Psychiatrists in Wellesley, MA

Photo of Leah Miller, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP
Leah Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02482
I provide psychiatric care to individuals ages 9+ struggling with their mental health, including changes in mood, increased anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, stress, and loss. I offer an empathetic, collaborative approach with the intention of helping my clients feel heard and supported. I value my clients' preferences and take a holistic view of their lives when considering the best treatment for them. My clinical interests include working with tweens, teens, and young adults, as well as women of child-bearing age.
I provide psychiatric care to individuals ages 9+ struggling with their mental health, including changes in mood, increased anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, stress, and loss. I offer an empathetic, collaborative approach with the intention of helping my clients feel heard and supported. I value my clients' preferences and take a holistic view of their lives when considering the best treatment for them. My clinical interests include working with tweens, teens, and young adults, as well as women of child-bearing age.
(774) 208-0530 View (774) 208-0530
Photo of Kiran S Lulla, Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAACAP
Kiran S Lulla
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA, DFAACAP
Wellesley, MA 02482
Is your child or teenager struggling with transitions? Are they having problems with limit setting? Or going through developmental changes? Relationship issues with friends or family members? Transitioning from elementary school to middle school? For the past 25 years, I have helped patients and their families with these issues and many more as a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. As Medical Director at Boston Children’s Hospital and at Metro West Medical Center, I have supported families through these various issues. I have an active faculty appointment at both Harvard University and Tufts University.
Is your child or teenager struggling with transitions? Are they having problems with limit setting? Or going through developmental changes? Relationship issues with friends or family members? Transitioning from elementary school to middle school? For the past 25 years, I have helped patients and their families with these issues and many more as a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. As Medical Director at Boston Children’s Hospital and at Metro West Medical Center, I have supported families through these various issues. I have an active faculty appointment at both Harvard University and Tufts University.
(339) 666-6618 View (339) 666-6618
Photo of Athena Davos, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Athena Davos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Wellesley, MA 02482
Aria Psychiatric is currently accepting patients seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD as well as other mental health concerns. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner owned practice, our goal is to create a warm and authentic therapeutic connection with you, so that together we can explore the challenges you are facing. Over time, this allows our providers to understand not only the psychiatric issues which may require treatment, but also the contexts in which they exist. This holistic approach leads to treatment recommendations which are safe, effective, and sustainable for each individual.
Aria Psychiatric is currently accepting patients seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD as well as other mental health concerns. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner owned practice, our goal is to create a warm and authentic therapeutic connection with you, so that together we can explore the challenges you are facing. Over time, this allows our providers to understand not only the psychiatric issues which may require treatment, but also the contexts in which they exist. This holistic approach leads to treatment recommendations which are safe, effective, and sustainable for each individual.
(617) 934-4063 View (617) 934-4063
Photo of Kelly Sellers, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Kelly Sellers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481
Are you overwhelmed by the weight of daily life, struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or OCD? Do you find it challenging to manage your emotions, stay focused, or break free from persistent, distressing thoughts and behaviors? Do you want to find relief from these symptoms, gain control over your life, and achieve a sense of well-being and stability? Are you seeking a compassionate professional who can guide you toward managing these symptoms more effectively and help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
Are you overwhelmed by the weight of daily life, struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or OCD? Do you find it challenging to manage your emotions, stay focused, or break free from persistent, distressing thoughts and behaviors? Do you want to find relief from these symptoms, gain control over your life, and achieve a sense of well-being and stability? Are you seeking a compassionate professional who can guide you toward managing these symptoms more effectively and help you achieve your personal and professional goals?
(781) 362-6632 View (781) 362-6632
Photo of Valerie Rice, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Valerie Rice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Online Only
Accepting new patients, Valerie is a Psychiatric/Mental health nurse practitioner who will take time to fully explore medication options to help you meet your treatment goals, as well as non-pharmacological modalities that can help you feel like yourself. She trained as a nurse at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and received her Master’s degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing at Vanderbilt University.
Accepting new patients, Valerie is a Psychiatric/Mental health nurse practitioner who will take time to fully explore medication options to help you meet your treatment goals, as well as non-pharmacological modalities that can help you feel like yourself. She trained as a nurse at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and received her Master’s degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health nursing at Vanderbilt University.
(781) 423-1816 View (781) 423-1816
Photo of Joe O'Garr, Psychiatrist, MD
Joe O'Garr
Psychiatrist, MD
Wellesley, MA 02481
Dr. Joe O’Garr is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has been providing comprehensive psychiatric care in Massachusetts since 2010. He believes in a strength-based collaborative approach in identifying solutions for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Dr. Joe O’Garr is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has been providing comprehensive psychiatric care in Massachusetts since 2010. He believes in a strength-based collaborative approach in identifying solutions for children, adolescents, and young adults.
(781) 426-3390 View (781) 426-3390
Photo of Marie Gipson, Psychiatrist, MD
Marie Gipson
Psychiatrist, MD
2 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02482
Dr. Marie Gipson is a multilingual board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist who places her patient’s interests first. She believes that a psychiatrist’s role is, at its most basic, one of stewardship of a person’s unlimited potential.
Dr. Marie Gipson is a multilingual board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist who places her patient’s interests first. She believes that a psychiatrist’s role is, at its most basic, one of stewardship of a person’s unlimited potential.
(339) 675-2132 View (339) 675-2132
Photo of Dr. Ekta Taneja, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Ekta Taneja
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481
Waitlist for new clients
Investing in your mental health is a courageous decision that carries emotional weight. I want to support you on your journey. I provide compassionate, socioculturally informed, and personalized mental health care, including psychotherapy and medication management. I believe in a collaborative approach to care, offering a space for self-reflection, vulnerability, and building insight. I nurture a warm, supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to share your story, and for us to work together toward your goals. For my full bio and to request an appointment, please go to my website: www.kahanipsychiatry.com
Investing in your mental health is a courageous decision that carries emotional weight. I want to support you on your journey. I provide compassionate, socioculturally informed, and personalized mental health care, including psychotherapy and medication management. I believe in a collaborative approach to care, offering a space for self-reflection, vulnerability, and building insight. I nurture a warm, supportive, nonjudgmental space for you to share your story, and for us to work together toward your goals. For my full bio and to request an appointment, please go to my website: www.kahanipsychiatry.com
(781) 650-4743 View (781) 650-4743
Photo of Melissa Kaeli, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Melissa Kaeli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including addiction, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety and. PTSD. My approach is holistic and personalized, considering your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming space for all gender and sexual identities, and work to provide LGBTQIA+ competent care. Whether you’re seeking help with managing symptoms, gaining clarity, or finding balance, my goal is to walk alongside you with empathy and evidence-based care. We will collaborate to find the right plan that honors your experiences and helps you move toward healing and growth.
I work with individuals navigating a wide range of challenges, including addiction, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety and. PTSD. My approach is holistic and personalized, considering your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming space for all gender and sexual identities, and work to provide LGBTQIA+ competent care. Whether you’re seeking help with managing symptoms, gaining clarity, or finding balance, my goal is to walk alongside you with empathy and evidence-based care. We will collaborate to find the right plan that honors your experiences and helps you move toward healing and growth.
(339) 217-8548 View (339) 217-8548
Photo of Kathryn Roddy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Kathryn Roddy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
2 Endorsed
Wellesley, MA 02481
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide medication management, genetic testing, and therapy services for individuals of all ages. With experience in both clinical and research settings, I aim to create a therapeutic environment for my clients that is safe, supportive and rooted in evidence-based practice.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I provide medication management, genetic testing, and therapy services for individuals of all ages. With experience in both clinical and research settings, I aim to create a therapeutic environment for my clients that is safe, supportive and rooted in evidence-based practice.
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Photo of Michael Delisle, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Michael Delisle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Wellesley, MA 02482
I have immediate openings as a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management and comprehensive mental health care. I received my Bachelor of Arts in music (BA) from Berklee College of Music. He received a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Regis College. I provide evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns, serving individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My practice combines traditional psychiatric approaches with holistic strategies to support complete mental well-being.
I have immediate openings as a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management and comprehensive mental health care. I received my Bachelor of Arts in music (BA) from Berklee College of Music. He received a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Regis College. I provide evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns, serving individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My practice combines traditional psychiatric approaches with holistic strategies to support complete mental well-being.
(774) 355-3975 View (774) 355-3975
Photo of Tola T'sarumi, Psychiatrist, MD
Tola T'sarumi
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I provide outpatient TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Services- covered by most insurances) psychiatric services for ages 15 (per insurance coverage) and above for depression, Anxiety, OCD and ADHD. My patients benefit most from the opportunity to express themselves freely to me in a strictly confidential setting where we build a strong and trusting relationship.
I provide outpatient TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Services- covered by most insurances) psychiatric services for ages 15 (per insurance coverage) and above for depression, Anxiety, OCD and ADHD. My patients benefit most from the opportunity to express themselves freely to me in a strictly confidential setting where we build a strong and trusting relationship.
(617) 941-9163 View (617) 941-9163
Photo of Ashley Tobey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Ashley Tobey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Online Only
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
Ashley Tobey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University. She has a broad range of experience in providing advanced practice psychiatric nursing care to adults in a variety of settings over the last seven years. She specializes in providing evaluation and medication management services to adults struggling with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit disorders and adjustment difficulties with acute life events.
(339) 330-4226 View (339) 330-4226
Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Wellesley, MA 02482
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.
(508) 422-4066 View (508) 422-4066
Photo of David Robinson, Psychiatrist, MD
David Robinson
Psychiatrist, MD
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Great to meet you! Let’s make this easier. You’re looking for some help, clicking on people who look like they have kind faces (thanks!) and they seem pretty similar. Everyone is Harvard trained (me too!), listens empathetically and likes long walks on the beach. How do you pick? What really matters here is your relationship with your psychiatrist. Working with me is going to feel different. Patients who like me prefer directness and an informal, relaxed style (can you tell?). I'm solutions oriented, practical and my work is fully tailored to you.
Great to meet you! Let’s make this easier. You’re looking for some help, clicking on people who look like they have kind faces (thanks!) and they seem pretty similar. Everyone is Harvard trained (me too!), listens empathetically and likes long walks on the beach. How do you pick? What really matters here is your relationship with your psychiatrist. Working with me is going to feel different. Patients who like me prefer directness and an informal, relaxed style (can you tell?). I'm solutions oriented, practical and my work is fully tailored to you.
(857) 597-3890 View (857) 597-3890
Photo of Michelle McCarthy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Wellesley, MA 02482
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
(508) 416-6453 View (508) 416-6453
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Wellesley, MA 02482
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 diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient 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 diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(508) 388-1632 View (508) 388-1632
Photo of Kristy Lee Eagles, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Kristy Lee Eagles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Online Only
Kristy L. Eagles, CNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Master of Science in counseling psychology from Northeastern University, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has worked in the mental health field in some capacity since 2006. She offers psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy through telemedicine to people located in MA. She primarily sees adults.
Kristy L. Eagles, CNP is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Science in nursing from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Master of Science in counseling psychology from Northeastern University, and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has worked in the mental health field in some capacity since 2006. She offers psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy through telemedicine to people located in MA. She primarily sees adults.
(339) 217-6146 View (339) 217-6146
Photo of Sarlah Bernard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Sarlah Bernard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Wellesley, MA 02482
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 to make 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 to make an informed decision about their treatment plan.
(978) 718-4426 View (978) 718-4426
Photo of Naila Tariq, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Naila Tariq
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Online Only
Naila Tariq, APRN, is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Naila worked as a psychiatric nurse for five years before obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing from Regis College and graduated summa cum laude. Naila has experience working in community mental health, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient practice, and consult psychiatry. Naila understands the struggles of finding the right psychiatric provider for her patients and wishes to provide the best evidence-based care. Naila sees patients 18 and older.
Naila Tariq, APRN, is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Naila worked as a psychiatric nurse for five years before obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing from Regis College and graduated summa cum laude. Naila has experience working in community mental health, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient practice, and consult psychiatry. Naila understands the struggles of finding the right psychiatric provider for her patients and wishes to provide the best evidence-based care. Naila sees patients 18 and older.
(339) 300-4275 View (339) 300-4275

See more therapy options for Wellesley

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Wellesley, MA

40+

Average cost per session

$200

Psychiatrists in Wellesley, MA who prioritize treating:

89% Depression
89% Anxiety
76% ADHD
73% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
73% Trauma and PTSD
73% Medication Management
71% Bipolar Disorder

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

94% BlueCross and BlueShield
81% Aetna
75% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

How Psychiatrists in Wellesley, MA see their clients

58% In Person and Online
42% Online Only

Gender breakdown

75% Female
25% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Wellesley?

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.