Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY

Photo of Jeffrey Goltz, MD, Psychiatrist
Jeffrey Goltz
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Glen Oaks, NY 11004
Dr. Goltz is a double board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist working at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, NY and specializes in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. He is the unit chief of the inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit there, giving him extensive experience managing youth with a broad range of mental illnesses requiring intensive treatment and expertise in treating youth and families in crisis.
Dr. Goltz is a double board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist working at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, NY and specializes in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. He is the unit chief of the inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit there, giving him extensive experience managing youth with a broad range of mental illnesses requiring intensive treatment and expertise in treating youth and families in crisis.
(516) 588-7645 View (516) 588-7645
Photo of Shoeba Asma Naqvi, MD, Psychiatrist
Shoeba Asma Naqvi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Glen Oaks, NY 11004
Dr. Naqvi is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, working at Zucker Hillside Hospital child outpatient department, consultation-liaison and behavioral health emergency department. It gives her the extensive experience to work with a wide range of mental health conditions and the opportunity to help kids and families in need.
Dr. Naqvi is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, working at Zucker Hillside Hospital child outpatient department, consultation-liaison and behavioral health emergency department. It gives her the extensive experience to work with a wide range of mental health conditions and the opportunity to help kids and families in need.
(516) 604-3973 View (516) 604-3973
Photo of Lauren M Devins, NPP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lauren M Devins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NPP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns and aims to find a way to help them live a full and balanced life. As a nurse practitioner, I believe that addressing mental health concerns is just as important as addressing physical concerns by providing patients with health and wellness education. I also provide evaluations for medication management in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and supportive therapy.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is dedicated to helping people who struggle with mental health concerns and aims to find a way to help them live a full and balanced life. As a nurse practitioner, I believe that addressing mental health concerns is just as important as addressing physical concerns by providing patients with health and wellness education. I also provide evaluations for medication management in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and supportive therapy.
(516) 916-5532 View (516) 916-5532
Photo of Dilip Mohan Velu - Dilip Mohan Velu M.D., MD, Psychiatrist
Dilip Mohan Velu M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Dr. Velu is a double board certified Child & Adolescent / Adult Psychiatrist in New York City. He is currently an Attending Physician at NYC Health + Hospitals and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Velu is a double board certified Child & Adolescent / Adult Psychiatrist in New York City. He is currently an Attending Physician at NYC Health + Hospitals and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
(516) 518-6113 View (516) 518-6113
Photo of Ardouin Coriolan, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ardouin Coriolan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in New York, I render hope for individuals battling mental illness and substance abuse. With a profound commitment to healing, I offer teletherapy services, leveraging technology to reach those in need regardless of location. Armed with a wealth of expertise and compassion, I provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Some common issues potential clients seeking treatment from me usually consist of : substance abuse, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and low motivation.
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in New York, I render hope for individuals battling mental illness and substance abuse. With a profound commitment to healing, I offer teletherapy services, leveraging technology to reach those in need regardless of location. Armed with a wealth of expertise and compassion, I provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Some common issues potential clients seeking treatment from me usually consist of : substance abuse, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and low motivation.
(631) 883-5549 View (631) 883-5549

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of David Jannain, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Jannain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Uncertain how to maintain your relationships and daily life? Trying to get better mental health support that respects your unique background and experiences? Life can seem to bring its share of difficulty, but I'm here to help you shoulder that weight. If you’re looking for support in a compassionate, completely judgement-free space, I can help. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in evidence-based medication management, lifestyle interventions, CBT, and mindfulness techniques. I specialize in treating ADHD and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Uncertain how to maintain your relationships and daily life? Trying to get better mental health support that respects your unique background and experiences? Life can seem to bring its share of difficulty, but I'm here to help you shoulder that weight. If you’re looking for support in a compassionate, completely judgement-free space, I can help. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in evidence-based medication management, lifestyle interventions, CBT, and mindfulness techniques. I specialize in treating ADHD and LGBTQIA+ issues.
(929) 545-6077 View (929) 545-6077
Photo of Tanya Monroe, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tanya Monroe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Ms. Tanya Monroe is an adult psychiatric & mental health nurse practitioner. Working at Orenda Psychiatry in New York State, she accepts patients suffering from hyperactivity disorders (ADD / ADHD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She worked with children and adolescents at Four Winds Hospital & New York Presbyterian Hospital. Some of her most rewarding professional moments have been helping her patients overcome addictions so that they can go on to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
Ms. Tanya Monroe is an adult psychiatric & mental health nurse practitioner. Working at Orenda Psychiatry in New York State, she accepts patients suffering from hyperactivity disorders (ADD / ADHD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She worked with children and adolescents at Four Winds Hospital & New York Presbyterian Hospital. Some of her most rewarding professional moments have been helping her patients overcome addictions so that they can go on to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
(646) 917-9294 View (646) 917-9294
Photo of Thomas Perron, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Thomas Perron
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10025
I am a Columbia University trained psychiatric NP with 25 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness while providing cost effective care. I offer competitive fees and a sliding scale so that cost of treatment is not an obstacle to treatment. I have extensive experience in helping patients manage symptoms associated with mood, anxiety and behavioral issues. Working together we can formulate a plan to to achieve and maintain overall wellness and emotional stability.
I am a Columbia University trained psychiatric NP with 25 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness while providing cost effective care. I offer competitive fees and a sliding scale so that cost of treatment is not an obstacle to treatment. I have extensive experience in helping patients manage symptoms associated with mood, anxiety and behavioral issues. Working together we can formulate a plan to to achieve and maintain overall wellness and emotional stability.
(718) 865-3007 View (718) 865-3007
Photo of Dr. Ben Wan - LIC Psychiatry, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
LIC Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Long Island City, NY 11101
Dr. Ben Wan is a board-certified psychiatrist providing individualized treatment for adults suffering from depression and anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and other issues related to work and relationships. Dr. Wan provides psychoanalytic psychotherapy informed by more recent advances in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness theory. When indicated, Dr. Wan also recommends and prescribes medication.
Dr. Ben Wan is a board-certified psychiatrist providing individualized treatment for adults suffering from depression and anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and other issues related to work and relationships. Dr. Wan provides psychoanalytic psychotherapy informed by more recent advances in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness theory. When indicated, Dr. Wan also recommends and prescribes medication.
(929) 227-4955 View (929) 227-4955
Photo of Felicia Hassan, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Felicia Hassan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hempstead, NY 11550
Hi! I offer psychiatric assessment and diagnosing that takes place on an individual basis. our mission is to offer innovative and convenient care via face to face and virtual, we also offer home visit on case-by-case basis. (medication management) and home/tele-therapy (talk therapy).
Hi! I offer psychiatric assessment and diagnosing that takes place on an individual basis. our mission is to offer innovative and convenient care via face to face and virtual, we also offer home visit on case-by-case basis. (medication management) and home/tele-therapy (talk therapy).
(929) 209-3361 View (929) 209-3361
Photo of Audrey Morrison, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Audrey Morrison
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi there! I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a DNP from Columbia University, and I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s challenges. I offer psychiatric services including evaluations and medication management. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to support you with warmth, empathy, and practical solutions. Let's work together to find what works best for you!
Hi there! I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a DNP from Columbia University, and I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s challenges. I offer psychiatric services including evaluations and medication management. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to support you with warmth, empathy, and practical solutions. Let's work together to find what works best for you!
(646) 718-5016 View (646) 718-5016
Photo of Mobolaji Rosanwo, DNP, PHMNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mobolaji Rosanwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PHMNP-, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10013
Mobolaji Rosanwo is dedicated to improving the well-being of the clients we serve through telepsychiatry and, ( in-person) mental health services when needed. We take various approaches to address each condition. We listen to their needs, understand the nature of their condition, and create the best treatment plan that is suitable for them.
Mobolaji Rosanwo is dedicated to improving the well-being of the clients we serve through telepsychiatry and, ( in-person) mental health services when needed. We take various approaches to address each condition. We listen to their needs, understand the nature of their condition, and create the best treatment plan that is suitable for them.
(410) 755-5293 View (410) 755-5293
Photo of Gina Lee, PNP-BC, ANP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Gina Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PNP-BC, ANP-BC
Verified Verified
Little Neck, NY 11362
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Health Care in New York State, and now presiding at SilverLife NP Care. I have been trained and specialized in QEEG, Neurofeedback, Medication Management, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulate Therapy. Having believed that brain health is connected to state of total physical, mental, and social well-being, I will develop and customize a unique treatment plan for each individual recovery/remission, and provide the best quality care to all my clients.
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Health Care in New York State, and now presiding at SilverLife NP Care. I have been trained and specialized in QEEG, Neurofeedback, Medication Management, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulate Therapy. Having believed that brain health is connected to state of total physical, mental, and social well-being, I will develop and customize a unique treatment plan for each individual recovery/remission, and provide the best quality care to all my clients.
(516) 430-2975 View (516) 430-2975
Photo of Allyson Cosgrove, PMHNP, BC, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Allyson Cosgrove
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, NP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Allyson is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and DNP with more than seven years of inpatient psychiatric nursing experience. She works to support her patients in achieving their optimal mental health through collaborative goal-setting and decision making and by providing a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed care environment. She is a board-certified Telehealth Professional and has additional certifications in EMDR, SBIRT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and motivational interviewing.
Allyson is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and DNP with more than seven years of inpatient psychiatric nursing experience. She works to support her patients in achieving their optimal mental health through collaborative goal-setting and decision making and by providing a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed care environment. She is a board-certified Telehealth Professional and has additional certifications in EMDR, SBIRT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and motivational interviewing.
(347) 835-4472 View (347) 835-4472
Photo of Jaskiran Nagra, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jaskiran Nagra
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Jaskiran and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Life transitions, Stress management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Jaskiran and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Life transitions, Stress management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(929) 592-4972 View (929) 592-4972
Photo of Meredith Hobart, MSN, NP, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Meredith Hobart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NP, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in precision psychiatry. I received my graduate degree from Yale University School of Nursing in 2006. In addition to being a Nurse Practitioner, I have been a psychiatric RN for many years. Prior to entering Yale, I worked for 7 years on a major Harvard Medical School psychiatric teaching unit. I am a conservative prescriber and believe in using the smallest possible dosages of medication to treat a client's symptoms. I do very thorough initial evaluations with my clients and work with them closely until they are stable on their medications.
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in precision psychiatry. I received my graduate degree from Yale University School of Nursing in 2006. In addition to being a Nurse Practitioner, I have been a psychiatric RN for many years. Prior to entering Yale, I worked for 7 years on a major Harvard Medical School psychiatric teaching unit. I am a conservative prescriber and believe in using the smallest possible dosages of medication to treat a client's symptoms. I do very thorough initial evaluations with my clients and work with them closely until they are stable on their medications.
(347) 321-7538 View (347) 321-7538
Photo of Jaime Locke, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jaime Locke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Jamie and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Relationship Issues, Stress Management, Family Issues, Insomnia & Sleep issues, Women’s Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Jamie and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Relationship Issues, Stress Management, Family Issues, Insomnia & Sleep issues, Women’s Issues. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(929) 531-6517 View (929) 531-6517
Photo of Odetta Suarez, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Odetta Suarez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Odetta and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Race & Cultural identity, Depression. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Odetta and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Race & Cultural identity, Depression. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
(929) 349-3932 View (929) 349-3932
Photo of Inaya Ahmed, MD, Psychiatrist
Inaya Ahmed
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
I am a psychotherapist and board-certified psychiatrist whose practice integrates complementary and alternative medicine with conventional psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy. I work with adults - anyone struggling with their emotional experience, going through a life transition, or seeking a better understanding of themselves and/or their relationships. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD/trauma, and grief. I also specialize in working with cancer patients or those with chronic illness.
I am a psychotherapist and board-certified psychiatrist whose practice integrates complementary and alternative medicine with conventional psychiatric treatment and psychotherapy. I work with adults - anyone struggling with their emotional experience, going through a life transition, or seeking a better understanding of themselves and/or their relationships. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD/trauma, and grief. I also specialize in working with cancer patients or those with chronic illness.
(347) 658-3909 View (347) 658-3909
Photo of David Oram, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
David Oram
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
My name is David Oram, PMHNP, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to children, teens, and adults.
My name is David Oram, PMHNP, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offering medication management to children, teens, and adults.
(718) 736-2812 View (718) 736-2812

See more therapy options for Glen Oaks

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY

< 10

Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
60% ADHD
60% Trauma and PTSD
40% Relationship Issues
40% Addiction
40% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

11 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Glen Oaks, NY see their clients

60% Online Only
40% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

50% Female
50% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Glen Oaks?

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.