Psychiatrists in Caldwell, NJ

If you or your child no longer feel real joy, I’d like to help. The core of my practice is judicious medication management. I’ve been doing this for many years: first as a nurse-midwife, now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am still dual-credentialed in both. I treat people of all types, but most frequently children and perinatal women. My patients, big and small, grapple with issues like anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD and eating disorders. Issues around fertility, pregnancy, parenting and menopause remain among my strengths, even though I rarely deliver babies anymore (and I miss it, sometimes!). My approach is holistic.
If you or your child no longer feel real joy, I’d like to help. The core of my practice is judicious medication management. I’ve been doing this for many years: first as a nurse-midwife, now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am still dual-credentialed in both. I treat people of all types, but most frequently children and perinatal women. My patients, big and small, grapple with issues like anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD and eating disorders. Issues around fertility, pregnancy, parenting and menopause remain among my strengths, even though I rarely deliver babies anymore (and I miss it, sometimes!). My approach is holistic.

Depression, fear, and anxiety are common emotions that we experience at some point in our lives and sometimes these emotions can feel overpowering. Many individuals also experience lingering anxiety, fear, and hopelessness, associated with painful and traumatic events. My goal is to help you rediscover your innate strength and empower you to navigate life’s challenges and ultimately reclaim joy. My approach is collaborative and often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. I am an IFS (Internal Family System) level 1 trained therapist, certified schema therapist, and integrate a somatic approach.
Depression, fear, and anxiety are common emotions that we experience at some point in our lives and sometimes these emotions can feel overpowering. Many individuals also experience lingering anxiety, fear, and hopelessness, associated with painful and traumatic events. My goal is to help you rediscover your innate strength and empower you to navigate life’s challenges and ultimately reclaim joy. My approach is collaborative and often includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication. I am an IFS (Internal Family System) level 1 trained therapist, certified schema therapist, and integrate a somatic approach.

Kathleen Prendergast
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Caldwell, NJ 07006
If you need help promptly for panic attacks, depression or other disturbing symptoms, don't hesitate to call. Most people try to manage their emotional problems without seeking professional assistance and wait until the last minute to get help. If you are in this situation, call, and I will try to see you within 24 hours. I will listen to your history and gather information so we can form a plan together to improve how you are feeling.
If you need help promptly for panic attacks, depression or other disturbing symptoms, don't hesitate to call. Most people try to manage their emotional problems without seeking professional assistance and wait until the last minute to get help. If you are in this situation, call, and I will try to see you within 24 hours. I will listen to your history and gather information so we can form a plan together to improve how you are feeling.

I am board certified in adult psychiatry and I work with clients to attain mental wellness in all areas of one’s life. My practice and integrates psychopharmacology with my interest/training in nutrition, mindfulness, yoga, exercise, and mind-body therapies. My areas of expertise are in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, trauma, ADD/H and PMS/PMDD. I search for the underlying physiologic causes that can contribute to your symptoms or challenges. Supplements, vitamins, and herbs may be recommended along with or instead of medicine. Blood work and Genetic testing are offered to personalize treatment to your unique physiology.
I am board certified in adult psychiatry and I work with clients to attain mental wellness in all areas of one’s life. My practice and integrates psychopharmacology with my interest/training in nutrition, mindfulness, yoga, exercise, and mind-body therapies. My areas of expertise are in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, trauma, ADD/H and PMS/PMDD. I search for the underlying physiologic causes that can contribute to your symptoms or challenges. Supplements, vitamins, and herbs may be recommended along with or instead of medicine. Blood work and Genetic testing are offered to personalize treatment to your unique physiology.

Marcel Kaganovskaya
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner I focus on giving you the tools to achieve the best version of yourself. Times may be hard, but I am here to help. I enjoy working with various communities such as LGBTQI+ & see patients of all ages. I assist clients with Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention- Deficit/Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), daily stress and other mental health needs. I accept most insurances in NY & NJ. Feel free to make an appointment today & visit my website at: www.mindfulcognition.com
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner I focus on giving you the tools to achieve the best version of yourself. Times may be hard, but I am here to help. I enjoy working with various communities such as LGBTQI+ & see patients of all ages. I assist clients with Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention- Deficit/Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), daily stress and other mental health needs. I accept most insurances in NY & NJ. Feel free to make an appointment today & visit my website at: www.mindfulcognition.com

Valsamma Joy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Caldwell, NJ 07006
I have the most experience working with the adult population. My ideal client is not someone with a specific diagnosis or past experience. It is someone who is battling something within them and is seeking a helping hand to hold on. Treatment with the most appropriate medication can help a person overcome and persevere. I hope to work with patients who really want to make a change in their lives. I like to treat my patients holistically with medications that safely help them. I hope that my patients seek my guidance because they want to challenge themselves. Together, we can make tomorrow a better day.
I have the most experience working with the adult population. My ideal client is not someone with a specific diagnosis or past experience. It is someone who is battling something within them and is seeking a helping hand to hold on. Treatment with the most appropriate medication can help a person overcome and persevere. I hope to work with patients who really want to make a change in their lives. I like to treat my patients holistically with medications that safely help them. I hope that my patients seek my guidance because they want to challenge themselves. Together, we can make tomorrow a better day.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Are you feeling empty or frustrated in your daily life? Your work is good, or good enough, but stressful or unfulfilling. Or you want your child to be happy and healthy, not sad or anxious, losing friends or their grades falling, instead more confident in social and academic situations. Or both. Despite your best efforts so far, nothing seems to work. You may feel powerless-but you already have all the tools you need to help yourself, or your child. You're the most important person in their lives (and your own), so I make sure you’re getting support and validation you need at home, at work, and/or in your child’s school system.
Are you feeling empty or frustrated in your daily life? Your work is good, or good enough, but stressful or unfulfilling. Or you want your child to be happy and healthy, not sad or anxious, losing friends or their grades falling, instead more confident in social and academic situations. Or both. Despite your best efforts so far, nothing seems to work. You may feel powerless-but you already have all the tools you need to help yourself, or your child. You're the most important person in their lives (and your own), so I make sure you’re getting support and validation you need at home, at work, and/or in your child’s school system.

Rachael Olayemi Borishade
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Edison, NJ 08820
I am a nurse with over 12 years' experience in acute care mental health psychiatrist hospital, long-term memory care facility and post-acute care facility caring for clients dealing with depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As a psychiatrist mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to restore individual mental health well-being through holistic care. I treat each individual with compassion and respect.
I am a nurse with over 12 years' experience in acute care mental health psychiatrist hospital, long-term memory care facility and post-acute care facility caring for clients dealing with depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As a psychiatrist mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to restore individual mental health well-being through holistic care. I treat each individual with compassion and respect.

I'm a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner based in New Jersey. I have over 10 years in the mental health system. I received my Masters from Fairleigh Dickinson University of New jersey 4 years ago and have been practicing since. I'm able to help individual with mental illness of any stage of the human lifespan development.
I'm a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner based in New Jersey. I have over 10 years in the mental health system. I received my Masters from Fairleigh Dickinson University of New jersey 4 years ago and have been practicing since. I'm able to help individual with mental illness of any stage of the human lifespan development.

I graduated from Johns Hopkins University, and then received my M.D. from New Jersey Medical School. I completed my psychiatric residency at New York University and then did a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. I remained on the faculty where I taught medical students, did research in clinical psychopharmacology, and had a faculty practice. I also completed an externship in cognitive behavioral therapy under the tutelage of Dr. Aaron Beck at the University of Pennsylvania. I have written many published articles and have lectured extensively in the area of clinical psychopharmacology.
I graduated from Johns Hopkins University, and then received my M.D. from New Jersey Medical School. I completed my psychiatric residency at New York University and then did a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. I remained on the faculty where I taught medical students, did research in clinical psychopharmacology, and had a faculty practice. I also completed an externship in cognitive behavioral therapy under the tutelage of Dr. Aaron Beck at the University of Pennsylvania. I have written many published articles and have lectured extensively in the area of clinical psychopharmacology.

L&A Absolute Care, LLC.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Irvington, NJ 07111
You must be frustrated? Maybe even tired? But most importantly, you're just looking for the right one- the psychiatrist who finally gets it right. If this is so, I wholeheartedly believe that you should stop by. I have dedicated over 18 years of my life as a psychiatric nurse (since 2003) to improve the quality of life for all my clients through holistic psychiatric care. I have my Doctorates and am board certified in family psychiatry with experience in all ages, especially children. I always try to build a sound relationship with each and every one of my clients in order to make the treatment process a very comforting journey.
You must be frustrated? Maybe even tired? But most importantly, you're just looking for the right one- the psychiatrist who finally gets it right. If this is so, I wholeheartedly believe that you should stop by. I have dedicated over 18 years of my life as a psychiatric nurse (since 2003) to improve the quality of life for all my clients through holistic psychiatric care. I have my Doctorates and am board certified in family psychiatry with experience in all ages, especially children. I always try to build a sound relationship with each and every one of my clients in order to make the treatment process a very comforting journey.

Dr. Vinuela is %100 bilingual in Spanish and English. Are you a New Jersey resident in need of a licensed telepsychiatrist? Do you want the comfort of having your psychiatrist available for appointments 24/7? If you struggle with mental health issues, Dr. Andres Vinuela is here to help. By focusing on advancing mental health care in New Jersey through innovative solutions, he is committed to significantly impacting the lives of individuals seeking psychiatric care. Dr. Vinuela adopts a collaborative approach and develops personalized treatment plans tailored to you.
Dr. Vinuela is %100 bilingual in Spanish and English. Are you a New Jersey resident in need of a licensed telepsychiatrist? Do you want the comfort of having your psychiatrist available for appointments 24/7? If you struggle with mental health issues, Dr. Andres Vinuela is here to help. By focusing on advancing mental health care in New Jersey through innovative solutions, he is committed to significantly impacting the lives of individuals seeking psychiatric care. Dr. Vinuela adopts a collaborative approach and develops personalized treatment plans tailored to you.

Hello, my name is Amaka. I have 8 years' experience as a psychiatric nurse and almost 9 years’ experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, within in-patient, out-patient and crisis intervention settings. I have also worked with multi-disciplinary teams to provide services to patients from adolescent to geriatric population (across life span).
Hello, my name is Amaka. I have 8 years' experience as a psychiatric nurse and almost 9 years’ experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, within in-patient, out-patient and crisis intervention settings. I have also worked with multi-disciplinary teams to provide services to patients from adolescent to geriatric population (across life span).

St. Michael Mental Care Consult
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Have you encountered challenges in locating a service provider who is dedicated to thoroughly understanding and assisting you? The task of finding a qualified professional capable of genuinely perceiving and acknowledging your needs can prove arduous. You may be grappling with depression, anxiety, or residual effects of past trauma. My expertise lies in aiding individuals to conquer such symptoms, alongside navigating an array of mental health and wellness obstacles. Above all, my role is to listen and facilitate your self-awareness, by providing utmost care and improving lifestyle betterment.
Have you encountered challenges in locating a service provider who is dedicated to thoroughly understanding and assisting you? The task of finding a qualified professional capable of genuinely perceiving and acknowledging your needs can prove arduous. You may be grappling with depression, anxiety, or residual effects of past trauma. My expertise lies in aiding individuals to conquer such symptoms, alongside navigating an array of mental health and wellness obstacles. Above all, my role is to listen and facilitate your self-awareness, by providing utmost care and improving lifestyle betterment.

Cristin Famularo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Montclair, NJ 07042
I am board certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, as well as certified as a Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS). I work with the pediatric/adolescent/young adult population and their families who have an openness to therapy, self- improvement, emotional support, and who are seeking medication management. My clients depend on me to provide top notch care and I make sure to consistently deliver. My goal is a mutually agreed-upon treatment plan that allows my patients the best treatment in a nurturing, understanding, and compassionate environment.
I am board certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, as well as certified as a Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS). I work with the pediatric/adolescent/young adult population and their families who have an openness to therapy, self- improvement, emotional support, and who are seeking medication management. My clients depend on me to provide top notch care and I make sure to consistently deliver. My goal is a mutually agreed-upon treatment plan that allows my patients the best treatment in a nurturing, understanding, and compassionate environment.

I treat children, adolescents, and adult patients who are looking for a psychiatrist that provides comprehensive and attentive care. I believe that to help someone, we need to know who that person is and what their individual goals are. Let's get you back to feeling like your full self!
I treat children, adolescents, and adult patients who are looking for a psychiatrist that provides comprehensive and attentive care. I believe that to help someone, we need to know who that person is and what their individual goals are. Let's get you back to feeling like your full self!

I am dedicated to mental health as crucial to overall well-being, aiming to destigmatize and promote help-seeking behaviors. I foster a supportive, collaborative environment where clients actively engage in their treatment journey. Using evidence-based interventions and management plans, I enhance resilience, improve coping mechanisms, and support positive life changes. My holistic approach includes diagnosis, medication management, and psychotherapy, prioritizing safety and wellness for all
I am dedicated to mental health as crucial to overall well-being, aiming to destigmatize and promote help-seeking behaviors. I foster a supportive, collaborative environment where clients actively engage in their treatment journey. Using evidence-based interventions and management plans, I enhance resilience, improve coping mechanisms, and support positive life changes. My holistic approach includes diagnosis, medication management, and psychotherapy, prioritizing safety and wellness for all

I am dual-certified Family nurse practitioner and Psychiatric Mental health nurse practitioner with over 7 years of experience caring for patients in variety of clinical settings including primary care and internal medicine. For more than a year, I am taking care of patients with Depression, anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD thru Telepsychiatry.
I am dual-certified Family nurse practitioner and Psychiatric Mental health nurse practitioner with over 7 years of experience caring for patients in variety of clinical settings including primary care and internal medicine. For more than a year, I am taking care of patients with Depression, anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD thru Telepsychiatry.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients. I completed a residency training in General and Adult Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, an affiliate program of the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, New York. My treatment approach is based on the understanding that every individual is unique in their experience and needs. After a careful assessment of your symptoms, I will work with you in creating the treatment plan that suits you best.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients. I completed a residency training in General and Adult Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, an affiliate program of the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, New York. My treatment approach is based on the understanding that every individual is unique in their experience and needs. After a careful assessment of your symptoms, I will work with you in creating the treatment plan that suits you best.

Dr. Cidambi is board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine (ABAM). She completed her residency in Psychiatry from Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn and a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine from NYU/Bellevue. Dr. Cidambi was the Director of Chemical Dependency at New Jersey's oldest inpatient mental health/substance abuse hospital. In 2010, Dr. Cidambi started her own substance abuse treatment facility, Center for Network Therapy (RecoveryCNT.com), providing outpatient detoxification from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates and suboxone, and partial care and IOP programs. All payments in cash only - no insurance accpeted.
Dr. Cidambi is board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine (ABAM). She completed her residency in Psychiatry from Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn and a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine from NYU/Bellevue. Dr. Cidambi was the Director of Chemical Dependency at New Jersey's oldest inpatient mental health/substance abuse hospital. In 2010, Dr. Cidambi started her own substance abuse treatment facility, Center for Network Therapy (RecoveryCNT.com), providing outpatient detoxification from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates and suboxone, and partial care and IOP programs. All payments in cash only - no insurance accpeted.
See more therapy options for Caldwell
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Caldwell, NJ
< 10
Psychiatrists in Caldwell, NJ who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
83% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
83% | Medication Management |
50% | Grief |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Caldwell, NJ see their clients
84% | In Person and Online | |
16% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
16% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Caldwell?
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.