Psychiatrists in North Chelmsford, MA

Photo of Olivia Flores-Bourgeois, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Olivia Flores-Bourgeois
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
Currently accepting new patients at Assured Hope Community Health. Prior to outpatient practice, I have experience working at Mclean Hospital and Mass General Hospital for multiple years. Seeking support—especially for the first time—can feel overwhelming. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported in making meaningful progress at your own pace. Whether you’re exploring treatment for the first time or re-engaging in care, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy and clinical insight.
Currently accepting new patients at Assured Hope Community Health. Prior to outpatient practice, I have experience working at Mclean Hospital and Mass General Hospital for multiple years. Seeking support—especially for the first time—can feel overwhelming. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported in making meaningful progress at your own pace. Whether you’re exploring treatment for the first time or re-engaging in care, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy and clinical insight.
(978) 310-0799 View (978) 310-0799
Lauane C Boonchuilier
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
Currently accepting new clients for medication management from the state of MA. ONLY. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our website and fill out the new patient paperwork and email it to the email provided on the form.
Currently accepting new clients for medication management from the state of MA. ONLY. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our website and fill out the new patient paperwork and email it to the email provided on the form.
(978) 721-8739 View (978) 721-8739
Photo of Danielle Cogliano, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHCNS
Danielle Cogliano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHCNS
1 Endorsed
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
Accepting state of MA. clients only. Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. My focus is to help my patients heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths in order to move forward to where they want to be in life. This is achieved by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. Often this involves medication management, although I always take a holistic approach to my practice, treating the whole person.
Accepting state of MA. clients only. Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. My focus is to help my patients heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths in order to move forward to where they want to be in life. This is achieved by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. Often this involves medication management, although I always take a holistic approach to my practice, treating the whole person.
(351) 888-1916 View (351) 888-1916
Photo of Olga Cobozeva, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Olga Cobozeva
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
At Chelmsford Behavioral health (formerly known as Oasis Behavioral Health) our combined experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. I treat a number of mental health conditions such as Bipolar, depression, anxiety. ADHD and many other mental health disorders and diagnosis. Accepting state of MA. clients only. Please visit my website at Chelmsford Behavioral Health and fill out the new patient form then email back to us to the email provided on the form.
At Chelmsford Behavioral health (formerly known as Oasis Behavioral Health) our combined experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. I treat a number of mental health conditions such as Bipolar, depression, anxiety. ADHD and many other mental health disorders and diagnosis. Accepting state of MA. clients only. Please visit my website at Chelmsford Behavioral Health and fill out the new patient form then email back to us to the email provided on the form.
(351) 777-8674 View (351) 777-8674
Photo of Henry Kaggwa, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, NP
Henry Kaggwa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, NP
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
I have clinical experience in nursing care, including home care and psychiatric dual diagnosis inpatient care. I am empathetic and humble about his patient’s struggles and always willing to listen with a calm and sincere demeanor. I practices Holistic care viewing his patients in their entirety. When developing a care plan, I encourages patients to be actively part of care by educating them about potential treatment options and considering their personal beliefs and various aspects of their life.
I have clinical experience in nursing care, including home care and psychiatric dual diagnosis inpatient care. I am empathetic and humble about his patient’s struggles and always willing to listen with a calm and sincere demeanor. I practices Holistic care viewing his patients in their entirety. When developing a care plan, I encourages patients to be actively part of care by educating them about potential treatment options and considering their personal beliefs and various aspects of their life.
(508) 794-3523 View (508) 794-3523
Photo of Grace Robertson - Access Mental Health Services PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Access Mental Health Services PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
To provide our patients with the best care possible, we try to incorporate all their opinions into all therapeutic decisions.The clinician shall respect the clients' agreement to engage in their treatment and consult and collaborate with other disciplines of the healthcare continuum, such as psychotherapists, primary care doctors, and specialists, as needed, with the goal of providing equitably itemized treatment.
To provide our patients with the best care possible, we try to incorporate all their opinions into all therapeutic decisions.The clinician shall respect the clients' agreement to engage in their treatment and consult and collaborate with other disciplines of the healthcare continuum, such as psychotherapists, primary care doctors, and specialists, as needed, with the goal of providing equitably itemized treatment.
(603) 392-7803 View (603) 392-7803
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnoses and substance use disorders, and have extensive experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnoses and substance use disorders, and have extensive experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
(857) 371-4111 View (857) 371-4111
Photo of Sarlah Bernard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, B-C
Sarlah Bernard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, B-C
Serves Area
I am a multilingual psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has worked across the lifespan in Massachusetts. I work with clients who are struggling with a myriad of mental health concerns, including substance abuse. My goal is to build therapeutic relationships with my clients to empower them to engage in their treatment to reach their maximum potential as individuals. My priority is that every client should walk out of my office feeling that they have adequate information while being an active participant in making an informed decision about their treatment plan.
I am a multilingual psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who has worked across the lifespan in Massachusetts. I work with clients who are struggling with a myriad of mental health concerns, including substance abuse. My goal is to build therapeutic relationships with my clients to empower them to engage in their treatment to reach their maximum potential as individuals. My priority is that every client should walk out of my office feeling that they have adequate information while being an active participant in making an informed decision about their treatment plan.
(857) 837-6392 View (857) 837-6392
Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
(857) 349-5649 View (857) 349-5649

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Eric Toe Togba, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP -, BC
Eric Toe Togba
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP -, BC
Serves Area
Telehealth and in-person Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner working with Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults in Raynham, MA. I conduct individual Assessment, order tests, diagnose chronic or acute mental illness, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions and substance use disorders. I provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, manage and evaluate treatment plans for individual across the lifespan, and adjust medications dosages and combinations. I educate patients and families about mental health and participate in crisis intervention with a specialization in trauma and early childhood development.
Telehealth and in-person Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner working with Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults in Raynham, MA. I conduct individual Assessment, order tests, diagnose chronic or acute mental illness, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions and substance use disorders. I provide psychotherapy, prescribe medications, manage and evaluate treatment plans for individual across the lifespan, and adjust medications dosages and combinations. I educate patients and families about mental health and participate in crisis intervention with a specialization in trauma and early childhood development.
(774) 515-2701 View (774) 515-2701
Photo of Brian William Boyle - Dr. Brian Boyle - Spravato, Ketamine, TMS Therapy, Psychiatrist, MD
I'm the Chief Psychiatrist at Stella Mental Health. Prior to starting my own practice, I was an attending psychiatrist at McLean Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital for 9 years. I graduated from Yale College with an honors degree in philosophy and earned my MD from Harvard Medical School. My first goal in working with any patient is for them to feel heard and to work collaboratively to find the right treatment plan for them. I have been lucky enough to help patients with novel treatments for depression like spravato, TMS, and ketamine therapy. I am always looking to incorporate more cutting-edge modalities into my practice.
I'm the Chief Psychiatrist at Stella Mental Health. Prior to starting my own practice, I was an attending psychiatrist at McLean Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital for 9 years. I graduated from Yale College with an honors degree in philosophy and earned my MD from Harvard Medical School. My first goal in working with any patient is for them to feel heard and to work collaboratively to find the right treatment plan for them. I have been lucky enough to help patients with novel treatments for depression like spravato, TMS, and ketamine therapy. I am always looking to incorporate more cutting-edge modalities into my practice.
(857) 887-1884 View (857) 887-1884
Photo of Edmund Adem, Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, RN, PMHNP, BC
Edmund Adem
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, RN, PMHNP, BC
Online Only
I am a Psychiatrist, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- BC offering a combination of diverse clinical experience, academic excellence, leadership, compassion, teamwork, collaboration, and strong interpersonal skills. Committed to providing quality, culturally competent and evidenced-based care to assist patients attain optimal outcomes.
I am a Psychiatrist, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- BC offering a combination of diverse clinical experience, academic excellence, leadership, compassion, teamwork, collaboration, and strong interpersonal skills. Committed to providing quality, culturally competent and evidenced-based care to assist patients attain optimal outcomes.
(978) 648-3935 View (978) 648-3935
Photo of Amanda Bennett, Psychiatrist, DO
Amanda Bennett
Psychiatrist, DO
Online Only
Dr. Amanda Bennett is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry who specializes in medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. She completed medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her adult residency training at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine.Dr. Bennett has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient and outpatient, as well as community and academic centers.
Dr. Amanda Bennett is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry who specializes in medication management for a variety of psychiatric conditions. She completed medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her adult residency training at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine.Dr. Bennett has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient and outpatient, as well as community and academic centers.
(617) 544-2458 View (617) 544-2458
Photo of Ethel (Re-Re) Marie Dawley - Sweeney Dawley Recovery Center, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C, PMHNPBC
Sweeney Dawley Recovery Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP-C, PMHNPBC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I prescribe medication for mental health problems such as anxiety depression and bipolar disorder. I also help patients with substance use disorder with vivitrol. I do not prescribe suboxone or methadone. I believe if you treat the underlying problem recovery will be permanent. Failure to treat the underlying anxiety, depression etc., leads to constant relapse. My goal is to provide nonjudgemental treatment to patients who want to feel better. Congratulations on recognizing the problem! I hope you find a provider that is right for your needs!
I prescribe medication for mental health problems such as anxiety depression and bipolar disorder. I also help patients with substance use disorder with vivitrol. I do not prescribe suboxone or methadone. I believe if you treat the underlying problem recovery will be permanent. Failure to treat the underlying anxiety, depression etc., leads to constant relapse. My goal is to provide nonjudgemental treatment to patients who want to feel better. Congratulations on recognizing the problem! I hope you find a provider that is right for your needs!
(339) 233-4857 View (339) 233-4857
Photo of Kayleigh MacGillivray, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP
Kayleigh MacGillivray
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I'm a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings. My practice has been deeply shaped by my ongoing interest in mental health, psychedelics, substance use, and functional medicine. I believe in supporting clients through a whole-person approach—mind, body, and spirit—to help promote meaningful, positive change toward wellness.
I'm a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings. My practice has been deeply shaped by my ongoing interest in mental health, psychedelics, substance use, and functional medicine. I believe in supporting clients through a whole-person approach—mind, body, and spirit—to help promote meaningful, positive change toward wellness.
(424) 622-4145 View (424) 622-4145
Photo of Nicole Buri, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMH-NP
Nicole Buri
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMH-NP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
May/June 2025 Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Nicole and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
May/June 2025 Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Nicole and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
(413) 735-1693 View (413) 735-1693
Photo of Dr. Ruxandra Carp, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Ruxandra Carp
Psychiatrist, MD
7 Endorsed
Online Only
Licensed in Massachusetts (243367) and California (C202039). Accepting some insurances and self-pay. Are you a driven professional in a stressful career? Do you seek effective treatment to cope with stress, burnout, insomnia, depression, anxiety, mania, OCD, trauma? Is it your goal to improve your wellbeing and achieve personal fulfillment? If you’re looking to develop the skills to stay focused and calm under pressure, prioritize restful sleep, and achieve work-life balance, you are not alone. Based in the Boston area, Dr. Carp is currently providing a Telepsychiatry practice to high-performance individuals.
Licensed in Massachusetts (243367) and California (C202039). Accepting some insurances and self-pay. Are you a driven professional in a stressful career? Do you seek effective treatment to cope with stress, burnout, insomnia, depression, anxiety, mania, OCD, trauma? Is it your goal to improve your wellbeing and achieve personal fulfillment? If you’re looking to develop the skills to stay focused and calm under pressure, prioritize restful sleep, and achieve work-life balance, you are not alone. Based in the Boston area, Dr. Carp is currently providing a Telepsychiatry practice to high-performance individuals.
(781) 214-3558 View (781) 214-3558
Photo of Joseph McKee, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Joseph McKee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
All ages are welcome! No waitlist at this time. Serving MA and NH clients via telehealth. Let's work together to find the best treatment plan for you! Please search “Monarch Mental Health Boston” or “Joe McKee Zocdoc” to find my websites to schedule an appointment. I take pride in educating my patients on the medications and finding the right fit.
All ages are welcome! No waitlist at this time. Serving MA and NH clients via telehealth. Let's work together to find the best treatment plan for you! Please search “Monarch Mental Health Boston” or “Joe McKee Zocdoc” to find my websites to schedule an appointment. I take pride in educating my patients on the medications and finding the right fit.
(617) 546-4821 View (617) 546-4821
Photo of Dr. Richard Seeber, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Richard Seeber
Psychiatrist, MD
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02110
I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified perinatal and adult psychiatrist treating individual patients and couples, with both virtual and in-person appointments available. My office is located in Boston's Financial District, where I offer psychiatric evaluation, medication, therapy, and combined treatment. I completed my residency in psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, where I pursued advanced training in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry at the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health, couples therapy in the MGH Family and Couples Therapy Program, and mentalization-based treatment (MBT) at McLean.
I am a Harvard-trained, board-certified perinatal and adult psychiatrist treating individual patients and couples, with both virtual and in-person appointments available. My office is located in Boston's Financial District, where I offer psychiatric evaluation, medication, therapy, and combined treatment. I completed my residency in psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, where I pursued advanced training in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry at the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health, couples therapy in the MGH Family and Couples Therapy Program, and mentalization-based treatment (MBT) at McLean.
(617) 915-4333 View (617) 915-4333
Photo of Salman Abouzied - Empath Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Empath Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Salman Abouzied is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in therapy and psycho-pharmacological treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), Substance Recovery, Anxiety Disorders, Psychotic/Thought Disorders, Childhood ADHD/ADD, and management of psychiatric symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. A graduate of New York University, Mr. Abouzied has over 15 years of practice working in the field of mental health."
Salman Abouzied is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in therapy and psycho-pharmacological treatment of Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), Substance Recovery, Anxiety Disorders, Psychotic/Thought Disorders, Childhood ADHD/ADD, and management of psychiatric symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. A graduate of New York University, Mr. Abouzied has over 15 years of practice working in the field of mental health."
(929) 547-7486 View (929) 547-7486

See more therapy options for North Chelmsford

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in North Chelmsford, MA

< 10

Psychiatrists in North Chelmsford, MA who prioritize treating:

89% Depression
89% Anxiety
89% Bipolar Disorder
78% ADHD
78% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
78% Trauma and PTSD
78% Medication Management

Average years in practice

6 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth
100% Tufts

How Psychiatrists in North Chelmsford, MA see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

83% Female
17% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in North Chelmsford?

The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.

In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.

Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.

When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.

While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.

How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?

It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.

A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?

A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?

Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.