Psychiatrists in Purchase, NY

Photo of Dr. Tara Eyma - LifeStance Health, MD, Psychiatrist
LifeStance Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
(914) 653-7577 View (914) 653-7577
Photo of Arashinder Dhaliwal, MD, Psychiatrist
Arashinder Dhaliwal
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Arashinder Dhaliwal has 10+ years of experience working with wide range of mental health issues. He believes that a thorough assessment of all aspects of mental health followed by collaborative treatment planning is key to successful treatment. He partners with his patients for their treatment goals and strives to provide holistic mental health care using up to date advancements in medications and therapy. He has special interest in anxiety, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, first break psychosis, trauma associated mental health disorders and ADHD.
Arashinder Dhaliwal has 10+ years of experience working with wide range of mental health issues. He believes that a thorough assessment of all aspects of mental health followed by collaborative treatment planning is key to successful treatment. He partners with his patients for their treatment goals and strives to provide holistic mental health care using up to date advancements in medications and therapy. He has special interest in anxiety, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, first break psychosis, trauma associated mental health disorders and ADHD.
(914) 928-2138 View (914) 928-2138
Photo of Dr. Ben Wan - LIC Psychiatry, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
LIC Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Dr. Ben Wan is a board-certified psychiatrist providing individualized treatment for adults suffering from depression and anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and other issues related to work and relationships. Dr. Wan provides psychoanalytic psychotherapy informed by more recent advances in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness theory. When indicated, Dr. Wan also recommends and prescribes medication.
Dr. Ben Wan is a board-certified psychiatrist providing individualized treatment for adults suffering from depression and anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and other issues related to work and relationships. Dr. Wan provides psychoanalytic psychotherapy informed by more recent advances in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness theory. When indicated, Dr. Wan also recommends and prescribes medication.
(929) 227-4955 View (929) 227-4955
Photo of Tara Eyma, MD, Psychiatrist
Tara Eyma
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Dr. Eyma is a board certified psychiatrist licensed to practice in both New York and Connecticut. She is a graduate of the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/City College of New York (a combined BS/MD program) and obtained her medical degree from Albany Medical College. She has been a staff psychiatrist at Montefiore Medical Center and Yale New Haven Hospital. She has a particular interest in cross-cultural psychiatry and global mental health. She spent two years working in a mental health clinic in the Wellington region of New Zealand providing care to a diverse patient population including Maori and Pasifika people.
Dr. Eyma is a board certified psychiatrist licensed to practice in both New York and Connecticut. She is a graduate of the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/City College of New York (a combined BS/MD program) and obtained her medical degree from Albany Medical College. She has been a staff psychiatrist at Montefiore Medical Center and Yale New Haven Hospital. She has a particular interest in cross-cultural psychiatry and global mental health. She spent two years working in a mental health clinic in the Wellington region of New Zealand providing care to a diverse patient population including Maori and Pasifika people.
(914) 353-4807 View (914) 353-4807
Photo of Mohsin S Ahmed, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Mohsin S Ahmed
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you seeking a caring and compassionate provider who is attentive to your various dimensions: emotional, biological, cultural, and spiritual? Mohsin Ahmed, MD, PhD is a Columbia, Cambridge, and Cornell University educated and trained psychiatrist and neuroscientist who uniquely tailors an integrative approach for each individual. He is an expert in supportive, psychodynamic, and medication therapies and draws on the latest medical, neuroscientific, and holistic advances. He specializes in treatments for ADHD, mood/anxiety, memory and concentration issues, and difficulties with work, relationship, and cultural identity stressors.
Are you seeking a caring and compassionate provider who is attentive to your various dimensions: emotional, biological, cultural, and spiritual? Mohsin Ahmed, MD, PhD is a Columbia, Cambridge, and Cornell University educated and trained psychiatrist and neuroscientist who uniquely tailors an integrative approach for each individual. He is an expert in supportive, psychodynamic, and medication therapies and draws on the latest medical, neuroscientific, and holistic advances. He specializes in treatments for ADHD, mood/anxiety, memory and concentration issues, and difficulties with work, relationship, and cultural identity stressors.
(646) 679-2836 View (646) 679-2836

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Tara Brass, MD, Psychiatrist
Tara Brass
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Scarsdale, NY 10583
I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned my MD from Jefferson Medical College. I completed my Psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai (NYC) where I received extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. My specialties are in the areas of mood, anxiety and eating disorders. I am also trained and certified as a health coach by The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I have maintained a private practice in Scarsdale since 2005 and I am now thrilled to be able to offer my services to patients in Florida via my telemedicine practice.
I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned my MD from Jefferson Medical College. I completed my Psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai (NYC) where I received extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. My specialties are in the areas of mood, anxiety and eating disorders. I am also trained and certified as a health coach by The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I have maintained a private practice in Scarsdale since 2005 and I am now thrilled to be able to offer my services to patients in Florida via my telemedicine practice.
(914) 499-0168 View (914) 499-0168
Photo of Dr. Michael Nakhla, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Michael Nakhla
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I'm a board-certified adult psychiatrist, and my practice is anchored in an individualized treatment approach for each of my patients. This includes psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and when indicated, medication management, for the treatment of a broad range of issues or psychiatric illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), ADHD, work stress, low self-esteem and relationship/familial challenges.
I'm a board-certified adult psychiatrist, and my practice is anchored in an individualized treatment approach for each of my patients. This includes psychotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and when indicated, medication management, for the treatment of a broad range of issues or psychiatric illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), ADHD, work stress, low self-esteem and relationship/familial challenges.
(929) 499-0712 View (929) 499-0712
Photo of Leah C Susser, MD, Psychiatrist
Leah C Susser
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
White Plains, NY 10605
I specialize in women's mental health, including helping women who are planning to get pregnant, pregnant, postpartum, with PMS/PMDD or symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, in the perimenopausal period, undergoing infertility treatment, and after perinatal loss. I also help women at any stage of their lives with anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, postpartum psychosis, menstrual psychosis, and bipolar disorder. I offer one-time consultations, medication management, and evidence-based psychotherapy.
I specialize in women's mental health, including helping women who are planning to get pregnant, pregnant, postpartum, with PMS/PMDD or symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, in the perimenopausal period, undergoing infertility treatment, and after perinatal loss. I also help women at any stage of their lives with anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, postpartum psychosis, menstrual psychosis, and bipolar disorder. I offer one-time consultations, medication management, and evidence-based psychotherapy.
(845) 413-2981 View (845) 413-2981
Photo of Cara Gouldey, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cara Gouldey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
(267) 358-6157 View (267) 358-6157
Photo of Daniel G. Wong, MD, Psychiatrist
Daniel G. Wong
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Ardsley, NY 10502
As a board certified psychiatrist, trained in both medication management and talk therapy, I offer a holistic and empathic clinical approach to your treatment that values open communication, warmth, honesty, and professionalism. Whether it is talk therapy, medication management, or both, we will work collaboratively to develop a treatment approach that is consistent with your unique needs and goals. I provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, consultations and various modalities of psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults.
As a board certified psychiatrist, trained in both medication management and talk therapy, I offer a holistic and empathic clinical approach to your treatment that values open communication, warmth, honesty, and professionalism. Whether it is talk therapy, medication management, or both, we will work collaboratively to develop a treatment approach that is consistent with your unique needs and goals. I provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, consultations and various modalities of psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults.
(646) 798-6589 View (646) 798-6589
Photo of John A. Zagat - New York Psychiatry + Therapy PC, MD, Psychiatrist
New York Psychiatry + Therapy PC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
We have a great team on staff including John Zagat, M.D., Sophia Mason, PhD, RN, Jennifer Barresi, RN, and Scott Palyo, M.D. We offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management, individual and group therapy and psychological testing in New York. John Zagat is a board-certified psychiatrist working in private practice and is licensed in NY, PA, CT and NJ. He is affiliated with NYU Child Study Center as an Adjunct Faculty Member, and he is a volunteer faculty member at New York Medical College.
We have a great team on staff including John Zagat, M.D., Sophia Mason, PhD, RN, Jennifer Barresi, RN, and Scott Palyo, M.D. We offer psychiatric evaluations and medication management, individual and group therapy and psychological testing in New York. John Zagat is a board-certified psychiatrist working in private practice and is licensed in NY, PA, CT and NJ. He is affiliated with NYU Child Study Center as an Adjunct Faculty Member, and he is a volunteer faculty member at New York Medical College.
(212) 301-0517 View (212) 301-0517
Photo of Patricia Grendell, RN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Patricia Grendell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stress and distress using a multitude of medicine-based and non-pharmacological methods to achieve increased well-being and recovery. I tailor treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic stress and distress using a multitude of medicine-based and non-pharmacological methods to achieve increased well-being and recovery. I tailor treatment to the goals, needs, and comfort level of each individual at her or his own pace.
(914) 502-4346 View (914) 502-4346
Photo of Annie Jie Xu, Psychiatrist
Annie Jie Xu
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
White Plains, NY 10603
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Annie Xu is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in general psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine. She received her general psychiatry training at New York Medical College and completed specialized fellowship training in psychosomatic medicine and psycho-oncology at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Xu has expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, adjustment issues related to trauma, medical illness, life transitions, and grief in addition to unique therapy modalities specific to cancer related diagnoses.
Dr. Annie Xu is a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in general psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine. She received her general psychiatry training at New York Medical College and completed specialized fellowship training in psychosomatic medicine and psycho-oncology at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Xu has expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, adjustment issues related to trauma, medical illness, life transitions, and grief in addition to unique therapy modalities specific to cancer related diagnoses.
(914) 292-7935 View (914) 292-7935
Photo of Philip Benjamin Cawkwell, MD, Psychiatrist
Philip Benjamin Cawkwell
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child/Adolescent Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, as well as the most up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child/Adolescent Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, as well as the most up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
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Photo of Fadekemi Olude - Goodness Psychiatry , APRN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Goodness Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Katonah, NY 10536
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
(914) 685-6578 View (914) 685-6578
Photo of Felipe Castillo, MD, Psychiatrist
Felipe Castillo
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
Waitlist for new clients
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist sub-specialized in addiction psychiatry who provides comprehensive mental health treatment for adults - including psychotherapy and medication management. I will work together with you on your mental health needs without being judged, ignored or misunderstood. I intentionally have a low volume private practice in order to deliver personalized care. I primarily see patients on Thursdays evenings in person, and remotely other evenings.
I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist sub-specialized in addiction psychiatry who provides comprehensive mental health treatment for adults - including psychotherapy and medication management. I will work together with you on your mental health needs without being judged, ignored or misunderstood. I intentionally have a low volume private practice in order to deliver personalized care. I primarily see patients on Thursdays evenings in person, and remotely other evenings.
(646) 798-9661 View (646) 798-9661
Robin Schafer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CPNP
Verified Verified
Scarsdale, NY 10583
I understand mental health disorders as being a very disruptive time in one's life. My over 15 years as a medical practitioner incorporates my knowledge as a mental health professional in treating the entire patient. I specialize in collaborating with your therapist and providing medication and medication management for unresolved disorders. I do not generally medicate on the first visit, rather I take the time to properly diagnose and titrate medication appropriately when warranted.
I understand mental health disorders as being a very disruptive time in one's life. My over 15 years as a medical practitioner incorporates my knowledge as a mental health professional in treating the entire patient. I specialize in collaborating with your therapist and providing medication and medication management for unresolved disorders. I do not generally medicate on the first visit, rather I take the time to properly diagnose and titrate medication appropriately when warranted.
(646) 392-7239 View (646) 392-7239
Photo of Vanessa Leigh Carroll, MD, Psychiatrist
Vanessa Leigh Carroll
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Ardsley, NY 10502
As a psychiatrist I wear many different hats while supporting my clients, but first and foremost I’m a psychotherapist and that is where I do my most rewarding work. I use my background in Integrative Psychiatry to give my clients a 360 degree treatment plan, including supplements, lifestyle modification and psychiatric medications when appropriate. My approach appreciates that while psychiatric drugs and supplements can help they are not the cure and most patients need that therapeutic space in order to thrive and steer the treatment in a new direction.
As a psychiatrist I wear many different hats while supporting my clients, but first and foremost I’m a psychotherapist and that is where I do my most rewarding work. I use my background in Integrative Psychiatry to give my clients a 360 degree treatment plan, including supplements, lifestyle modification and psychiatric medications when appropriate. My approach appreciates that while psychiatric drugs and supplements can help they are not the cure and most patients need that therapeutic space in order to thrive and steer the treatment in a new direction.
(914) 506-5448 View (914) 506-5448
Photo of Kimberly Levitt - Orenda Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Orenda Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Online Only
My name is Kimberly Levitt. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric NP. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health treatment that prioritizes individual need. I encourage each patient to take an active role in their treatment as this overwhelmingly results in successful outcomes. I have experience in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. I try to fully understand my patients and I provide a therapeutic space for them to feel comfortable sharing their story. I combine medication with talk therapy in each session.
My name is Kimberly Levitt. I am a Board Certified Psychiatric NP. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health treatment that prioritizes individual need. I encourage each patient to take an active role in their treatment as this overwhelmingly results in successful outcomes. I have experience in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. I try to fully understand my patients and I provide a therapeutic space for them to feel comfortable sharing their story. I combine medication with talk therapy in each session.
(347) 707-7735 View (347) 707-7735
Photo of Jennifer C McKenna, MS, PNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer C McKenna
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Croton On Hudson, NY 10520
We are living in an extraordinary moment in human history. Change is coming...we can all feel it. Are you struggling to find your place in this time? You're meant to be part of it, yet you struggle with addiction, depression, anxiety, self-deprecation, or other deep-seated discomfort.
We are living in an extraordinary moment in human history. Change is coming...we can all feel it. Are you struggling to find your place in this time? You're meant to be part of it, yet you struggle with addiction, depression, anxiety, self-deprecation, or other deep-seated discomfort.
(914) 861-3693 View (914) 861-3693

See more therapy options for Purchase

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Purchase, NY

< 10

Psychiatrists in Purchase, NY who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Medication Management
80% ADHD
80% Sleep or Insomnia
60% Relationship Issues
60% Grief

Average years in practice

13 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BHS | Behavioral Health Systems
100% BlueCross and BlueShield

How Psychiatrists in Purchase, NY see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

75% Male
25% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Purchase?

The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.

In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.

Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.

When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?

The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.

Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?

Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.

While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.

How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?

It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.

A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.

Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?

A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?

Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.