Psychiatrists in Fairfield, NJ

I am an in-network provider with many major insurance companies. Fredda is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who graduated from Maryville University. Her background includes inpatient and outpatient psychiatry settings ranging from adults to geriatric patients. She is diligent in providing emotional support; managing medications; and developing therapeutic alliances with her clients. In addition to taking care of her patients; Fredda enjoys dancing and live music. She appreciates traveling and learning about different cultures. She is a strong advocate for self-care and positive self-talk.
I am an in-network provider with many major insurance companies. Fredda is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who graduated from Maryville University. Her background includes inpatient and outpatient psychiatry settings ranging from adults to geriatric patients. She is diligent in providing emotional support; managing medications; and developing therapeutic alliances with her clients. In addition to taking care of her patients; Fredda enjoys dancing and live music. She appreciates traveling and learning about different cultures. She is a strong advocate for self-care and positive self-talk.

Empathetic; goal-oriented; Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who takes pride in listening to client specific needs. Each client has personal goals that are unique in their own manner. It is my duty to assist my clients in reaching their fullest potential of optimal mental health functioning. I have over 10 years of health care experience working in the mental and physical health specialty. I have worked with clients as young as age 6 and with the geriatric population. I have expertise in working many populations; taking pride in focusing on each client specific need and not external barriers.
Empathetic; goal-oriented; Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who takes pride in listening to client specific needs. Each client has personal goals that are unique in their own manner. It is my duty to assist my clients in reaching their fullest potential of optimal mental health functioning. I have over 10 years of health care experience working in the mental and physical health specialty. I have worked with clients as young as age 6 and with the geriatric population. I have expertise in working many populations; taking pride in focusing on each client specific need and not external barriers.

Mrs. Sanya is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in New Jersey. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Walden University and brings over a decade of experience in mental health care, serving individuals with compassion and clinical expertise.
She provides personalized, evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, ODD, bipolar disorder, anger issues, PMDD, alcohol use disorder.
Mrs. Sanya tailors each treatment using holistic, supportive, and solution-focused techniques.
Mrs. Sanya is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in New Jersey. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Walden University and brings over a decade of experience in mental health care, serving individuals with compassion and clinical expertise.
She provides personalized, evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, ODD, bipolar disorder, anger issues, PMDD, alcohol use disorder.
Mrs. Sanya tailors each treatment using holistic, supportive, and solution-focused techniques.

Dr. Michael Sanya, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in New York, New Jersey and Vermont, holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Walden University with over a decade of experience. Providing evidence-based care for individuals 5 year-old and older, he specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, ODD, Bipolar Disorder, anger management, PMDD, weight loss, alcohol use disorder, men's issues, and more. Using evidence-based, solution-focused, holistic, and supportive techniques, he tailors care to your needs, fostering healing, recovery, and growth for lasting improvement.
Dr. Michael Sanya, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in New York, New Jersey and Vermont, holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Walden University with over a decade of experience. Providing evidence-based care for individuals 5 year-old and older, he specializes in depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, ODD, Bipolar Disorder, anger management, PMDD, weight loss, alcohol use disorder, men's issues, and more. Using evidence-based, solution-focused, holistic, and supportive techniques, he tailors care to your needs, fostering healing, recovery, and growth for lasting improvement.

Reservoir Health Psychiatry - Jenika L. Miles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Online Only
My ideal client is motivated to improve their mental health, regardless of their specific condition. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other symptoms. They want a safe, supportive environment where they can develop coping skills and explore their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to provide personalized treatment and help them achieve their goals, whether that's managing their symptoms or feeling more content in daily life.
My ideal client is motivated to improve their mental health, regardless of their specific condition. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other symptoms. They want a safe, supportive environment where they can develop coping skills and explore their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to provide personalized treatment and help them achieve their goals, whether that's managing their symptoms or feeling more content in daily life.

My name is Nadia Marcelin, I’m a long time resident of NJ where I live with my husband and my teenage daughter. I’m very passionate about providing care for my patients in an environment that is conducive to healing. I’m a compassionate provider with six years plus experiences in inpatients care with diverse mental issues. I pride myself in treating my patients as individuals and not as a case. I strongly believe that wellness and rehabilitation is a team effort between all parties involved. I value and seek to understand my patients’ needs so we can develop a working relationship based on trust, mutual respects and honesty.
My name is Nadia Marcelin, I’m a long time resident of NJ where I live with my husband and my teenage daughter. I’m very passionate about providing care for my patients in an environment that is conducive to healing. I’m a compassionate provider with six years plus experiences in inpatients care with diverse mental issues. I pride myself in treating my patients as individuals and not as a case. I strongly believe that wellness and rehabilitation is a team effort between all parties involved. I value and seek to understand my patients’ needs so we can develop a working relationship based on trust, mutual respects and honesty.

Kesha is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is broadly experienced both as nurse and nurse practitioner. She works closely with her patients to help them meet their treatment goals. Kesha believes in a holistic approach and encourages patients to be active in their treatment plan to ensure desired outcomes are met. She helps patients manage their anxiety, depression, and many other conditions with new patient appointments available within 1-2 weeks currently (oct 2023).
Kesha is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is broadly experienced both as nurse and nurse practitioner. She works closely with her patients to help them meet their treatment goals. Kesha believes in a holistic approach and encourages patients to be active in their treatment plan to ensure desired outcomes are met. She helps patients manage their anxiety, depression, and many other conditions with new patient appointments available within 1-2 weeks currently (oct 2023).

I treat ages 6 to 65 and specialize in providing assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for general mental health conditions across the lifespan. I treat clients struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, sleep issues, stress, trauma, PTSD, and mood disorders. I utilize mindfulness, psychoeducation, person-centered therapy, medication management, and referrals for CBT and CBTI. I provide holistic care utilizing psychotherapy and psychopharmacology treatment to achieve optimal recovery and functioning.
I treat ages 6 to 65 and specialize in providing assessment, diagnosis, and therapy for general mental health conditions across the lifespan. I treat clients struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, sleep issues, stress, trauma, PTSD, and mood disorders. I utilize mindfulness, psychoeducation, person-centered therapy, medication management, and referrals for CBT and CBTI. I provide holistic care utilizing psychotherapy and psychopharmacology treatment to achieve optimal recovery and functioning.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

I am a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist board-certified in both child-adolescent and adult specialties. My expertise lies in talk and play based psychoanalytic psychotherapies for adults, children of all ages, families and couples in addition to medication-based psychiatric treatment and cognitive models of psychotherapy. My approach is based on tailoring treatment based on your individual needs, strengths and vulnerabilities.
I am a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist board-certified in both child-adolescent and adult specialties. My expertise lies in talk and play based psychoanalytic psychotherapies for adults, children of all ages, families and couples in addition to medication-based psychiatric treatment and cognitive models of psychotherapy. My approach is based on tailoring treatment based on your individual needs, strengths and vulnerabilities.

Dr Ayodele Green is a Board-Certified psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate degree at Columbia University. She obtained her MD from Temple University School of Medicine in NJ. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at Harlem Hospital of Columbia University and completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UMDNJ(Rutgers) in Newark NJ. Her methods are patient centered and holistic. Dr. Green accepts patients that have insurance and will file Out of Network Claims on behalf of patients so that they can be reimbursed. She also offers a sliding scale fee and is accepting new patients.
Dr Ayodele Green is a Board-Certified psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate degree at Columbia University. She obtained her MD from Temple University School of Medicine in NJ. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at Harlem Hospital of Columbia University and completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UMDNJ(Rutgers) in Newark NJ. Her methods are patient centered and holistic. Dr. Green accepts patients that have insurance and will file Out of Network Claims on behalf of patients so that they can be reimbursed. She also offers a sliding scale fee and is accepting new patients.

Diane DeCarolis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
1 Endorsed
Montclair, NJ 07043
Waitlist for new clients
With more than 30 years of experience in the Mental Health field, I began to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner after graduating from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2013. My goal as a mental health provider is to help patients to alleviate their symptoms and to reach their highest potential in all aspects of their lives.
With more than 30 years of experience in the Mental Health field, I began to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner after graduating from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2013. My goal as a mental health provider is to help patients to alleviate their symptoms and to reach their highest potential in all aspects of their lives.

Bola is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has about 17 years of clinical experience in mental health and neuroscience. She is a good listener, and she is passionate about caring for clients with mental health disorders. She cares for adults and adolescents with various diagnoses: Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, OCD, etc.
Bola is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has about 17 years of clinical experience in mental health and neuroscience. She is a good listener, and she is passionate about caring for clients with mental health disorders. She cares for adults and adolescents with various diagnoses: Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety disorder, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, OCD, etc.

I am a Doctoral-prepared, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in New Jersey. With over 13 years of clinical experience in the mental health field, I provide holistic, professional care to patients on their journey to recovery. Together, we can set goals that are tailored specifically to your treatment needs. My approach is a Patient-centered focus.
I am a Doctoral-prepared, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in New Jersey. With over 13 years of clinical experience in the mental health field, I provide holistic, professional care to patients on their journey to recovery. Together, we can set goals that are tailored specifically to your treatment needs. My approach is a Patient-centered focus.

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.

Welcome, and thank you for visiting my page! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a holistic approach to mental health care. With a background in critical care, I help patients achieve wellness by integrating mind and body. As a yoga instructor and fitness enthusiast, I guide clients in harnessing the mind-body connection to enhance their mental health. My goal is to help you achieve and maintain good mental health by treating and guiding you in integrating your mind and body. I love educating my patients on the benefits of mindfulness and movement to strengthen the powerful mind-body connection.
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my page! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a holistic approach to mental health care. With a background in critical care, I help patients achieve wellness by integrating mind and body. As a yoga instructor and fitness enthusiast, I guide clients in harnessing the mind-body connection to enhance their mental health. My goal is to help you achieve and maintain good mental health by treating and guiding you in integrating your mind and body. I love educating my patients on the benefits of mindfulness and movement to strengthen the powerful mind-body connection.

We are navigating a different world. Sometimes we need a professional to help guide us along the way. Here to help Navigate your journey
We are navigating a different world. Sometimes we need a professional to help guide us along the way. Here to help Navigate your journey

Welcome to Beyond Mental Health and Wellness. Evelyn Rosa MSN, PMHNP, BC is a Board-certified child, adolescent, and adult Nurse Practitioner, with over 14 years of psychiatric nursing experience.
Welcome to Beyond Mental Health and Wellness. Evelyn Rosa MSN, PMHNP, BC is a Board-certified child, adolescent, and adult Nurse Practitioner, with over 14 years of psychiatric nursing experience.

I am a psychiatrist with over a decade of experience with children, adolescents and adults, and am dually board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I provide comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic assessment as well as ongoing treatment utilizing evidence-based modalities including medication management and psychotherapy. I am committed to collaborative development of treatment plans tailored to your personal goals. I am available for remote and on-site appointments with evening and weekend availability.
I am a psychiatrist with over a decade of experience with children, adolescents and adults, and am dually board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I provide comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic assessment as well as ongoing treatment utilizing evidence-based modalities including medication management and psychotherapy. I am committed to collaborative development of treatment plans tailored to your personal goals. I am available for remote and on-site appointments with evening and weekend availability.

Dr. Saxena is a licensed Psychiatrist in New Jersey and New York, specializing in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Saxena has worked in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, Veterans population, and emergency settings. Additionally, he also has an extensive experience on the academic front training both medical students and Psychiatry resident physicians in NY and NJ. He is trained in multiple therapy approaches such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), psychotherapy, medication management, or combination.
Dr. Saxena is a licensed Psychiatrist in New Jersey and New York, specializing in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Saxena has worked in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, outpatient, Veterans population, and emergency settings. Additionally, he also has an extensive experience on the academic front training both medical students and Psychiatry resident physicians in NY and NJ. He is trained in multiple therapy approaches such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), psychotherapy, medication management, or combination.

Godbridge Integrated
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, ANP-BC, APN-c
1 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
As a board certified provider in both Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Dr. Gordon Kusi not only provides comprehensive care, but also care that is compassionate, patient-centered, knowledgeable and evidence based. He received his bachelor’s master’s and doctoral education from Rutgers University and a post-masters from Wilkes University. Dr. Kusi is highly esteemed among his clients who speak well of his respect, love for his profession, and compassion he expressed while providing care. He believes the client is the most important person in the treatment arena and not only should be listened to, but also the focus should be on.
As a board certified provider in both Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Dr. Gordon Kusi not only provides comprehensive care, but also care that is compassionate, patient-centered, knowledgeable and evidence based. He received his bachelor’s master’s and doctoral education from Rutgers University and a post-masters from Wilkes University. Dr. Kusi is highly esteemed among his clients who speak well of his respect, love for his profession, and compassion he expressed while providing care. He believes the client is the most important person in the treatment arena and not only should be listened to, but also the focus should be on.
See more therapy options for Fairfield
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Fairfield, NJ
< 10
Psychiatrists in Fairfield, NJ who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
63% | Bipolar Disorder |
50% | ADHD |
50% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
50% | Trauma and PTSD |
50% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
80% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Fairfield, NJ see their clients
62% | Online Only | |
38% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Fairfield?
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.