Psychiatrists in New York, NY

Hannah Cochran, PMHNP-BC, is a New York State Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. ! Only offering medication management at this time, no controlled substances ! As a certified yoga teacher, her approach also emphasizes the development of skills that enhance well-being, such as meditation, breathwork, acceptance, compassion, and yoga. She believes that psychiatric issues are multifaceted, and healing should be, too, and aims to help her patients cultivate happy and healthy living. Her treatment philosophy integrates psychopharmacology, therapeutic techniques, and alternative holistic methods.
Hannah Cochran, PMHNP-BC, is a New York State Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. ! Only offering medication management at this time, no controlled substances ! As a certified yoga teacher, her approach also emphasizes the development of skills that enhance well-being, such as meditation, breathwork, acceptance, compassion, and yoga. She believes that psychiatric issues are multifaceted, and healing should be, too, and aims to help her patients cultivate happy and healthy living. Her treatment philosophy integrates psychopharmacology, therapeutic techniques, and alternative holistic methods.

What you'll quickly learn is that I am a strong patient advocate! My ideal patient values a compassionate, individualized approach to mental health and is committed to understanding themselves and their journey. They aim to regain control, build resilience, and enhance their well-being, recognizing the importance of recharging, restoring, and rebounding. They value the connection between mind and body for long-term success and appreciate personalized care that meets them where they are, respects their journey, and strengthens their inherent strengths, all while working towards a sustainable future vision. They feel empowered after!
What you'll quickly learn is that I am a strong patient advocate! My ideal patient values a compassionate, individualized approach to mental health and is committed to understanding themselves and their journey. They aim to regain control, build resilience, and enhance their well-being, recognizing the importance of recharging, restoring, and rebounding. They value the connection between mind and body for long-term success and appreciate personalized care that meets them where they are, respects their journey, and strengthens their inherent strengths, all while working towards a sustainable future vision. They feel empowered after!

Dr. Macdonnell is a double-boarded psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Macdonnell focuses on treating individuals with medication management. Supportive and interpersonal therapy is incorporated as needed. When additional therapy or longer sessions are necessary to enhance the individual’s treatment she invites a therapist to become a member of your care team.
Dr. Macdonnell is a double-boarded psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Macdonnell focuses on treating individuals with medication management. Supportive and interpersonal therapy is incorporated as needed. When additional therapy or longer sessions are necessary to enhance the individual’s treatment she invites a therapist to become a member of your care team.

You want real change, not just symptom relief. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or the weight of past wounds, I provide a supportive space for deep healing and lasting transformation. You may feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—overwhelmed by self-criticism, disconnected from yourself or others, or uncertain about your path. Together, we’ll explore these challenges, clarify your values, cultivate self-compassion, and develop tools to navigate emotions with greater ease. My goal is to help you restore self-trust and step into a more empowered, meaningful life.
You want real change, not just symptom relief. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, self-doubt, or the weight of past wounds, I provide a supportive space for deep healing and lasting transformation. You may feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—overwhelmed by self-criticism, disconnected from yourself or others, or uncertain about your path. Together, we’ll explore these challenges, clarify your values, cultivate self-compassion, and develop tools to navigate emotions with greater ease. My goal is to help you restore self-trust and step into a more empowered, meaningful life.

Dr. Valeria Serban is an experienced, board-certified neuropsychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in combining the fields of neurology and psychiatry. Known for her compassionate and thorough approach, Dr. Serban specializes in diagnosing and treating complex neurological and psychiatric conditions, with a particular focus on elderly patients. Her specialties include Migraines, depression, anxiety, OCD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and mental illnesses associated with neurological conditions like dementia, epilepsy, concussion, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Valeria Serban is an experienced, board-certified neuropsychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in combining the fields of neurology and psychiatry. Known for her compassionate and thorough approach, Dr. Serban specializes in diagnosing and treating complex neurological and psychiatric conditions, with a particular focus on elderly patients. Her specialties include Migraines, depression, anxiety, OCD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and mental illnesses associated with neurological conditions like dementia, epilepsy, concussion, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

I am a clinical psychiatrist in New York City, where I see both individuals and couples in my private practice. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and completed my psychiatric residency at the Payne Whitney Clinic of New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and my psychoanalytic training at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training & Research. I am Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical Center, Assistant Attending Psychiatrist at NY Presbyterian Hospital, and teach at Weill-Cornell Medical School.
I am a clinical psychiatrist in New York City, where I see both individuals and couples in my private practice. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and completed my psychiatric residency at the Payne Whitney Clinic of New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and my psychoanalytic training at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training & Research. I am Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical Center, Assistant Attending Psychiatrist at NY Presbyterian Hospital, and teach at Weill-Cornell Medical School.

New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Michael specializes in Reproductive, Child/Adolescent and Adult psychiatry. Her approach to evaluations and treatment is holistic, blending evidence-based psychopharmacology (medication management) with psychodynamic, attachment-based, and behavioral-based psychotherapy approaches. Dr. Michael also introduces elements of functional and integrative medicine, when appropriate, to optimize wellness. Her therapeutic style is practical, warm and collaborative.
New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Michael specializes in Reproductive, Child/Adolescent and Adult psychiatry. Her approach to evaluations and treatment is holistic, blending evidence-based psychopharmacology (medication management) with psychodynamic, attachment-based, and behavioral-based psychotherapy approaches. Dr. Michael also introduces elements of functional and integrative medicine, when appropriate, to optimize wellness. Her therapeutic style is practical, warm and collaborative.

Patrice Campbell-Marques
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, APRN, RN, MSN
New York, NY 10011
As an Advanced Practice Nurse, I provide respectful, culturally appropriate, holistic, and evidence-based psychiatric care. With over a decade of healthcare experience, I am committed to improving healthcare as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, by elevating the standard of care within the psychiatric community. My goal is to be a vital medium in helping clients achieve their patient-centered healthcare goals. Through compassionate and informed practice, I strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need of psychiatric care.
As an Advanced Practice Nurse, I provide respectful, culturally appropriate, holistic, and evidence-based psychiatric care. With over a decade of healthcare experience, I am committed to improving healthcare as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, by elevating the standard of care within the psychiatric community. My goal is to be a vital medium in helping clients achieve their patient-centered healthcare goals. Through compassionate and informed practice, I strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need of psychiatric care.

I am a psychopharmacologist who specializes in the psychiatric treatment of adults with medication management. I attended New York University Medical School and NYU Psychiatry Residency. I have had the honor of being Unit Chief of the Inpatient Psychiatric Services at Elmhurst Hospital. I have also been the Associate Director and the Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Room at the Mount Sinai Hospital. I have been an Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Hospital since 2000 where I teach residents and medical students. I am Board-Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 1998.
I am a psychopharmacologist who specializes in the psychiatric treatment of adults with medication management. I attended New York University Medical School and NYU Psychiatry Residency. I have had the honor of being Unit Chief of the Inpatient Psychiatric Services at Elmhurst Hospital. I have also been the Associate Director and the Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Room at the Mount Sinai Hospital. I have been an Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Hospital since 2000 where I teach residents and medical students. I am Board-Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 1998.

Dr. Pell has 20+ years of experience caring for patients’ mental health and managing a broad range of psychological issues. Dr. Pell brings a breadth of clinical experience across multiple practice settings, including Assertive Community Treatment, Emergency Room, Forensic, Partial Hospitalization, Inpatient, and others. A graduate of Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, as well as Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Pell has 20+ years of experience caring for patients’ mental health and managing a broad range of psychological issues. Dr. Pell brings a breadth of clinical experience across multiple practice settings, including Assertive Community Treatment, Emergency Room, Forensic, Partial Hospitalization, Inpatient, and others. A graduate of Fordham University in the Bronx, New York, as well as Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

My goal is to create an environment that is comfortable, empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental. My approach is informed by my work as a public interest attorney and witnessing the ways in which many aspects of life (housing, work, economic security, racial identity, gender identity, and sexuality) impact mental health. I take a strength-based approach that is client-centered and work with clients to determine what tools work best for them at the time. Healing is not always linear. I hope to create a space that feels supportive no matter where a person is in their journey.
My goal is to create an environment that is comfortable, empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental. My approach is informed by my work as a public interest attorney and witnessing the ways in which many aspects of life (housing, work, economic security, racial identity, gender identity, and sexuality) impact mental health. I take a strength-based approach that is client-centered and work with clients to determine what tools work best for them at the time. Healing is not always linear. I hope to create a space that feels supportive no matter where a person is in their journey.

I am an NYU trained and nationally certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. I offer Person-centered, holistic care while working collaboratively with clients. My theoretical leaning is Rogerian, which means that at each session you will experience unconditional positive regard, empathy and presence. I offer combined treatment, which means I see patients for medication management and psychotherapy. Or if you prefer and you are already engaged with a therapist, I will coordinate care together with your therapist.More about my professional life: I am a former member of the psychiatry team at NYU.
I am an NYU trained and nationally certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry. I offer Person-centered, holistic care while working collaboratively with clients. My theoretical leaning is Rogerian, which means that at each session you will experience unconditional positive regard, empathy and presence. I offer combined treatment, which means I see patients for medication management and psychotherapy. Or if you prefer and you are already engaged with a therapist, I will coordinate care together with your therapist.More about my professional life: I am a former member of the psychiatry team at NYU.

My name is Patrice Rodgers and I am a PMHNP with over 25+ years experience in psychiatry and medicine with dual board certification as a PMHNP and Adult Medicine NP. I have extensive experience with diverse populations in the inpatient and outpatient settings.
My name is Patrice Rodgers and I am a PMHNP with over 25+ years experience in psychiatry and medicine with dual board certification as a PMHNP and Adult Medicine NP. I have extensive experience with diverse populations in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a psychoanalytic candidate at New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. I earned my PhD and two masters degrees from Columbia University in the City of New York. In addition to seeing patients in my private practice, I work as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU, where I teach graduate psychotherapy and narrative medicine techniques.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a psychoanalytic candidate at New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. I earned my PhD and two masters degrees from Columbia University in the City of New York. In addition to seeing patients in my private practice, I work as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU, where I teach graduate psychotherapy and narrative medicine techniques.

Life transitions, hormonal shifts, and major milestones, whether it's pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or menopause, can have a profound impact on your mental health. If you’re feeling unlike yourself, know that you’re not alone, and that effective, compassionate care is available.
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist with advanced fellowship training in Women’s and Reproductive Mental Health and serve as an Instructor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University. My work centers on helping women and adults navigate complex emotional experiences with clarity and confidence.
Life transitions, hormonal shifts, and major milestones, whether it's pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or menopause, can have a profound impact on your mental health. If you’re feeling unlike yourself, know that you’re not alone, and that effective, compassionate care is available.
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist with advanced fellowship training in Women’s and Reproductive Mental Health and serve as an Instructor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University. My work centers on helping women and adults navigate complex emotional experiences with clarity and confidence.

MANY INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Edward Malecki MS, MHC, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He is skilled in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy across the lifespan. Mr. Malecki completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as his advanced practice nursing degree at Stony Brook University. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and has a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Adelphi University. He is currently working at Modern Integrative Psychiatry in NYC.
MANY INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Edward Malecki MS, MHC, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He is skilled in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy across the lifespan. Mr. Malecki completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as his advanced practice nursing degree at Stony Brook University. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and has a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Adelphi University. He is currently working at Modern Integrative Psychiatry in NYC.

As a physician and therapist, I believe that mental health is characterized by flexibility and fluidity of thought and intention. I take a balanced and gentle approach in my treatment style and am careful to gauge and work with each of my patients wherever each may be. I enjoy helping people work to live more authentically and vibrantly. I try to help my patients unlock underlying patterns that may perpetuate a sense of stagnation. While I readily offer the use of medications if and when they may be helpful, I have often found talk therapy to achieve enduring change.
As a physician and therapist, I believe that mental health is characterized by flexibility and fluidity of thought and intention. I take a balanced and gentle approach in my treatment style and am careful to gauge and work with each of my patients wherever each may be. I enjoy helping people work to live more authentically and vibrantly. I try to help my patients unlock underlying patterns that may perpetuate a sense of stagnation. While I readily offer the use of medications if and when they may be helpful, I have often found talk therapy to achieve enduring change.

I specialize in helping people with anxiety, depression, sleep issues and other unique problems find relief and rediscover their sense of purpose. If you’re feeling stuck, unsatisfied, or overwhelmed, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate daily life. Together, we’ll work towards understanding the root causes of your struggles, helping you manage emotions, and creating practical strategies to improve your mental well-being.
I specialize in helping people with anxiety, depression, sleep issues and other unique problems find relief and rediscover their sense of purpose. If you’re feeling stuck, unsatisfied, or overwhelmed, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate daily life. Together, we’ll work towards understanding the root causes of your struggles, helping you manage emotions, and creating practical strategies to improve your mental well-being.

Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.
Patricia Grendell is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides mental health care using a personalized, holistic approach. Patricia specializes in psychiatric evaluation and medication management along with psychotherapy and integrative interventions. Prior to receiving education and training in Nursing at New York University and Case Western Reserve University, Patricia earned a Master of Social Work from Boston College with a focus on health and mental health.
Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in NYC. Instructor in neuroscience, William Alanson White Institute. Associate Editor, Contemporary Psychoanalysis. Former attending at the Project for Psychiatric Outreach to the Homeless. NYT best-selling novelist. Psychopharmacology by referral only.
Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in NYC. Instructor in neuroscience, William Alanson White Institute. Associate Editor, Contemporary Psychoanalysis. Former attending at the Project for Psychiatric Outreach to the Homeless. NYT best-selling novelist. Psychopharmacology by referral only.
See more therapy options for New York
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in New York, NY
2,000+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in New York, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
77% | Medication Management |
74% | ADHD |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
78% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in New York, NY see their clients
57% | Online Only | |
43% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
66% | Female | |
33% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in New York?
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.