Psychiatrists in New York, NY
As an board certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with years of experience treating clients of diverse backgrounds in multiple settings, including partial hospitalization programs, inpatient units, homeless shelters, and private practice, I have come to truly value the uniqueness of the human condition and tailor my treatment plans accordingly to reflect the needs of my clients using evidence-based treatment strategies to promote the recovery and healing process. I offer comprehensive and individualized care in a warm, safe, interactive environment and believe in treating the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.
As an board certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with years of experience treating clients of diverse backgrounds in multiple settings, including partial hospitalization programs, inpatient units, homeless shelters, and private practice, I have come to truly value the uniqueness of the human condition and tailor my treatment plans accordingly to reflect the needs of my clients using evidence-based treatment strategies to promote the recovery and healing process. I offer comprehensive and individualized care in a warm, safe, interactive environment and believe in treating the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.
I understand life is tough and could be particularly challenging when the demands of life are coupled with mental illness. So, my mission as a tele-psych provider is to help reduce the stress associated with getting access to the care you deserve, in order to live a more wholesome life. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10+ years' experience in psychiatry. My specialty is in providing medication management in combination with psychotherapy for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, etc.
I understand life is tough and could be particularly challenging when the demands of life are coupled with mental illness. So, my mission as a tele-psych provider is to help reduce the stress associated with getting access to the care you deserve, in order to live a more wholesome life. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10+ years' experience in psychiatry. My specialty is in providing medication management in combination with psychotherapy for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, sleep disorders, etc.
Dr. Tali Tuvia is a board certified child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She works as an attending psychiatrist at Mount Sinai St. Lukes Hospital, where she sees patients in the Child and Family Institute. Dr. Tuvia also holds a position as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she supervises residents and fellows in training. She completed her psychiatry training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. To deepen her therapeutic skills, Dr. Tuvia is completing a fellowship at Columbia University in child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Dr. Tali Tuvia is a board certified child and adolescent and adult psychiatrist. She works as an attending psychiatrist at Mount Sinai St. Lukes Hospital, where she sees patients in the Child and Family Institute. Dr. Tuvia also holds a position as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she supervises residents and fellows in training. She completed her psychiatry training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. To deepen her therapeutic skills, Dr. Tuvia is completing a fellowship at Columbia University in child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapy.
In my practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I work with clients across the lifespan, but most typically adults struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, mood spectrum symptoms, and issues with interpersonal relationships. My approach is grounded in creating a safe, authentic, and collaborative space that allows clients to explore a holistic understanding of their well-being, with everything from environmental to nutritional to biopsychosocial factors.
In my practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I work with clients across the lifespan, but most typically adults struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, mood spectrum symptoms, and issues with interpersonal relationships. My approach is grounded in creating a safe, authentic, and collaborative space that allows clients to explore a holistic understanding of their well-being, with everything from environmental to nutritional to biopsychosocial factors.
Many of us feel like we are struggling under the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, or a sense of being different. It can feel overwhelming like we are disconnected from others or lost in a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. You might want relief from persistent sadness or overwhelming stress, or perhaps you're seeking a way to understand yourself better and live more authentically. Whatever you're going through, you want to feel more grounded, more hopeful, and more in control of your mental health journey. As a neurodiverse provider, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and PTSD.
Many of us feel like we are struggling under the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, or a sense of being different. It can feel overwhelming like we are disconnected from others or lost in a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. You might want relief from persistent sadness or overwhelming stress, or perhaps you're seeking a way to understand yourself better and live more authentically. Whatever you're going through, you want to feel more grounded, more hopeful, and more in control of your mental health journey. As a neurodiverse provider, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and PTSD.
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management. I received my graduate degree from Yale University School of Nursing in 2006. In addition to being a Nurse Practitioner, I have been a psychiatric RN for many years. Prior to entering Yale, I worked for 7 years on a major Harvard Medical School psychiatric teaching unit. I am a conservative prescriber and believe in using the smallest possible dosages of medication to treat a client's symptoms. I do very thorough initial evaluations with my clients and work with them closely until they are stable on their medications.
I am an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management. I received my graduate degree from Yale University School of Nursing in 2006. In addition to being a Nurse Practitioner, I have been a psychiatric RN for many years. Prior to entering Yale, I worked for 7 years on a major Harvard Medical School psychiatric teaching unit. I am a conservative prescriber and believe in using the smallest possible dosages of medication to treat a client's symptoms. I do very thorough initial evaluations with my clients and work with them closely until they are stable on their medications.
Dr. Kelly is a board-eligible psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Houston before attending McGovern Medical School where he completed both his medical degree and his psychiatric residency. Dr. Kelly provides compassionate, comprehensive care for adults facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder
Dr. Kelly is a board-eligible psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Houston before attending McGovern Medical School where he completed both his medical degree and his psychiatric residency. Dr. Kelly provides compassionate, comprehensive care for adults facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder
I am a Nurse Practitioner in Adult Psychiatry and Mental Health. Using evidence-based practices in psychopharmacology and psychiatry, I evaluate and treat a wide range of emotional disorders and mental illness.
I am a Nurse Practitioner in Adult Psychiatry and Mental Health. Using evidence-based practices in psychopharmacology and psychiatry, I evaluate and treat a wide range of emotional disorders and mental illness.
I completed my Fellowship training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Cambridge Health Alliance Fellowship, Harvard Medical School, and I completed my Residency in Psychiatry at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, New York State Office of Mental Health/NYP/Columbia. I received my M.D. degree at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. I currently have a private practice in Manhattan. I also supervise Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists in training as Assistant Professor at Hofstra Medical School. I work with families, children, and adults, and provide family work, individual psychotherapies, and pharmacology.
I completed my Fellowship training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Cambridge Health Alliance Fellowship, Harvard Medical School, and I completed my Residency in Psychiatry at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, New York State Office of Mental Health/NYP/Columbia. I received my M.D. degree at Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. I currently have a private practice in Manhattan. I also supervise Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists in training as Assistant Professor at Hofstra Medical School. I work with families, children, and adults, and provide family work, individual psychotherapies, and pharmacology.
Psychiatry is an art and science I am grateful to have the privilege of working in. I have been working as a nurse practitioner for the past 5 years in Emergency Psychiatry, Inpatient Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry, Outpatient Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Chemical Dependency. I have traveled the country for the past few years learning different ways of practicing and approaching patients' obstacles.
Psychiatry is an art and science I am grateful to have the privilege of working in. I have been working as a nurse practitioner for the past 5 years in Emergency Psychiatry, Inpatient Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry, Outpatient Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Chemical Dependency. I have traveled the country for the past few years learning different ways of practicing and approaching patients' obstacles.
Dr. Weiss is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst providing high-quality treatment to patients of all ages in lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and surrounding communities. Dr. Weiss maintains certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in the specialties of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Forensic (Legal) Psychiatry. Services are available in French and German in addition to English. During the COVID-19 pandemic telepsychiatry sessions are available.
Dr. Weiss is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst providing high-quality treatment to patients of all ages in lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and surrounding communities. Dr. Weiss maintains certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in the specialties of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Forensic (Legal) Psychiatry. Services are available in French and German in addition to English. During the COVID-19 pandemic telepsychiatry sessions are available.
Hello, I'm Jaclyn Burkett , a dedicated Board Certified - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner passionate about supporting individuals on their mental health journey. I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. Whether you're seeking therapy, medication management, help making life style changes or all of the above, I am committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care in a safe and welcoming environment to help you reach your goals.
Hello, I'm Jaclyn Burkett , a dedicated Board Certified - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner passionate about supporting individuals on their mental health journey. I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders. Whether you're seeking therapy, medication management, help making life style changes or all of the above, I am committed to providing personalized, evidence-based care in a safe and welcoming environment to help you reach your goals.
You have made this far alone, now let's partner together in helping you achieve your fullest potential so that you can be taken to the next level. I am a psychiatric provider who understands the importance of providing culturally competent care. I am a Columbia-trained and nationally board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience helping people overcome issues related to anxiety, depression, inattention, low self-esteem, sexuality, PTSD. Together we can bring back the joy and internal balance that you need and deserve
You have made this far alone, now let's partner together in helping you achieve your fullest potential so that you can be taken to the next level. I am a psychiatric provider who understands the importance of providing culturally competent care. I am a Columbia-trained and nationally board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience helping people overcome issues related to anxiety, depression, inattention, low self-esteem, sexuality, PTSD. Together we can bring back the joy and internal balance that you need and deserve
Dr. Divya Khosla, MD, is a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. She received her undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and her medical degree from Ross University, completing all of her clinicals in Maryland, D.C., and NYC. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Then she returned to the east coast, where she completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.
Dr. Divya Khosla, MD, is a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist. She received her undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and her medical degree from Ross University, completing all of her clinicals in Maryland, D.C., and NYC. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Then she returned to the east coast, where she completed her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.
Dr. Peter Hsieh has experience practicing in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings. He earned his medical degree from the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and completed his psychiatry residency at Zucker SOM at Mather Hospital.
Dr. Peter Hsieh has experience practicing in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings. He earned his medical degree from the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and completed his psychiatry residency at Zucker SOM at Mather Hospital.
I am thrilled to have joined Mavida Health as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for women - including those trying to conceive, pregnant (incl. adoption and surrogacy), experiencing pregnancy loss, in the postpartum, navigating (peri)menopause, and so much more. We offer 1:1 therapy, couples/family therapy, group therapy, prescribing, and medication management.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, we believe that it takes a village to raise a mama. Let Mavida be your village.
I am thrilled to have joined Mavida Health as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for women - including those trying to conceive, pregnant (incl. adoption and surrogacy), experiencing pregnancy loss, in the postpartum, navigating (peri)menopause, and so much more. We offer 1:1 therapy, couples/family therapy, group therapy, prescribing, and medication management.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, we believe that it takes a village to raise a mama. Let Mavida be your village.
Dr.Gusta Shurdut is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 8 year experience. She completed her medical training at SUNY Downstate Medical center in Brooklyn, and psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, NYC. After her residency, she worked as an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Psychiatric Ambulatory Services. Dr.Shurdut graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in biology. Prior to moving to New York, she obtained a degree in communications and public relations and worked as a journalist at her hometown in Latvia.
Dr.Gusta Shurdut is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with 8 year experience. She completed her medical training at SUNY Downstate Medical center in Brooklyn, and psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, NYC. After her residency, she worked as an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Psychiatric Ambulatory Services. Dr.Shurdut graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in biology. Prior to moving to New York, she obtained a degree in communications and public relations and worked as a journalist at her hometown in Latvia.
Dr. Robert Dugger is a board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Born and raised in Miami to a Virginian father and Cuban mother, he is bilingual in English and Spanish. He earned a B.A. in Biology and Political Science from the University of Miami, a Master of Public Health in Health Policy from New York Medical College, and his M.D. from Stony Brook University School of Medicine. He completed residency and fellowship training in New York through the Northwell Health System and BronxCare Health System, where he served as Chief Fellow in Child Psychiatry.
Dr. Robert Dugger is a board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Born and raised in Miami to a Virginian father and Cuban mother, he is bilingual in English and Spanish. He earned a B.A. in Biology and Political Science from the University of Miami, a Master of Public Health in Health Policy from New York Medical College, and his M.D. from Stony Brook University School of Medicine. He completed residency and fellowship training in New York through the Northwell Health System and BronxCare Health System, where he served as Chief Fellow in Child Psychiatry.
Dr. Anne Rohs is board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry and has been in practice for over ten years. She has an extensive background working in hospital settings treating critically ill patients, which has helped hone her skills in caring for individuals with complex psychiatric illnesses complicated by medical conditions. Dr. Rohs’ approach is to provide a consistent, empathic, nonjudgmental space to develop and attain shared treatment goals.
Dr. Anne Rohs is board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry and has been in practice for over ten years. She has an extensive background working in hospital settings treating critically ill patients, which has helped hone her skills in caring for individuals with complex psychiatric illnesses complicated by medical conditions. Dr. Rohs’ approach is to provide a consistent, empathic, nonjudgmental space to develop and attain shared treatment goals.
My passion for psychiatry began in medical school, where I realized my calling was to help patients lead happier and more productive lives. My approach to treatment includes psychotherapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rational-emotive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, psychopharmacology and life coaching - various tools which I use to help my patients overcome their difficulties in order to fulfill their personal and professional potential.
My passion for psychiatry began in medical school, where I realized my calling was to help patients lead happier and more productive lives. My approach to treatment includes psychotherapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rational-emotive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, psychopharmacology and life coaching - various tools which I use to help my patients overcome their difficulties in order to fulfill their personal and professional potential.
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:
| 94% | Anxiety |
| 93% | Depression |
| 79% | Medication Management |
| 75% | ADHD |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 71% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 66% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 96% | Aetna |
| 86% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 76% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in New York, NY see their clients
| 51% | Online Only | |
| 49% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
| 65% | Female | |
| 34% | 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.


