Psychiatrists in New York, NY
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Meghan and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Maternal mental health / pre / postpartum, Women’s issues, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Depression, ADHD. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Meghan and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of New York. I specialize in Maternal mental health / pre / postpartum, Women’s issues, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Depression, ADHD. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Immediate availability for In-Network care. Ilya Bernstein is a dual-licensed Acute Care and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience caring for medically and psychologically complex patients. He has received training and education from the University of California at Berkeley, Columbia University, and New York University, where he holds a graduate-level Adjunct Faculty appointment. As a result of working on various medical services, Ilya has significant experience helping patients dealing with acute stress, anxiety, depression, accommodating medical illness, as well as both large and “everyday” traumas.
Immediate availability for In-Network care. Ilya Bernstein is a dual-licensed Acute Care and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience caring for medically and psychologically complex patients. He has received training and education from the University of California at Berkeley, Columbia University, and New York University, where he holds a graduate-level Adjunct Faculty appointment. As a result of working on various medical services, Ilya has significant experience helping patients dealing with acute stress, anxiety, depression, accommodating medical illness, as well as both large and “everyday” traumas.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn, especially when navigating life transitions, identity questions, or the weight of anxiety and trauma. I specialize in women's mental health, gender dysphoria, and trauma. I also treat conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, substance use, and eating disorders. Together, we'll look beyond symptoms to explore your full experience—your story, relationships, and goals—so that your care aligns with your life.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn, especially when navigating life transitions, identity questions, or the weight of anxiety and trauma. I specialize in women's mental health, gender dysphoria, and trauma. I also treat conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, substance use, and eating disorders. Together, we'll look beyond symptoms to explore your full experience—your story, relationships, and goals—so that your care aligns with your life.
Dr. Pasternak is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist currently practicing in Manhattan, New York and Englewood, New Jersey. He is dually Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and is licensed to practice in the both the State of New York and New Jersey. Pasternak incorporates psycho-dynamic, cognitive behavioral, supportive therapies, and psychopharmacological management, tailoring his approach to meet the specific needs of each client. Dr. Pasternak is very experienced in treating anxiety disorders utilizing psychopharmacological management in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Dr. Pasternak is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist currently practicing in Manhattan, New York and Englewood, New Jersey. He is dually Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and is licensed to practice in the both the State of New York and New Jersey. Pasternak incorporates psycho-dynamic, cognitive behavioral, supportive therapies, and psychopharmacological management, tailoring his approach to meet the specific needs of each client. Dr. Pasternak is very experienced in treating anxiety disorders utilizing psychopharmacological management in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and therapy. The different types of therapy I use include DBT, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and therapy. The different types of therapy I use include DBT, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
I am a board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist trained at Columbia, Cornell, and UCSF and educated at Harvard and the University of Florida. I offer medication management and psychotherapy to treat a range of mental-health concerns, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety. My goal is to provide care that is holistic, personalized, and informed by the most up-to-date clinical research. My background as a PhD-level neuroscientist helps me incorporate the most current scientific evidence into your treatment. I am licensed in New York, Florida, and California.
I am a board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist trained at Columbia, Cornell, and UCSF and educated at Harvard and the University of Florida. I offer medication management and psychotherapy to treat a range of mental-health concerns, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety. My goal is to provide care that is holistic, personalized, and informed by the most up-to-date clinical research. My background as a PhD-level neuroscientist helps me incorporate the most current scientific evidence into your treatment. I am licensed in New York, Florida, and California.
Dr. Beena Saad is a board-certified psychiatrist in New York, NY with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry, child psychiatry, and psychosomatic medicine. She provides mental health services in New York to individuals facing complex emotional, behavioral, or physical manifestations of stress. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach empowers clients to better understand their struggles and develop personalized solutions for lasting well-being.
Dr. Beena Saad is a board-certified psychiatrist in New York, NY with over 20 years of experience in psychiatry, child psychiatry, and psychosomatic medicine. She provides mental health services in New York to individuals facing complex emotional, behavioral, or physical manifestations of stress. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach empowers clients to better understand their struggles and develop personalized solutions for lasting well-being.
Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his undergraduate training at Yale University and received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Gonzalez prefers a holistic approach that takes the time to know the whole patient, incorporating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives in crafting a comprehensive, individualized, treatment plan.
Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez is a board certified adult psychiatrist. He completed his undergraduate training at Yale University and received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Gonzalez prefers a holistic approach that takes the time to know the whole patient, incorporating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives in crafting a comprehensive, individualized, treatment plan.
Please reach out for behavioral/mental health issues related to dementia only. I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in brain health conditions and symptoms, like depression, anxiety, or other changes in mood, behavior, or personality. Through Isaac Health, I primarily provide evaluation and management of age-related behavioral/mental health issues, especially if likely due to Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative disease related to dementia. Treatment may include psychopharmacology (medication management), specialized talk therapy, personalized counseling, and psychosocial support as needed.
Please reach out for behavioral/mental health issues related to dementia only. I am a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in brain health conditions and symptoms, like depression, anxiety, or other changes in mood, behavior, or personality. Through Isaac Health, I primarily provide evaluation and management of age-related behavioral/mental health issues, especially if likely due to Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative disease related to dementia. Treatment may include psychopharmacology (medication management), specialized talk therapy, personalized counseling, and psychosocial support as needed.
With over 15 years of experience in health care, my approach to care is both evidence-based and patient-centered. I create comprehensive, individualized care plans tailored to each client, aiming to help them become the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves.
With over 15 years of experience in health care, my approach to care is both evidence-based and patient-centered. I create comprehensive, individualized care plans tailored to each client, aiming to help them become the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves.
Dr. Zeynep Altun is Board-Certified in Psychiatry and holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Dr. Altun has extensive theoretical knowledge of the nervous system and its disorders and more than 10 years of experience in treating various mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, autism-spectrum and neuropsychiatric disorders, psychiatric emergencies and crisis management as well as cognitive behavioral and supportive psychotherapy.
Dr. Zeynep Altun is Board-Certified in Psychiatry and holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Dr. Altun has extensive theoretical knowledge of the nervous system and its disorders and more than 10 years of experience in treating various mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, autism-spectrum and neuropsychiatric disorders, psychiatric emergencies and crisis management as well as cognitive behavioral and supportive psychotherapy.
If you have been suffering from depression and have tried two or more typical antidepressant medications that do not help, or have suicidal thoughts perhaps it is time to try Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Ketamin been discovered to quickly treat depressions to resolve suicidal thinking, as well as to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr Lifschutz also specializes in troubled teens, having spent 3 years doing inpatient Adolescent psychiatry. He works especially well with Young Adults. He has been a Voluntary Attending Psychiatrist at Beth Israel Mt Sinai Hospital for many year
If you have been suffering from depression and have tried two or more typical antidepressant medications that do not help, or have suicidal thoughts perhaps it is time to try Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Ketamin been discovered to quickly treat depressions to resolve suicidal thinking, as well as to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr Lifschutz also specializes in troubled teens, having spent 3 years doing inpatient Adolescent psychiatry. He works especially well with Young Adults. He has been a Voluntary Attending Psychiatrist at Beth Israel Mt Sinai Hospital for many year
I am a board-certified, New York-based psychiatrist with a private practice in the Flatiron District. I treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and trauma-related disorders, as well as more general issues pertaining to identity, relationships, and life transitions.
I am a board-certified, New York-based psychiatrist with a private practice in the Flatiron District. I treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and trauma-related disorders, as well as more general issues pertaining to identity, relationships, and life transitions.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with over 13 years of experience treating adults of all ages. My goal is to work with you to determine your needs as an individual, identifying a treatment plan which may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. My style is collaborative, and my primary aim is to help you meet your individual goals and improve your overall wellbeing.
I am a board certified psychiatrist with over 13 years of experience treating adults of all ages. My goal is to work with you to determine your needs as an individual, identifying a treatment plan which may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. My style is collaborative, and my primary aim is to help you meet your individual goals and improve your overall wellbeing.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! I'm Sheena a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in nursing. I specialize in working with adults who have been diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, OCD and PTSD disorders. I also work with those going through life transitions such as adjustments to illness, divorce and grief. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! I'm Sheena a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in nursing. I specialize in working with adults who have been diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, OCD and PTSD disorders. I also work with those going through life transitions such as adjustments to illness, divorce and grief. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hi there, I'm Olayemi! A highly skilled psychiatric-mental health provider with extensive clinical experience and a strong commitment to client-centered care. She brings comprehensive expertise in evaluating and treating a wide range of mental health conditions across the lifespan. Olayemi’s holistic approach combines evidence-based interventions with compassionate support, empowering clients to engage in treatment actively and fostering meaningful progress throughout their mental health journey.
Hi there, I'm Olayemi! A highly skilled psychiatric-mental health provider with extensive clinical experience and a strong commitment to client-centered care. She brings comprehensive expertise in evaluating and treating a wide range of mental health conditions across the lifespan. Olayemi’s holistic approach combines evidence-based interventions with compassionate support, empowering clients to engage in treatment actively and fostering meaningful progress throughout their mental health journey.
You might be navigating tension with a partner, feeling distant from friends, or noticing patterns in how you show up at work or with family that no longer serve you. These interpersonal struggles can leave you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of what’s next. I also work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, complex PTSD, identity exploration, and women’s mental health concerns like PMDD. We’ll explore the invisible barriers that are keeping you stuck, and help you build the tools to connect more fully with others and with yourself.
You might be navigating tension with a partner, feeling distant from friends, or noticing patterns in how you show up at work or with family that no longer serve you. These interpersonal struggles can leave you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of what’s next. I also work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, complex PTSD, identity exploration, and women’s mental health concerns like PMDD. We’ll explore the invisible barriers that are keeping you stuck, and help you build the tools to connect more fully with others and with yourself.
Are you looking for care that sees all of you, not just your symptoms? Maybe you’re moving through anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, or identity changes, and you’re tired of feeling misunderstood or reduced to a diagnosis. You want a space that’s collaborative, non-coercive, and aligned with your values.
I don’t believe you need to be “fixed.” I believe you deserve to be understood — to explore how your pain has protected you, what it’s trying to teach you, and how healing can happen with gentleness and intention.
If that resonates, you’re not alone, and you are so deeply welcome here.
Are you looking for care that sees all of you, not just your symptoms? Maybe you’re moving through anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, or identity changes, and you’re tired of feeling misunderstood or reduced to a diagnosis. You want a space that’s collaborative, non-coercive, and aligned with your values.
I don’t believe you need to be “fixed.” I believe you deserve to be understood — to explore how your pain has protected you, what it’s trying to teach you, and how healing can happen with gentleness and intention.
If that resonates, you’re not alone, and you are so deeply welcome here.
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience across emergency rooms, clinics, and private practice. What those roles have taught me is that every person’s story is unique, and effective care has to reflect that. My style is practical, collaborative, and grounded in the latest evidence-based medicine, but it’s also deeply personal. I want you to feel understood and to know that we’re working together toward meaningful change.
If you’re seeking relief from symptoms or striving to build stability and confidence in life, I will meet you where you are and help you move toward where you’d like to be.
I’m a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience across emergency rooms, clinics, and private practice. What those roles have taught me is that every person’s story is unique, and effective care has to reflect that. My style is practical, collaborative, and grounded in the latest evidence-based medicine, but it’s also deeply personal. I want you to feel understood and to know that we’re working together toward meaningful change.
If you’re seeking relief from symptoms or striving to build stability and confidence in life, I will meet you where you are and help you move toward where you’d like to be.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 2 decades of experience working in diverse psychiatric settings with diverse populations. I specialize in ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem and relationship issues. I believe in assessing the whole person. My journey as a psychiatric practitioner has equipped me with a deep understanding of how, in many cases, mental health conditions are related to environmental, physical or spiritual issues. I focus on effective, evidence-based treatments for a wide spectrum of conditions.
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 2 decades of experience working in diverse psychiatric settings with diverse populations. I specialize in ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem and relationship issues. I believe in assessing the whole person. My journey as a psychiatric practitioner has equipped me with a deep understanding of how, in many cases, mental health conditions are related to environmental, physical or spiritual issues. I focus on effective, evidence-based treatments for a wide spectrum of conditions.
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 |
| 76% | Medication Management |
| 75% | ADHD |
| 72% | Bipolar Disorder |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 68% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 95% | Aetna |
| 86% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 77% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in New York, NY see their clients
| 56% | Online Only | |
| 44% | 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.


