Psychiatrists in Middletown, NY

Photo of Christine Slocum, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Christine Slocum
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
1 Endorsed
Middletown, NY 10941
At Clearwave Psychiatry, our psychiatric clinicians address both the physiological and psychological aspects of each patient to create the optimal individualized treatment plan including genetic testing to inform medication management, nutritional supplementation, QEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback, psychotherapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Our expertise is the treatment of Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Psychotic Disorders. We provide empathy, time and care to each of our patients.
At Clearwave Psychiatry, our psychiatric clinicians address both the physiological and psychological aspects of each patient to create the optimal individualized treatment plan including genetic testing to inform medication management, nutritional supplementation, QEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback, psychotherapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Our expertise is the treatment of Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Psychotic Disorders. We provide empathy, time and care to each of our patients.
(845) 448-2841 View (845) 448-2841
Photo of Michelle Lendore, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C
Michelle Lendore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C
Online Only
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing holistic mental health treatment to individuals and families. My mission is to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocate for my patients by promoting awareness and equity. I believe in providing empathetic, judgment-free, patient-centered care, using evidence-based practices to ensure safe and effective treatment.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing holistic mental health treatment to individuals and families. My mission is to address the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocate for my patients by promoting awareness and equity. I believe in providing empathetic, judgment-free, patient-centered care, using evidence-based practices to ensure safe and effective treatment.
(914) 335-3807 View (914) 335-3807
Photo of Bernice Jackson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, AGNP-BC
Bernice Jackson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, AGNP-BC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Clients are not just a diagnosis and medication list. It is important for me to get to know the person individually and cater to their specific needs. I love interacting with people, learning about their life experiences, helping them through tough times, and celebrating their successes. I am fascinated by the mind-body relationship and intrigued by continual advances in diagnosing and treating mental illness. The rewarding aspect of being a psychiatric Nurse Practitioner comes from taking each patient's unique situation and working with them to provide relief of their physical and mental suffering.
Clients are not just a diagnosis and medication list. It is important for me to get to know the person individually and cater to their specific needs. I love interacting with people, learning about their life experiences, helping them through tough times, and celebrating their successes. I am fascinated by the mind-body relationship and intrigued by continual advances in diagnosing and treating mental illness. The rewarding aspect of being a psychiatric Nurse Practitioner comes from taking each patient's unique situation and working with them to provide relief of their physical and mental suffering.
(845) 409-0448 View (845) 409-0448
Photo of Dr. Kimberly Robinson, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Kimberly Robinson
Psychiatrist, MD
1 Endorsed
Middletown, NY 10941
I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of both children, adolescents and adults for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Personality disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I provide trauma informed care, and make an effort to compassionately treat the whole person while valuing the autonomy of my patients. Recommendations may include recommendations for medication, therapy, supplements, lifestyle and behavioral changes. I have a special interest in women’s health, trauma informed care, attachment, and integrative psychiatry.
I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of both children, adolescents and adults for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Personality disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I provide trauma informed care, and make an effort to compassionately treat the whole person while valuing the autonomy of my patients. Recommendations may include recommendations for medication, therapy, supplements, lifestyle and behavioral changes. I have a special interest in women’s health, trauma informed care, attachment, and integrative psychiatry.
(845) 261-0944 View (845) 261-0944
Photo of Micaela Meredith, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Micaela Meredith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Micaela Meredith, PMHNP-BC, APRN-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner who provides psychotherapy and medication management for individuals aged five and up. Micaela takes a person-centered approach to help those seeking assistance for their mental health, specifically working with those dealing with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Sessions are offered via Telehealth for residents of New York and Connecticut.
Micaela Meredith, PMHNP-BC, APRN-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner who provides psychotherapy and medication management for individuals aged five and up. Micaela takes a person-centered approach to help those seeking assistance for their mental health, specifically working with those dealing with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Sessions are offered via Telehealth for residents of New York and Connecticut.
(845) 498-1088 View (845) 498-1088
Joseph Kasamba
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, , PMHNP
Online Only
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse practitioner, I recognize the unique needs of patients with mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and trauma-related stress disorders. These patients often experience complex, interwoven symptoms that require a holistic, compassionate approach. By providing tailored care that addresses the emotional, psychological, and physical components of these disorders, I aim to help patients achieve improved quality of life and stability in their mental health.
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse practitioner, I recognize the unique needs of patients with mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and trauma-related stress disorders. These patients often experience complex, interwoven symptoms that require a holistic, compassionate approach. By providing tailored care that addresses the emotional, psychological, and physical components of these disorders, I aim to help patients achieve improved quality of life and stability in their mental health.
(929) 405-1841 View (929) 405-1841
Photo of Hong Kim, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP-P, BC
Hong Kim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, NP-P, BC
Online Only
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
(201) 969-5923 View (201) 969-5923
Photo of Dr. Ruiy Shah, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, RN, PMHNPBC
Dr. Ruiy Shah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, RN, PMHNPBC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You want to feel more in control—of your thoughts, time, emotions—but right now, it may feel like everything is slipping through the cracks. I’ve spent time on the research side of mental health, but it wasn’t until I began working directly with patients that I truly felt able to help people create lasting change. I bring both scientific insight and deep compassion to every session, integrating therapy and medication management to provide personalized care that meets you where you are. I specialize in ADHD, eating disorders, and women’s mental health concerns, including pregnancy, fertility challenges, and postpartum transitions.
You want to feel more in control—of your thoughts, time, emotions—but right now, it may feel like everything is slipping through the cracks. I’ve spent time on the research side of mental health, but it wasn’t until I began working directly with patients that I truly felt able to help people create lasting change. I bring both scientific insight and deep compassion to every session, integrating therapy and medication management to provide personalized care that meets you where you are. I specialize in ADHD, eating disorders, and women’s mental health concerns, including pregnancy, fertility challenges, and postpartum transitions.
(646) 845-0417 View (646) 845-0417
Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Serves Area
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.
(845) 576-1589 View (845) 576-1589
Photo of Jingduan Yang, Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Jingduan Yang
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Serves Area
Mental health issues are complex problems with the body, mind, and spirit. They demand a comprehensive evaluation to detect abnormal brain chemistry and physiology to employ an individualized and integrative approach to treat the root causes and relieve the symptoms. I have helped numerous people who are tired of the side effects and lack of efficacy of psychotropic medications and desire to achieve a healthier and happier life.
Mental health issues are complex problems with the body, mind, and spirit. They demand a comprehensive evaluation to detect abnormal brain chemistry and physiology to employ an individualized and integrative approach to treat the root causes and relieve the symptoms. I have helped numerous people who are tired of the side effects and lack of efficacy of psychotropic medications and desire to achieve a healthier and happier life.
(484) 870-3177 View (484) 870-3177
Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, Psychiatrist, MD
Harmony Bay
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
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.
(845) 328-2865 View (845) 328-2865
Photo of Uros Koprivica, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNPBC
Uros Koprivica
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNPBC
Serves Area
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
(845) 413-2344 View (845) 413-2344
Photo of Iva Lesniak - Iva Lesniak, DO, Psychiatry PLLC, Psychiatrist, DO, BC
Iva Lesniak, DO, Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatrist, DO, BC
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Hi, contact me if you're looking for an experienced, empathic Board Certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist who will work collaboratively with you to help you improve your quality of life and resilience. In treatment with me, you will find a safe, supportive environment where mutual respect, trust and personal growth become possible. I will work closely with you to select a treatment that best fits your individual needs and preferences, whether it's lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, medications, or a combination. Your input is very important to me and I am happy to answer any questions about the process and treatment.
Hi, contact me if you're looking for an experienced, empathic Board Certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist who will work collaboratively with you to help you improve your quality of life and resilience. In treatment with me, you will find a safe, supportive environment where mutual respect, trust and personal growth become possible. I will work closely with you to select a treatment that best fits your individual needs and preferences, whether it's lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, medications, or a combination. Your input is very important to me and I am happy to answer any questions about the process and treatment.
(845) 237-3981 View (845) 237-3981
Photo of Michelle McCarthy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Michelle McCarthy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP
Serves Area
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
(845) 328-2516 View (845) 328-2516
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, Psychiatrist, MD
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Serves Area
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
(845) 456-6362 View (845) 456-6362

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Veronica o'meally-Tully, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Veronica o'meally-Tully
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Veronica is her compassionate and non-judgmental approach. She values open communication, actively listening to patients, and tailoring her services to their unique needs. Veronica is known for providing unhurried visits, ensuring her patients feel heard and supported throughout their treatment journey. Veronica offers flexible appointment times, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends. She understands the importance of accommodating diverse schedules to ensure accessibility for her clients.
Veronica is her compassionate and non-judgmental approach. She values open communication, actively listening to patients, and tailoring her services to their unique needs. Veronica is known for providing unhurried visits, ensuring her patients feel heard and supported throughout their treatment journey. Veronica offers flexible appointment times, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends. She understands the importance of accommodating diverse schedules to ensure accessibility for her clients.
(347) 808-2728 View (347) 808-2728
Photo of Christina Clarkin, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Christina Clarkin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a compassionate, dedicated, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with years of experience. My primary focus is on working with adults aged 18 and older. Through my work experience and professionalism, I have established myself as a strong candidate for addressing the needs of patients with chronic mental health conditions. I provide psychiatric consultations, evaluations, and medication management via telemedicine. At this time, I do not prescribe controlled substances, but I do prescribe Non-Controlled Substances.
I am a compassionate, dedicated, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with years of experience. My primary focus is on working with adults aged 18 and older. Through my work experience and professionalism, I have established myself as a strong candidate for addressing the needs of patients with chronic mental health conditions. I provide psychiatric consultations, evaluations, and medication management via telemedicine. At this time, I do not prescribe controlled substances, but I do prescribe Non-Controlled Substances.
(845) 377-9499 View (845) 377-9499
Photo of Elizabeth Aronson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Elizabeth Aronson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
If you're an adult feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the challenges of living with a chronic illness, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
If you're an adult feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the challenges of living with a chronic illness, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
(347) 354-8579 View (347) 354-8579
Photo of Perry D Githens - Perry Githens APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Perry Githens APRN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Beacon, NY 12508
Perry Githens has sound experience in substance abuse, long-term care settings, outpatient, and acute inpatient settings with pediatric and adult populations. He has experience in all different areas, such as residential substance abuse, alcohol use disorder, inpatient geriatric psychiatry with dementia, and mental illness in the elderly.
Perry Githens has sound experience in substance abuse, long-term care settings, outpatient, and acute inpatient settings with pediatric and adult populations. He has experience in all different areas, such as residential substance abuse, alcohol use disorder, inpatient geriatric psychiatry with dementia, and mental illness in the elderly.
(845) 250-3614 View (845) 250-3614
Photo of Barbara Marie Marszalek, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP
Barbara Marie Marszalek
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FPMHNP
Montgomery, NY 12549
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD? Are you looking to connect with someone to help you find a way to heal? To pull the triggers away from you? I offer personalized integrative psychiatric care for those struggling mentally, emotionally or with addictions in Orange County NY. I specialize in ART ( Accelerated Resolution Therapy). It is a unique approach to psychotherapy to replace negative images in the unconscious mind that triggers and symptoms of PTSD with positive ones that my clients chose, hence removing the triggers causing the intrusive thoughts to completely STOP. You are important. You are worth it.
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD? Are you looking to connect with someone to help you find a way to heal? To pull the triggers away from you? I offer personalized integrative psychiatric care for those struggling mentally, emotionally or with addictions in Orange County NY. I specialize in ART ( Accelerated Resolution Therapy). It is a unique approach to psychotherapy to replace negative images in the unconscious mind that triggers and symptoms of PTSD with positive ones that my clients chose, hence removing the triggers causing the intrusive thoughts to completely STOP. You are important. You are worth it.
(845) 539-1056 View (845) 539-1056

See more therapy options for Middletown

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Middletown, NY

10+

Average cost per session

$275

Psychiatrists in Middletown, NY who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
93% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
87% Bipolar Disorder
73% ADHD
73% Trauma and PTSD
73% Sleep or Insomnia

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
93% Cigna and Evernorth
79% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Psychiatrists in Middletown, NY see their clients

60% In Person and Online
40% Online Only

Gender breakdown

67% Female
33% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Middletown?

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.