Psychiatrists in Haverhill, FL

Photo of Dr. Sandra Risoldi, DNP, A-APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Sandra Risoldi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, A-APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Haverhill, FL 33415
Risoldi Wellness is the 1st Psychiatric Spa located in Palm Harbor, Florida. Features in the Palm Harbor Office: NeuroStarTMS, Salt Float Therapy, Weight Management. Massage Therapy and Infrared Chromotherapy Sauna coming soon! We do in-person and telehealth as Just Psych, LLC throughout Florida with several locations for patient convenience. In a world of so much uncertainty, it is important to have someone to talk to, gain insight, guidance or just to talk. My team and I are taking new clients!
Risoldi Wellness is the 1st Psychiatric Spa located in Palm Harbor, Florida. Features in the Palm Harbor Office: NeuroStarTMS, Salt Float Therapy, Weight Management. Massage Therapy and Infrared Chromotherapy Sauna coming soon! We do in-person and telehealth as Just Psych, LLC throughout Florida with several locations for patient convenience. In a world of so much uncertainty, it is important to have someone to talk to, gain insight, guidance or just to talk. My team and I are taking new clients!
(727) 334-0384 View (727) 334-0384

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Andrew Rucker, DO, Psychiatrist
Andrew Rucker
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Dr. Andrew Rucker, a Psychiatrist, is dedicated to providing the best possible care. He has been practicing medicine since 2017. He focuses on the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and college-age. Along with these goals, he strives to provide care in a comfortable and relaxing environment.
Dr. Andrew Rucker, a Psychiatrist, is dedicated to providing the best possible care. He has been practicing medicine since 2017. He focuses on the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and college-age. Along with these goals, he strives to provide care in a comfortable and relaxing environment.
(954) 799-4080 View (954) 799-4080
Photo of Dr. Maryam Davari, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Maryam Davari
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
My ideal client would be one who is open to learning ways to be the best version of themselves and willing to work on making those changes with the help of their healthcare team.
My ideal client would be one who is open to learning ways to be the best version of themselves and willing to work on making those changes with the help of their healthcare team.
(561) 349-4114 View (561) 349-4114
Photo of Bernadette Ranieri, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bernadette Ranieri
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Weekend Hours. Accepting new patients. Call me today. Are you having symptoms of anxiety, depression or ADHD? You need support, direction, the right medication and motivation to adopt healthy habits and effectively manage the feelings you are having. You would like to enhance your quality of life, gain a sense of control and be present for your loved ones. These are universal struggles that we encounter daily, and sometimes, we simply need some assistance. Don't wait another day, make an appointment today, let’s talk.
Weekend Hours. Accepting new patients. Call me today. Are you having symptoms of anxiety, depression or ADHD? You need support, direction, the right medication and motivation to adopt healthy habits and effectively manage the feelings you are having. You would like to enhance your quality of life, gain a sense of control and be present for your loved ones. These are universal struggles that we encounter daily, and sometimes, we simply need some assistance. Don't wait another day, make an appointment today, let’s talk.
(954) 569-1176 View (954) 569-1176
Photo of Mehdi Bubba Thomas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mehdi Bubba Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(786) 756-7879 View (786) 756-7879
Photo of Ashley Cyronak - Carative Psychiatry , MSN, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Carative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Our mission is to enhance wellness and motivate self-improvement by strengthening minds. We offer high quality health care for patients seeking a trustworthy long-term psychiatric provider who can provide medication management and supportive counseling. The providers at Carative Psychiatry (CP) provide care to their patients using medical and mental health care models in order to treat the whole individual. The providers at CP are passionate about serving the community and helping others achieve their goals by using the Carative theory. Telepsychiatry practice serving Florida.
Our mission is to enhance wellness and motivate self-improvement by strengthening minds. We offer high quality health care for patients seeking a trustworthy long-term psychiatric provider who can provide medication management and supportive counseling. The providers at Carative Psychiatry (CP) provide care to their patients using medical and mental health care models in order to treat the whole individual. The providers at CP are passionate about serving the community and helping others achieve their goals by using the Carative theory. Telepsychiatry practice serving Florida.
(843) 595-8742 View (843) 595-8742
Photo of Ian Nnamdi, Physician Assistant
Ian Nnamdi
Physician Assistant
Verified Verified
Online Only
It’s an honor to be part of your journey toward better mental health. Whether this is your first step in seeking support or you’ve been working on your mental well-being for some time, I’m here to provide compassionate, personalized care to help you feel more balanced, focused, and fulfilled. Together, we’ll address all aspects of your well-being - mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual - tailored to your unique needs.
It’s an honor to be part of your journey toward better mental health. Whether this is your first step in seeking support or you’ve been working on your mental well-being for some time, I’m here to provide compassionate, personalized care to help you feel more balanced, focused, and fulfilled. Together, we’ll address all aspects of your well-being - mental, emotional, social, and even spiritual - tailored to your unique needs.
(954) 738-6604 View (954) 738-6604
Photo of Robert Cohen - Robert Cohen M.D.- Southcoast Psychiatric Services, MD, Psychiatrist
Robert Cohen M.D.- Southcoast Psychiatric Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Dr. Cohen is the Medical Director of Southcoast Psycotherapy & Medical Services. In this capacity, he treats a broad spectrum of mental health issues such as anxiety, and depression. Dr. Cohen also provides medical psychiatric services for patients in need of psychostimulants for attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is highly skilled and experienced in treating patients suffering from post – traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as sleep disorders.
Dr. Cohen is the Medical Director of Southcoast Psycotherapy & Medical Services. In this capacity, he treats a broad spectrum of mental health issues such as anxiety, and depression. Dr. Cohen also provides medical psychiatric services for patients in need of psychostimulants for attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is highly skilled and experienced in treating patients suffering from post – traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as sleep disorders.
(561) 660-9573 View (561) 660-9573
Photo of Dr. Womesh Sahadeo, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Womesh Sahadeo
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
I served as a psychiatrist for over 25 years as a medical director for multiple facilities in Palm Beach County serving clients with anxiety/panic disorder, medication assistant program (suboxone)/ addiction treatment, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, developmental disorder (autism) for child/adolescent, adults, and geriatrics population. I provide optimal medication management and continued care.
I served as a psychiatrist for over 25 years as a medical director for multiple facilities in Palm Beach County serving clients with anxiety/panic disorder, medication assistant program (suboxone)/ addiction treatment, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, developmental disorder (autism) for child/adolescent, adults, and geriatrics population. I provide optimal medication management and continued care.
(561) 658-4568 View (561) 658-4568
Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Ronil Shah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
View
Photo of Rebecca Ukaegbu - The Psychiatry MD, Psychiatrist
The Psychiatry MD
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Online Only
I provide holistic patient care that integrates wellness, mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise with psychiatric management. I understand the challenges individuals face during life's pivotal moments – grappling with transitions, relationships, identity, trauma, culture, race, societal pressures, work demands, and family complexities. Recognizing the overwhelming nature of these struggles, individuals often find themselves lost and hesitant to seek support. I endeavor to establish a nurturing environment where you can openly share your burdens without fear, fostering a safe space for introspection and healing.
I provide holistic patient care that integrates wellness, mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise with psychiatric management. I understand the challenges individuals face during life's pivotal moments – grappling with transitions, relationships, identity, trauma, culture, race, societal pressures, work demands, and family complexities. Recognizing the overwhelming nature of these struggles, individuals often find themselves lost and hesitant to seek support. I endeavor to establish a nurturing environment where you can openly share your burdens without fear, fostering a safe space for introspection and healing.
(781) 622-9246 View (781) 622-9246
Photo of Betty Chukwuma, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Betty Chukwuma
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellington, FL 33414
Hello and welcome to Ignite Health and Wellness. We care for you and are currently accepting new clients, call 561-414-3321. Mental health is important in overall health and wellness. Life’s journey comes with many challenges, learning and applying coping skills can be challenging, we can help. Here we are compassionate, knowledgeable, and well trained to provide you with evidence-based psychiatric services. We strongly believe in providing individualized holistic care for your optimal wholeness based on person-centered care.
Hello and welcome to Ignite Health and Wellness. We care for you and are currently accepting new clients, call 561-414-3321. Mental health is important in overall health and wellness. Life’s journey comes with many challenges, learning and applying coping skills can be challenging, we can help. Here we are compassionate, knowledgeable, and well trained to provide you with evidence-based psychiatric services. We strongly believe in providing individualized holistic care for your optimal wholeness based on person-centered care.
(561) 556-1316 View (561) 556-1316
Photo of Kathleen Simervil, PA-C, MSPA, CAQ-Psy, Physician Assistant
Kathleen Simervil
Physician Assistant, PA-C, MSPA, CAQ-Psy
Verified Verified
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Kathleen Simervil, a Delray Beach native has been practicing in psychiatric and addiction medicine since graduating PA school in 2018 and has since completed a board examination certifying her in psychiatric medicine. Prior to fully immersing herself into this vast field, Kathleen was also working in family medicine where she was able to provide medical care for a wide array of medical conditions and utilize a variety of treatment modalities.
Kathleen Simervil, a Delray Beach native has been practicing in psychiatric and addiction medicine since graduating PA school in 2018 and has since completed a board examination certifying her in psychiatric medicine. Prior to fully immersing herself into this vast field, Kathleen was also working in family medicine where she was able to provide medical care for a wide array of medical conditions and utilize a variety of treatment modalities.
(561) 823-1844 View (561) 823-1844
Photo of Brandi Starks, FNP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brandi Starks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m a compassionate and experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to delivering comprehensive mental health care to individuals of all ages. With over 500 hours of supervised clinical experience, I specialize in managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders. My approach is deeply rooted in holistic and culturally sensitive care, ensuring that each patient receives tailored and effective treatment.
I’m a compassionate and experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to delivering comprehensive mental health care to individuals of all ages. With over 500 hours of supervised clinical experience, I specialize in managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders. My approach is deeply rooted in holistic and culturally sensitive care, ensuring that each patient receives tailored and effective treatment.
(813) 750-0816 View (813) 750-0816
Photo of Michelle Stacy Kaplan, MD, Psychiatrist
Michelle Stacy Kaplan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33484
At Select Psychiatry in Delray Beach, Florida, Dr. Michelle Kaplan, M.D., offers a comprehensive treatment approach grounded in personalized, patient-centered care. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kaplan combines medication management and psychotherapy psychotherapy and medication management to provide expert mental health treatment. Her approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring that individuals receive care based on their specific circumstances, preferences, and goals.
At Select Psychiatry in Delray Beach, Florida, Dr. Michelle Kaplan, M.D., offers a comprehensive treatment approach grounded in personalized, patient-centered care. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kaplan combines medication management and psychotherapy psychotherapy and medication management to provide expert mental health treatment. Her approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring that individuals receive care based on their specific circumstances, preferences, and goals.
(561) 589-4321 View (561) 589-4321
Photo of Leonid Remenson, MD, Psychiatrist
Leonid Remenson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Delray Beach, FL 33484
My current practice is primarily oriented toward psycho-pharmacological treatment. My main clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, geriatric patients with memory and emotional disorders of. I also treat adult and adolescent patients with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychotherapy at the office is provided by licensed practitioners under my supervision, I also established collaborative relationships with a number of area psychotherapists, as well as neurologists. In addition, I perform independent medical valuations of psychiatric disability (IME).
My current practice is primarily oriented toward psycho-pharmacological treatment. My main clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, geriatric patients with memory and emotional disorders of. I also treat adult and adolescent patients with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychotherapy at the office is provided by licensed practitioners under my supervision, I also established collaborative relationships with a number of area psychotherapists, as well as neurologists. In addition, I perform independent medical valuations of psychiatric disability (IME).
(561) 473-4145 View (561) 473-4145
Photo of Abigail Giancola, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Abigail Giancola
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Abby helps individuals define and achieve their goals while improving their overall well-being. Known for her genuine and approachable style, she creates a non-judgmental space where patients feel truly heard, validated, and respected. Abby emphasizes open communication and collaboration in each session, ensuring patients feel supported and empowered to progress. She believes that exercise and diet are largely underutilized to stabilize mood and encourages these as part of her treatment plan.
Abby helps individuals define and achieve their goals while improving their overall well-being. Known for her genuine and approachable style, she creates a non-judgmental space where patients feel truly heard, validated, and respected. Abby emphasizes open communication and collaboration in each session, ensuring patients feel supported and empowered to progress. She believes that exercise and diet are largely underutilized to stabilize mood and encourages these as part of her treatment plan.
(954) 287-4042 View (954) 287-4042
Photo of Dahiana Rafailovitc, PMNHP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dahiana Rafailovitc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMNHP
Verified Verified
West Palm Beach, FL 33408
My profession has allowed me to work with diverse populations, including young adults, college students, individuals facing substance use challenges, and older adults. I am dedicated to providing client-centered care, tailoring my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or substance use. I collaborate closely with my clients to promote personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being
My profession has allowed me to work with diverse populations, including young adults, college students, individuals facing substance use challenges, and older adults. I am dedicated to providing client-centered care, tailoring my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether addressing issues related to anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or substance use. I collaborate closely with my clients to promote personal growth, resilience, and overall well-being
(561) 816-6276 View (561) 816-6276
Photo of Anastasia Lunina, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Anastasia Lunina
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you an adult (18+) feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck? Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum disorder or other mental health challenges that are impacting your daily life. You're looking for convenient, personalized support from the comfort of your own home. You value a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond just medication, and you're ready to take an active role in your healing journey. If this sounds like you, we may be a great fit.
Are you an adult (18+) feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck? Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar spectrum disorder or other mental health challenges that are impacting your daily life. You're looking for convenient, personalized support from the comfort of your own home. You value a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond just medication, and you're ready to take an active role in your healing journey. If this sounds like you, we may be a great fit.
(954) 953-4189 View (954) 953-4189
Photo of Natalie Jean Baptiste, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Natalie Jean Baptiste
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Natalie Jean Baptiste is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with expertise in multiple behavioral health modalities and specializes in the treatment of ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression. She is always ready to help her patients and team achieve their goals and manages each patient as a priority with a positive attitude. Natalie is fluent in English, French. Natalie is passionate about education and helps others amplify their unique strengths and bring out the best in themselves.
Natalie Jean Baptiste is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with expertise in multiple behavioral health modalities and specializes in the treatment of ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression. She is always ready to help her patients and team achieve their goals and manages each patient as a priority with a positive attitude. Natalie is fluent in English, French. Natalie is passionate about education and helps others amplify their unique strengths and bring out the best in themselves.
(561) 782-9323 View (561) 782-9323

See more therapy options for Haverhill

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Haverhill, FL

< 10

Psychiatrists in Haverhill, FL who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Geriatric and Seniors
100% Life Coaching
100% Grief

Average years in practice

4 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BHS | Behavioral Health Systems
100% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Psychiatrists in Haverhill, FL 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 Haverhill?

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.