, parenting problems, postpartum, school issues, chronic illness, divorce or work stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.
NOW Accepting New Patients! Have you been a victim of a traumatic event that has left you with symptoms of PTSD? Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, parenting problems, postpartum, school issues, chronic illness, divorce or work stress that impacts your sleep that results in insomnia? Whether you tried ignoring it, talking with friends & family, or even reading self-help books, nothing seems to be working. Maybe it’s time to get some professional help today. The first step towards making a change is to acknowledge that you need help. The next step is to continue reading so you can learn more about how you can get that help now.

John T Palma
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheshire, CT 06410
I'm a compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner that likes to take the appropriate time to get to know the needs and objectives of my clients. I specialize in adults but will see children 13 and older depending on the case. I treat individuals suffering from a variety of conditions, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. I value the input of those I work with and through collaboration we will achieve the best possible outcome.
I'm a compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner that likes to take the appropriate time to get to know the needs and objectives of my clients. I specialize in adults but will see children 13 and older depending on the case. I treat individuals suffering from a variety of conditions, such as, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. I value the input of those I work with and through collaboration we will achieve the best possible outcome.

I am a doctoral level psychiatric nurse practitioner, board certified and trained at Yale University. I have 21 years of experience diagnosing and assessing mental health issues as well as prescribing medications for such issues. In addition, I have 27 years of experience in mental health treatment in general. I began my career as a psychotherapist and then furthered my education to include medical practice.
I am a doctoral level psychiatric nurse practitioner, board certified and trained at Yale University. I have 21 years of experience diagnosing and assessing mental health issues as well as prescribing medications for such issues. In addition, I have 27 years of experience in mental health treatment in general. I began my career as a psychotherapist and then furthered my education to include medical practice.

Teresa Puckhaber
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD, PMHNP, AGCNS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheshire, CT 06410
I am a dual-certified advanced practice nurse, serving as both a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and an adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist. I hold a doctorate in nursing education and am a Certified Nurse Educator. I believe that building a trusting patient-provider relationship, communicating therapeutically, and prioritizing my patients’ needs are essential to achieving good clinical outcomes.
I am a dual-certified advanced practice nurse, serving as both a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and an adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist. I hold a doctorate in nursing education and am a Certified Nurse Educator. I believe that building a trusting patient-provider relationship, communicating therapeutically, and prioritizing my patients’ needs are essential to achieving good clinical outcomes.

Nathan Tyson is a board-certified, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, specializing in psychiatric mental health, at Advanced TelePsych. In his own words, "It is essential that we trust our health care providers. My goal is to provide an atmosphere for patients that makes them feel safe, heard, and cared for in a telehealth environment. Patients that are making the effort to provide for their mental and emotional wellness expect equal effort from their providers, and that’s what you’ll get." His treatment approach focuses on thoughtful, personalized, and confidential care that can be delivered directly to your home.
Nathan Tyson is a board-certified, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, specializing in psychiatric mental health, at Advanced TelePsych. In his own words, "It is essential that we trust our health care providers. My goal is to provide an atmosphere for patients that makes them feel safe, heard, and cared for in a telehealth environment. Patients that are making the effort to provide for their mental and emotional wellness expect equal effort from their providers, and that’s what you’ll get." His treatment approach focuses on thoughtful, personalized, and confidential care that can be delivered directly to your home.

Gina M Reiners
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, APRN, PMHNP, PMHCNS
Verified Verified
Cheshire, CT 06410
Waitlist for new clients
I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), who is certified as Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner with prescriptive rights to prescribe psychiatric medications. I possess over 30 years of experience as a clinician, director,and professor. My practice focuses on psychotherapy and/or medication management based on the needs of my patients. I work in partnership by assisting patients to better manage their stressors. I respect and actively listen to my patients so they attain their individualized goals. I am compassionate and passionate about helping patients discover how they can find balance in their lives.
I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), who is certified as Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner with prescriptive rights to prescribe psychiatric medications. I possess over 30 years of experience as a clinician, director,and professor. My practice focuses on psychotherapy and/or medication management based on the needs of my patients. I work in partnership by assisting patients to better manage their stressors. I respect and actively listen to my patients so they attain their individualized goals. I am compassionate and passionate about helping patients discover how they can find balance in their lives.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the provision of care to individuals with a diverse array of mental health issues. My approach to treatment is holistic, focusing on the mind, body, and soul. I use a combination of therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes to help my patients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorder, trauma/PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I strive to build a trusting relationship with my patients and empower every patient I encounter.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the provision of care to individuals with a diverse array of mental health issues. My approach to treatment is holistic, focusing on the mind, body, and soul. I use a combination of therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes to help my patients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorder, trauma/PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I strive to build a trusting relationship with my patients and empower every patient I encounter.

Back to Balance LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Cheshire, CT 06410
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, mood swings, difficulty focusing, poor motivation, insomnia or do you know anyone who does? If you are in a need of help, support, or guidance I may be able to help. I'm an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) holding full prescriptive authority to serve the needs of clients in Connecticut. My unique approach involves providing holistic mental health intervention that include acupuncture, cupping, aromatherapy, and supplements including injectable Vitamin B12, D3, and Tri-Boost in addition to traditional psychiatric medication.
Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, depression, mood swings, difficulty focusing, poor motivation, insomnia or do you know anyone who does? If you are in a need of help, support, or guidance I may be able to help. I'm an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) holding full prescriptive authority to serve the needs of clients in Connecticut. My unique approach involves providing holistic mental health intervention that include acupuncture, cupping, aromatherapy, and supplements including injectable Vitamin B12, D3, and Tri-Boost in addition to traditional psychiatric medication.

Dr. de Figueiredo is a Johns Hopkins trained psychiatrist and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale. He has been in practice over 30 years. He offers telepsychiatry (appointments through video conferencing) throughout Connecticut, New York, Florida, and Arizona. He typically offers medication management for depression and anxiety and supportive psychotherapy for dealing effectively with stressful situations and restoring the balance and harmony in life. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). He participates in most insurance plans.
Dr. de Figueiredo is a Johns Hopkins trained psychiatrist and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale. He has been in practice over 30 years. He offers telepsychiatry (appointments through video conferencing) throughout Connecticut, New York, Florida, and Arizona. He typically offers medication management for depression and anxiety and supportive psychotherapy for dealing effectively with stressful situations and restoring the balance and harmony in life. He is the recipient of several awards, including the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). He participates in most insurance plans.
See more therapy options for Cheshire
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Cheshire, CT
30+
Average cost per session
$275
Psychiatrists in Cheshire, CT who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
97% | Anxiety |
81% | ADHD |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
76% | Medication Management |
73% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
7 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
94% | Cigna and Evernorth |
74% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Cheshire, CT see their clients
62% | Online Only | |
38% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
16% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Cheshire?
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.