Psychiatrists in Union City, NJ

Photo of Maura Elisa Pedroso - Maura E Pedroso, MD LLC, MD , Psychiatrist
Maura E Pedroso, MD LLC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
Please contact my office at 201-884-1005
Please contact my office at 201-884-1005
(551) 303-7751 View (551) 303-7751
Photo of Antonio Pedulla - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, MSN, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
Accepting new patients via telehealth for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable out-of-pocket rates and accept some insurances
Accepting new patients via telehealth for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable out-of-pocket rates and accept some insurances
(551) 282-9272 View (551) 282-9272
Photo of Moses L. Fernandez, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Moses L. Fernandez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
With over six years in mental health care, I’m dedicated to a holistic, person-centered approach that looks at the whole person beyond just their symptoms. My practice goes beyond medication to include comprehensive strategies that support clients’ long-term resilience and wellness. I have experience in managing a range of conditions, such as Bipolar Disorder, Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. My ideal clients are those feeling overwhelmed by emotions or daily responsibilities who are looking for a supportive, balanced approach to regain control, focus, and confidence for lasting growth.
With over six years in mental health care, I’m dedicated to a holistic, person-centered approach that looks at the whole person beyond just their symptoms. My practice goes beyond medication to include comprehensive strategies that support clients’ long-term resilience and wellness. I have experience in managing a range of conditions, such as Bipolar Disorder, Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. My ideal clients are those feeling overwhelmed by emotions or daily responsibilities who are looking for a supportive, balanced approach to regain control, focus, and confidence for lasting growth.
(551) 386-4219 View (551) 386-4219
Michael John Magera
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
My typical patient is a working professional, single or married, seeking a higher degree of career and relationship satisfaction. Often he or she is seeking assistance with how to navigate significant life transitions, for instance, marriage, parenthood, a job change or promotion, or issues related to loss and bereavement. I address the emotional growing pains associated with major life change and role transitions, and also help my patients formulate both effective coping strategies and goals for their future. My clients are motivated to better understand themselves so as to achieve a greater degree of fulfillment in important areas of their lives.
My typical patient is a working professional, single or married, seeking a higher degree of career and relationship satisfaction. Often he or she is seeking assistance with how to navigate significant life transitions, for instance, marriage, parenthood, a job change or promotion, or issues related to loss and bereavement. I address the emotional growing pains associated with major life change and role transitions, and also help my patients formulate both effective coping strategies and goals for their future. My clients are motivated to better understand themselves so as to achieve a greater degree of fulfillment in important areas of their lives.
(201) 713-2997 View (201) 713-2997
Photo of Carmen d Berrios - Berrios Psychotherapy Associates, MSN, APN, Psychiatric Nurse
Berrios Psychotherapy Associates
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, APN
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I have over 40 years of experiencein conducting psychiatric evaluation and medication management as well as helping clients cope with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and adjustment to life cycle changes. I work collaboratively with clients to establish a trusting, mutually respectful and supportive relationship, set goals, build upon strengths to increase confidence self-esteem, and work toward solving issues which often cause people to feel stuck. Medication is a major tool to address the psychiatric diagnoses and addiction.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I have over 40 years of experiencein conducting psychiatric evaluation and medication management as well as helping clients cope with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and adjustment to life cycle changes. I work collaboratively with clients to establish a trusting, mutually respectful and supportive relationship, set goals, build upon strengths to increase confidence self-esteem, and work toward solving issues which often cause people to feel stuck. Medication is a major tool to address the psychiatric diagnoses and addiction.
(201) 380-8542 View (201) 380-8542
Photo of Kelly Scott, MSN, PMHNPBC, BSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kelly Scott
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, BSN
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am an ANCC board-certified and licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am experienced, caring, and empathetic. I earned my Master of Science in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from New York University, where I focused on psychopharmacology and multiple psychotherapy treatment modalities. I also earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University and my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Elizabeth University.
I am an ANCC board-certified and licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I am experienced, caring, and empathetic. I earned my Master of Science in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from New York University, where I focused on psychopharmacology and multiple psychotherapy treatment modalities. I also earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University and my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Elizabeth University.
(201) 984-7189 View (201) 984-7189
Photo of Kevin Obi, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kevin Obi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Union City, NJ 07087
Are you having difficulty with Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Insomnia? Or have you had a history of Mental Health Issues that you want to discuss? Do you have Addiction to Opiates, Narcotics, Alcohol? Just Relapsed and Need Help Now?
Are you having difficulty with Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Insomnia? Or have you had a history of Mental Health Issues that you want to discuss? Do you have Addiction to Opiates, Narcotics, Alcohol? Just Relapsed and Need Help Now?
(201) 554-0551 View (201) 554-0551
Photo of Bolanle Ahazie, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Bolanle Ahazie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
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
(201) 987-6056 View (201) 987-6056
Paula Weisman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
Are you having difficulty with Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Insomnia? Or have you had a history of Mental Health Issues that you want to discuss? Do you have Addiction to Opiates, Narcotics, Alcohol? Just Relapsed and Need Help Now? We are here to help. Our Mental Health and Addiction Center is Open 5 days a week with multiple providers to help you. We Proudly Accept Medicaid of New Jersey and also Commercial Insurance with out of network benefits.
Are you having difficulty with Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Insomnia? Or have you had a history of Mental Health Issues that you want to discuss? Do you have Addiction to Opiates, Narcotics, Alcohol? Just Relapsed and Need Help Now? We are here to help. Our Mental Health and Addiction Center is Open 5 days a week with multiple providers to help you. We Proudly Accept Medicaid of New Jersey and also Commercial Insurance with out of network benefits.
(201) 733-4022 View (201) 733-4022
Photo of Samuel Okechukwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Samuel Okechukwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
My name is Samuel Okechukwu, and I am a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare to individuals across the lifespan. My approach is collaborative and patient-centered, focusing on empowering patients to achieve their mental health goals through both psychotherapy and medication management when needed.
My name is Samuel Okechukwu, and I am a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare to individuals across the lifespan. My approach is collaborative and patient-centered, focusing on empowering patients to achieve their mental health goals through both psychotherapy and medication management when needed.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Lashon Simpson, PMHNP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lashon Simpson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
I’m a Psychiatric Provider that listens, shows compassion, and empathizes. I look forward to helping you rebuild your mental health by providing both pharmacological and holistic treatment plans. Rather you have ADHD, Depression, anxiety and/or insomnia, help is just a call away. We treat each client from a personal perspective and provide individualized psychiatric treatment plans that helps to rebuild your mental health.
I’m a Psychiatric Provider that listens, shows compassion, and empathizes. I look forward to helping you rebuild your mental health by providing both pharmacological and holistic treatment plans. Rather you have ADHD, Depression, anxiety and/or insomnia, help is just a call away. We treat each client from a personal perspective and provide individualized psychiatric treatment plans that helps to rebuild your mental health.
(201) 992-8075 View (201) 992-8075
Photo of Josephine Frimpong, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Josephine Frimpong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
My name is Josephine Frimpong. I am a dual board-certified, with American Nurses Credentialing Center in Psychiatric Mental Health and American Association of Nurse Practitioners certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I am competent in psychiatry, internal medicine, and Family Medicine. I am compassionate and empathetic, and my approach is personalized to embraces your uniqueness.
My name is Josephine Frimpong. I am a dual board-certified, with American Nurses Credentialing Center in Psychiatric Mental Health and American Association of Nurse Practitioners certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I am competent in psychiatry, internal medicine, and Family Medicine. I am compassionate and empathetic, and my approach is personalized to embraces your uniqueness.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Kevin Obi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
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
(201) 801-4431 View (201) 801-4431
James Alaeto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
Are you having difficulty with Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Insomnia? Or have you had a history of Mental Health Issues that you want to discuss? Do you have Addiction to Opiates, Narcotics, Alcohol? Just Relapsed and Need Help Now? We are here to help. Our Mental Health and Addiction Center is Open 5 days a week with multiple providers to help you. We Proudly Accept Medicaid of New Jersey and also Commercial Insurance with out of network benefits. We know how difficult it is to try and reach out to someone. But it just takes a phone call to start the process! Call us anytime!
Are you having difficulty with Stress? Anxiety? Depression? Insomnia? Or have you had a history of Mental Health Issues that you want to discuss? Do you have Addiction to Opiates, Narcotics, Alcohol? Just Relapsed and Need Help Now? We are here to help. Our Mental Health and Addiction Center is Open 5 days a week with multiple providers to help you. We Proudly Accept Medicaid of New Jersey and also Commercial Insurance with out of network benefits. We know how difficult it is to try and reach out to someone. But it just takes a phone call to start the process! Call us anytime!
(201) 561-8538 View (201) 561-8538
Photo of Nathalie Delia, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nathalie Delia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
My ideal client may be dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder. They seek compassionate, holistic care to manage their mental health challenges while feeling heard and supported. They want a collaborative treatment plan that empowers them to improve their overall well-being.
My ideal client may be dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder. They seek compassionate, holistic care to manage their mental health challenges while feeling heard and supported. They want a collaborative treatment plan that empowers them to improve their overall well-being.
(973) 317-8883 View (973) 317-8883
Photo of Kemisola “Kemi” Ebietomiye, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kemisola “Kemi” Ebietomiye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, depression, or emotional turmoil. Whether you’re dealing with persistent sadness, excessive worry, or struggling to manage stress, you may be seeking relief and hoping for more control over your mental health. Your goal is to feel better, find stability, and regain a sense of well-being—and that’s exactly where I can help. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with years of experience across diverse settings, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and other mental health concerns.
Life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, depression, or emotional turmoil. Whether you’re dealing with persistent sadness, excessive worry, or struggling to manage stress, you may be seeking relief and hoping for more control over your mental health. Your goal is to feel better, find stability, and regain a sense of well-being—and that’s exactly where I can help. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner with years of experience across diverse settings, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and other mental health concerns.
(551) 382-2678 View (551) 382-2678
Photo of Aphie Amams, DNP, PMHNPBC, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Aphie Amams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC, APN
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
At St Charles Medical Consult, we are dedicated to helping our clients with their diverse mental health needs. Through the comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, customized individualized treatment plans, and medication management, our services empower the clients to function better in the quickest possible time. We team up with our clients in setting the treatment goals and in working through their issues collaboratively by bring them to the here and now. We accept clients for Suboxone treatment. Call for immediate appointment. Call or Email St, Charles Medical Consult, for a free consultation now - (973) 564-0815.
At St Charles Medical Consult, we are dedicated to helping our clients with their diverse mental health needs. Through the comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, customized individualized treatment plans, and medication management, our services empower the clients to function better in the quickest possible time. We team up with our clients in setting the treatment goals and in working through their issues collaboratively by bring them to the here and now. We accept clients for Suboxone treatment. Call for immediate appointment. Call or Email St, Charles Medical Consult, for a free consultation now - (973) 564-0815.
(862) 212-0139 View (862) 212-0139
Photo of Patrick McNamara, APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Patrick McNamara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Union City, NJ 07087  (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you. My name is Patrick and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of New Jersey. I specialize in the management of Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Anger Management, Insomnia/Sleep issues, Loss, Men's Issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stress response, as well as medication management. I use psychotherapy in addition to pharmacotherapy to address clients in an individualized approach. I am also able to order pharmacogenetic testing through GeneSight.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you. My name is Patrick and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of New Jersey. I specialize in the management of Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Anger Management, Insomnia/Sleep issues, Loss, Men's Issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stress response, as well as medication management. I use psychotherapy in addition to pharmacotherapy to address clients in an individualized approach. I am also able to order pharmacogenetic testing through GeneSight.
(862) 244-1434 View (862) 244-1434
Photo of Dr. Fehintola Ogunsakin - PMC- Mental Health Clinic, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, APN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
PMC- Mental Health Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, APN
Verified Verified
Union City, NJ 07087
Precious Medical Care (PMC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinic based in New Jersey. Our goal is to keep you healthy at all times. Our practice is staffed with highly qualified psychiatric providers with many years of experience helping mental health patients to regain sound health and mind. We provide mental health services to treat different types of diagnoses including; Psychotic disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Crisis Intervention, Anxiety Disorder, Drug Addiction, Comorbidity, Deficit Disorder, and Medication Management in both inpatients and outpatients settings.
Precious Medical Care (PMC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinic based in New Jersey. Our goal is to keep you healthy at all times. Our practice is staffed with highly qualified psychiatric providers with many years of experience helping mental health patients to regain sound health and mind. We provide mental health services to treat different types of diagnoses including; Psychotic disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Crisis Intervention, Anxiety Disorder, Drug Addiction, Comorbidity, Deficit Disorder, and Medication Management in both inpatients and outpatients settings.
(908) 840-8295 View (908) 840-8295

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Julie N Van-Lare - Julie Van-Lare-JVL Mental Health Consult, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Julie Van-Lare-JVL Mental Health Consult
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hoboken, NJ 07030  (Online Only)
JVL is dedicated to embracing a patient-centered philosophy that underscores a unique approach to mental health care. Provider prioritizes the essential act of actively listening to individuals, fostering a collaborative relationship aimed at co-creating a personalized treatment plan. This plan is meticulously tailored to align with the unique needs and aspirations of each individual client.
JVL is dedicated to embracing a patient-centered philosophy that underscores a unique approach to mental health care. Provider prioritizes the essential act of actively listening to individuals, fostering a collaborative relationship aimed at co-creating a personalized treatment plan. This plan is meticulously tailored to align with the unique needs and aspirations of each individual client.
(516) 973-1797 View (516) 973-1797

See more therapy options for Union City

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Union City, NJ

10+

Average cost per session

$249

Psychiatrists in Union City, NJ who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Bipolar Disorder
84% ADHD
79% Sleep or Insomnia
74% Medication Management
68% Addiction

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

71% Cigna and Evernorth
71% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
65% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in Union City, NJ see their clients

53% In Person and Online
47% Online Only

Gender breakdown

54% Female
46% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Union City?

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.