Psychiatrists in Hampton, NJ
Dr. Komal Shah, M.D. is double board certified in adult & geriatric psychiatry. She did her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, New York & then did fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at LIJ-Albert Einstein school, New York. She has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. Dr. Shah has extensive experience in evaluating & managing a variety of psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, etc. She held an academic position as a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers-UBHC for several years.
Dr. Komal Shah, M.D. is double board certified in adult & geriatric psychiatry. She did her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, New York & then did fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at LIJ-Albert Einstein school, New York. She has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. Dr. Shah has extensive experience in evaluating & managing a variety of psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, etc. She held an academic position as a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers-UBHC for several years.
Dr. Wilbur is a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist in Adult and Addiction Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate degree in Public Health Studies at Johns Hopkins University and his medical education at the UMass Chan Medical School. Dr. Wilbur completed his psychiatry residency training and addiction psychiatry fellowship training at Yale School of Medicine. His practice focuses on medication management, typically offered in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits.
Dr. Wilbur is a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist in Adult and Addiction Psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate degree in Public Health Studies at Johns Hopkins University and his medical education at the UMass Chan Medical School. Dr. Wilbur completed his psychiatry residency training and addiction psychiatry fellowship training at Yale School of Medicine. His practice focuses on medication management, typically offered in conjunction with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits.
Dr. Gaurav Chaudhari completed fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Stony Brook University and psychiatry residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin, where he served as Chief Resident. He also holds an MPH and a Certificate in Public Mental Health Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With prior residency training in Community Medicine in India, Dr. Chaudhari brings experience in clinical research, public health, and systems-based approaches to psychiatric care.
Dr. Gaurav Chaudhari completed fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Stony Brook University and psychiatry residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin, where he served as Chief Resident. He also holds an MPH and a Certificate in Public Mental Health Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With prior residency training in Community Medicine in India, Dr. Chaudhari brings experience in clinical research, public health, and systems-based approaches to psychiatric care.
Dr. Jillian Saad is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in patient-centered care. She has been practicing for over 8 years in private practice and academic medicine. Dr. Saad focuses on medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She takes a patientcentered approach that acknowledges all the psychosocial aspects of each individual to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Dr. Jillian Saad is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in patient-centered care. She has been practicing for over 8 years in private practice and academic medicine. Dr. Saad focuses on medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits in conjunction with supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She takes a patientcentered approach that acknowledges all the psychosocial aspects of each individual to ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
This provider currently serves NY, CT and NJ. Dr. Pereira is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is dedicated to providing compassionate care for a wide range of mental health concerns. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and his medical degree from The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, where he graduated with the Department of Psychiatry's award of distinction. He went on to complete his psychiatric residency training at Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital, with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related conditions.
This provider currently serves NY, CT and NJ. Dr. Pereira is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is dedicated to providing compassionate care for a wide range of mental health concerns. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and his medical degree from The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, where he graduated with the Department of Psychiatry's award of distinction. He went on to complete his psychiatric residency training at Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital, with a specialization in the assessment and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related conditions.
Dr. Shahan Syed is a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist who offers personable, compassionate, and empathetic care. Before completing his residency in psychiatry, Dr. Syed graduated from International American University College of Medicine and recently completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. He gained experience as a clinical researcher, emergency medical technician, and a registered nurse in both psychiatric and emergency departments prior to his formal training.
Dr. Shahan Syed is a Board-Eligible Psychiatrist who offers personable, compassionate, and empathetic care. Before completing his residency in psychiatry, Dr. Syed graduated from International American University College of Medicine and recently completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, NJ. He gained experience as a clinical researcher, emergency medical technician, and a registered nurse in both psychiatric and emergency departments prior to his formal training.
Dr. Martha James is board-certified in general adult psychiatry and has more than twenty years of experience working with adults in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, university medical centers, VA medical centers, and community mental health settings. Dr. James received her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute. Dr. James has experience treating adults with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, mood disorders.
Dr. Martha James is board-certified in general adult psychiatry and has more than twenty years of experience working with adults in a variety of mental health care settings including academia, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, university medical centers, VA medical centers, and community mental health settings. Dr. James received her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed her psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute. Dr. James has experience treating adults with a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, mood disorders.
Dr. Kristen Clark earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed her psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson. She has extensive experience practicing primarily in outpatient settings, along with additional experience in inpatient, consultation, and emergency psychiatry. Dr. Clark has also served in academic roles, teaching and mentoring trainees in both medical school and residency. She is board-certified in Psychiatry and in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Clark prioritizes creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Dr. Kristen Clark earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed her psychiatry residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson. She has extensive experience practicing primarily in outpatient settings, along with additional experience in inpatient, consultation, and emergency psychiatry. Dr. Clark has also served in academic roles, teaching and mentoring trainees in both medical school and residency. She is board-certified in Psychiatry and in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Clark prioritizes creating a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey. Where he excelled in his leadership and knowledge, becoming the Chief Resident in just his third year of residency at the busiest outpatient behavioral health clinic in New Jersey. Upon completion of his third year of residency he went on to become Chief Academic Resident of his program, which allowed him to bestow his knowledge of psychiatry on younger psychiatrists in training.
Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey. Where he excelled in his leadership and knowledge, becoming the Chief Resident in just his third year of residency at the busiest outpatient behavioral health clinic in New Jersey. Upon completion of his third year of residency he went on to become Chief Academic Resident of his program, which allowed him to bestow his knowledge of psychiatry on younger psychiatrists in training.
Dr. Arif Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at Authority Health, an affiliate of Michigan State University. In addition, he has completed a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. He has 4 years of clinical experience. Dr. Patel's practice focuses primarily on medication management. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 minutes and incorporate elements of supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing.
Dr. Arif Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at Authority Health, an affiliate of Michigan State University. In addition, he has completed a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellowship from the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute. He has 4 years of clinical experience. Dr. Patel's practice focuses primarily on medication management. Follow-up appointments are typically 30 minutes and incorporate elements of supportive psychotherapy, CBT, and motivational interviewing.
Dr. Ismail is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Cairo University, where she also completed her neurology residency at Cairo University Hospitals. Following this, she pursued psychiatric training at New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Hospitals, where she was appointed Chief Resident and recognized as Resident of the Year.
Dr. Ismail is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Cairo University, where she also completed her neurology residency at Cairo University Hospitals. Following this, she pursued psychiatric training at New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Hospitals, where she was appointed Chief Resident and recognized as Resident of the Year.
Dr. Shalini Dutta is a medical doctor with experience working across outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings. She has extensive experience caring for underserved and diverse populations and was a recipient of the Samhsa Minority Fellowship Program Grant. Her fellowship training included a focus on Seeking Safety, an evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment model. Dr. Dutta has a strong clinical interest in trauma, trauma-informed care, and integrating psychotherapy principles with medication management.
Dr. Shalini Dutta is a medical doctor with experience working across outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health settings. She has extensive experience caring for underserved and diverse populations and was a recipient of the Samhsa Minority Fellowship Program Grant. Her fellowship training included a focus on Seeking Safety, an evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment model. Dr. Dutta has a strong clinical interest in trauma, trauma-informed care, and integrating psychotherapy principles with medication management.
Dr. Syed Abbasi is an adult psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University and earned his medical degree at Ross University. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, additionally as Chief Resident at Columbia University's Outpatient Adult Psychiatry Eye-6 clinic.
Dr. Syed Abbasi is an adult psychiatrist who completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University and earned his medical degree at Ross University. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, additionally as Chief Resident at Columbia University's Outpatient Adult Psychiatry Eye-6 clinic.
Dr. Telonis is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist who had been in practice for four years. Her focus is on using a collaborative approach and shared-decision making to help patient's achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Telonis typically provides monthly 30-minute follow-ups with a focus on medication management and supportive therapy. In some instances, she may recommend a separate therapist to help facilitate the best care possible.
Dr. Telonis is a board-eligible adult psychiatrist who had been in practice for four years. Her focus is on using a collaborative approach and shared-decision making to help patient's achieve their treatment goals. Dr. Telonis typically provides monthly 30-minute follow-ups with a focus on medication management and supportive therapy. In some instances, she may recommend a separate therapist to help facilitate the best care possible.
Dr. Niles Drake is a board certified psychiatrist skilled in prescribing medications and working in psychotherapy. He combines a warm demeanor with excellent clinical skills, and has over 15 years’ experience working with adult patients of all ages and many walks of life. He has special expertise combining medication and psychotherapy to help patients reduce symptoms and grow as individuals. Dr. Drake’s additional training and experience in psychological modes of treatment enhance the quality of care he provides to all his patients, to meet them where they are and prioritize their individual needs and goals.
Dr. Niles Drake is a board certified psychiatrist skilled in prescribing medications and working in psychotherapy. He combines a warm demeanor with excellent clinical skills, and has over 15 years’ experience working with adult patients of all ages and many walks of life. He has special expertise combining medication and psychotherapy to help patients reduce symptoms and grow as individuals. Dr. Drake’s additional training and experience in psychological modes of treatment enhance the quality of care he provides to all his patients, to meet them where they are and prioritize their individual needs and goals.
Dr. Swagato Bhattacharyya has completed his residency training at Northwell, and is a board certified psychiatrist. Dr. Bhattacharyya takes a holistic approach to patient care, establishing strong physician-patient relationships built on trust, respect, and communication. He focuses on medication management primarily, and also provides supportive psychotherapy. The treatment sessions will be tailored to work towards a common goal to optimize one’s mental well-being.
Dr. Swagato Bhattacharyya has completed his residency training at Northwell, and is a board certified psychiatrist. Dr. Bhattacharyya takes a holistic approach to patient care, establishing strong physician-patient relationships built on trust, respect, and communication. He focuses on medication management primarily, and also provides supportive psychotherapy. The treatment sessions will be tailored to work towards a common goal to optimize one’s mental well-being.
Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 25 years. Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho’s practice focuses on medication management. Typically she offers this in conjunction with supportive or insight-oriented therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Camacho will believe additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho holds the position of Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She has been practicing for over 25 years. Dr. Brenda Y. Camacho’s practice focuses on medication management. Typically she offers this in conjunction with supportive or insight-oriented therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. On occasion, Dr. Camacho will believe additional therapy is also needed and asks that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Daniel Weiss is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry. His expertise is in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression and bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety, stress and adjustment problems, insomnia, maternal mental health, OCD, and other disorders. In addition, he has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, college and graduate students, creative professionals, and a range of working adults.
Dr. Daniel Weiss is a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult and forensic psychiatry. His expertise is in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression and bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety, stress and adjustment problems, insomnia, maternal mental health, OCD, and other disorders. In addition, he has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, college and graduate students, creative professionals, and a range of working adults.
Dr. Tanya Schineller is a psychiatrist with experience across a variety of outpatient settings, including partial care, intensive outpatient programs, involuntary outpatient commitment, and PACT. She has practiced in both private practice and community-based settings, providing medication management and supportive therapy, and has over six years of outpatient telehealth experience. Dr. Schineller has also worked in inpatient psychiatry on voluntary and involuntary units and provided consultation-liaison coverage.
Dr. Tanya Schineller is a psychiatrist with experience across a variety of outpatient settings, including partial care, intensive outpatient programs, involuntary outpatient commitment, and PACT. She has practiced in both private practice and community-based settings, providing medication management and supportive therapy, and has over six years of outpatient telehealth experience. Dr. Schineller has also worked in inpatient psychiatry on voluntary and involuntary units and provided consultation-liaison coverage.
Dr. Michael Petetit has worked with people from many different walks of life in clinics, hospitals, and online, providing evidence-based treatments for a wide range of mental health conditions. His professional journey is unique—he began his career as a research chemist, later earned a Master’s degree in psychology and worked with children, before pursuing his medical degree and completing a psychiatry residency. Dr. Petetit approaches treatment as a true collaboration. He partners with patients to clarify goals and create individualized treatment plans that reflect their priorities and values.
Dr. Michael Petetit has worked with people from many different walks of life in clinics, hospitals, and online, providing evidence-based treatments for a wide range of mental health conditions. His professional journey is unique—he began his career as a research chemist, later earned a Master’s degree in psychology and worked with children, before pursuing his medical degree and completing a psychiatry residency. Dr. Petetit approaches treatment as a true collaboration. He partners with patients to clarify goals and create individualized treatment plans that reflect their priorities and values.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Hampton, NJ
30+
Average cost per session
$150
Psychiatrists in Hampton, NJ who prioritize treating:
| 97% | Depression |
| 94% | Anxiety |
| 94% | Medication Management |
| 85% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
| 76% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 70% | ADHD |
| 70% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
5 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 97% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 94% | Aetna |
| 91% | Oscar Health |
How Psychiatrists in Hampton, NJ see their clients
| 82% | Online Only | |
| 18% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 88% | Female | |
| 12% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Hampton?
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.