Psychiatrists in Boston, MA
Harvard-trained and MGH-affiliated child, adolescent, & adult psychiatrist who offers medication management +/- psychotherapy for a variety of conditions including but not limited to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. I maintain a small private practice, which allows me to get to know my patients very well and to provide highly tailored and individualized care. Our first session entails an in-depth psychiatric evaluation, after which we will collaboratively consider treatment options.
Harvard-trained and MGH-affiliated child, adolescent, & adult psychiatrist who offers medication management +/- psychotherapy for a variety of conditions including but not limited to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. I maintain a small private practice, which allows me to get to know my patients very well and to provide highly tailored and individualized care. Our first session entails an in-depth psychiatric evaluation, after which we will collaboratively consider treatment options.
Congratulations for taking this step toward better mental health! I’m David, a transgender, neurodivergent, psychiatric NP with 13 years of experience. My well-rounded education supports my holistic and integrative approach and greatly improves diagnostic accuracy—the cornerstone of effective treatment. The adaptive teaching style that I developed as an educator empowers you to actively participate in your care. Nearly half of my typical caseload is complex cases; they are rewarding, not burdensome. Expert outpatient care helps to prevent hospitalization. In 2019 (pre-COVID), I made my services more accessible by taking them online.
Congratulations for taking this step toward better mental health! I’m David, a transgender, neurodivergent, psychiatric NP with 13 years of experience. My well-rounded education supports my holistic and integrative approach and greatly improves diagnostic accuracy—the cornerstone of effective treatment. The adaptive teaching style that I developed as an educator empowers you to actively participate in your care. Nearly half of my typical caseload is complex cases; they are rewarding, not burdensome. Expert outpatient care helps to prevent hospitalization. In 2019 (pre-COVID), I made my services more accessible by taking them online.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience in prescribing and over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders in inpatient, outpatient, and community health settings. My primary focus is supporting patients with their mental health through education, medication management, and therapeutic conversation. In our sessions, my focus is on thoughtful medication management, paired with brief skill-building and exploration of non-medication strategies to help you manage symptoms more effectively.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience in prescribing and over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders in inpatient, outpatient, and community health settings. My primary focus is supporting patients with their mental health through education, medication management, and therapeutic conversation. In our sessions, my focus is on thoughtful medication management, paired with brief skill-building and exploration of non-medication strategies to help you manage symptoms more effectively.
You need help, but are unsure where to turn. Wary of doctors, suspicious of drugs to which you think you could get "addicted," unbelieving that anyone could know you well enough to help. You may already be taking medicine, but aren't convinced it is the best one for you, or even helping at all. As a clinical psychologist and family physician trained in psychopharmacology, I apply an unusual and broad background to help identify and clarify what is "stuck" for you right now. Discovering ways to feel free of anxiety, depression, anger or hate is our business together.
You need help, but are unsure where to turn. Wary of doctors, suspicious of drugs to which you think you could get "addicted," unbelieving that anyone could know you well enough to help. You may already be taking medicine, but aren't convinced it is the best one for you, or even helping at all. As a clinical psychologist and family physician trained in psychopharmacology, I apply an unusual and broad background to help identify and clarify what is "stuck" for you right now. Discovering ways to feel free of anxiety, depression, anger or hate is our business together.
My name is Dr. Butler, and I work with adolescents and adults experiencing depression and mood symptoms, anxiety, trauma-related concerns, attention difficulties, and periods of feeling stuck despite prior treatment. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, young adults who have tried therapy or medication before and are looking for clearer understanding of what’s actually driving their concerns. I am in network with major insurance plans for ongoing psychiatric care, and I also offer a limited number of consultation and assessment services for needs that fall outside of insurance coverage when clinically appropriate.
My name is Dr. Butler, and I work with adolescents and adults experiencing depression and mood symptoms, anxiety, trauma-related concerns, attention difficulties, and periods of feeling stuck despite prior treatment. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, young adults who have tried therapy or medication before and are looking for clearer understanding of what’s actually driving their concerns. I am in network with major insurance plans for ongoing psychiatric care, and I also offer a limited number of consultation and assessment services for needs that fall outside of insurance coverage when clinically appropriate.
As a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in psychotherapy, I work with adults who are experiencing mental or emotional distress, navigating uncertainty, or seeking to initiate and maintain meaningful changes in their lives. I help people identify obstacles, recognize the range of their options and clarify the core values, beliefs and desires that may potentially guide their choices. Ultimately, I empower individuals to become the authors of their own lives.
As a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in psychotherapy, I work with adults who are experiencing mental or emotional distress, navigating uncertainty, or seeking to initiate and maintain meaningful changes in their lives. I help people identify obstacles, recognize the range of their options and clarify the core values, beliefs and desires that may potentially guide their choices. Ultimately, I empower individuals to become the authors of their own lives.
Struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, or sleep difficulties? I help people get unstuck with the right treatment and compassionate support.
I'm Dr. Fey Ramey, with over 18 years of experience in psychiatric nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Duke University. My approach to mental health care is integrative, focusing on a deep understanding of each person's unique needs, background, and life story.
Struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, or sleep difficulties? I help people get unstuck with the right treatment and compassionate support.
I'm Dr. Fey Ramey, with over 18 years of experience in psychiatric nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Duke University. My approach to mental health care is integrative, focusing on a deep understanding of each person's unique needs, background, and life story.
Toni Parolisi is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with extensive training and expertise in a wide range of mental health issues. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Chamberlain University School of Nursing, further advancing her comprehensive understanding of patient care. Toni also holds a PMHNP certification from UMass Global and an FNP certification from St. Joseph College of Maine.
Toni Parolisi is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with extensive training and expertise in a wide range of mental health issues. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Chamberlain University School of Nursing, further advancing her comprehensive understanding of patient care. Toni also holds a PMHNP certification from UMass Global and an FNP certification from St. Joseph College of Maine.
Accepting new clients! You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression and wondering if medication could help you feel more balanced. Maybe you’re having trouble sleeping, feeling easily overwhelmed, or finding it hard to enjoy things you used to. Many of my clients are looking for clear answers, a safe space to ask questions, and a provider who will listen closely to their concerns. I understand both the challenges and the hope that comes with taking steps toward better mental health and can work with you to help you feel calmer, more focused, and more like yourself again.
Accepting new clients! You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression and wondering if medication could help you feel more balanced. Maybe you’re having trouble sleeping, feeling easily overwhelmed, or finding it hard to enjoy things you used to. Many of my clients are looking for clear answers, a safe space to ask questions, and a provider who will listen closely to their concerns. I understand both the challenges and the hope that comes with taking steps toward better mental health and can work with you to help you feel calmer, more focused, and more like yourself again.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Stephanie and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of Massachusetts, I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia & sleep issues, Bipolar, Life transitions, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Trauma, College & graduate student mental health, Relationship issues, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), Sleep disorders, Stress management, Women’s issues, Life coaching, Burnout. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric car
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Stephanie and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of Massachusetts, I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia & sleep issues, Bipolar, Life transitions, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Trauma, College & graduate student mental health, Relationship issues, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), Sleep disorders, Stress management, Women’s issues, Life coaching, Burnout. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric car
I am a Harvard-trained, Harvard-affiliated, and board-certified psychiatrist and addiction psychiatrist. I offer convenient Saturday hours in my Back Bay private practice as well as virtual hours on some other days. I offer therapy, medication management, or a combination of the two if needed. I enjoy collaborating with patients to achieve their goals and move forward on their journeys. I have expertise in sports psychiatry, including treating athletes/former athletes and incorporating exercise into treatment. I see patients ages 18+.
I am a Harvard-trained, Harvard-affiliated, and board-certified psychiatrist and addiction psychiatrist. I offer convenient Saturday hours in my Back Bay private practice as well as virtual hours on some other days. I offer therapy, medication management, or a combination of the two if needed. I enjoy collaborating with patients to achieve their goals and move forward on their journeys. I have expertise in sports psychiatry, including treating athletes/former athletes and incorporating exercise into treatment. I see patients ages 18+.
Great to meet you! I am dual board certified as a psychiatric mental health NP and a family/ primary care NP. As a primary care provider, I quickly recognized that mental health is the foundation of wellness. I love having the opportunity to form lasting partnerships with my patients and having the time to really get to know you. This motivated me to start my private practice, focusing on providing personalized and evidence-based care. I keep my patient panel small so that I can see you as frequently as you may need. I have experience diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more.
Great to meet you! I am dual board certified as a psychiatric mental health NP and a family/ primary care NP. As a primary care provider, I quickly recognized that mental health is the foundation of wellness. I love having the opportunity to form lasting partnerships with my patients and having the time to really get to know you. This motivated me to start my private practice, focusing on providing personalized and evidence-based care. I keep my patient panel small so that I can see you as frequently as you may need. I have experience diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more.
Erin Atkinson, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a degree from Regis College. She places emphasis on the significance of empathetic, patient-centered care for each individual. Erin entered the field in efforts to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health and provide those access to care. Erin strives to provide a safe and collaborative approach for her patients to feel supported and heard. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling. Erin is focused on her patient's mental wellness journey and looks forward to being a part of it!
Erin Atkinson, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a degree from Regis College. She places emphasis on the significance of empathetic, patient-centered care for each individual. Erin entered the field in efforts to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health and provide those access to care. Erin strives to provide a safe and collaborative approach for her patients to feel supported and heard. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling. Erin is focused on her patient's mental wellness journey and looks forward to being a part of it!
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
Kenneth Kavanagh is board certified as both a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Nurse Practitioner. His career has spanned 30 years with the last 17 years devoted exclusively to psychiatry. He integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and primary care into evidence-based medication management strategies. He also possesses a good working knowledge of alternative treatments and integrating alternative treatments into more traditional approaches.
Kenneth Kavanagh is board certified as both a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Nurse Practitioner. His career has spanned 30 years with the last 17 years devoted exclusively to psychiatry. He integrates his knowledge of psychiatry and primary care into evidence-based medication management strategies. He also possesses a good working knowledge of alternative treatments and integrating alternative treatments into more traditional approaches.
I’m a Harvard-trained, double board-certified psychiatrist offering psychiatric assessments, brief psychotherapy with medication management when needed.
I specialize in general adult psychiatry with advanced training in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My areas of expertise include mood disorder that includes depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder. I am also experienced in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry, as well as supporting college students and adults navigating challenges such as life transitions, burnout, loss, or difficulties achieving personal goals and enjoying life.
I’m a Harvard-trained, double board-certified psychiatrist offering psychiatric assessments, brief psychotherapy with medication management when needed.
I specialize in general adult psychiatry with advanced training in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. My areas of expertise include mood disorder that includes depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder. I am also experienced in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry, as well as supporting college students and adults navigating challenges such as life transitions, burnout, loss, or difficulties achieving personal goals and enjoying life.
Jacine Yael Vilches
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
9 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116
Ideal client is an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma. etc looking for the best expert psychiatric care, motivated to improve their mental health but feel stuck and overwhelmed. High-achieving professionals or students who find their mental health challenges interfering with their lives. They want to regain a sense of control/balance through customized treatment plans, medication management, compassionate therapy, and holistic solutions. Empathetic support, enhancement of mental wellness, professional guidance, flexible scheduling all available.
Ideal client is an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma. etc looking for the best expert psychiatric care, motivated to improve their mental health but feel stuck and overwhelmed. High-achieving professionals or students who find their mental health challenges interfering with their lives. They want to regain a sense of control/balance through customized treatment plans, medication management, compassionate therapy, and holistic solutions. Empathetic support, enhancement of mental wellness, professional guidance, flexible scheduling all available.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Kathleen and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, Anger management / Impulse disorder, Anxiety, Binge eating disorder, Bipolar, Burnout, College & graduate student mental health, Depression, Family issues, Insomnia & sleep issues, Life coaching, etc. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Kathleen and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Massachusetts. I specialize in ADHD, Anger management / Impulse disorder, Anxiety, Binge eating disorder, Bipolar, Burnout, College & graduate student mental health, Depression, Family issues, Insomnia & sleep issues, Life coaching, etc. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Dr. Michal McDowell's clinical interests include the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, somatization, and relational difficulties, as well as caring for sexually and gender diverse patients. She takes a dynamic approach to care: her practice is informed by cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and attachment theory. Dr. McDowell sees adult individuals based in Massachusetts in her practice.
Dr. Michal McDowell's clinical interests include the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, somatization, and relational difficulties, as well as caring for sexually and gender diverse patients. She takes a dynamic approach to care: her practice is informed by cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and attachment theory. Dr. McDowell sees adult individuals based in Massachusetts in her practice.
Do you feel like you're not living the life you want to? Do you feel like there's something wrong with you, but you don't know what it is? At Revive Therapeutic Services, we specialize in helping people just like you. Our team of providers are ready to help with any condition or issue that might be holding you back from the life of your dreams—whether it's depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, PTSD, life transitions…the list goes on. Your life doesn't have to be defined by your mental health struggles anymore. Let us help!
Do you feel like you're not living the life you want to? Do you feel like there's something wrong with you, but you don't know what it is? At Revive Therapeutic Services, we specialize in helping people just like you. Our team of providers are ready to help with any condition or issue that might be holding you back from the life of your dreams—whether it's depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, PTSD, life transitions…the list goes on. Your life doesn't have to be defined by your mental health struggles anymore. Let us help!
See more therapy options for Boston
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Boston, MA
600+
Average cost per session
$226
Psychiatrists in Boston, MA who prioritize treating:
| 94% | Anxiety |
| 91% | Depression |
| 76% | Medication Management |
| 75% | ADHD |
| 72% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 67% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 63% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 84% | Aetna |
| 84% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 75% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Boston, MA see their clients
| 53% | Online Only | |
| 47% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 70% | Female | |
| 29% | Male | |
| 1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Boston?
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.


