Psychiatrists in Novi, MI

I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of clinical experience. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders through evidence-based, person-centered care. My background in forensic psychiatry, outpatient clinics, and community mental health enables me to offer a compassionate, collaborative approach, helping clients build resilience, develop coping skills, and achieve their mental health goals.
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of clinical experience. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and mood disorders through evidence-based, person-centered care. My background in forensic psychiatry, outpatient clinics, and community mental health enables me to offer a compassionate, collaborative approach, helping clients build resilience, develop coping skills, and achieve their mental health goals.

Anne works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Anne believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Anne works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Anne believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.

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.

I am Michelle Modlinski, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, school issues, and sleep/insomnia. I am passionate about providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. In my role as a PMHNP, I serve as an educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and medication manager. I completed my Master of Nursing at Wayne State University and pursued my post-graduate degree studies at the University of Michigan, Flint.
I am Michelle Modlinski, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, school issues, and sleep/insomnia. I am passionate about providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. In my role as a PMHNP, I serve as an educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and medication manager. I completed my Master of Nursing at Wayne State University and pursued my post-graduate degree studies at the University of Michigan, Flint.

Nadine Atoui, PMHNP, is dedicated to helping individuals in Michigan navigate lifes challenges with compassion and clinical expertise. At LifeStance Health, she provides individualized therapy and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Nadine specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, offering a supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions and develop effective coping strategies. Her approach empowers patients to better understand their mental health and build resilience, fostering growth and healing.
Nadine Atoui, PMHNP, is dedicated to helping individuals in Michigan navigate lifes challenges with compassion and clinical expertise. At LifeStance Health, she provides individualized therapy and medication management for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Nadine specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, offering a supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions and develop effective coping strategies. Her approach empowers patients to better understand their mental health and build resilience, fostering growth and healing.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 20 years of experience. I have a broad range of experiences, including both inpatient and outpatient care, and have worked in various settings involving medication management of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, women's health, adolescent psychiatry, crisis management, care management, geriatric psychiatry, and psychology. In my role as an NP, I have also developed programs for self-management of chronic illness and depression disease management.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 20 years of experience. I have a broad range of experiences, including both inpatient and outpatient care, and have worked in various settings involving medication management of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, women's health, adolescent psychiatry, crisis management, care management, geriatric psychiatry, and psychology. In my role as an NP, I have also developed programs for self-management of chronic illness and depression disease management.

Lindsay-Rose Dykema is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her residency training at Columbia University. Lindsay-Rose is a queer psychiatrist and prison/police abolitionist who dabbles in narrative poetry and creative nonfiction. Her work has been published in psychiatric and leftist journals, poetry anthologies, and Slate Magazine. She will always offer a safe and affirming space. In her spare time, Lindsay-Rose enjoys yoga, running, writing (poetry and creative nonfiction), belting showtunes, petting cats.
Lindsay-Rose Dykema is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her residency training at Columbia University. Lindsay-Rose is a queer psychiatrist and prison/police abolitionist who dabbles in narrative poetry and creative nonfiction. Her work has been published in psychiatric and leftist journals, poetry anthologies, and Slate Magazine. She will always offer a safe and affirming space. In her spare time, Lindsay-Rose enjoys yoga, running, writing (poetry and creative nonfiction), belting showtunes, petting cats.

Dr. O’Connell specializes in the evaluation and psychopharmaceutical treatment of: mood disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, Alzheimer's and other dementia related cognitive decline, schizophrenia, and other psychotic spectrum disorders.
Dr. O’Connell specializes in the evaluation and psychopharmaceutical treatment of: mood disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, Alzheimer's and other dementia related cognitive decline, schizophrenia, and other psychotic spectrum disorders.

Dominic Misiak, DO, is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Novi, Michigan. He earned his undergraduate degree in neuroscience from the University of Michigan in 2013 before pursuing his medical education at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he earned his DO in 2019. He then completed his psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital in 2023.
Dr. Misiak provides psychiatric care for adults ages 18 to 64, taking a holistic and compassionate approach that fosters a non-judgmental environment for his patients.
Dominic Misiak, DO, is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Novi, Michigan. He earned his undergraduate degree in neuroscience from the University of Michigan in 2013 before pursuing his medical education at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he earned his DO in 2019. He then completed his psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital in 2023.
Dr. Misiak provides psychiatric care for adults ages 18 to 64, taking a holistic and compassionate approach that fosters a non-judgmental environment for his patients.

Dr. Robert DeMercruio, DO Dr. Robert DeMercruio is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 1998. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the NBOME and graduated from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. DeMercruio is a specialist in psychopharmacology. He evaluates, diagnoses, and treats people who may be struggling with psychiatric conditions. Though this often includes the use of medication, it is founded on an understanding of the many aspects of a person that make them who they are and contribute to why they are going through what they are going through.
Dr. Robert DeMercruio, DO Dr. Robert DeMercruio is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 1998. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the NBOME and graduated from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. DeMercruio is a specialist in psychopharmacology. He evaluates, diagnoses, and treats people who may be struggling with psychiatric conditions. Though this often includes the use of medication, it is founded on an understanding of the many aspects of a person that make them who they are and contribute to why they are going through what they are going through.

I am dually certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience. I specialize in working with adults with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, and ADHD, as well as those with chronic illness, chronic pain, substance use struggles, or who are just struggling with the stressors of life. I have previous experience working in hospice, palliative care, and pain management, and I have been providing mental health services as well as primary care for the past 4 years.
I am dually certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience. I specialize in working with adults with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, and ADHD, as well as those with chronic illness, chronic pain, substance use struggles, or who are just struggling with the stressors of life. I have previous experience working in hospice, palliative care, and pain management, and I have been providing mental health services as well as primary care for the past 4 years.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

I'm Zahra Moshref, a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Registered Nurse (RN) with over 20 years of nursing experience, including more than 4 years in mental health. I specialize in treating individuals facing challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder I and II, OCD, borderline personality disorder, autism, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and alcohol use disorder. I earned my MS in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, followed by a Post-Graduate Certificate as a PMHNP from Regis College.
I'm Zahra Moshref, a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Registered Nurse (RN) with over 20 years of nursing experience, including more than 4 years in mental health. I specialize in treating individuals facing challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder I and II, OCD, borderline personality disorder, autism, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and alcohol use disorder. I earned my MS in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, followed by a Post-Graduate Certificate as a PMHNP from Regis College.

I'm Alyse, a board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to managing and treating a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep/insomnia issues. My goal is to provide cohesive, individualized care tailored to each of my patients’ unique needs. My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Nursing from Oakland University, a Master of Nursing from South University, and a Post-graduate Nursing Certificate from the University of Michigan - Flint.
I'm Alyse, a board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to managing and treating a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and sleep/insomnia issues. My goal is to provide cohesive, individualized care tailored to each of my patients’ unique needs. My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Nursing from Oakland University, a Master of Nursing from South University, and a Post-graduate Nursing Certificate from the University of Michigan - Flint.

Joseph Montgomery is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2021. Joseph provides evaluation and management of mental health diagnoses using a holistic and personcentered model. He provides treatments that include psychotherapy, pharmacology and alternative treatments that are supported by medical literature. Joseph has twenty years of training and experience treating psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and in several different areas including partial hospitalization and both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Joseph Montgomery is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2021. Joseph provides evaluation and management of mental health diagnoses using a holistic and personcentered model. He provides treatments that include psychotherapy, pharmacology and alternative treatments that are supported by medical literature. Joseph has twenty years of training and experience treating psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and in several different areas including partial hospitalization and both inpatient and outpatient settings.

My clinical approach blends traditional psychiatry with a holistic, integrative model of care. In addition to managing psychiatric medications, I am certified in integrative mental health medicine, allowing me to incorporate supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications into treatment plans tailored to each individual.
My clinical approach blends traditional psychiatry with a holistic, integrative model of care. In addition to managing psychiatric medications, I am certified in integrative mental health medicine, allowing me to incorporate supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications into treatment plans tailored to each individual.

I am triple board-certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Internal Medicine, having trained at West Virginia University and Indiana University-Purdue University. Over the past 13 years, I have worked in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and residential facilities, serving diverse patient populations of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I am dedicated to supporting my clients throughout their healing journeys and helping them improve their lives.
I am triple board-certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Internal Medicine, having trained at West Virginia University and Indiana University-Purdue University. Over the past 13 years, I have worked in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and residential facilities, serving diverse patient populations of all ages and cultural backgrounds. I am dedicated to supporting my clients throughout their healing journeys and helping them improve their lives.

I'm Joshua Fortney, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 11 years of experience. I work with individuals to manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns, from depression and anxiety to ADHD, bipolar disorder, sleep issues, panic attacks, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and self-esteem challenges. I believe that everyone deserves personalized mental health care that meets them where they are.
I'm Joshua Fortney, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 11 years of experience. I work with individuals to manage and treat a wide range of mental health concerns, from depression and anxiety to ADHD, bipolar disorder, sleep issues, panic attacks, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and self-esteem challenges. I believe that everyone deserves personalized mental health care that meets them where they are.

I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, or longstanding patterns that no longer serve them. My patients often seek a thoughtful, grounded perspective—someone who listens carefully, understands complexity, and offers clear, evidence-based guidance. I value a respectful, collaborative process that supports both emotional insight and practical change, helping individuals move toward greater stability, clarity, and peace of mind.
I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, or longstanding patterns that no longer serve them. My patients often seek a thoughtful, grounded perspective—someone who listens carefully, understands complexity, and offers clear, evidence-based guidance. I value a respectful, collaborative process that supports both emotional insight and practical change, helping individuals move toward greater stability, clarity, and peace of mind.

Lindsay-Rose Dykema is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her residency training at Columbia University. Lindsay-Rose is a queer psychiatrist and prison/police abolitionist who dabbles in narrative poetry and creative nonfiction. Her work has been published in psychiatric and leftist journals, poetry anthologies, and Slate Magazine. She will always offer a safe and affirming space. In her spare time, Lindsay-Rose enjoys yoga, running, writing, belting showtunes, petting cats.
Lindsay-Rose Dykema is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2009. She graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her residency training at Columbia University. Lindsay-Rose is a queer psychiatrist and prison/police abolitionist who dabbles in narrative poetry and creative nonfiction. Her work has been published in psychiatric and leftist journals, poetry anthologies, and Slate Magazine. She will always offer a safe and affirming space. In her spare time, Lindsay-Rose enjoys yoga, running, writing, belting showtunes, petting cats.

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.
See more therapy options for Novi
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Novi, MI
30+
Average cost per session
$177
Psychiatrists in Novi, MI who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
91% | Anxiety |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
82% | Medication Management |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Sleep or Insomnia |
64% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | Aetna |
87% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
81% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Novi, MI see their clients
76% | In Person and Online | |
24% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Novi?
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.