Psychiatrists in New Hudson, MI

Essien Mfon is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan with one year of experience. She earned a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Nursing from Walden. Essien believes it is important to be able to assess, treat, and modify treatments as necessary to meet each client's potential goals. In her spare time, Essien enjoys reading, dancing, singing, and travelling.
Essien Mfon is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan with one year of experience. She earned a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Nursing from Walden. Essien believes it is important to be able to assess, treat, and modify treatments as necessary to meet each client's potential goals. In her spare time, Essien enjoys reading, dancing, singing, and travelling.
My name is Heather Anthony, PMHNP-BC. I have been a Registered Nurse since 2007. I have professional experience as a psychiatric nurse since 2011. I have professional experience as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner since 2019. I performed my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) undergraduate studies at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. I performed my MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) graduate studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. I have experience treating children, adolescent & adult populations with various mental health goals and past experiences.
My name is Heather Anthony, PMHNP-BC. I have been a Registered Nurse since 2007. I have professional experience as a psychiatric nurse since 2011. I have professional experience as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner since 2019. I performed my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) undergraduate studies at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. I performed my MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) graduate studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. I have experience treating children, adolescent & adult populations with various mental health goals and past experiences.

Ekus Onosode is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan with six months of experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University School of Nursing and a PMHNP from Frontier Nursing University. Ekus believes in listening and understanding a patient's health concerns while being an avid educator skilled in teaching prevention methods and promoting self-care. She takes the time to get to know patients and their family's health history to manage existing mental illnesses and teach coping skills to help patients be functional and independent as possible.
Ekus Onosode is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan with six months of experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oakland University School of Nursing and a PMHNP from Frontier Nursing University. Ekus believes in listening and understanding a patient's health concerns while being an avid educator skilled in teaching prevention methods and promoting self-care. She takes the time to get to know patients and their family's health history to manage existing mental illnesses and teach coping skills to help patients be functional and independent as possible.

Chiamaka Uzoma, Nurse Practitioner, is dedicated to helping individuals in Michigan navigate mental health challenges with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She treats a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. Whether you are struggling with sleep disorders, substance use issues, or navigating complex emotions surrounding grief, gender identity, or life transitions, Chiamaka offers expert care tailored to your needs. Her focus is on fostering resilience and empowering patients to take charge of their mental health journey.
Chiamaka Uzoma, Nurse Practitioner, is dedicated to helping individuals in Michigan navigate mental health challenges with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She treats a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. Whether you are struggling with sleep disorders, substance use issues, or navigating complex emotions surrounding grief, gender identity, or life transitions, Chiamaka offers expert care tailored to your needs. Her focus is on fostering resilience and empowering patients to take charge of their mental health journey.

My ideal client may be experiencing a range of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders. They might be navigating difficult life transitions, managing stress, or struggling with relationship issues. Their primary needs include effective symptom management, emotional support, and strategies to enhance daily functioning and overall well-being. Their goals often involve finding relief from distressing symptoms, improving quality of life, and developing resilience to face life s challenges with confidence and clarity.
My ideal client may be experiencing a range of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders. They might be navigating difficult life transitions, managing stress, or struggling with relationship issues. Their primary needs include effective symptom management, emotional support, and strategies to enhance daily functioning and overall well-being. Their goals often involve finding relief from distressing symptoms, improving quality of life, and developing resilience to face life s challenges with confidence and clarity.

Anthony Opara, PMHNP, is a dedicated mental health provider at LifeStance Health, serving patients throughout Michigan. Anthony specializes in treating a variety of mental health conditions and by offering both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, he tailors treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive and resultsdriven approach to mental health care. Anthony is particularly passionate about addressing anxiety and depression, recognizing the profound impact these conditions can have on an individual's daily life.
Anthony Opara, PMHNP, is a dedicated mental health provider at LifeStance Health, serving patients throughout Michigan. Anthony specializes in treating a variety of mental health conditions and by offering both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, he tailors treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive and resultsdriven approach to mental health care. Anthony is particularly passionate about addressing anxiety and depression, recognizing the profound impact these conditions can have on an individual's daily life.
Sara Elmore, PMHNP, brings compassionate expertise to LifeStance Health in Michigan, where she serves patients navigating mental health challenges across all stages of life. Sara offers individual therapy, medication management, and testing services to children, teens, adults, and seniors. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to address conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSDtrauma. Saras personalized care integrates evidencebased treatments with a focus on restoring balance and wellbeing.
Sara Elmore, PMHNP, brings compassionate expertise to LifeStance Health in Michigan, where she serves patients navigating mental health challenges across all stages of life. Sara offers individual therapy, medication management, and testing services to children, teens, adults, and seniors. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to address conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSDtrauma. Saras personalized care integrates evidencebased treatments with a focus on restoring balance and wellbeing.

Jana Orr, PMHNP, brings over 15 years of experience in mental health care to her patients in Michigan. As an Advanced Practice Nurse at LifeStance Health, she is dedicated to making each patient feel heard and understood, providing compassionate care to individuals from all walks of life. Jana serves children, teens, adults, and seniors, offering psychiatric medication management for a wide range of mental health concerns. She has a particular passion for supporting patients dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and depression, as well as those facing major life transitions.
Jana Orr, PMHNP, brings over 15 years of experience in mental health care to her patients in Michigan. As an Advanced Practice Nurse at LifeStance Health, she is dedicated to making each patient feel heard and understood, providing compassionate care to individuals from all walks of life. Jana serves children, teens, adults, and seniors, offering psychiatric medication management for a wide range of mental health concerns. She has a particular passion for supporting patients dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and depression, as well as those facing major life transitions.

I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a certified nurse-midwife. I have been working with women through the hardest of times for around 15 years. My passion is to help women who are struggling with anxiety and depression and the changes of life before pregnancy, during pregnancy and throughout motherhood. My philosophy is to use a holistic approach to help women reach optimal mental resilience. I love approaching mental health support by taking a whole person approach to treating symptoms of anxiety and depression, through lifestyle modifications, nutrition, sleep, community and medication management.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a certified nurse-midwife. I have been working with women through the hardest of times for around 15 years. My passion is to help women who are struggling with anxiety and depression and the changes of life before pregnancy, during pregnancy and throughout motherhood. My philosophy is to use a holistic approach to help women reach optimal mental resilience. I love approaching mental health support by taking a whole person approach to treating symptoms of anxiety and depression, through lifestyle modifications, nutrition, sleep, community and medication management.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

I am a board certified psychiatrist. I started my training for medical school at Wayne State in Detroit and completed my residency and fellowship in Chicago. Currently, I am seeing patients in a consult only fashion to provide insights into diagnosis and treatment for our perinatal and perimenopausal population. I strive to offer evidence-based assessments and treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. My practice focuses on a holistic approach including psychological symptoms, medications as well as social factors. I treat and support women in navigating the complexities of fertility, pregnancy, motherhood and perimenopause.
I am a board certified psychiatrist. I started my training for medical school at Wayne State in Detroit and completed my residency and fellowship in Chicago. Currently, I am seeing patients in a consult only fashion to provide insights into diagnosis and treatment for our perinatal and perimenopausal population. I strive to offer evidence-based assessments and treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. My practice focuses on a holistic approach including psychological symptoms, medications as well as social factors. I treat and support women in navigating the complexities of fertility, pregnancy, motherhood and perimenopause.

At Fulfilled Care Psychiatry, I, Dr. Jimmy Metellus, am a compassionate psychiatrist providing a supportive space for individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, and life transitions. I specialize in evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique needs, guiding you on a transformative journey towards emotional stability, improved relationships, resilience, self-discovery, and functional daily living. My role is to empower you, ensuring mental health isn't a barrier but a catalyst for growth. Together, we navigate complexities, work towards your goals, fostering lasting positive change.
At Fulfilled Care Psychiatry, I, Dr. Jimmy Metellus, am a compassionate psychiatrist providing a supportive space for individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, and life transitions. I specialize in evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique needs, guiding you on a transformative journey towards emotional stability, improved relationships, resilience, self-discovery, and functional daily living. My role is to empower you, ensuring mental health isn't a barrier but a catalyst for growth. Together, we navigate complexities, work towards your goals, fostering lasting positive change.

Laila Marashi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ferndale, MI 48220
I specialize in pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatry across diverse diagnoses. I work closely with my patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans specific to their medical and psychiatric needs. My treatment approach is holistic, and patient centered. When appropriate, I believe that medication treatment in mental health is just one piece in the puzzle of achieving optimal wellbeing.
I specialize in pediatric, adolescent, and adult psychiatry across diverse diagnoses. I work closely with my patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans specific to their medical and psychiatric needs. My treatment approach is holistic, and patient centered. When appropriate, I believe that medication treatment in mental health is just one piece in the puzzle of achieving optimal wellbeing.

I do not believe in the current practice of symptomatic medicine. It has proven ineffective and has divided the practice of medicine into specialties, forgetting that the body functions in a constant state of homeostasis- all systems reliant on each other to function optimally. I believe that treating the underlying issue, down to the molecular basis, is what needs to be addressed in order to treat and eventually heal the disease. Unfortunately diseases have been categorized into separate entities when there is a common thread that is shared between them. My goal is to heal the mind & body as whole through integrative medicine.
I do not believe in the current practice of symptomatic medicine. It has proven ineffective and has divided the practice of medicine into specialties, forgetting that the body functions in a constant state of homeostasis- all systems reliant on each other to function optimally. I believe that treating the underlying issue, down to the molecular basis, is what needs to be addressed in order to treat and eventually heal the disease. Unfortunately diseases have been categorized into separate entities when there is a common thread that is shared between them. My goal is to heal the mind & body as whole through integrative medicine.

We provide medication management and therapy to people who are struggling with depression, anxiety , bipolar disorder etc. If you are struggling with insomnia, stress , feeling overwhelmed, there is help. Medical issues affect mental health directly and indirectly. Our experienced clinicians are able to provide comprehensive treatment. We also started treating patients with TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), which is proven to be the most advanced treatment for depression.
We provide medication management and therapy to people who are struggling with depression, anxiety , bipolar disorder etc. If you are struggling with insomnia, stress , feeling overwhelmed, there is help. Medical issues affect mental health directly and indirectly. Our experienced clinicians are able to provide comprehensive treatment. We also started treating patients with TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), which is proven to be the most advanced treatment for depression.

Joel L. Young M.D. is medical director of the Rochester Center for Behavior Medicine (RCBM) and the Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of MindMetrix. RCBM is staffed by over 80 mental health professionals with years of experience in the treatment of the ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other current mental health disorders. He has given hundreds of lectures locally and throughout the country regarding his areas of specialty. He has published textbook chapters and articles on many of these topics and contributed essays on mental health public policy and other psychiatric issues.
Joel L. Young M.D. is medical director of the Rochester Center for Behavior Medicine (RCBM) and the Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of MindMetrix. RCBM is staffed by over 80 mental health professionals with years of experience in the treatment of the ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other current mental health disorders. He has given hundreds of lectures locally and throughout the country regarding his areas of specialty. He has published textbook chapters and articles on many of these topics and contributed essays on mental health public policy and other psychiatric issues.

My office has immediate openings for patients throughout the state of Michigan. I am a double-board certified Child and Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Before establishing a private practice, I worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. I am a graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through the University of Michigan in 2014.
My office has immediate openings for patients throughout the state of Michigan. I am a double-board certified Child and Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Before establishing a private practice, I worked as an outpatient psychiatrist at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. I am a graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and completed my residency in Adult Psychiatry and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry through the University of Michigan in 2014.

Melissa Sue Kirkpatrick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
My 15 years of experience caring for patients across the lifespan and via different practice settings including outpatient psych/mental health, inpatient psych/mental health, acute care hospital, urgent care, and skilled nursing facilities/assisted livings has given me a wealth of knowledge to pull from to help you with the struggles you’re facing. I graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with my bachelor's degree, from South University with my MSN, and graduated with my Post-Master's from Maryville University.
My 15 years of experience caring for patients across the lifespan and via different practice settings including outpatient psych/mental health, inpatient psych/mental health, acute care hospital, urgent care, and skilled nursing facilities/assisted livings has given me a wealth of knowledge to pull from to help you with the struggles you’re facing. I graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with my bachelor's degree, from South University with my MSN, and graduated with my Post-Master's from Maryville University.

Though I do treat individuals of all ages, my passion lies in treating children and adolescents. Many children struggle with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and more, but this population tends to be underserved in mental healthcare. The families of these children also often struggle and don't know where to turn. These children and families need support and guidance to get through difficult times. No matter the age though of any individual I treat, I believe strongly that we are partners in your care and customizing an individual plan that will work best for you, or your child.
Though I do treat individuals of all ages, my passion lies in treating children and adolescents. Many children struggle with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and more, but this population tends to be underserved in mental healthcare. The families of these children also often struggle and don't know where to turn. These children and families need support and guidance to get through difficult times. No matter the age though of any individual I treat, I believe strongly that we are partners in your care and customizing an individual plan that will work best for you, or your child.

TelaMD Health offers Multi-Specialty Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a mental health professional at your convenience from your home. We have a short waiting period and are currently accepting patients from a majority of insurance providers. Please call us at (248) 216-1901 if you would like to set up an appointment.
TelaMD Health offers Multi-Specialty Care completely via telehealth. Speak with us on the phone or video chat with a mental health professional at your convenience from your home. We have a short waiting period and are currently accepting patients from a majority of insurance providers. Please call us at (248) 216-1901 if you would like to set up an appointment.

Melanie Barbat
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Royal Oak, MI 48067
My ideal client faces challenges with work-life balance, high stress, and personal fulfillment. They need tailored psychiatric care, medication management, and holistic support to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Their goals include achieving emotional stability, enhancing their quality of life, reducing stress, and finding satisfaction in both personal and professional aspects of life. They seek clarity, resilience, and comprehensive care to thrive in all areas of their lives.
My ideal client faces challenges with work-life balance, high stress, and personal fulfillment. They need tailored psychiatric care, medication management, and holistic support to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Their goals include achieving emotional stability, enhancing their quality of life, reducing stress, and finding satisfaction in both personal and professional aspects of life. They seek clarity, resilience, and comprehensive care to thrive in all areas of their lives.
See more therapy options for New Hudson
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in New Hudson, MI
< 10
Psychiatrists in New Hudson, MI who prioritize treating:
89% | Depression |
89% | Anxiety |
78% | Medication Management |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Autism |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Developmental Disorders |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in New Hudson, MI see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
89% | Female | |
11% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in New Hudson?
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.