Psychiatrists in Chatham, NJ

Photo of Dr. Norma White, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, ACNP-BC
Dr. Norma White
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, ACNP-BC
Chatham, NJ 07928
In today's fast-paced world, finding the time and comfort to attend in-person appointments can be a significant barrier. My virtual and in-person clinic directly addresses these needs by offering flexible scheduling and the ability to connect from the privacy and comfort of your own space. Whether you're facing challenges with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or require medication management, my virtual platform brings comprehensive psychiatric care directly to you, eliminating travel time and reducing potential stigma.
In today's fast-paced world, finding the time and comfort to attend in-person appointments can be a significant barrier. My virtual and in-person clinic directly addresses these needs by offering flexible scheduling and the ability to connect from the privacy and comfort of your own space. Whether you're facing challenges with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or require medication management, my virtual platform brings comprehensive psychiatric care directly to you, eliminating travel time and reducing potential stigma.
(732) 626-8222 View (732) 626-8222
Photo of Seth Michael Dorsky, Psychiatrist, MD
Seth Michael Dorsky
Psychiatrist, MD
Chatham, NJ 07928
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
(973) 707-3696 View (973) 707-3696
Photo of Kathryn Groll, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CNM
Kathryn Groll
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CNM
7 Endorsed
Online Only
At the core of Vineyard Psychiatry is a profound commitment to patient-centered care. The practice understands that mental health treatment is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor but a deeply personal journey. This commitment translates into an environment where patients are not merely recipients of care but active participants in their own healing process. Here, patients are heard, their perspectives respected, and their unique stories considered with the utmost reverence. www.vineyardpsychnp.com
At the core of Vineyard Psychiatry is a profound commitment to patient-centered care. The practice understands that mental health treatment is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor but a deeply personal journey. This commitment translates into an environment where patients are not merely recipients of care but active participants in their own healing process. Here, patients are heard, their perspectives respected, and their unique stories considered with the utmost reverence. www.vineyardpsychnp.com
(908) 259-6476 View (908) 259-6476
Photo of Amy C Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP
Amy C Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Your mental health journey is unique, and your care should be too. I aim to provide comprehensive, holistic, and personalized mental health care. The priority in caring for my patients is to develop a safe treatment plan while recognizing and honoring where they are in their journey. I provide medication management via telehealth, providing ease and comfort of care.
Your mental health journey is unique, and your care should be too. I aim to provide comprehensive, holistic, and personalized mental health care. The priority in caring for my patients is to develop a safe treatment plan while recognizing and honoring where they are in their journey. I provide medication management via telehealth, providing ease and comfort of care.
(908) 503-5842 View (908) 503-5842
Photo of Marissa Stridiron - Connected Tele-Psychiatry, Psychiatrist, MD
Connected Tele-Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
Choosing a psychiatrist is hard. Let me introduce myself. I am a working mother, spouse, and physician. I understand the challenges facing women and men today. As life becomes more stressful and as we do less to take care of ourselves, problems are likely to emerge. I see adults with Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Marital/Relationship difficulties and other Life Crises. I focus on present-day coping strategies and on bettering your understanding of the way your difficulties are related to overall life history. I do intensive work with people who want to improve their self-understanding, define goals and lead more productive lives.
Choosing a psychiatrist is hard. Let me introduce myself. I am a working mother, spouse, and physician. I understand the challenges facing women and men today. As life becomes more stressful and as we do less to take care of ourselves, problems are likely to emerge. I see adults with Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Marital/Relationship difficulties and other Life Crises. I focus on present-day coping strategies and on bettering your understanding of the way your difficulties are related to overall life history. I do intensive work with people who want to improve their self-understanding, define goals and lead more productive lives.
(973) 544-8653 View (973) 544-8653
Photo of Chelsea Robbins, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ANCC-BC
Chelsea Robbins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ANCC-BC
Serves Area
My goal is to teach realistic coping skills and means to improve wellness. Treatment may include coping skills building, gaining insight, supportive therapy, and medications (when necessary). I have added experience in OCD, anxiety, and panic disorders as well as working with young adults and parents with children experiencing medical/health issues. I hope to assist individuals to wellness efficiently and believe both long-term and short-term active treatment can be successful.
My goal is to teach realistic coping skills and means to improve wellness. Treatment may include coping skills building, gaining insight, supportive therapy, and medications (when necessary). I have added experience in OCD, anxiety, and panic disorders as well as working with young adults and parents with children experiencing medical/health issues. I hope to assist individuals to wellness efficiently and believe both long-term and short-term active treatment can be successful.
(908) 768-3773 View (908) 768-3773
Photo of Sari Lehrhoff - Sari Lehrhoff M.D., LLC, Psychiatrist, MD
Sari Lehrhoff M.D., LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Dr. Sari Lehrhoff is a psychiatrist, a therapist, & life coach who believes in working collaboratively with patients and recognizes that a clients thoughts, feelings, and needs are essential to creating a unique healing plan together. Some may benefit from medication, others may prefer guidance on weening off medications and/or be assisted through life challenges in a nonjudgemental presence. With a goal to make each client feel seen, heard & understood, Dr. Lehrhoff ensures a safe space to move through current difficulties. No topic is unwelcome, as Dr. Lehrhoff is also a trained sex and relationship therapist.
Dr. Sari Lehrhoff is a psychiatrist, a therapist, & life coach who believes in working collaboratively with patients and recognizes that a clients thoughts, feelings, and needs are essential to creating a unique healing plan together. Some may benefit from medication, others may prefer guidance on weening off medications and/or be assisted through life challenges in a nonjudgemental presence. With a goal to make each client feel seen, heard & understood, Dr. Lehrhoff ensures a safe space to move through current difficulties. No topic is unwelcome, as Dr. Lehrhoff is also a trained sex and relationship therapist.
(732) 479-1594 View (732) 479-1594
Photo of Dr. Lily Arora, Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Dr. Lily Arora
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My goal is to help you become your best self. I believe in personalized, holistic care taking into account not only your symptoms but their impact on your daily life in context of your relationship and career goals. My approach to treatment involves forming a partnership with you to not only work towards healing your symptoms but to help you recognize and implement modes of thinking and behavior that lend themselves to a more harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle.
My goal is to help you become your best self. I believe in personalized, holistic care taking into account not only your symptoms but their impact on your daily life in context of your relationship and career goals. My approach to treatment involves forming a partnership with you to not only work towards healing your symptoms but to help you recognize and implement modes of thinking and behavior that lend themselves to a more harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle.
(201) 512-5689 View (201) 512-5689
Photo of Meg Sosnow, Psychiatrist, MD
Meg Sosnow
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
As a board certified psychiatrist, I can help you with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship problems among other psychiatric issues. My treatment philosophy involves looking at all the factors that may be affecting your mental health, including biological, psychological and even environmental ones.
As a board certified psychiatrist, I can help you with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship problems among other psychiatric issues. My treatment philosophy involves looking at all the factors that may be affecting your mental health, including biological, psychological and even environmental ones.
(908) 878-5954 View (908) 878-5954

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of William Chu, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
William Chu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
11 Endorsed
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Are you experiencing any of the following: Struggle with focus, concentration, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health concerns; feel like your mental health has plateaued; feel confused by all the contradictory health information out there? My philosophy is to identify the root cause of your issues and address it with holistic, nutrition-based treatments that solve the problem from the bottom up—not simply bombard you with medications so I can check you off my list.
Are you experiencing any of the following: Struggle with focus, concentration, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health concerns; feel like your mental health has plateaued; feel confused by all the contradictory health information out there? My philosophy is to identify the root cause of your issues and address it with holistic, nutrition-based treatments that solve the problem from the bottom up—not simply bombard you with medications so I can check you off my list.
(908) 544-5775 View (908) 544-5775
Photo of Shannon McElroy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNPbc
Shannon McElroy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN, PMHNPbc
Online Only
Hey! I’m Shannon—board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, wife, and girl mom. I’m the heart behind Resilient Roots Wellness, a practice dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults. With over 11 years of experience in psychiatry, I know that mental health is more than just managing symptoms—it’s about truly understanding each individual’s needs. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, ADHD, depression, or other mental health concerns, I provide thorough evaluations and medication management to help you feel your best.
Hey! I’m Shannon—board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, wife, and girl mom. I’m the heart behind Resilient Roots Wellness, a practice dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults. With over 11 years of experience in psychiatry, I know that mental health is more than just managing symptoms—it’s about truly understanding each individual’s needs. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, ADHD, depression, or other mental health concerns, I provide thorough evaluations and medication management to help you feel your best.
(862) 356-5371 View (862) 356-5371
Photo of Alex Mutia, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, APN
Alex Mutia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, APN
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
I, along with everyone at Center for Assessment and Treatment, hope to help those who are among the most in need, regardless of income, background, or past history.
I, along with everyone at Center for Assessment and Treatment, hope to help those who are among the most in need, regardless of income, background, or past history.
(908) 258-6539 View (908) 258-6539
Photo of Oyebola Asenuga - Oyebola Asenuga, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APN-BC
Oyebola Asenuga
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APN-BC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Nice to meet you! I'm Oyebola, the founder and owner of Restore Ark Healthcare. I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in New Jersey with over 13 years of clinical experience working in different types of mental healthcare settings. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive services to all patients in need.
Nice to meet you! I'm Oyebola, the founder and owner of Restore Ark Healthcare. I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in New Jersey with over 13 years of clinical experience working in different types of mental healthcare settings. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive services to all patients in need.
(908) 293-9535 View (908) 293-9535
Photo of Michael Barness - Mindful Medicine, Psychiatrist, MD
Mindful Medicine
Psychiatrist, MD
Short Hills, NJ 07078
At Mindful Medicine, we understand that choosing the right psychiatrist for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal decision. We invite you to explore our website www.mindfulmedicinemd.com to learn more about our practice and read our outstanding Google reviews, which reflect the compassionate care we provide. The insightful mental health content, follow us on social media! Look for mindfulmedicinemd on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok , LinkedIn and YouTube Channel to find engaging videos and resources.
At Mindful Medicine, we understand that choosing the right psychiatrist for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal decision. We invite you to explore our website www.mindfulmedicinemd.com to learn more about our practice and read our outstanding Google reviews, which reflect the compassionate care we provide. The insightful mental health content, follow us on social media! Look for mindfulmedicinemd on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok , LinkedIn and YouTube Channel to find engaging videos and resources.
(973) 577-6792 View (973) 577-6792
Photo of Jacqueline Hunterton-Anderson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Jacqueline Hunterton-Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Newton, NJ 07860
During the many changes and challenges we face in life it is essential at times to seek help. This can be a tedious venture and finding the right provider can be complicated. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I am able to not only provide psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications but also become a part of your support system. Using psychotherapy and medication management I can help you gain the tools needed to move past the hard times. As a team we will be able to assess what your needs are and what the best possible treatment plan and outcomes can be obtained.
During the many changes and challenges we face in life it is essential at times to seek help. This can be a tedious venture and finding the right provider can be complicated. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner I am able to not only provide psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications but also become a part of your support system. Using psychotherapy and medication management I can help you gain the tools needed to move past the hard times. As a team we will be able to assess what your needs are and what the best possible treatment plan and outcomes can be obtained.
(862) 314-5142 View (862) 314-5142
Photo of Gabriel Essilfie, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP
Gabriel Essilfie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP
Morristown, NJ 07960
My ideal client would be a client who comes in ready to work on their treatment together through psychotherapy and, at times, medication management. I strive to allow the client to feel heard, spend time with the client to understand their symptoms, and provide good, competent care.
My ideal client would be a client who comes in ready to work on their treatment together through psychotherapy and, at times, medication management. I strive to allow the client to feel heard, spend time with the client to understand their symptoms, and provide good, competent care.
(973) 620-2326 View (973) 620-2326
Photo of Bhavin Gajera, Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Bhavin Gajera
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Hoboken, NJ 07030
I am a board certified Psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. After completing my medical school education, I achieved a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Arcadia University. I completed my adult psychiatry residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. During my training at AEMC, I was awarded the prestigious national Distinguished Laughlin Fellow Merit Award for professional achievement and scholarship. I completed my Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Mount Sinai Health system - St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan where I also served as a Chief Fellow.
I am a board certified Psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. After completing my medical school education, I achieved a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Arcadia University. I completed my adult psychiatry residency training at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. During my training at AEMC, I was awarded the prestigious national Distinguished Laughlin Fellow Merit Award for professional achievement and scholarship. I completed my Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Mount Sinai Health system - St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan where I also served as a Chief Fellow.
(201) 820-0888 View (201) 820-0888
Photo of Darian Kopp, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Darian Kopp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Online Only
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Darian and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New Jersey. I specialize in Anxiety, Burnout, Bipolar, Chronic illness and Depression. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Darian and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New Jersey. I specialize in Anxiety, Burnout, Bipolar, Chronic illness and Depression. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(862) 356-0796 View (862) 356-0796
Photo of Karen Yeboah-Norment, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Karen Yeboah-Norment
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Wayne, NJ 07470
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve their mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stop socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and fail college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with your current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.
My ideal patient is one with multiple psychiatric co-morbidities looking for a treatment to improve their mood, energy, anxiety, and focus. Do you feel sad daily, stop socializing with friends & family members, perform the bare minimum work tasks, call out of work frequently, and fail college classes due to not completing school assignments & attendance? Have you been using cannabis to cope with your current mood symptoms? Have you failed numerous medications due to side effects & effectiveness? I will help you develop a treatment plan to help you meet your mental health goals and feel content & yourself again.
(973) 240-5262 View (973) 240-5262
Photo of Tom Zaubler - Pegasus Psychiatry Associates, Psychiatrist
When mental health concerns keep you from the things you enjoy or from being with the people who matter most to you, finding a provider who can offer support to allow you to take control of your mental health and live your best life is essential. Driven by experience, guided by empathy, Pegasus Psychiatry Associates’ mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based care, and a compassionate understanding of your needs in a warm and welcoming environment. As a specialized practice, we embrace our role as a trusted partner on your journey to a more satisfying, inspired and productive life. Your care will be tailored to your needs.
When mental health concerns keep you from the things you enjoy or from being with the people who matter most to you, finding a provider who can offer support to allow you to take control of your mental health and live your best life is essential. Driven by experience, guided by empathy, Pegasus Psychiatry Associates’ mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based care, and a compassionate understanding of your needs in a warm and welcoming environment. As a specialized practice, we embrace our role as a trusted partner on your journey to a more satisfying, inspired and productive life. Your care will be tailored to your needs.
(862) 407-3911 View (862) 407-3911

See more therapy options for Chatham

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Chatham, NJ

< 10

Psychiatrists in Chatham, NJ who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
89% Medication Management
78% Sleep or Insomnia
67% Trauma and PTSD
67% Bipolar Disorder
67% Self Esteem

Average years in practice

14 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
75% Cigna and Evernorth
75% Oxford

How Psychiatrists in Chatham, NJ see their clients

78% In Person and Online
22% Online Only

Gender breakdown

86% Female
14% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Chatham?

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

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

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

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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