Psychiatrists in Brookline, MA

I provide psychiatric consultation, medication management, and therapy. I also have a background in therapeutic approaches including psychoanalysis, mentalization based treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
I provide psychiatric consultation, medication management, and therapy. I also have a background in therapeutic approaches including psychoanalysis, mentalization based treatment, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy.

Hi, I’m a psychiatrist who is Harvard- trained in Reproductive Psychiatry, and I’m the cofounder of Nest Psychiatry, PLLC- a practice focused on women’s mental health. I’ve been working in this field for over a decade as a clinician and as an educator having helped train physicians at Yale, Harvard Medical School, and now as an Associate Professor at USF.
My treatment approach combines evidence-based medication management with brief, focused therapy that’s practical and tailored to your goals. I make it a priority to be responsive, collaborative, and present.
Hi, I’m a psychiatrist who is Harvard- trained in Reproductive Psychiatry, and I’m the cofounder of Nest Psychiatry, PLLC- a practice focused on women’s mental health. I’ve been working in this field for over a decade as a clinician and as an educator having helped train physicians at Yale, Harvard Medical School, and now as an Associate Professor at USF.
My treatment approach combines evidence-based medication management with brief, focused therapy that’s practical and tailored to your goals. I make it a priority to be responsive, collaborative, and present.

Hi! I’m a psychiatrist who sees people more frequently for combined therapy and medication management or for more complicated medication management like bipolar disorder, combined ADHD and GAD, and benzodiazepine de-prescribing.
I deliberately keep my practice small to devote individualized care to my patients.
If we work together, I strive to individualize your treatment to what works best for you.
Hi! I’m a psychiatrist who sees people more frequently for combined therapy and medication management or for more complicated medication management like bipolar disorder, combined ADHD and GAD, and benzodiazepine de-prescribing.
I deliberately keep my practice small to devote individualized care to my patients.
If we work together, I strive to individualize your treatment to what works best for you.

I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs.
I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs.

Michael Dana Schreiber
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, RN, MSW
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
How may I help you? I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner-board-certified. My private practice is in Coolidge Corner, Brookline. I offer consultation, psychotherapy, and medication management. I started my career as a school-based support team MSW in the South Bronx. I became increasingly interested in Yoga, a Mind-Body practice that has changed my life. At fifty, I returned to graduate school for an MSN and was certified as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. My goal is to help you better manage your personal and professional challenges, experience joy, and ultimately improve the quality of your life.
How may I help you? I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner-board-certified. My private practice is in Coolidge Corner, Brookline. I offer consultation, psychotherapy, and medication management. I started my career as a school-based support team MSW in the South Bronx. I became increasingly interested in Yoga, a Mind-Body practice that has changed my life. At fifty, I returned to graduate school for an MSN and was certified as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. My goal is to help you better manage your personal and professional challenges, experience joy, and ultimately improve the quality of your life.

I am committed to giving you the thoughtful, personal care I would want a family member to receive. My residency training in Neuropsychiatry gives me expertise in providing neuroscience-informed treatment to individuals with OCD, ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. I prescribe medications judiciously, as I'm conscious of their side effect profiles. I find that treating prominent biological symptoms assertively often makes space for a deeper psychological growth. To this end, my therapeutic approach is relational, psychoanalytically-informed, and rooted in the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I am committed to giving you the thoughtful, personal care I would want a family member to receive. My residency training in Neuropsychiatry gives me expertise in providing neuroscience-informed treatment to individuals with OCD, ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. I prescribe medications judiciously, as I'm conscious of their side effect profiles. I find that treating prominent biological symptoms assertively often makes space for a deeper psychological growth. To this end, my therapeutic approach is relational, psychoanalytically-informed, and rooted in the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

My practice, Bountiful Mental Health, provides a boutique psychiatric experience for families, children, adolescents, and adults, with timely appointment availability and individualized care. Our two-hour evaluation session allows time to establish the initial correct diagnosis. Through our work together, I get a full picture of your life and how best to help you and your family achieve your goals. Non-medication approaches are emphasized as the most sustainable path to life-long health, though medications may be prescribed with careful attention to preventing or eliminating side effects while obtaining full benefits.
My practice, Bountiful Mental Health, provides a boutique psychiatric experience for families, children, adolescents, and adults, with timely appointment availability and individualized care. Our two-hour evaluation session allows time to establish the initial correct diagnosis. Through our work together, I get a full picture of your life and how best to help you and your family achieve your goals. Non-medication approaches are emphasized as the most sustainable path to life-long health, though medications may be prescribed with careful attention to preventing or eliminating side effects while obtaining full benefits.

At Engrace Behavioral Health Services LLC, we are committed to helping people with mental health conditions by tailoring their care to their unique needs and requirements. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, Our Goal is to empower and inspire our patients. Knowing how common it is for people of all ages to experience a decline in mental health, we bring a platform to get support without any judgments. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, we hope for the possibility of recovery from mental illness.
At Engrace Behavioral Health Services LLC, we are committed to helping people with mental health conditions by tailoring their care to their unique needs and requirements. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, Our Goal is to empower and inspire our patients. Knowing how common it is for people of all ages to experience a decline in mental health, we bring a platform to get support without any judgments. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, we hope for the possibility of recovery from mental illness.

Every patient is different. I focus on improving self esteem, relationships, love life and work life. I do not use only one theory. Treatment draws from all sorts of different theoretical approaches. I prescribe medications when warranted by the clinical situation. Each patient and his or her improvement is very important to me. Achieving a sense of happiness and self worth is critical to a fulfilling life. I work with people from age 15 and up.
Every patient is different. I focus on improving self esteem, relationships, love life and work life. I do not use only one theory. Treatment draws from all sorts of different theoretical approaches. I prescribe medications when warranted by the clinical situation. Each patient and his or her improvement is very important to me. Achieving a sense of happiness and self worth is critical to a fulfilling life. I work with people from age 15 and up.

Currently accepting new patients! Seeking mental health treatment can be a daunting task. Congrats on taking this first step! At Kind Mind, we strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where patients can feel comfortable, heard and that they are in partnership with their doctor to meet their goals. Therapy can be a wonderful way for patients to understand themselves, relationships, and patterns of interacting in a deeper way to effect positive change in their lives. At times, medication is needed in conjunction with therapy to address acuity of symptoms and augment progress. We also provide medication evaluation and treatment.
Currently accepting new patients! Seeking mental health treatment can be a daunting task. Congrats on taking this first step! At Kind Mind, we strive to create a warm, welcoming environment where patients can feel comfortable, heard and that they are in partnership with their doctor to meet their goals. Therapy can be a wonderful way for patients to understand themselves, relationships, and patterns of interacting in a deeper way to effect positive change in their lives. At times, medication is needed in conjunction with therapy to address acuity of symptoms and augment progress. We also provide medication evaluation and treatment.

When you feel stuck in an emotional or behavioral rut and find your usual coping skills are no longer enough, this is a good time to seek help. I enjoy helping individuals and couples who want to get unstuck to discover new paths toward growth and fulfillment. I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years experience specializing in psychotherapy. In my view, the therapeutic relationship is the main vehicle for psychological healing and change. I pay close attention to creating a safe and effective collaboration with you. I try to tailor an approach that suits you.
When you feel stuck in an emotional or behavioral rut and find your usual coping skills are no longer enough, this is a good time to seek help. I enjoy helping individuals and couples who want to get unstuck to discover new paths toward growth and fulfillment. I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years experience specializing in psychotherapy. In my view, the therapeutic relationship is the main vehicle for psychological healing and change. I pay close attention to creating a safe and effective collaboration with you. I try to tailor an approach that suits you.

Your professional success and your mental health can flourish together. When the demands of your career or academic program create unique challenges, however, finding expert psychiatric care can be daunting. I am excited to get to know you and hopefully make your journey a little easier, using an attentive and flexible approach that fits with your hard-working life. I work with students and professionals in high-stress industries, commonly addressing issues of anxiety, depression, attention, burnout, communication, and identity. Together, we will collaborate to design a treatment plan that best fits your individual wellness goals.
Your professional success and your mental health can flourish together. When the demands of your career or academic program create unique challenges, however, finding expert psychiatric care can be daunting. I am excited to get to know you and hopefully make your journey a little easier, using an attentive and flexible approach that fits with your hard-working life. I work with students and professionals in high-stress industries, commonly addressing issues of anxiety, depression, attention, burnout, communication, and identity. Together, we will collaborate to design a treatment plan that best fits your individual wellness goals.

At Engrace Behavioral Health Services LLC, we are committed to helping people with mental health conditions by tailoring their care to their unique needs and requirements. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, Our Goal is to empower and inspire our patients. Knowing how common it is for people of all ages to experience a decline in mental health, we bring a platform to get support without any judgments. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, we hope for the possibility of recovery from mental illness.
At Engrace Behavioral Health Services LLC, we are committed to helping people with mental health conditions by tailoring their care to their unique needs and requirements. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, Our Goal is to empower and inspire our patients. Knowing how common it is for people of all ages to experience a decline in mental health, we bring a platform to get support without any judgments. In Engrace Behavioral Health Services, we hope for the possibility of recovery from mental illness.

Sentio Ergo Sum. I Feel, Therefor I Am - I provide individualized psychiatric treatment with a logical, scientific, common sense approach.
Sentio Ergo Sum. I Feel, Therefor I Am - I provide individualized psychiatric treatment with a logical, scientific, common sense approach.

My ideal client is someone seeking support for mental health challenges and is looking for comprehensive care that addresses both their emotional and physical well-being. They may be struggling with conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma, and are motivated to achieve stability, develop effective coping skills, and gain deeper insight into themselves. Their ultimate goal is long-term recovery and a sense of empowerment. They want to reclaim control over their life, feel whole beyond their diagnosis, and live a more fulfilled and balanced life.
My ideal client is someone seeking support for mental health challenges and is looking for comprehensive care that addresses both their emotional and physical well-being. They may be struggling with conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma, and are motivated to achieve stability, develop effective coping skills, and gain deeper insight into themselves. Their ultimate goal is long-term recovery and a sense of empowerment. They want to reclaim control over their life, feel whole beyond their diagnosis, and live a more fulfilled and balanced life.

Holly Kalinay Msn Pmhnp-Bc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
Personalized, Compassionate, Expert Medication Management. Insurance covered! Greetings! I am Holly, and I would love to hear from you about your needs. Send me a message and let me know how I can help you. Thanks! → Customized and Personalized Care: I individualize my treatment to your unique experiences, symptoms, narrative, needs, and goals. → Getting at Root Causes: I go beyond surface symptoms, take time to understand your history, your diagnostic picture, order laboratory studies, and do optional genetic testing. → Scientific and Evidence-Based: I aim to provide you with the most up to date and accurate advice.
Personalized, Compassionate, Expert Medication Management. Insurance covered! Greetings! I am Holly, and I would love to hear from you about your needs. Send me a message and let me know how I can help you. Thanks! → Customized and Personalized Care: I individualize my treatment to your unique experiences, symptoms, narrative, needs, and goals. → Getting at Root Causes: I go beyond surface symptoms, take time to understand your history, your diagnostic picture, order laboratory studies, and do optional genetic testing. → Scientific and Evidence-Based: I aim to provide you with the most up to date and accurate advice.

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse at Stella Mental Health with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in identifying biological treatments that can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression & PTSD. After completing a virtual assessment together, I provide custom treatment recommendations across our advanced protocols: the dual sympathetic reset (an advanced stellate ganglion block), ketamine infusions, integration therapy, spravato (esketamine), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and more. This allows you to feel better faster and maintain long-lasting gains. Treatment offerings vary per state!
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse at Stella Mental Health with over 20 years of experience. I specialize in identifying biological treatments that can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression & PTSD. After completing a virtual assessment together, I provide custom treatment recommendations across our advanced protocols: the dual sympathetic reset (an advanced stellate ganglion block), ketamine infusions, integration therapy, spravato (esketamine), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and more. This allows you to feel better faster and maintain long-lasting gains. Treatment offerings vary per state!

I am a compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatrist highly experienced in treating adults with severe psychiatric disorders and milder emotional disturbances. In addition to my general psychiatry training, I also completed the Harvard Fellowship in Women's Mental Health at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and have unique skills and experience in treating psychiatric symptoms and emotional distress during pregnancy and postpartum as well as psychological symptoms associated with other hormonal changes.
I am a compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatrist highly experienced in treating adults with severe psychiatric disorders and milder emotional disturbances. In addition to my general psychiatry training, I also completed the Harvard Fellowship in Women's Mental Health at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and have unique skills and experience in treating psychiatric symptoms and emotional distress during pregnancy and postpartum as well as psychological symptoms associated with other hormonal changes.

Reaching out for help is one of the hardest yet crucial steps in improving your psychological well-being, and one which I commend you for doing. It can be difficult to find a psychiatrist that feels right for you. But once a strong connection is formed, that relationship can be a life changing experience for you. You deserve a safe space to explore the psychological, social, cultural, relationship and biological contributors to your mental health. I aim to provide you with this safe space using both therapy and medications tailored to address your specific mental health needs.
Reaching out for help is one of the hardest yet crucial steps in improving your psychological well-being, and one which I commend you for doing. It can be difficult to find a psychiatrist that feels right for you. But once a strong connection is formed, that relationship can be a life changing experience for you. You deserve a safe space to explore the psychological, social, cultural, relationship and biological contributors to your mental health. I aim to provide you with this safe space using both therapy and medications tailored to address your specific mental health needs.

I am a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I currently work with adults providing individual, couple and group psychotherapy. I can prescribe medication, if necessary, as an adjunct to psychotherapy. I believe that psychotherapy can be healing and transformative. My theoretical grounding is psychodynamic and interpersonal. Keeping silent and shut down over the years can lead to a variety of painful issues - depression, anxiety, obsessions, physical ailments - which can often lead to difficulty functioning and conflicted relationships.
I am a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I currently work with adults providing individual, couple and group psychotherapy. I can prescribe medication, if necessary, as an adjunct to psychotherapy. I believe that psychotherapy can be healing and transformative. My theoretical grounding is psychodynamic and interpersonal. Keeping silent and shut down over the years can lead to a variety of painful issues - depression, anxiety, obsessions, physical ailments - which can often lead to difficulty functioning and conflicted relationships.
See more therapy options for Brookline
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brookline, MA
100+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Brookline, MA who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
68% | ADHD |
68% | Medication Management |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Bipolar Disorder |
60% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
77% | Aetna |
73% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Brookline, MA see their clients
68% | In Person and Online | |
32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
28% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brookline?
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.