Psychiatrists in Mystic, CT

Photo of Joyce A Tinsley, Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Joyce A Tinsley
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I bring experience and expertise through therapy & medication management. If your psychiatric medication does not relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood instability, you may need a second opinion. Mindful moderation can help you cut down on drinking, stop smoking, or cope with binge eating. You don't have to do this alone. Another area I deal with is acceptance of aging. With older age comes more unwanted challenges than at any other phase of life. We don’t know what will alter our lives, nor when these changes may occur: illness, loss, memory or loneliness, I can help adapt and enjoy the pleasures that older age can bring.
I bring experience and expertise through therapy & medication management. If your psychiatric medication does not relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood instability, you may need a second opinion. Mindful moderation can help you cut down on drinking, stop smoking, or cope with binge eating. You don't have to do this alone. Another area I deal with is acceptance of aging. With older age comes more unwanted challenges than at any other phase of life. We don’t know what will alter our lives, nor when these changes may occur: illness, loss, memory or loneliness, I can help adapt and enjoy the pleasures that older age can bring.
(860) 407-3994 View (860) 407-3994
Photo of Nickesha Mckenzie - Precision Mental Health and Consulting services , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP -, BC
Precision Mental Health and Consulting services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP -, BC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
At Precision Mental Health and Consulting Services, we focus on understanding the unique needs of each client. Our personalized care approach combines evidence-based practices with a holistic view of mental health. Our experienced team is dedicated to empowering clients with the tools and strategies needed for optimal mental well-being. Whether you seek therapy, counseling, or consulting, we are here to support your journey toward improved mental health and unlocking your full potential.
At Precision Mental Health and Consulting Services, we focus on understanding the unique needs of each client. Our personalized care approach combines evidence-based practices with a holistic view of mental health. Our experienced team is dedicated to empowering clients with the tools and strategies needed for optimal mental well-being. Whether you seek therapy, counseling, or consulting, we are here to support your journey toward improved mental health and unlocking your full potential.
(860) 590-9989 View (860) 590-9989
Photo of Samantha Shawn-Marsh, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B
Samantha Shawn-Marsh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-B
Serves Area
Dr. Samantha Shawn-Marsh is a Doctoral and Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with children and adults providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management to those experiencing bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. She is the founder and owner of Remedy Wellness Center, Inc. and welcomes new patients at this time.
Dr. Samantha Shawn-Marsh is a Doctoral and Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with children and adults providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management to those experiencing bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. She is the founder and owner of Remedy Wellness Center, Inc. and welcomes new patients at this time.
(401) 205-8481 View (401) 205-8481
Photo of Michelle Harris, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Michelle Harris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have worked with a variety of populations including those with persistent mental illness, neurodivergence, dementia, and chronic medical illnesses. I have significant experience in providing care to individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. My experience includes medication management for mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I work with clients of all ages including children and geriatric clients.
I have worked with a variety of populations including those with persistent mental illness, neurodivergence, dementia, and chronic medical illnesses. I have significant experience in providing care to individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. My experience includes medication management for mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I work with clients of all ages including children and geriatric clients.
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More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Justin W Branham, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Justin W Branham
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
12 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you feel like no one is listening? At Bespoke Therapy, we have a different approach. We believe in teamwork between patient and provider, fostering an environment of acceptance, hope, authenticity, and healing. As we collaborate together, we will integrate therapeutic measures with medication management to provide individualized care.
Do you feel like no one is listening? At Bespoke Therapy, we have a different approach. We believe in teamwork between patient and provider, fostering an environment of acceptance, hope, authenticity, and healing. As we collaborate together, we will integrate therapeutic measures with medication management to provide individualized care.
(203) 318-4177 View (203) 318-4177
Photo of Oyewole G Ogunnaike, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Oyewole G Ogunnaike
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Online Only
We listen, care, you have a voice in your care, and you are never alone. Needing help with anxiety/panic attacks, depression, mood/bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, ADHD/Impulse control disorder, anger management, personality disorders, alcohol use disorder, adjustment disorder, and psychosis.
We listen, care, you have a voice in your care, and you are never alone. Needing help with anxiety/panic attacks, depression, mood/bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, ADHD/Impulse control disorder, anger management, personality disorders, alcohol use disorder, adjustment disorder, and psychosis.
(860) 650-1861 View (860) 650-1861
Photo of Shelly Foster, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-C
Shelly Foster
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-C
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I believe in decreasing stigma and barriers that prevent individuals from seeking mental health treatment. I have a holistic view of a person’s health and integrate this into clinical decisions. I believe in creating a trusting therapeutic relationship where the individual feels supported, validated, and listened to in a non-judgmental manner. I am passionate about providing quality service with empathy and patience. I hope to work in conjunction with therapists in Connecticut with the understanding that psychotherapy and medication management are evidence-based interventions and when combined provide the safest and best outcome.
I believe in decreasing stigma and barriers that prevent individuals from seeking mental health treatment. I have a holistic view of a person’s health and integrate this into clinical decisions. I believe in creating a trusting therapeutic relationship where the individual feels supported, validated, and listened to in a non-judgmental manner. I am passionate about providing quality service with empathy and patience. I hope to work in conjunction with therapists in Connecticut with the understanding that psychotherapy and medication management are evidence-based interventions and when combined provide the safest and best outcome.
(860) 530-6033 View (860) 530-6033
Photo of Theresa Antwi - Wholistic Perspective, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Wholistic Perspective
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP
Serves Area
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.
(203) 433-6890 View (203) 433-6890
Photo of Elisabeth Maryke Kressley, Psychiatrist, MD
Elisabeth Maryke Kressley
Psychiatrist, MD
Essex, CT 06426
I am accepting new patients of all ages for medications and therapy. I am Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Yale trained Adult psychiatrist. I enjoy treating all ages of people from as young as 3 thru adulthood. I treat ADHD, Depression Anxiety disorders along with behavioral disorders in childhood. I also treat adults, families and couples in addition to individuals with medication and or therapy. Understanding people where they are at and assisting them thru their treatment is the most rewarding experience.
I am accepting new patients of all ages for medications and therapy. I am Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Yale trained Adult psychiatrist. I enjoy treating all ages of people from as young as 3 thru adulthood. I treat ADHD, Depression Anxiety disorders along with behavioral disorders in childhood. I also treat adults, families and couples in addition to individuals with medication and or therapy. Understanding people where they are at and assisting them thru their treatment is the most rewarding experience.
(860) 544-5856 View (860) 544-5856
Photo of Bella Tenenbaum, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Bella Tenenbaum
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Online Only
I believe in the importance of building a reliable patient-provider relationship focused on holistic care and making sure that each individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being is taken in to consideration during each session. My practice is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals with a variety of mental health challenges.
I believe in the importance of building a reliable patient-provider relationship focused on holistic care and making sure that each individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being is taken in to consideration during each session. My practice is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals with a variety of mental health challenges.
(860) 854-7149 View (860) 854-7149
Photo of Sarah Pap - Health Harmony Psychiatry LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN, BSN
Health Harmony Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN, BSN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello! My Name is Sarah, and as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background as a holistic health coach, I provide compassionate, personalized mental health care for children and adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, and insomnia, with a particular passion for helping frontline workers navigate burnout, compassion fatigue, and stress management. By integrating medication management, counseling, and healthy lifestyle strategies, I develop individualized care plans that promote healing and resilience.
Hello! My Name is Sarah, and as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background as a holistic health coach, I provide compassionate, personalized mental health care for children and adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, and insomnia, with a particular passion for helping frontline workers navigate burnout, compassion fatigue, and stress management. By integrating medication management, counseling, and healthy lifestyle strategies, I develop individualized care plans that promote healing and resilience.
(475) 255-0621 View (475) 255-0621
Photo of Heather Evans, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Heather Evans
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
25 Endorsed
Mansfield Center, CT 06250
Developing a trusted, professional relationship with patients is an important aspect of mental healthcare. I invite patients to express themselves openly in this non-judgmental, therapeutic office space. We work in collaboration and partnership to move toward improved mood and better mental health. In addition to traditional medication management and therapy, I now offer Spravato (esketamine) treatment and TMS for treatment resistant depression!
Developing a trusted, professional relationship with patients is an important aspect of mental healthcare. I invite patients to express themselves openly in this non-judgmental, therapeutic office space. We work in collaboration and partnership to move toward improved mood and better mental health. In addition to traditional medication management and therapy, I now offer Spravato (esketamine) treatment and TMS for treatment resistant depression!
(860) 813-6078 View (860) 813-6078
Photo of Michael Valalik, Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, PMHNP
Michael Valalik
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, PMHNP
Online Only
Thank you for considering my practice for your mental health care. I provide medication management services for adults who are already seeing a therapist regularly for psychotherapy.
Thank you for considering my practice for your mental health care. I provide medication management services for adults who are already seeing a therapist regularly for psychotherapy.
(203) 479-9488 View (203) 479-9488
Photo of Janet L Howe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , MS, BC
Janet L Howe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , MS, BC
Online Only
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for individuals with a range of mental health concerns. Mental health disorders that I pursue include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders.It is sometimes difficult to find someone that you can connect with and be comfortable with. My goal is to provide quality and evidence based individualized care while creating trust, mutual respect and compassion, within a safe environment. achieved through minimal supportive psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle adjustments.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for individuals with a range of mental health concerns. Mental health disorders that I pursue include, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, and substance use disorders.It is sometimes difficult to find someone that you can connect with and be comfortable with. My goal is to provide quality and evidence based individualized care while creating trust, mutual respect and compassion, within a safe environment. achieved through minimal supportive psychotherapy, medication management and lifestyle adjustments.
(860) 783-7118 View (860) 783-7118
Photo of Sasha Graham Givans - Pathway Psychiatric Services , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Pathway Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Welcome to Pathway Psychiatric Services. Our goal is to provide high-quality behavioral health care. Managed by a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, whose background in behavioral health spans over 14 years. Services include psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy. We believe that an integrative treatment approach is crucial to quality patient care and treatment outcomes. This includes the delivery of individualized care; valuing the unique needs of each client.
Welcome to Pathway Psychiatric Services. Our goal is to provide high-quality behavioral health care. Managed by a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, whose background in behavioral health spans over 14 years. Services include psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy. We believe that an integrative treatment approach is crucial to quality patient care and treatment outcomes. This includes the delivery of individualized care; valuing the unique needs of each client.
(860) 981-0806 View (860) 981-0806
Photo of Julianne Steahr, Psychiatric Nurse, APRN, PMHNP, ANP
Julianne Steahr
Psychiatric Nurse, APRN, PMHNP, ANP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello, I practice as a certified APRN in Psychiatry and Primary Care. My current focus is on the treatment of psychiatric illnesses in adults that are motivated to maintain or regain mental and emotional wellness. I prescribe medications for the treatment of Acute and Chronic Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADD, ASD, PTSD, Mood D/O, Obesity, Binge Eating, Substance Abuse, Pre and Post Partum, Sleep disorders, Thyroid and CFS. If seeking an initial assessment or continued care for a diagnosed condition or a reevaluation, my goal is to provide you comprehensive, wholistic care to regain or maintain wellness.
Hello, I practice as a certified APRN in Psychiatry and Primary Care. My current focus is on the treatment of psychiatric illnesses in adults that are motivated to maintain or regain mental and emotional wellness. I prescribe medications for the treatment of Acute and Chronic Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADD, ASD, PTSD, Mood D/O, Obesity, Binge Eating, Substance Abuse, Pre and Post Partum, Sleep disorders, Thyroid and CFS. If seeking an initial assessment or continued care for a diagnosed condition or a reevaluation, my goal is to provide you comprehensive, wholistic care to regain or maintain wellness.
(860) 458-4828 View (860) 458-4828
Photo of Christine L Doucette, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Christine L Doucette
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Online Only
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric evaluations diagnosis & medication management. I work with children adolescents & adults. My experience includes clinic-based settings, collaborating with therapists, DCF, Guardian Ad Litem, nursing services, & PCPs. My specialties include Depression Anxiety Bipolar & Thought Disorders. I have experience with complicated Trauma/PTSD. I practice in CT & MA. At an initial visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation discussing reasons for their visit, psychiatric & medical history, medication review, family/social history review.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric evaluations diagnosis & medication management. I work with children adolescents & adults. My experience includes clinic-based settings, collaborating with therapists, DCF, Guardian Ad Litem, nursing services, & PCPs. My specialties include Depression Anxiety Bipolar & Thought Disorders. I have experience with complicated Trauma/PTSD. I practice in CT & MA. At an initial visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation discussing reasons for their visit, psychiatric & medical history, medication review, family/social history review.
(959) 207-8227 View (959) 207-8227
Photo of Robert Tang Bau, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP, BC
Robert Tang Bau
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP, BC
2 Endorsed
Niantic, CT 06357
I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with seven years of experience in comprehensive psychiatric care. As a U.S. Air Force Veteran, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and mood disorders, offering medication management, psychotherapy, and evidence-based interventions. My holistic, patient-centered approach fosters a safe, supportive space, empowering individuals to develop coping skills, achieve stability, and enhance long-term well-being through personalized care, education, and lifestyle strategies designed for lasting success and growth.
I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with seven years of experience in comprehensive psychiatric care. As a U.S. Air Force Veteran, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and mood disorders, offering medication management, psychotherapy, and evidence-based interventions. My holistic, patient-centered approach fosters a safe, supportive space, empowering individuals to develop coping skills, achieve stability, and enhance long-term well-being through personalized care, education, and lifestyle strategies designed for lasting success and growth.
(786) 882-3194 View (786) 882-3194
Photo of Katrina Furey - Sound Psychiatry, LLC, Psychiatrist, MD
Sound Psychiatry, LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello. I am a Yale-trained board-certified adult psychiatrist offering combined psychotherapy with/without medication management and medication management alone in my private practice. I am also a clinical faculty member within Yale School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry. My practice focuses on women's mental health, reproductive psychiatry, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. This type of insight-oriented psychotherapy promotes curiosity and self-awareness about how individuals' past experiences (including childhood dynamics) influence their present-day thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Such insights promote emotional relief.
Hello. I am a Yale-trained board-certified adult psychiatrist offering combined psychotherapy with/without medication management and medication management alone in my private practice. I am also a clinical faculty member within Yale School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry. My practice focuses on women's mental health, reproductive psychiatry, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. This type of insight-oriented psychotherapy promotes curiosity and self-awareness about how individuals' past experiences (including childhood dynamics) influence their present-day thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Such insights promote emotional relief.
(203) 896-8903 View (203) 896-8903
Photo of Gengyun Wen - Northeast Wellness Clinic, Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Northeast Wellness Clinic
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
1 Endorsed
Mansfield Center, CT 06250
We are accepting new patients. Dr. Wen is a top-rated, board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized mental health care. He founded Northeast Wellness Clinic. He offers personalized mental healthcare, collaborating with you and other providers as needed. Dr. Wen believes in a holistic approach, considering physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors to create a tailored treatment plan. His goal is to maximize symptom reduction with minimal medication side effects, leading to your full functional recovery. Patients and colleagues alike praise his compassionate and thorough care.
We are accepting new patients. Dr. Wen is a top-rated, board-certified adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing personalized mental health care. He founded Northeast Wellness Clinic. He offers personalized mental healthcare, collaborating with you and other providers as needed. Dr. Wen believes in a holistic approach, considering physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors to create a tailored treatment plan. His goal is to maximize symptom reduction with minimal medication side effects, leading to your full functional recovery. Patients and colleagues alike praise his compassionate and thorough care.
(860) 200-2931 View (860) 200-2931

See more therapy options for Mystic

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Mystic, CT

< 10

Psychiatrists in Mystic, CT who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
100% Medication Management
75% Autism
75% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Mystic, CT see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Mystic?

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.