Psychiatrists in Garden City Park, NY

I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.

An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.

Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.

Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.

My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.

Dr. Bello is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over ten years of experience in Adult, Child, and Adolescent mental health issues and extensive psychopharmacology experience. I am committed to providing compassionate, confidential, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based mental health care customized to meet your individual needs. School: Stony Brook University School of Nursing (BSN, MSN), New York. Chamberlain University (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Illinois. Please call today for an appointment.
Dr. Bello is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over ten years of experience in Adult, Child, and Adolescent mental health issues and extensive psychopharmacology experience. I am committed to providing compassionate, confidential, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based mental health care customized to meet your individual needs. School: Stony Brook University School of Nursing (BSN, MSN), New York. Chamberlain University (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Illinois. Please call today for an appointment.

Please note that individual appointments are not available at this location. Please do not contact us unless you are interested in joining our comprehensive treatment program. Water Gap Wellness offers the most intensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. Our premier program requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
Please note that individual appointments are not available at this location. Please do not contact us unless you are interested in joining our comprehensive treatment program. Water Gap Wellness offers the most intensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Program in the Northeast. Our premier program requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

I am a doctorally prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD through medication management and psychotherapy. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Internal Family System (IFS), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) & EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I am a doctorally prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD through medication management and psychotherapy. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Internal Family System (IFS), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) & EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

I am a Board Certified Family Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health. I work with people across the continuum I have successfully treated people who have depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, attention deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. I also work with people who are suffering from chronic illnesses. Inherited genetic variants also affect the way medications are metabolized. Therefore, I integrate Pharmacogenetic Testing which gives us another tool and more information about your unique genetic and medical make-up that will help inform medication selections and dosages.
I am a Board Certified Family Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health. I work with people across the continuum I have successfully treated people who have depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, attention deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. I also work with people who are suffering from chronic illnesses. Inherited genetic variants also affect the way medications are metabolized. Therefore, I integrate Pharmacogenetic Testing which gives us another tool and more information about your unique genetic and medical make-up that will help inform medication selections and dosages.

My ideal client is someone managing chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart issues, or struggling with weight management. They need a compassionate, holistic approach to their care, seeking guidance on how to integrate lifestyle changes and medication. Their goal is to achieve long-term health improvements, reduce reliance on medication, and feel empowered to make informed health decisions for lasting wellness.
My ideal client is someone managing chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart issues, or struggling with weight management. They need a compassionate, holistic approach to their care, seeking guidance on how to integrate lifestyle changes and medication. Their goal is to achieve long-term health improvements, reduce reliance on medication, and feel empowered to make informed health decisions for lasting wellness.

Dr. Jaspreet Hans, MD Dr. Jaspreet Hans is a Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2023. She earned her MD degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her General adult psychiatry residency, followed by fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) in East Meadow, NY. She also served as a chief resident for the adult outpatient behavioral health clinic at NUMC.
Dr. Jaspreet Hans, MD Dr. Jaspreet Hans is a Psychiatrist in New York who has been practicing since 2023. She earned her MD degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her General adult psychiatry residency, followed by fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) in East Meadow, NY. She also served as a chief resident for the adult outpatient behavioral health clinic at NUMC.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Passionate about mental health, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to my clients. I specialize in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD/ADHD, panic disorder, mood disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, behavioral issues related to autism spectrum disorder, and adjustment disorders. I work with clients aged 12 and older, offering personalized support tailored to their unique needs.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Passionate about mental health, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to my clients. I specialize in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD/ADHD, panic disorder, mood disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, behavioral issues related to autism spectrum disorder, and adjustment disorders. I work with clients aged 12 and older, offering personalized support tailored to their unique needs.

I am dedicated to providing expert, patient-centered care ("Focal") for a wide range of mental health conditions. My goal is to offer comprehensive and effective treatment within a flexible and accessible virtual setting. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed my residency at Mount Sinai, and fellowship in sleep medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Telepsychiatry provides timely, personalized support and helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health care, making the decision to seek help less intimidating and more approachable.
I am dedicated to providing expert, patient-centered care ("Focal") for a wide range of mental health conditions. My goal is to offer comprehensive and effective treatment within a flexible and accessible virtual setting. I am board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and completed my residency at Mount Sinai, and fellowship in sleep medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Telepsychiatry provides timely, personalized support and helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health care, making the decision to seek help less intimidating and more approachable.

My ideal client struggles with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or insomnia and seeks clarity, support, and effective treatment. They need compassionate care, accurate diagnosis, and guidance in managing their symptoms. Their goal is to improve their mental well-being, build coping strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of their condition. They want a provider who listens, educates, and collaborates with them to create a personalized treatment plan. Most importantly, they seek a safe space where they feel heard and empowered to take control of their mental health.
My ideal client struggles with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or insomnia and seeks clarity, support, and effective treatment. They need compassionate care, accurate diagnosis, and guidance in managing their symptoms. Their goal is to improve their mental well-being, build coping strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of their condition. They want a provider who listens, educates, and collaborates with them to create a personalized treatment plan. Most importantly, they seek a safe space where they feel heard and empowered to take control of their mental health.

I have spent years working with a range of clients all struggling with some aspect of their lives ranging from anxiety and stress to depression. These clients initially present feeling frustrated and powerless due to a seemingly outsized challenge but with the necessary treatment positive outcomes have come out of conflict and have served for opportunities for growth. Working in collaboration with quality therapists and using pharmacological treatment when appropriate the implications can be boosted self-esteem, untangled emotional dilemmas, support during grief or trauma, or the discovery of courage after a loss, divorce or illness
I have spent years working with a range of clients all struggling with some aspect of their lives ranging from anxiety and stress to depression. These clients initially present feeling frustrated and powerless due to a seemingly outsized challenge but with the necessary treatment positive outcomes have come out of conflict and have served for opportunities for growth. Working in collaboration with quality therapists and using pharmacological treatment when appropriate the implications can be boosted self-esteem, untangled emotional dilemmas, support during grief or trauma, or the discovery of courage after a loss, divorce or illness
People come into therapy for many reasons. You may be in despair, hurting, worried, scared, depressed, frustrated or confused. Maybe you are curious, and want to understand yourself more deeply. Perhaps life just isn't what you had hoped it would be. Although I do not prescribe medication, I may be able to help you with therapy.
People come into therapy for many reasons. You may be in despair, hurting, worried, scared, depressed, frustrated or confused. Maybe you are curious, and want to understand yourself more deeply. Perhaps life just isn't what you had hoped it would be. Although I do not prescribe medication, I may be able to help you with therapy.

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and I have been very fortunate to have been trained by experts in the field on how to optimally diagnose and treat individuals with OCD and related disorders as well as comorbid diagnoses. I am a professional member of the IOCDF as well as the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Although I do specialize in OCD, I also do accept, and treat, adult patients across the entire diagnostic spectrum.
I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and I have been very fortunate to have been trained by experts in the field on how to optimally diagnose and treat individuals with OCD and related disorders as well as comorbid diagnoses. I am a professional member of the IOCDF as well as the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. Although I do specialize in OCD, I also do accept, and treat, adult patients across the entire diagnostic spectrum.

Stat Psych is Long Island's premier outpatient psychiatric group. In our community, the demand for mental health treatment is so great that it has become common to have to wait several months for an initial appointment with an outpatient psychiatrist. At Stat Psych, we prioritize efficient treatment and take pride in offering flexible scheduling options. We perform comprehensive evaluations, provide appropriate referrals to therapy and prescribe medication when appropriate.
Stat Psych is Long Island's premier outpatient psychiatric group. In our community, the demand for mental health treatment is so great that it has become common to have to wait several months for an initial appointment with an outpatient psychiatrist. At Stat Psych, we prioritize efficient treatment and take pride in offering flexible scheduling options. We perform comprehensive evaluations, provide appropriate referrals to therapy and prescribe medication when appropriate.

Siobhan Kearns, NP in Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, BSN, RN
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling with symptoms such as depression, mood, anxiety, ADHD, issues with sleep or PTSD casting a heavy toll on your daily life? As a dedicated Psychiatric NP, I am here to provide more than just clinical expertise. I am here to offer a listening ear, a guiding hand and a personalized path towards healing. Have you found yourself struggling to navigate your emotions, sleep patterns, or concentration? Let’s embark on a collaborative journey to form the foundation of a comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I serve the 5 boroughs of NYC, Suffolk, and Nassau
Are you struggling with symptoms such as depression, mood, anxiety, ADHD, issues with sleep or PTSD casting a heavy toll on your daily life? As a dedicated Psychiatric NP, I am here to provide more than just clinical expertise. I am here to offer a listening ear, a guiding hand and a personalized path towards healing. Have you found yourself struggling to navigate your emotions, sleep patterns, or concentration? Let’s embark on a collaborative journey to form the foundation of a comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I serve the 5 boroughs of NYC, Suffolk, and Nassau

I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and I believe in a holistic approach, incorporating physical and mental health. I combine up-to-date medical treatment with talk therapy to create a personalized plan to address an individual’s complaints and work collaboratively with patients and families to create a treatment plan that is driven by results. I attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine, completed psychiatry training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and I believe in a holistic approach, incorporating physical and mental health. I combine up-to-date medical treatment with talk therapy to create a personalized plan to address an individual’s complaints and work collaboratively with patients and families to create a treatment plan that is driven by results. I attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine, completed psychiatry training at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
See more therapy options for Garden City Park
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Garden City Park, NY
< 10
Psychiatrists in Garden City Park, NY who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
86% | Anxiety |
86% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | Addiction |
71% | ADHD |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
57% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
17 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Garden City Park, NY see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Garden City Park?
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.