Psychiatrists in Norwalk, CT

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.

New Insights Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Norwalk, CT 06854
Are you or your client experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, or difficulty focusing? We specialize in medication management to help alleviate these challenges and improve overall mental health. At New Insights Behavioral Health, we offer personalized, compassionate care via medication management through telehealth services, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a client, we're here to collaborate and create a tailored plan that meets your unique medication needs. Reach out today to start the journey toward better mental wellness.
Are you or your client experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, or difficulty focusing? We specialize in medication management to help alleviate these challenges and improve overall mental health. At New Insights Behavioral Health, we offer personalized, compassionate care via medication management through telehealth services, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a client, we're here to collaborate and create a tailored plan that meets your unique medication needs. Reach out today to start the journey toward better mental wellness.

Joana Milla
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norwalk, CT 06851
As a compassionate and experienced psychiatric practitioner, I am committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward behavioral well-being. I specialize in helping clients navigate various conditions by integrating evidence-based therapies and medication management. My comprehensive care includes support for medication use, along with standardized testing and screening to evaluate and identify conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, social anxiety, insomnia, Eating disorders, Body image anxiety, and finally, elaborate and meet your therapeutic goals.
As a compassionate and experienced psychiatric practitioner, I am committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward behavioral well-being. I specialize in helping clients navigate various conditions by integrating evidence-based therapies and medication management. My comprehensive care includes support for medication use, along with standardized testing and screening to evaluate and identify conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, social anxiety, insomnia, Eating disorders, Body image anxiety, and finally, elaborate and meet your therapeutic goals.

Board-Certified in Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Addiction Psychiatry, for 25 years Dr. Eric Nicholson has specialized in non-autistic and autistic individuals with trauma-related disorders (including PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/OCD-Spectrum Disorders including Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (trichotillomania, skin picking) with Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Exposure/Response Prevention therapy with Inhibitory Learning, Habit Reversal Training and prescription medicine as needed. He also expertly treats all Addictions and Depressive & Anxiety Disorders (Social Anxiety, Panic disorders).
Board-Certified in Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Addiction Psychiatry, for 25 years Dr. Eric Nicholson has specialized in non-autistic and autistic individuals with trauma-related disorders (including PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/OCD-Spectrum Disorders including Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (trichotillomania, skin picking) with Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Exposure/Response Prevention therapy with Inhibitory Learning, Habit Reversal Training and prescription medicine as needed. He also expertly treats all Addictions and Depressive & Anxiety Disorders (Social Anxiety, Panic disorders).

Hi I'm Lawrence! As a double board certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Medical APRN 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) and other evidence-based approaches, to help you address and manage your mental health challenges.
Hi I'm Lawrence! As a double board certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Medical APRN 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) and other evidence-based approaches, to help you address and manage your mental health challenges.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing for over thirty years. My training consisted in many rotations at Yale and the University of Illinois. Since training, I have spent most of my clinical practice in acute inpatient, which is high-intensity and the most conducive to perfecting my ability to practice psychiatry.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing for over thirty years. My training consisted in many rotations at Yale and the University of Illinois. Since training, I have spent most of my clinical practice in acute inpatient, which is high-intensity and the most conducive to perfecting my ability to practice psychiatry.

I am a psychiatrist, Columbia trained, board certified in general psychiatry, with an extensive background in medicine. I specialize in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders (panic, phobias, generalized anxiety), mood disorders (depression, bipolar), obsessive compulsive states and post traumatic stress disorder. Treatment is with psychotherapy alone or medication plus psychotherapy. Medication management is offered when another therapist is involved. Appointments are given quickly in a warm and welcoming environment that is confidential. With collaboration, patients are encouraged to make their own treatment decisions.
I am a psychiatrist, Columbia trained, board certified in general psychiatry, with an extensive background in medicine. I specialize in treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders (panic, phobias, generalized anxiety), mood disorders (depression, bipolar), obsessive compulsive states and post traumatic stress disorder. Treatment is with psychotherapy alone or medication plus psychotherapy. Medication management is offered when another therapist is involved. Appointments are given quickly in a warm and welcoming environment that is confidential. With collaboration, patients are encouraged to make their own treatment decisions.

Mind Matters Therapeutics
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, AGNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norwalk, CT 06851
Common complaints: "my doctor doesn't listen to me"; "nobody told me or explained it to me"; "I can never get a hold of my provider". I listen. I spend the extra time to explain and teach how your diagnosis works with the chemicals in your mind and how your medications work to balance you. We make decisions together. I follow up when I say I will. I am very thorough; I use evidence-based measurements to identify diagnoses, and no stone is left unturned. You deserve answers, patience, respect, and discretion.
Common complaints: "my doctor doesn't listen to me"; "nobody told me or explained it to me"; "I can never get a hold of my provider". I listen. I spend the extra time to explain and teach how your diagnosis works with the chemicals in your mind and how your medications work to balance you. We make decisions together. I follow up when I say I will. I am very thorough; I use evidence-based measurements to identify diagnoses, and no stone is left unturned. You deserve answers, patience, respect, and discretion.

I became a doctor because I wanted to help people, and I found a home in Psychiatry. I believe a patient and a therapist together can change lives. This requires trust, motivation and an experienced therapist. Medication can be an enormously helpful part of this treatment. Many people, in this day-and-age, walk around feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed, and don't know that they can be helped. Modern treatment, including medication, can help with these symptoms.
I became a doctor because I wanted to help people, and I found a home in Psychiatry. I believe a patient and a therapist together can change lives. This requires trust, motivation and an experienced therapist. Medication can be an enormously helpful part of this treatment. Many people, in this day-and-age, walk around feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed, and don't know that they can be helped. Modern treatment, including medication, can help with these symptoms.

Hey, I’m Karolina (like the state). Do you ever feel overwhelmed going through your day to day life? Are you feeling like you never have time to think about yourself? ? Is it hard for you to wind down after a long stressful day? I can help you learn to improve your overall self-care behaviors and understand your emotions through the therapeutic use of medications.
Hey, I’m Karolina (like the state). Do you ever feel overwhelmed going through your day to day life? Are you feeling like you never have time to think about yourself? ? Is it hard for you to wind down after a long stressful day? I can help you learn to improve your overall self-care behaviors and understand your emotions through the therapeutic use of medications.

Spirit Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I support individuals who are hesitant or resistant to psychiatric care, especially when it involves medication management. If you’re wary of medication, please know that a prescription isn’t a given at the end of your evaluation. My approach prioritizes the minimum effective dose to alleviate symptoms while respecting your comfort. I find fulfillment in helping new mothers with post-birth mood shifts, those focused on work and/or family, and those managing mental health without prior psychiatric care. I also work with people navigating intergenerational trauma and members of LGBT, queer, and sex-positive communities.
I support individuals who are hesitant or resistant to psychiatric care, especially when it involves medication management. If you’re wary of medication, please know that a prescription isn’t a given at the end of your evaluation. My approach prioritizes the minimum effective dose to alleviate symptoms while respecting your comfort. I find fulfillment in helping new mothers with post-birth mood shifts, those focused on work and/or family, and those managing mental health without prior psychiatric care. I also work with people navigating intergenerational trauma and members of LGBT, queer, and sex-positive communities.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Light-tunnel Behavioral Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse, DNP, MSNPH, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Norwalk, CT 06851
Are you looking for a provider who makes you feel comfortable enough to reflect and express yourself as you wish? Do you need a provider who listens actively to your concerns? Are you seeking a participatory treatment where you can contribute to your individualized treatment plan?
Are you looking for a provider who makes you feel comfortable enough to reflect and express yourself as you wish? Do you need a provider who listens actively to your concerns? Are you seeking a participatory treatment where you can contribute to your individualized treatment plan?

Mental Health and Psychiatry Services MHPS
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Appointments go to www.mhpspsych.com, call or email. Bridgitte F. Ackeifi APRN, PMHNP-BC Mental Health and Psychiatry Services MHPS holistically work with patients and their families with mental health and substance use illnesses to create an individualized treatment plan using evidence-based research, and a patient-centered approach with the use of medication management, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and encourages psychotherapy as needed to promote function, increase potential, decrease symptoms/hospitalizations, empowering, and instilling more hope, positivity, support, and love, healing one patient, one day at a time.
Appointments go to www.mhpspsych.com, call or email. Bridgitte F. Ackeifi APRN, PMHNP-BC Mental Health and Psychiatry Services MHPS holistically work with patients and their families with mental health and substance use illnesses to create an individualized treatment plan using evidence-based research, and a patient-centered approach with the use of medication management, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and encourages psychotherapy as needed to promote function, increase potential, decrease symptoms/hospitalizations, empowering, and instilling more hope, positivity, support, and love, healing one patient, one day at a time.

Dr. Amenaghawon Ugwuede
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Dominus Mental Health was established by Dr. Amenaghawon Ugwuede, DNP, PMHNP-BC, with the vision of delivering high-quality and evidence-based mental health treatment via telepsychiatry to individuals living in regions with restricted access and obstacles to mental health services. Dr. Ugwuede recognizes that certain communities, especially Black individuals and children of immigrants, face unique challenges when seeking mental health support. As a result, she has specialized in these areas and strives to provide culturally sensitive and affirming care that builds trust and understanding.
Dominus Mental Health was established by Dr. Amenaghawon Ugwuede, DNP, PMHNP-BC, with the vision of delivering high-quality and evidence-based mental health treatment via telepsychiatry to individuals living in regions with restricted access and obstacles to mental health services. Dr. Ugwuede recognizes that certain communities, especially Black individuals and children of immigrants, face unique challenges when seeking mental health support. As a result, she has specialized in these areas and strives to provide culturally sensitive and affirming care that builds trust and understanding.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness. I believe that with the right care, support , people can achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. My passion stems from my own experiences with mental health, as well as my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I have a strong background in both nursing and psychiatry, committed to staying current with the latest research, integrative treatments. I am a compassionate and empathetic practitioner who is dedicated to working with my patients to develop individualized treatment.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I am deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness. I believe that with the right care, support , people can achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. My passion stems from my own experiences with mental health, as well as my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I have a strong background in both nursing and psychiatry, committed to staying current with the latest research, integrative treatments. I am a compassionate and empathetic practitioner who is dedicated to working with my patients to develop individualized treatment.

Kym D'Agostino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I'm Kym D’Agostino, a double board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Clinical Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. With over 25 years of dedicated experience, I've had the privilege of providing high-quality care to individuals of all ages, particularly children, adolescents, and young adults. As an APRN, I have the advantage of being both a psycho-pharmacologist and and a psycho-therapist. I provide holistic and empathic care to my clients within a psychodynamic framework which recognizes the profound impact of one's history and relationships on their well being.
I'm Kym D’Agostino, a double board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Clinical Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. With over 25 years of dedicated experience, I've had the privilege of providing high-quality care to individuals of all ages, particularly children, adolescents, and young adults. As an APRN, I have the advantage of being both a psycho-pharmacologist and and a psycho-therapist. I provide holistic and empathic care to my clients within a psychodynamic framework which recognizes the profound impact of one's history and relationships on their well being.

I am a highly skilled and accomplished Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. During a significant portion of my career, I worked in different healthcare settings, including the primary care setting, home care setting, and psychiatric mental health. She collaborated with interdisciplinary team members from initial patient assessments to treatment planning, medication management, counseling, and discharge. I have maintained a strong commitment to Best Practices, standards of excellence, and continuous improvement.
I am a highly skilled and accomplished Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. During a significant portion of my career, I worked in different healthcare settings, including the primary care setting, home care setting, and psychiatric mental health. She collaborated with interdisciplinary team members from initial patient assessments to treatment planning, medication management, counseling, and discharge. I have maintained a strong commitment to Best Practices, standards of excellence, and continuous improvement.

Total Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Total Wellness Center provides expert mental health care through a comprehensive range of services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, marriage counseling, family therapy, and medication management. Our team of experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists tailors each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of every patient. Whether in-person or via telehealth, we prioritize compassionate care, ensuring that patients feel supported on their journey to improved mental well-being. We accept major insurance plans and offer private pay options.
Total Wellness Center provides expert mental health care through a comprehensive range of services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, marriage counseling, family therapy, and medication management. Our team of experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists tailors each treatment plan to meet the unique needs of every patient. Whether in-person or via telehealth, we prioritize compassionate care, ensuring that patients feel supported on their journey to improved mental well-being. We accept major insurance plans and offer private pay options.

I've treated a broad range of people over the years, many with biologic mood/anxiety problems who benefit primarily from medication and many with relationship problems who benefit primarily from talk therapy, especially in a couples' setting. I am pragmatic and eclectic in approach.
I've treated a broad range of people over the years, many with biologic mood/anxiety problems who benefit primarily from medication and many with relationship problems who benefit primarily from talk therapy, especially in a couples' setting. I am pragmatic and eclectic in approach.

My ideal client seeks support for challenges like anxiety, depression, or life transitions. They want to improve their mental well-being, understand their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. Their goal is to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.
My ideal client seeks support for challenges like anxiety, depression, or life transitions. They want to improve their mental well-being, understand their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. Their goal is to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for Norwalk
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Norwalk, CT
30+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Norwalk, CT who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
85% | Depression |
82% | Trauma and PTSD |
82% | Medication Management |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
67% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
96% | Cigna and Evernorth |
92% | Aetna |
68% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Norwalk, CT see their clients
52% | In Person and Online | |
48% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Norwalk?
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.