Psychiatrists in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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I am a Johns Hopkins trained Psychiatrist in Palm Beach Gardens. My practice is concierge based however there are no annual or membership fees. Every patient gets my cell phone number and direct access for scheduling, asking questions and any other communication. There is no office staff between us. My practice covers student mental health, young adult and adult patients. I treat common psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, and also personality issues. To discuss setting up an appointment, you can call or email me directly. To read more please visit fairwaypsychiatry.com
I am a Johns Hopkins trained Psychiatrist in Palm Beach Gardens. My practice is concierge based however there are no annual or membership fees. Every patient gets my cell phone number and direct access for scheduling, asking questions and any other communication. There is no office staff between us. My practice covers student mental health, young adult and adult patients. I treat common psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, and also personality issues. To discuss setting up an appointment, you can call or email me directly. To read more please visit fairwaypsychiatry.com

Hi, I’m Renzo Rodriguez, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and I’m here to help you take the next step in your mental health journey. My practice, Thought Bridge Mental Health and Wellness, is dedicated to bridging care and compassion through accessible, personalized psychiatric services. With a focus on medication management and a commitment to culturally sensitive care, I offer telehealth services to individuals across Florida. If you’re ready to explore how we can work together to improve your mental well-being, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s take this step toward healing, together.
Hi, I’m Renzo Rodriguez, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and I’m here to help you take the next step in your mental health journey. My practice, Thought Bridge Mental Health and Wellness, is dedicated to bridging care and compassion through accessible, personalized psychiatric services. With a focus on medication management and a commitment to culturally sensitive care, I offer telehealth services to individuals across Florida. If you’re ready to explore how we can work together to improve your mental well-being, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s take this step toward healing, together.

Jessica Shepley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, CRNI
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression, Cornerstone Ketamine can help provide the relief you need. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in treatment-resistant disorders, including depression, bipolar depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Since 2016 I have provided thousands of Ketamine infusions and Spravato treatments. At our clinic, you will find a warm, friendly environment with REMS & ACLS providers; safe and effective dosing with minimally intrusive monitoring; and a treatment room to yourself.
If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression, Cornerstone Ketamine can help provide the relief you need. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in treatment-resistant disorders, including depression, bipolar depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Since 2016 I have provided thousands of Ketamine infusions and Spravato treatments. At our clinic, you will find a warm, friendly environment with REMS & ACLS providers; safe and effective dosing with minimally intrusive monitoring; and a treatment room to yourself.

Marion Codling, PMHNP has worked with individuals suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, addiction, and behavioral issues for the past two decades. Her expertise ranges from children and adolescents to adults, and the geriatric population. She is dedicated to providing exceptional, and quality patient-centered care to individuals across the Life Span. The company was established with the intention of expanding its resources to reach those individuals that need mental health services within the community.
Marion Codling, PMHNP has worked with individuals suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, addiction, and behavioral issues for the past two decades. Her expertise ranges from children and adolescents to adults, and the geriatric population. She is dedicated to providing exceptional, and quality patient-centered care to individuals across the Life Span. The company was established with the intention of expanding its resources to reach those individuals that need mental health services within the community.

Lyssa Brooks
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
We offer psychiatric and mental health medication management in Florida. Specializing in post-partum, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders for pediatrics and adults ages 10-40. For additional information about scheduling your first appointment, you can visit our website! We also have in person appointments with limited availability, email or call us for more information.
We offer psychiatric and mental health medication management in Florida. Specializing in post-partum, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders for pediatrics and adults ages 10-40. For additional information about scheduling your first appointment, you can visit our website! We also have in person appointments with limited availability, email or call us for more information.

Jessica Coote
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Cornerstone Weight Management offers a medically supervised weight loss program tailored to your needs. A typical program is 12 weeks with a potential weight loss of 5-10 percent of the total body weight. The initial consultation evaluates your medical history to determine which weight loss management or medication is best for you. We also offer vitamin injections and infusions that can play a role in boosting energy, aid in weight loss, improving your mood, enhancing bone health and preventing anemia among many other improvements. We offer complementary follow up visits if they're scheduled with a Fat Burner Vitamin Infusion.
Cornerstone Weight Management offers a medically supervised weight loss program tailored to your needs. A typical program is 12 weeks with a potential weight loss of 5-10 percent of the total body weight. The initial consultation evaluates your medical history to determine which weight loss management or medication is best for you. We also offer vitamin injections and infusions that can play a role in boosting energy, aid in weight loss, improving your mood, enhancing bone health and preventing anemia among many other improvements. We offer complementary follow up visits if they're scheduled with a Fat Burner Vitamin Infusion.

Michael is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in the treatment of persons suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. He helps treat patients with Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Insomnia, ADHD, OCD and other Mental health disorders.
Michael is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who specializes in the treatment of persons suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. He helps treat patients with Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Insomnia, ADHD, OCD and other Mental health disorders.

Welcome to my practice! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority. I treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia. I have a proven record of success in providing comprehensive mental health care across a variety of setting. My goal is to partner with each of you to formulate a treatment plan we can use to work toward achieving full remission of symptoms and the highest level of function and quality of life possible. I am empathetic and compassionate and will listen you to understand your concerns. You deserve the best treatment! I am here to help.
Welcome to my practice! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority. I treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia. I have a proven record of success in providing comprehensive mental health care across a variety of setting. My goal is to partner with each of you to formulate a treatment plan we can use to work toward achieving full remission of symptoms and the highest level of function and quality of life possible. I am empathetic and compassionate and will listen you to understand your concerns. You deserve the best treatment! I am here to help.

Our team of professionals look forward to hearing from you and helping you live your best life. We treat almost all mental health situations and conditions, whether you feel depressed, or anxious, looking for life coaching or relationship counseling and support with work difficulties. We work hard to get you on track. Whether young or older, in a family setting or feeling alone, we have helped people like you live their best life.
Our team of professionals look forward to hearing from you and helping you live your best life. We treat almost all mental health situations and conditions, whether you feel depressed, or anxious, looking for life coaching or relationship counseling and support with work difficulties. We work hard to get you on track. Whether young or older, in a family setting or feeling alone, we have helped people like you live their best life.

Harmony Life, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC, FNP-C, MSN
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Marion Codling, PMHNP has worked with individuals suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, addiction, and behavioral issues for the past two decades. Her expertise ranges from children and adolescents to adults, and the geriatric population. She is dedicated to providing exceptional, and quality patient-centered care to individuals across the Life Span. The company was established with the intention of expanding its resources to reach those individuals that need mental health services within the community.
Marion Codling, PMHNP has worked with individuals suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, addiction, and behavioral issues for the past two decades. Her expertise ranges from children and adolescents to adults, and the geriatric population. She is dedicated to providing exceptional, and quality patient-centered care to individuals across the Life Span. The company was established with the intention of expanding its resources to reach those individuals that need mental health services within the community.

With 18 years of experience in mental health nursing, and 2 years as a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and authentic human connection to each session. I understand that mental health is deeply personal, and I approach every individual with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
I specialize in working with adults ages 18 to 70 who are navigating challenges such as: Anxiety and panic disorders, Depression and mood disorders, PTSD and trauma-related symptoms and Bipolar disorder. I take the time to understand your full story—not just your symptoms.
With 18 years of experience in mental health nursing, and 2 years as a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and authentic human connection to each session. I understand that mental health is deeply personal, and I approach every individual with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
I specialize in working with adults ages 18 to 70 who are navigating challenges such as: Anxiety and panic disorders, Depression and mood disorders, PTSD and trauma-related symptoms and Bipolar disorder. I take the time to understand your full story—not just your symptoms.

Welcome to the office of Brett Negin MD, psychiatrist located in Palm Beach Gardens. I am a double board certified psychiatrist , certified in both Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. I graduated from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans and completed my Adult Psychiatry training at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta. I then completed a Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Ours offices offer both in person and TeleHealth appointments. Many insurances accepted and affordable out of pocket fees.
Welcome to the office of Brett Negin MD, psychiatrist located in Palm Beach Gardens. I am a double board certified psychiatrist , certified in both Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. I graduated from Tulane Medical School in New Orleans and completed my Adult Psychiatry training at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta. I then completed a Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Ours offices offer both in person and TeleHealth appointments. Many insurances accepted and affordable out of pocket fees.

We offer a broad scope of psychiatric medication management for patients with mental health needs. Specializing in emotional eating, ADHD, post-partum, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders for pediatrics and adults ages 10 - 60. For additional information about scheduling your first appointment, you can visit our website! Email or call us for more information.
We offer a broad scope of psychiatric medication management for patients with mental health needs. Specializing in emotional eating, ADHD, post-partum, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders for pediatrics and adults ages 10 - 60. For additional information about scheduling your first appointment, you can visit our website! Email or call us for more information.

VIP Integrative Health Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC, FNP-BC
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
I create a safe, supportive, and non‑judgmental environment for every client and understand the importance of empathy, trust, and kindness. My sympathetic, kindhearted, and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients’ issues. I empower them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment and recovery. Tele Health Virtual Visits Available! same day/next day appointments available! Call us 5619098555 for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescriptions, addiction, anxiety, depression, and more! We are here for you.!
I create a safe, supportive, and non‑judgmental environment for every client and understand the importance of empathy, trust, and kindness. My sympathetic, kindhearted, and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients’ issues. I empower them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment and recovery. Tele Health Virtual Visits Available! same day/next day appointments available! Call us 5619098555 for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, prescriptions, addiction, anxiety, depression, and more! We are here for you.!

Florence Alexandre Desgraves
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C, MSN
1 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder. I am also passionate in working with women during the perinatal period. I work with children and adults 10 years old and up, and I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. My approach is person-centered, and I believe empathy is an essential element to providing the right care. Through a judgment-free space, you will feel comfortable to open up and promote thoughtful exploration.
I utilize modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you learn to replace un-constructi
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder. I am also passionate in working with women during the perinatal period. I work with children and adults 10 years old and up, and I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. My approach is person-centered, and I believe empathy is an essential element to providing the right care. Through a judgment-free space, you will feel comfortable to open up and promote thoughtful exploration.
I utilize modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you learn to replace un-constructi

Heather Stetson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Hello, I'm Heather Stetson, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience, I am deeply committed to pediatric and adolescent mental health. My career spans various settings from school health to acute care, where I've developed robust skills in assessment and diagnosis. I specialize in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions and focus on creating patient-centered treatment plans. My expertise includes managing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, and psychosis across different age groups.
Hello, I'm Heather Stetson, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience, I am deeply committed to pediatric and adolescent mental health. My career spans various settings from school health to acute care, where I've developed robust skills in assessment and diagnosis. I specialize in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions and focus on creating patient-centered treatment plans. My expertise includes managing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, and psychosis across different age groups.

We offer psychiatric and mental health medication management via telehealth in Florida. Specializing in post-partum, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders for adolescents and adults ages 15-45. For additional information about scheduling your first appointment, you can visit our website!
We offer psychiatric and mental health medication management via telehealth in Florida. Specializing in post-partum, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders for adolescents and adults ages 15-45. For additional information about scheduling your first appointment, you can visit our website!

Florence Alexandre Desgraves
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
3 Endorsed
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder. I am also passionate in working with women during the perinatal period. I work with children and adults 10 years old and up, and I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. My approach is person-centered, and I believe empathy is an essential element to providing the right care. Through a judgment-free space, you will feel comfortable to open up and promote thoughtful exploration.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder. I am also passionate in working with women during the perinatal period. I work with children and adults 10 years old and up, and I’m an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. My approach is person-centered, and I believe empathy is an essential element to providing the right care. Through a judgment-free space, you will feel comfortable to open up and promote thoughtful exploration.

Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine after receiving his B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine after receiving his B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis.
See more therapy options for Palm Beach Gardens
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
50+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Palm Beach Gardens, FL who prioritize treating:
96% | Depression |
96% | Anxiety |
85% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Medication Management |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
97% | Aetna |
97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
76% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Palm Beach Gardens, FL see their clients
83% | In Person and Online | |
17% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Palm Beach Gardens?
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.