Psychiatrists in Hartford, CT

Photo of Mekessia Richards-Carby, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Mekessia Richards-Carby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Hartford, CT 06105
Welcome! I am Mekessia Richards-Carby, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. My experience in psychiatry ranges from treating children and adolescents in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs to adults in addiction treatment, as well as older adults as they transition through life changes. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, Bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, sleep disorders, and more.
Welcome! I am Mekessia Richards-Carby, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. My experience in psychiatry ranges from treating children and adolescents in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs to adults in addiction treatment, as well as older adults as they transition through life changes. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, Bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, sleep disorders, and more.
(860) 792-4721 View (860) 792-4721
Photo of Theresa Webster, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Theresa Webster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Online Only
Do you feel like you are constantly fighting with your own brain? You try to concentrate on a task but your mind constantly wanders off. Your friends joke that you have no concept of time but you wonder when they will tire of your inconsistency. You struggle in social settings with worry that you are talking too much or lose track of what someone is talking with you about when in conversation. Your finances are a mess or you just can’t seem to hold on to savings. Social media has you thinking you might have ADHD and you are ready to find answers.
Do you feel like you are constantly fighting with your own brain? You try to concentrate on a task but your mind constantly wanders off. Your friends joke that you have no concept of time but you wonder when they will tire of your inconsistency. You struggle in social settings with worry that you are talking too much or lose track of what someone is talking with you about when in conversation. Your finances are a mess or you just can’t seem to hold on to savings. Social media has you thinking you might have ADHD and you are ready to find answers.
(702) 830-7193 View (702) 830-7193
Photo of Diana Lankenau, Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, FNP-BC, MSN
Diana Lankenau
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP, FNP-BC, MSN
Online Only
I have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for about five years, a family nurse practitioner for eight years and a registered nurse for 15 years. I have a bachelor's degree in nursing from University of Miami; a bachelor's in psychology from Florida State University and obtained my specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health from Florida State University. I have worked in multiple behavioral health settings including jails, State and Federal prisons, hospice care, public schools, crisis stabilization centers, and community outpatient and private practices.
I have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for about five years, a family nurse practitioner for eight years and a registered nurse for 15 years. I have a bachelor's degree in nursing from University of Miami; a bachelor's in psychology from Florida State University and obtained my specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health from Florida State University. I have worked in multiple behavioral health settings including jails, State and Federal prisons, hospice care, public schools, crisis stabilization centers, and community outpatient and private practices.
(347) 254-7987 View (347) 254-7987
Photo of Merit Nwosu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Merit Nwosu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Hartford, CT 06103
Are you suffering from a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder, or OCD? Have you tried therapy before, but you just don’t seem to find someone you feel a connection with? Mental health challenges can keep you from living the life you want. You may feel lost, hopeless, or disempowered, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Connect with Merit today to learn important tools to nurture your mental health and make life more enjoyable and fulfilling. Merit offers a blend of individual therapy and medication management and is ready to help you reach the fulfilling life you deserve.
Are you suffering from a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder, or OCD? Have you tried therapy before, but you just don’t seem to find someone you feel a connection with? Mental health challenges can keep you from living the life you want. You may feel lost, hopeless, or disempowered, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Connect with Merit today to learn important tools to nurture your mental health and make life more enjoyable and fulfilling. Merit offers a blend of individual therapy and medication management and is ready to help you reach the fulfilling life you deserve.
(860) 791-1805 View (860) 791-1805
Photo of Tessa Perry - TSG Mental Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
TSG Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in caring for children, adolescents, and adults. With dual certifications as both a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner, I bring a unique and comprehensive approach to mental health care. My goal is to provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation followed by a personalized, dynamic plan that addresses both emotional and physical well-being.
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in caring for children, adolescents, and adults. With dual certifications as both a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner, I bring a unique and comprehensive approach to mental health care. My goal is to provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation followed by a personalized, dynamic plan that addresses both emotional and physical well-being.
(860) 743-0369 View (860) 743-0369
Photo of Howard Kenneth Weiner, Psychiatrist, MD
Howard Kenneth Weiner
Psychiatrist, MD
2 Endorsed
Hartford, CT 06105
My goal is to help each person reach his/her maximum potential as a human being. This includes not only relief from troubling symptoms, but also overcoming barriers to living life richly. Often, the troubled past casts a long shadow on the present; understanding and working through these echoes of hurts from long ago can inform and free the person to fully live in the present. I hope to help my patients find the meaning of their lives, improve relationships, free themselves from problems with self esteem, and to live with joy.
My goal is to help each person reach his/her maximum potential as a human being. This includes not only relief from troubling symptoms, but also overcoming barriers to living life richly. Often, the troubled past casts a long shadow on the present; understanding and working through these echoes of hurts from long ago can inform and free the person to fully live in the present. I hope to help my patients find the meaning of their lives, improve relationships, free themselves from problems with self esteem, and to live with joy.
(860) 891-6456 View (860) 891-6456
Photo of Tiffany Otto, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, FNP, PMHN
Tiffany Otto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, FNP, PMHN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
With over 13 years in mental health, I am a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a comprehensive background in both inpatient and private practice settings. My career spans from acute care on inpatient units to personalized treatment in private practice, reflecting my broad expertise in psychiatric nursing. This experience has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of the unique needs at various life stages, allowing me to provide tailored, effective care.
With over 13 years in mental health, I am a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a comprehensive background in both inpatient and private practice settings. My career spans from acute care on inpatient units to personalized treatment in private practice, reflecting my broad expertise in psychiatric nursing. This experience has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of the unique needs at various life stages, allowing me to provide tailored, effective care.
(860) 512-9619 View (860) 512-9619
Photo of Juleen Mason, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Juleen Mason
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Hartford, CT 06105
My name is Juleen L Mason I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I am dedicated in providing a holistic approach to treating patients who suffers form mental health issues. I come form a background that each individual is unique and should be treated as such.
My name is Juleen L Mason I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I am dedicated in providing a holistic approach to treating patients who suffers form mental health issues. I come form a background that each individual is unique and should be treated as such.
(959) 207-2682 View (959) 207-2682
Photo of Angela Olivia Roberts, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Angela Olivia Roberts
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help others create a life filled with purpose, intention, and happiness. I possess over 10 years of experience in the mental health field- both inpatient and outpatient. My extensive work history has afforded me the opportunity to provide care to patients with co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions. I have been providing medication management and supportive therapy for patients between the ages of 14-98 years old and enjoy helping others.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help others create a life filled with purpose, intention, and happiness. I possess over 10 years of experience in the mental health field- both inpatient and outpatient. My extensive work history has afforded me the opportunity to provide care to patients with co-morbid psychiatric and medical conditions. I have been providing medication management and supportive therapy for patients between the ages of 14-98 years old and enjoy helping others.
(959) 207-1951 View (959) 207-1951
Photo of Elina Alfin - Supportive Psych Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, MSN
Supportive Psych Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, MSN
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Elina Alfin, is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with twenty years of experience in the field of mental health, which includes acute care. She specializes in problems of mood (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety (generalized anxiety), and neurocognitive impairments (Alzheimer’s Dementia, Vascular Dementia, and other forms of dementia).
Elina Alfin, is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with twenty years of experience in the field of mental health, which includes acute care. She specializes in problems of mood (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety (generalized anxiety), and neurocognitive impairments (Alzheimer’s Dementia, Vascular Dementia, and other forms of dementia).
(860) 898-1298 View (860) 898-1298
Photo of Dr. Lawrence Ogbogu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Dr. Lawrence Ogbogu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Only
Hi I'm Dr Lawrence! As a double board certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Family nurse Practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience with inpatient/outpatient acute medical/Psychiatric populations, I strive to be empathetic and respectful to my clients from their experiences and perspectives. I provide various forms of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and other evidence-based approaches, to help you address and manage your mental health challenges.
Hi I'm Dr Lawrence! As a double board certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Family nurse Practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience with inpatient/outpatient acute medical/Psychiatric populations, I strive to be empathetic and respectful to my clients from their experiences and perspectives. I provide various forms of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and other evidence-based approaches, to help you address and manage your mental health challenges.
(475) 252-5428 View (475) 252-5428
Photo of Dr. Amy R. Salerno - Dr. Amy R. Salerno, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Amy R. Salerno
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Hartford, CT 06105
PLEASE note: NO Husky or health insurances accepted. I am taking a LIMITED number of new patients at this time.
PLEASE note: NO Husky or health insurances accepted. I am taking a LIMITED number of new patients at this time.
(860) 935-6556 View (860) 935-6556
Photo of Sabine Cayo-Saylor - H.O.P.E through Healing Wellness Center PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
H.O.P.E through Healing Wellness Center PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
NOT currently accepting new clients. Welcome to H.O.P.E through Healing Wellness Center, where your journey to mental health wellness begins. As a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help others, create a life filled with purpose, intention, and happiness. We provide virtual mental health services where you need it, at your comfort. We promote overall wellness, elevating/excelling through healing with pharmacotherapy in diagnosing, treating and managing common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD for individuals age 18+. Psychotherapy is not currently offered.
NOT currently accepting new clients. Welcome to H.O.P.E through Healing Wellness Center, where your journey to mental health wellness begins. As a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a passion to help others, create a life filled with purpose, intention, and happiness. We provide virtual mental health services where you need it, at your comfort. We promote overall wellness, elevating/excelling through healing with pharmacotherapy in diagnosing, treating and managing common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD for individuals age 18+. Psychotherapy is not currently offered.
(860) 792-4118 View (860) 792-4118
Photo of Karina Weiss, Psychiatrist, MD
Karina Weiss
Psychiatrist, MD
Hartford, CT 06105
A psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Weiss earned her Bachelors of Science, from Brown U., her MD at U. of Louisville followed by training at 3 Harvard Hospitals, then serving as Chief Resident. She has been providing care to adult outpatients in the Hartford area for over 10 years. Now in private practice, her clinical approach to treating adults emphasizes trust and nurturing a therapeutic partnership. She provides full psychiatric services to help people recover from stumbling blocks they may encounter. She values proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.
A psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Weiss earned her Bachelors of Science, from Brown U., her MD at U. of Louisville followed by training at 3 Harvard Hospitals, then serving as Chief Resident. She has been providing care to adult outpatients in the Hartford area for over 10 years. Now in private practice, her clinical approach to treating adults emphasizes trust and nurturing a therapeutic partnership. She provides full psychiatric services to help people recover from stumbling blocks they may encounter. She values proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.
(860) 467-1889 View (860) 467-1889
Photo of Janet Howe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Janet Howe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello! I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I am based in Connecticut. I earned my masters degree at Walden University. I enjoy working with adults and older adults that are experiencing challenges in their lives that they need support getting through, whether it's through talking or medications or both.
Hello! I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I am based in Connecticut. I earned my masters degree at Walden University. I enjoy working with adults and older adults that are experiencing challenges in their lives that they need support getting through, whether it's through talking or medications or both.
(475) 250-1395 View (475) 250-1395
Photo of Tonya Ruggieri - Polaris Psychiatry, Psychiatrist, MD
Polaris Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Hartford, CT 06105
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am well-versed in the treatment of mood disorders, thought disorders, and personality disorders and can offer medication management as well as psychotherapy.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am well-versed in the treatment of mood disorders, thought disorders, and personality disorders and can offer medication management as well as psychotherapy.
(860) 935-8292 View (860) 935-8292
Photo of Briana Komar, Psychiatrist, MD
Briana Komar
Psychiatrist, MD
Hartford, CT 06105
In a majority of diagnoses within the DSM-5, individuals can receive the same diagnosis without sharing any common symptoms. This lack of symptom overlap groups diverse individuals into arbitrary categories, and results in a "one-size-fits-all" treatment approach that is ultimately ineffective and sometimes dangerous. I treat individuals using personalized medicine tailored to their specific needs. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, use of medications, compounded hormones, nutraceuticals and supplements, and nutrition counseling.
In a majority of diagnoses within the DSM-5, individuals can receive the same diagnosis without sharing any common symptoms. This lack of symptom overlap groups diverse individuals into arbitrary categories, and results in a "one-size-fits-all" treatment approach that is ultimately ineffective and sometimes dangerous. I treat individuals using personalized medicine tailored to their specific needs. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, use of medications, compounded hormones, nutraceuticals and supplements, and nutrition counseling.
(860) 891-6190 View (860) 891-6190
Photo of Nancy Mayeda-Brescia, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Nancy Mayeda-Brescia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in CT. I began with a solid foundation of Primary Care Experience with my first board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, but soon realized the need to promote mental health as well! I am experienced with medication prescribing and have a Spravato Clinic as well! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in CT. I began with a solid foundation of Primary Care Experience with my first board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, but soon realized the need to promote mental health as well! I am experienced with medication prescribing and have a Spravato Clinic as well! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
(860) 792-4851 View (860) 792-4851
Photo of Douglas Zelisko, Psychiatrist, MD
Douglas Zelisko
Psychiatrist, MD
2 Endorsed
Hartford, CT 06105
Making the decision to seek help with your challenges can feel both empowering and vulnerable. I offer a safe and compassionate, non-judgmental space for us to start the process and talk. I strive to help adults with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma, focus, and physical ailments among others. I provide both medication management, as well as individual psychotherapy. I primarily practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, however am trained in other modalities to best help you through the emotional challenges you face and allow a greater understanding of yourself.
Making the decision to seek help with your challenges can feel both empowering and vulnerable. I offer a safe and compassionate, non-judgmental space for us to start the process and talk. I strive to help adults with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, trauma, focus, and physical ailments among others. I provide both medication management, as well as individual psychotherapy. I primarily practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, however am trained in other modalities to best help you through the emotional challenges you face and allow a greater understanding of yourself.
(860) 854-7338 View (860) 854-7338
Photo of Dr. Keisha Stephens, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Dr. Keisha Stephens
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Online Only
It's exhausting to feel like you're doing everything you can and still feel stuck. Whether you're managing anxiety, substance use, or the weight of multiple challenges at once, therapy can help you slow down, understand what's beneath the surface, and start building the life you want. Many of my patients are young adults and millennials who feel like they're carrying too much at once with nowhere safe to lay it down. I work with people navigating co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the emotional weight that often comes with transitions, loss, or feeling misunderstood.
It's exhausting to feel like you're doing everything you can and still feel stuck. Whether you're managing anxiety, substance use, or the weight of multiple challenges at once, therapy can help you slow down, understand what's beneath the surface, and start building the life you want. Many of my patients are young adults and millennials who feel like they're carrying too much at once with nowhere safe to lay it down. I work with people navigating co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the emotional weight that often comes with transitions, loss, or feeling misunderstood.
(475) 252-8465 View (475) 252-8465

See more therapy options for Hartford

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Hartford, CT

90+

Average cost per session

$200

Psychiatrists in Hartford, CT who prioritize treating:

95% Depression
92% Anxiety
82% Medication Management
79% Bipolar Disorder
69% ADHD
68% Trauma and PTSD
62% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

7 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

90% Cigna and Evernorth
81% Aetna
69% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Psychiatrists in Hartford, CT see their clients

60% Online Only
40% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

74% Female
26% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Hartford?

The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.

In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.

Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.

When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.

While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.

How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?

It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.

A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?

A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?

Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.