Psychiatrists in Katonah, NY

Andrea Cronin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Katonah, NY 10536
How can we help you ? I am a dual-certified and licensed Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I work closely with the three Licensed Clinical Social workers, Katie Parent, Stefanie Westrick and Michele Pasquale in our office. Our Katonah office is a small private practice. This allows us to provide warm and confidential individual care to include medication management and a variety of therapy modalities for mental health issues. Our office is conveniently located on the main strip in town. We do not accept commercial insurance, we can provide an insurance claim form for you to submit at the end of each visit.
How can we help you ? I am a dual-certified and licensed Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner. I work closely with the three Licensed Clinical Social workers, Katie Parent, Stefanie Westrick and Michele Pasquale in our office. Our Katonah office is a small private practice. This allows us to provide warm and confidential individual care to include medication management and a variety of therapy modalities for mental health issues. Our office is conveniently located on the main strip in town. We do not accept commercial insurance, we can provide an insurance claim form for you to submit at the end of each visit.

Goodness Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Katonah, NY 10536
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder

Maggie Brother
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Katonah, NY 10536
Maggie Brother, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, is a dual-certified nurse practitioner and the founder of Wylde Collective, a private practice dedicated to revolutionizing mental healthcare. Maggie earned her Master of Science degree from Dominican College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychiatry from Mount Saint Mary College. With a career rooted in medicine and extensive experience in somatic practices and philosophy, she brings a unique, highly effective approach to optimizing mental well-being.
Maggie Brother, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, is a dual-certified nurse practitioner and the founder of Wylde Collective, a private practice dedicated to revolutionizing mental healthcare. Maggie earned her Master of Science degree from Dominican College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Psychiatry from Mount Saint Mary College. With a career rooted in medicine and extensive experience in somatic practices and philosophy, she brings a unique, highly effective approach to optimizing mental well-being.

I am a therapist first and foremost. I am also a Mt Sinai and NYU-trained psychiatrist, and can prescribe medication when appropriate. I have over 10 years experience working with children (tweens and up) and adults (individuals and couples).
I am a therapist first and foremost. I am also a Mt Sinai and NYU-trained psychiatrist, and can prescribe medication when appropriate. I have over 10 years experience working with children (tweens and up) and adults (individuals and couples).

Dr. Sheila Devlin-Craane
Psychiatric Nurse, DNP, NPP, MSN, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
Katonah, NY 10536
Dr Sheila Devlin-Craane - Counseling Associates Inc / EMDR for Trauma is a DNP, & Clinical Specialist, board certified in psychiatric mental health with more than 35 years’ experience. She obtained a doctorate at Fairfield University as a psychiatric DNP. She is also nationally certified in EMDR which is a preferred treatment for trauma and PTSD. Dr. Devlin has prescriptive authority in both New York and Ct. Treatment and medication management for psychiatric conditions and addictions. Specialty: PTSD, EMDR, Addictions. Treatment for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief/ loss. Contact the office 917 577-2129
Dr Sheila Devlin-Craane - Counseling Associates Inc / EMDR for Trauma is a DNP, & Clinical Specialist, board certified in psychiatric mental health with more than 35 years’ experience. She obtained a doctorate at Fairfield University as a psychiatric DNP. She is also nationally certified in EMDR which is a preferred treatment for trauma and PTSD. Dr. Devlin has prescriptive authority in both New York and Ct. Treatment and medication management for psychiatric conditions and addictions. Specialty: PTSD, EMDR, Addictions. Treatment for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief/ loss. Contact the office 917 577-2129

Strength of the Mind Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am trained to provide care with a dual emphasis on treatment of the whole patient through psychopharmacology and brief psychotherapy, across the lifespan. From my extensive experience over the past 10 years working in both inpatient and outpatient environments, I have gained expertise in all facets of assessment, diagnosing, medication management and psychotherapy. My goal is to provide the highest level of quality care my clients in a comfortable and private setting. I strive to include not only the client, but their families in the treatment process.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am trained to provide care with a dual emphasis on treatment of the whole patient through psychopharmacology and brief psychotherapy, across the lifespan. From my extensive experience over the past 10 years working in both inpatient and outpatient environments, I have gained expertise in all facets of assessment, diagnosing, medication management and psychotherapy. My goal is to provide the highest level of quality care my clients in a comfortable and private setting. I strive to include not only the client, but their families in the treatment process.

Welcome! I am a board certified psychiatrist trained at Weill Cornell Medical College and NYU. I bring a compassionate and practical approach to helping you get where you want to go.
Welcome! I am a board certified psychiatrist trained at Weill Cornell Medical College and NYU. I bring a compassionate and practical approach to helping you get where you want to go.

Aaron McDaniel, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA and completed his postgraduate training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan, NY where he served as Chief Resident. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adults and mature adolescents aged 16 or older with ADHD, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, OCD, and work-related stress. He provides comprehensive and evidence-based care that includes the integration of psychotherapy with psychopharmacology when necessary.
Aaron McDaniel, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA and completed his postgraduate training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan, NY where he served as Chief Resident. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adults and mature adolescents aged 16 or older with ADHD, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, OCD, and work-related stress. He provides comprehensive and evidence-based care that includes the integration of psychotherapy with psychopharmacology when necessary.

I am a trained Doctor of Nursing Practice, licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Assistant Professor. I assess, diagnose, prescribe, and treat individuals with mental health needs across the lifespan. I use integrative medicine, an evidence-based, patient-centered approach fusing conventional and complementary interventions together to address the needs of the "whole person." I combine armamentarium of body, psyche, and collective knowledge through relationships and connections within the Universe missioned to unearth deeply rooted issues, promoting healing rather than "band-aiding symptoms."
I am a trained Doctor of Nursing Practice, licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Assistant Professor. I assess, diagnose, prescribe, and treat individuals with mental health needs across the lifespan. I use integrative medicine, an evidence-based, patient-centered approach fusing conventional and complementary interventions together to address the needs of the "whole person." I combine armamentarium of body, psyche, and collective knowledge through relationships and connections within the Universe missioned to unearth deeply rooted issues, promoting healing rather than "band-aiding symptoms."

I have successfully treated patients who suffer from Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, Dementia, Hallucinations and Delusions as well as addiction and alcoholism. I have worked with patients as young as 2 years old and as old as 105 years old.
I have successfully treated patients who suffer from Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, Dementia, Hallucinations and Delusions as well as addiction and alcoholism. I have worked with patients as young as 2 years old and as old as 105 years old.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Many of my patients found only temporary relief from prior treatments and are interested in a real change. If you are motivated and prefer someone who does not recommend medications easily and believes in getting to the root of problems, I may be the person for you. I am an experienced clinician, providing individualized treatment based on a thorough assessment. I have trained at Cornell and Columbia and I am on the faculty at both places. I am a training and supervising analyst as well as ISTFP certified training and supervising TFP therapist offering individual or group supervision.
Many of my patients found only temporary relief from prior treatments and are interested in a real change. If you are motivated and prefer someone who does not recommend medications easily and believes in getting to the root of problems, I may be the person for you. I am an experienced clinician, providing individualized treatment based on a thorough assessment. I have trained at Cornell and Columbia and I am on the faculty at both places. I am a training and supervising analyst as well as ISTFP certified training and supervising TFP therapist offering individual or group supervision.

At Brave Health, your well-being is our priority. Our comprehensive mental health treatment and programs are easy-to-access, affordable and clinically effective. Whether you’re managing conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, or dealing with challenges such as anxiety, grief, addiction, anger, or life transitions, we’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs and goals.
At Brave Health, your well-being is our priority. Our comprehensive mental health treatment and programs are easy-to-access, affordable and clinically effective. Whether you’re managing conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, or dealing with challenges such as anxiety, grief, addiction, anger, or life transitions, we’ll work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs and goals.

Krystyna de Jacq
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello, I offer therapy and, if needed, medication management and will work with you until you achieve your optimal state of health and well-being. I am of European upbringing, and as I have lived in the United States for most of my life, I bring a diverse psychological and cultural perspective to work with my clients. I speak English, French, and Polish.
Hello, I offer therapy and, if needed, medication management and will work with you until you achieve your optimal state of health and well-being. I am of European upbringing, and as I have lived in the United States for most of my life, I bring a diverse psychological and cultural perspective to work with my clients. I speak English, French, and Polish.

I strive to offer a holistic and warmer approach to emotional health treatment. I am passionate about supporting women and their families, and have taken specialized training to offer the most comprehensive care possible. My vision is to create a nurturing space that supports you through unique issues that we face – whether it be depression, anxiety, work-life balance, mood disorders in pregnancy, infertility, menopause, and more. I am especially interested utilizing functional/precision medicine approaches and incorporate hormone and stress testing (i.e DUTCH tests), along with tracking HRV and other mind/body practices.
I strive to offer a holistic and warmer approach to emotional health treatment. I am passionate about supporting women and their families, and have taken specialized training to offer the most comprehensive care possible. My vision is to create a nurturing space that supports you through unique issues that we face – whether it be depression, anxiety, work-life balance, mood disorders in pregnancy, infertility, menopause, and more. I am especially interested utilizing functional/precision medicine approaches and incorporate hormone and stress testing (i.e DUTCH tests), along with tracking HRV and other mind/body practices.

I'm Michael Hawthorne, a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in mental health care. My mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, integrating evidence-based therapeutic techniques with medication management when appropriate. My practice is centered around building strong, trusting relationships with my clients, and I strive to empower them to take an active role in their own mental health journey.
I'm Michael Hawthorne, a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in mental health care. My mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, integrating evidence-based therapeutic techniques with medication management when appropriate. My practice is centered around building strong, trusting relationships with my clients, and I strive to empower them to take an active role in their own mental health journey.

Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Eyma is a board certified psychiatrist licensed to practice in both New York and Connecticut. She is a graduate of the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/City College of New York (a combined BS/MD program) and obtained her medical degree from Albany Medical College. She has been a staff psychiatrist at Montefiore Medical Center and Yale New Haven Hospital. She has a particular interest in cross-cultural psychiatry and global mental health. She spent two years working in a mental health clinic in the Wellington region of New Zealand providing care to a diverse patient population including Maori and Pasifika people.
Dr. Eyma is a board certified psychiatrist licensed to practice in both New York and Connecticut. She is a graduate of the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/City College of New York (a combined BS/MD program) and obtained her medical degree from Albany Medical College. She has been a staff psychiatrist at Montefiore Medical Center and Yale New Haven Hospital. She has a particular interest in cross-cultural psychiatry and global mental health. She spent two years working in a mental health clinic in the Wellington region of New Zealand providing care to a diverse patient population including Maori and Pasifika people.

I provide support for anxiety and depression linked to family or relationship challenges. Whether you opt for medication, therapy, or a combination of both, I'm here to assist. Opening up about deeply personal fears and worries can be daunting, but I'm here to guide you through it. I understand the desire for a more fulfilling life and the complexities of treatment. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions for your convenience. Let's work together to address your concerns and improve your well-being.
I provide support for anxiety and depression linked to family or relationship challenges. Whether you opt for medication, therapy, or a combination of both, I'm here to assist. Opening up about deeply personal fears and worries can be daunting, but I'm here to guide you through it. I understand the desire for a more fulfilling life and the complexities of treatment. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions for your convenience. Let's work together to address your concerns and improve your well-being.

Please note Sarah works with patients to taper their benzodiazepines and hypnotics, she does not prescribe them long term. Sarah is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who earned both her Doctorate in Nursing and Master's in Nursing from Columbia University. Sarah implements a team approach, coupled with evidence-based practice when working with patients. She always includes her patients in the decision making process regarding medication management and treatment options. The core of successful treatment is a plan that both patient and provider agree on. Sarah has experience working in the community outpatient setting.
Please note Sarah works with patients to taper their benzodiazepines and hypnotics, she does not prescribe them long term. Sarah is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who earned both her Doctorate in Nursing and Master's in Nursing from Columbia University. Sarah implements a team approach, coupled with evidence-based practice when working with patients. She always includes her patients in the decision making process regarding medication management and treatment options. The core of successful treatment is a plan that both patient and provider agree on. Sarah has experience working in the community outpatient setting.

Dr. Hyun is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, then continued at Yale for general psychiatry residency. In her final year of residency, she served as Chief Resident of the adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit. She then completed her child and adolescent psychiatry training at the NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia/Cornell combined program, where she was the recipient of the Edward J. Sachar Award for Clinical Excellence. Areas of additional focus during her training included college student mental health, eating disorders, and early psychosis.
Dr. Hyun is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. She received her medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, then continued at Yale for general psychiatry residency. In her final year of residency, she served as Chief Resident of the adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit. She then completed her child and adolescent psychiatry training at the NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia/Cornell combined program, where she was the recipient of the Edward J. Sachar Award for Clinical Excellence. Areas of additional focus during her training included college student mental health, eating disorders, and early psychosis.
See more therapy options for Katonah
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Katonah, NY
10+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Katonah, NY who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Medication Management |
90% | Trauma and PTSD |
90% | Sleep or Insomnia |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Katonah, NY see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Katonah?
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.