Psychiatrists in Herkimer County, NY
I utilize an evidenced-based holistic approach with the patient's concerns being front and center. For the medications used, it is my priority to ensure that the "most benefit is provided, with the least amount of medication onboard". The most important tool a provider can use is simply listening. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of psychiatric experience. I help people with medication management. I enjoy helping both adults and children with the current challenges in their lives.
I utilize an evidenced-based holistic approach with the patient's concerns being front and center. For the medications used, it is my priority to ensure that the "most benefit is provided, with the least amount of medication onboard". The most important tool a provider can use is simply listening. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of psychiatric experience. I help people with medication management. I enjoy helping both adults and children with the current challenges in their lives.
Rebekah helps parents who are seeking expert guidance in medication management for their child whether it be for behavioral concerns, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Parents need accurate information, to understand of benefits and risks, and support in making informed decisions. The goal is to optimize treatment, address specific challenges, and ensure their child's well-being. Rebekah offers knowledge, personalized recommendations, and ongoing support to empower parents in making informed decisions for their child's care. Together, they strive for the best possible outcomes for the child's neurodevelopmental journey.
Rebekah helps parents who are seeking expert guidance in medication management for their child whether it be for behavioral concerns, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Parents need accurate information, to understand of benefits and risks, and support in making informed decisions. The goal is to optimize treatment, address specific challenges, and ensure their child's well-being. Rebekah offers knowledge, personalized recommendations, and ongoing support to empower parents in making informed decisions for their child's care. Together, they strive for the best possible outcomes for the child's neurodevelopmental journey.
Selcuk Ipek
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Falls, NY 13365
I am an interactive provider that works with you to clear your obstacles and meet your goals in life, and experience your life meaningfully. I want you to find a path to travel on that is clear, makes sense to you and I want to work with you. Anxiety, depression, fears and emotional blocks are fairly common. We are working on adding new insurance providers to our list, please check. We also do home visits. We can use genetic testing ( pharmacogenetic testing) to minimize med trials and find the meds that work best for you. This is an additional tool we can utilize and it is often covered by insurance.
I am an interactive provider that works with you to clear your obstacles and meet your goals in life, and experience your life meaningfully. I want you to find a path to travel on that is clear, makes sense to you and I want to work with you. Anxiety, depression, fears and emotional blocks are fairly common. We are working on adding new insurance providers to our list, please check. We also do home visits. We can use genetic testing ( pharmacogenetic testing) to minimize med trials and find the meds that work best for you. This is an additional tool we can utilize and it is often covered by insurance.
Online Psychiatrists
Tania Marschall, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13203
My name is Tania Marschall and I'm a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I'm happy to offer you Telepsychiatry services for the state of New York. Telepsychiatry is all about providing you the convenience you need in your life so you can get back to whats important . With Telepsychiatry, this allows increased access to care by reducing wait times, costs, commute times, eliminate child or eldercare, or taking time off work. With internet access, you will be able to schedule an appointment through your smartphone,tablet, or computer using a secure HIPPA compliant platform.
My name is Tania Marschall and I'm a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I'm happy to offer you Telepsychiatry services for the state of New York. Telepsychiatry is all about providing you the convenience you need in your life so you can get back to whats important . With Telepsychiatry, this allows increased access to care by reducing wait times, costs, commute times, eliminate child or eldercare, or taking time off work. With internet access, you will be able to schedule an appointment through your smartphone,tablet, or computer using a secure HIPPA compliant platform.
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.
Brightside Health offers online psychiatry and therapy from the comfort of home. Meet with a psychiatric provider in as little as 24 hours. We provide personalized, data-driven psychiatry, evidence-based therapy, and continuous support from expert providers to help our members feel better and stay that way. Our precision-prescribing analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your best match. At Brightside, we track your progress at every step so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
Brightside Health offers online psychiatry and therapy from the comfort of home. Meet with a psychiatric provider in as little as 24 hours. We provide personalized, data-driven psychiatry, evidence-based therapy, and continuous support from expert providers to help our members feel better and stay that way. Our precision-prescribing analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your best match. At Brightside, we track your progress at every step so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
Mariam Onikosi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, NY 13464
Mariam Onikosi is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She graduated from Walden University. She has a strong history of success in the treatment of psychiatric illness, medical and emotional illness including environmental, sociological, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders. She focuses on developing a personalized treatment plan while utilizing evidence-based pharmacological and non pharmacological modalities to support each client. The tools that I'll provide you with are tools that I have been perfecting over my career helping people just like you.
Mariam Onikosi is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She graduated from Walden University. She has a strong history of success in the treatment of psychiatric illness, medical and emotional illness including environmental, sociological, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders. She focuses on developing a personalized treatment plan while utilizing evidence-based pharmacological and non pharmacological modalities to support each client. The tools that I'll provide you with are tools that I have been perfecting over my career helping people just like you.
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.
As the provider, I offer an open, honest, relaxed, and judgment-free environment to assist individuals that are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, memory impairment, psychosis, crisis, and other mood-related disorders. The safety and well-being of the client are my number one priority. I depend on accurate diagnoses, treatment planning, psychotherapy, social support, and ongoing medication management to achieve the best quality of life for each individual. The initial visit will usually last the full 60 minutes and follow-up visits are determined by the stability of the patient and medications prescribed.
As the provider, I offer an open, honest, relaxed, and judgment-free environment to assist individuals that are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, memory impairment, psychosis, crisis, and other mood-related disorders. The safety and well-being of the client are my number one priority. I depend on accurate diagnoses, treatment planning, psychotherapy, social support, and ongoing medication management to achieve the best quality of life for each individual. The initial visit will usually last the full 60 minutes and follow-up visits are determined by the stability of the patient and medications prescribed.
Jana Gale Vengrin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MA, NP, ANCC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I see people as being made up of 3 components: Thinking, Feeling, and Willing. All 3 components need to be addressed and aligned. Medication is only recommended when symptoms get in the way of daily living. When one becomes debilitated in the realms of work, home and self to the degree that functioning is painful and inadequate then relief is essential. Suffering can be useful but when it gets in the way of healthy development its time to make changes. I provide the Medication Management services to help achieve overall balance.
I see people as being made up of 3 components: Thinking, Feeling, and Willing. All 3 components need to be addressed and aligned. Medication is only recommended when symptoms get in the way of daily living. When one becomes debilitated in the realms of work, home and self to the degree that functioning is painful and inadequate then relief is essential. Suffering can be useful but when it gets in the way of healthy development its time to make changes. I provide the Medication Management services to help achieve overall balance.
Shannon James
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC4
Verified Verified
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Here at Kindred I pride myself on treating clients like family. Truly Individualized care, as no two clients are alike. Both conventional and complementary approaches are explored. It is my top priority to have my clients feel empowered and heard at each meeting. Building rapport with them and their families as we work to reach the root cause of concern.
Here at Kindred I pride myself on treating clients like family. Truly Individualized care, as no two clients are alike. Both conventional and complementary approaches are explored. It is my top priority to have my clients feel empowered and heard at each meeting. Building rapport with them and their families as we work to reach the root cause of concern.
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
North Syracuse, NY 13212
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.
MPL Wellness, NP in Psychiatry, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, NPP
Verified Verified
Latham, NY 12110
At MPL Wellness, We understand mental health is just as important as physical health, we're here to provide the support you need and guide you through your mental wellbeing journey. We provide psychiatry care for adolescents to adults with various psychiatry diagnosis. In partnership with you, we'll help you manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar and other mental health concerns so you can have some relief, enjoy your friendships and family relationships, etc.
At MPL Wellness, We understand mental health is just as important as physical health, we're here to provide the support you need and guide you through your mental wellbeing journey. We provide psychiatry care for adolescents to adults with various psychiatry diagnosis. In partnership with you, we'll help you manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar and other mental health concerns so you can have some relief, enjoy your friendships and family relationships, etc.
Our practice is located at 401 Geyser Road, Saratoga Springs, NY with 12 mental health practitioners - therapists as well as prescribers - with an emphasis on psychotherapy and counseling. Please visit our website: www.bickwanckmdandassociates.com or contact the office at 518 583-3035 for further information. We accept commercial insurance only - no Medicare or Medicaid plans. You can also check out Bick’s author website at www.bickwanckmd.com to check out blogs and links to his book Mind Easing: the 3-layered healing plan for anxiety and depression.
Our practice is located at 401 Geyser Road, Saratoga Springs, NY with 12 mental health practitioners - therapists as well as prescribers - with an emphasis on psychotherapy and counseling. Please visit our website: www.bickwanckmdandassociates.com or contact the office at 518 583-3035 for further information. We accept commercial insurance only - no Medicare or Medicaid plans. You can also check out Bick’s author website at www.bickwanckmd.com to check out blogs and links to his book Mind Easing: the 3-layered healing plan for anxiety and depression.
Peter Joseph Valastro Jr
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-B, MSN
Verified Verified
Malta, NY 12020
Nurturing Minds Wellness is dedicated to helping patients improve mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Our nurse practitioners offer medication management for individuals and families in a welcoming, safe, and judgement-free environment. While we work with a variety of conditions, most commonly our patients are seeking help with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Insomnia, Bipolar and Mood disorders. Our approach is tailored to each individual and their unique needs, and is best suited for those struggling with non-acute conditions. In-person & telehealth appointments available. Located in Malta, NY.
Nurturing Minds Wellness is dedicated to helping patients improve mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Our nurse practitioners offer medication management for individuals and families in a welcoming, safe, and judgement-free environment. While we work with a variety of conditions, most commonly our patients are seeking help with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Insomnia, Bipolar and Mood disorders. Our approach is tailored to each individual and their unique needs, and is best suited for those struggling with non-acute conditions. In-person & telehealth appointments available. Located in Malta, NY.
Katherine McCarty
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Vestal, NY 13850
Waitlist for new clients
Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed - your kid is practicing the recorder (why!?), your NYSEG bill is sky-high, the lawn needs mowing, and you’re one pothole bump away from a total meltdown? You’ve done the deep breathing, you’ve cut the sugar, you’ve tried everything, and you still feel stuck?
Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed - your kid is practicing the recorder (why!?), your NYSEG bill is sky-high, the lawn needs mowing, and you’re one pothole bump away from a total meltdown? You’ve done the deep breathing, you’ve cut the sugar, you’ve tried everything, and you still feel stuck?
Patricia Hayden Schiller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clifton Park, NY 12065
No two situations are the same and mental health needs in particular are profoundly personal. Everyone deserves competent, individualized, respectful care, but mental health providers are in short supply, especially for those who may need medication management as part of their treatment plan. If a provider is even accepting new patients, wait times for an appointment can be long and appointment times that meet your needs may also be in short supply. In response to these obstacles, my practice is structured to provide as much flexibility as possible to provide personalized care and meet the individual needs of my patients.
No two situations are the same and mental health needs in particular are profoundly personal. Everyone deserves competent, individualized, respectful care, but mental health providers are in short supply, especially for those who may need medication management as part of their treatment plan. If a provider is even accepting new patients, wait times for an appointment can be long and appointment times that meet your needs may also be in short supply. In response to these obstacles, my practice is structured to provide as much flexibility as possible to provide personalized care and meet the individual needs of my patients.
Daniel Breeyear
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, MHNP-BC, BHCC, FMHC
Verified Verified
Glens Falls, NY 12801
My ideal client is someone who wishes to take a more comprehensive approach to their overall care. This individual could be experiencing a first time mental health concern but isn’t interested in a medicine only approach. This individual can also be someone who has experienced the traditional approach to care where medications are always the answer and wants something different for themselves. Medications are an important tool in psychiatry but we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to care. Allowing the body to do what nature designed by properly caring for the whole person can lead to improved outcomes for our patients.
My ideal client is someone who wishes to take a more comprehensive approach to their overall care. This individual could be experiencing a first time mental health concern but isn’t interested in a medicine only approach. This individual can also be someone who has experienced the traditional approach to care where medications are always the answer and wants something different for themselves. Medications are an important tool in psychiatry but we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to care. Allowing the body to do what nature designed by properly caring for the whole person can lead to improved outcomes for our patients.
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, irritability are all too common. Unfortunately there are often many barriers to reaching out for help. My goal is to minimize those barriers and make it easy and convenient to find and schedule an appointment through my website (www.naseehapsych.com). I hope to offer a safe, convenient space for clients to find relief and function at their best.
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, irritability are all too common. Unfortunately there are often many barriers to reaching out for help. My goal is to minimize those barriers and make it easy and convenient to find and schedule an appointment through my website (www.naseehapsych.com). I hope to offer a safe, convenient space for clients to find relief and function at their best.
Laurie B Teal
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, PMHNP, NBCCH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shushan, NY 12873
Now accepting new clients! Honoring your path to wholeness. I have 30 plus years of Psychiatric experience, hold numerous additional credentials and certifications, have been on a spiritually active path for as longs as I can remember. What brought me all this way might surprise you. Transforming my own pain into wisdom that education and credentials cannot begin to teach. So, what I truly offer is a heart centered space to reflect back to you who are, beyond your trauma, beyond your self judgements and limiting beliefs. My invitation is that you become aware of your own power to create a life worth living.
Now accepting new clients! Honoring your path to wholeness. I have 30 plus years of Psychiatric experience, hold numerous additional credentials and certifications, have been on a spiritually active path for as longs as I can remember. What brought me all this way might surprise you. Transforming my own pain into wisdom that education and credentials cannot begin to teach. So, what I truly offer is a heart centered space to reflect back to you who are, beyond your trauma, beyond your self judgements and limiting beliefs. My invitation is that you become aware of your own power to create a life worth living.
See more therapy options for Herkimer County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Herkimer County, NY
< 10
Psychiatrists in Herkimer County, NY who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Behavioral Issues |
100% | Medication Management |
100% | Stress |
Average years in practice
1 Year
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | Oxford |
How Psychiatrists in Herkimer County, NY see their clients
67% | In Person and Online | |
33% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Male | |
34% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Herkimer County?
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.