Psychiatrists in Roslyn, NY

Dr. Thertus completed medical school at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, followed by residency and fellowship in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She has broad experience treating a variety of psychiatric conditions, patients from diverse backgrounds and is double board certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. She emphasizes shared decision making , encouraging personal input in goal setting and the recovery process.
Dr. Thertus completed medical school at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, followed by residency and fellowship in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She has broad experience treating a variety of psychiatric conditions, patients from diverse backgrounds and is double board certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. She emphasizes shared decision making , encouraging personal input in goal setting and the recovery process.

Alicia Portuondo-Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Roslyn, NY 11576
A Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who treats children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of behavioral and emotional difficulties. Specializing in anxiety, depression, and women's issues especially related to post-partum mental health and motherhood stressors. It is my belief that it is essential to initiate treatment with a thorough psychiatric evaluation and a collaborative plan that engages the patient and family (when applicable) to participate in the overall treatment plan that may include therapy and or medication management.
A Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who treats children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of behavioral and emotional difficulties. Specializing in anxiety, depression, and women's issues especially related to post-partum mental health and motherhood stressors. It is my belief that it is essential to initiate treatment with a thorough psychiatric evaluation and a collaborative plan that engages the patient and family (when applicable) to participate in the overall treatment plan that may include therapy and or medication management.

Dr. Sally Habib is board certified in both general adult psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine. She specializes in providing medication management as well as psychotherapy. In addition to the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders her areas of expertise include reproductive psychiatry as well as management of psychiatric symptoms occurring from complex medical illness. She has a private practice in Manhattan and Long Island and has previously served as the associate director of the Consultation Liaison Psychiatry service at NYU Langone Medical Center for over a decade.
Dr. Sally Habib is board certified in both general adult psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine. She specializes in providing medication management as well as psychotherapy. In addition to the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders her areas of expertise include reproductive psychiatry as well as management of psychiatric symptoms occurring from complex medical illness. She has a private practice in Manhattan and Long Island and has previously served as the associate director of the Consultation Liaison Psychiatry service at NYU Langone Medical Center for over a decade.

I have over 40 years experience as an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. I help people who want to gain control over their emotions and behaviors through psychotherapy. I successfully treat patients who suffer from severe mental illnesses who require medication management as part of a treatment plan. I treat children with various emotional and developmental problems and coordinate care with other professionals. I perform evaluations to help patients with legal and occupational problems. I am often consulted to help families going through divorce and other losses.
I have over 40 years experience as an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. I help people who want to gain control over their emotions and behaviors through psychotherapy. I successfully treat patients who suffer from severe mental illnesses who require medication management as part of a treatment plan. I treat children with various emotional and developmental problems and coordinate care with other professionals. I perform evaluations to help patients with legal and occupational problems. I am often consulted to help families going through divorce and other losses.

Vanessa Barisano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC MSN, BSN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My vision is for all women and mothers to feel worthy of mental health treatment without fear or judgement. Women have unique needs based on what stage of life they are in. Whether you are preconception, pregnant, postpartum or "empty nesting", I have the expertise to manage your needs. My passion is helping women navigate through all their transitions & difficulties with compassion and empathy!
My vision is for all women and mothers to feel worthy of mental health treatment without fear or judgement. Women have unique needs based on what stage of life they are in. Whether you are preconception, pregnant, postpartum or "empty nesting", I have the expertise to manage your needs. My passion is helping women navigate through all their transitions & difficulties with compassion and empathy!

Feeling "stuck" in your career, daily life, or relationships can be overwhelming - yet reading these words means there is an opportunity for change. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences and emotions shape who you are and work toward growth and clarity.
Using psychodynamic and relational approaches, with touches of CBT and DBT, I aim to foster lasting change. If needed, thoughtfully prescribed medications can ease pain and support progress. Let’s create a path that feels right for you.
Feeling "stuck" in your career, daily life, or relationships can be overwhelming - yet reading these words means there is an opportunity for change. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences and emotions shape who you are and work toward growth and clarity.
Using psychodynamic and relational approaches, with touches of CBT and DBT, I aim to foster lasting change. If needed, thoughtfully prescribed medications can ease pain and support progress. Let’s create a path that feels right for you.

As a psychoanalytically trained psychiatrist, I provide comprehensive treatment for a variety of mental health problems informed by the view of each person as an integrated body/mind/brain individual. The state of that integration is reflected in the physical, emotional and social wellbeing, manifesting in depressed and anxious states, as well as a variety of other mental and/or physical problems. Treatment recommendations are based on the assessment of these disturbances in the context of understanding personal history, as well as present day life demands and aspirations. They include individual, couples or family psychotherapy, with psychotropic medication if indicated.
As a psychoanalytically trained psychiatrist, I provide comprehensive treatment for a variety of mental health problems informed by the view of each person as an integrated body/mind/brain individual. The state of that integration is reflected in the physical, emotional and social wellbeing, manifesting in depressed and anxious states, as well as a variety of other mental and/or physical problems. Treatment recommendations are based on the assessment of these disturbances in the context of understanding personal history, as well as present day life demands and aspirations. They include individual, couples or family psychotherapy, with psychotropic medication if indicated.

Christella Medozile
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in the state of New York to provide family-centered healthcare to patients of all ages. With over fifteen years of experience in healthcare, my scope of practice encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and management of common medical and Psychiatry care problems.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in the state of New York to provide family-centered healthcare to patients of all ages. With over fifteen years of experience in healthcare, my scope of practice encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and management of common medical and Psychiatry care problems.

Dr. Krakower is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and formerly served as Unit Chief of Psychiatry at Northwell Health / Zucker Hillside Hospital. He is internationally recognized for his work with patients suffering from trauma, anxiety, video gaming, head injuries, coronavirus recovery, and addiction. He has provided expert opinion for hundreds of studies worldwide. He is recognized as a top physician by SuperDoctors and was a group recipient of the the Catchers in the Rye Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Krakower is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and formerly served as Unit Chief of Psychiatry at Northwell Health / Zucker Hillside Hospital. He is internationally recognized for his work with patients suffering from trauma, anxiety, video gaming, head injuries, coronavirus recovery, and addiction. He has provided expert opinion for hundreds of studies worldwide. He is recognized as a top physician by SuperDoctors and was a group recipient of the the Catchers in the Rye Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Victoria Capobianco | Psychiatry & TMS
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We are currently accepting new patients for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive, clinically and FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate under-active areas of the brain, over a series of 36 (18 min) treatments. Primarily used for treatment-resistant depression, TMS also treats anxiety, OCD and PTSD. Unlike medication, TMS directly targets neural activity without systemic side effects, making it a valuable option for individuals who haven't responded well to traditional treatments.
We are currently accepting new patients for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive, clinically and FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate under-active areas of the brain, over a series of 36 (18 min) treatments. Primarily used for treatment-resistant depression, TMS also treats anxiety, OCD and PTSD. Unlike medication, TMS directly targets neural activity without systemic side effects, making it a valuable option for individuals who haven't responded well to traditional treatments.

Dr. Balfour is a Yale University graduate and is triple board certified. At Discreet Medical, PC, we offer compassionate mental health services, using evidence based medicine, science, and collaborative care to provide our patients with tools to help them accomplish their goals. We specialize in treating patients suffering from mental conditions who may also be afflicted with concomitant medical conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases or inflammatory diseases. We serve driven professionals to help support their goals and endeavors.
Dr. Balfour is a Yale University graduate and is triple board certified. At Discreet Medical, PC, we offer compassionate mental health services, using evidence based medicine, science, and collaborative care to provide our patients with tools to help them accomplish their goals. We specialize in treating patients suffering from mental conditions who may also be afflicted with concomitant medical conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases or inflammatory diseases. We serve driven professionals to help support their goals and endeavors.

I am an experienced Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master's Degree in Nursing from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing. I was honored to receive Northwell Health’s Advanced Clinical Providers Recognition Award in the Department of Psychiatry in 2019. I work with a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and insomnia.
I am an experienced Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master's Degree in Nursing from Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing. I was honored to receive Northwell Health’s Advanced Clinical Providers Recognition Award in the Department of Psychiatry in 2019. I work with a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and insomnia.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am an expert in providing mental health care to adults and the geriatric population. My approach is collaborative and focused on responding to the needs and priorities of individual clients. Common challenges my clients seek treatment include anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, mood disorder, sleep disturbances, and psychotic episodes. My practice model also includes psychotherapy techniques in addition to medication management.
As a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am an expert in providing mental health care to adults and the geriatric population. My approach is collaborative and focused on responding to the needs and priorities of individual clients. Common challenges my clients seek treatment include anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, mood disorder, sleep disturbances, and psychotic episodes. My practice model also includes psychotherapy techniques in addition to medication management.

Dr. Mudasar Hassan, MD is a boardcertified psychiatrist at LifeStance Health in New York. With board certifications in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Hassan is committed to helping patients of all ages navigate the complexities of their mental health challenges. He offers personalized treatment plans, medication management, and a holistic, integrative approach to care, ensuring that each patient receives the support they need to achieve their mental health goals. Dr.
Dr. Mudasar Hassan, MD is a boardcertified psychiatrist at LifeStance Health in New York. With board certifications in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Hassan is committed to helping patients of all ages navigate the complexities of their mental health challenges. He offers personalized treatment plans, medication management, and a holistic, integrative approach to care, ensuring that each patient receives the support they need to achieve their mental health goals. Dr.

I am board -certified mental health nurse practitioner who simplifies mental health life experiences and also helps to address emotional challenges that could feel overwhelming at times by using pharmacotherapy approach. These challenges are addressed by connecting to my patients, helping them find purposes and guiding them towards balance. The goal is to make the patients life more peaceful and enjoyable.
I am board -certified mental health nurse practitioner who simplifies mental health life experiences and also helps to address emotional challenges that could feel overwhelming at times by using pharmacotherapy approach. These challenges are addressed by connecting to my patients, helping them find purposes and guiding them towards balance. The goal is to make the patients life more peaceful and enjoyable.

Dr. Frieder is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in women’s mental health. This includes emotional and psychological problems during pregnancy, postpartum, perinatal losses, infertility, menopause, perimenopause and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. She pursued a residency in OBGYN in Argentina, and a residency in Adult Psychiatry and Fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in The Bronx, NY. Dr. Frieder worked and taught at Montefiore Medical Group and at Zucker Hillside Hospital where she served as the Physician in Charge of the Perinatal Program.
Dr. Frieder is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in women’s mental health. This includes emotional and psychological problems during pregnancy, postpartum, perinatal losses, infertility, menopause, perimenopause and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. She pursued a residency in OBGYN in Argentina, and a residency in Adult Psychiatry and Fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in The Bronx, NY. Dr. Frieder worked and taught at Montefiore Medical Group and at Zucker Hillside Hospital where she served as the Physician in Charge of the Perinatal Program.

Humanistic Family Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, MSN, NPP, BC
Verified Verified
Long Beach, NY 11561
Humanistic Family Psychiatry & Addiction Treatment is a Sole Psychiatric/Addiction Treatment Practice located on the South Shore of Long Island. As a practitioner, I provide an integrative humanistic approach caring for children, adolescent, adults suffering from mental health issues as well as provide addiction treatment to those who suffer from substance abuse disorders. I treat each individual according to the whole person not just a diagnosis. I address persons mind, body and spirit. My mission is to return a person to their optimal health & assist one to live a happy, healthier & fulfilled life. Holistic approach used for treatment as well.
Humanistic Family Psychiatry & Addiction Treatment is a Sole Psychiatric/Addiction Treatment Practice located on the South Shore of Long Island. As a practitioner, I provide an integrative humanistic approach caring for children, adolescent, adults suffering from mental health issues as well as provide addiction treatment to those who suffer from substance abuse disorders. I treat each individual according to the whole person not just a diagnosis. I address persons mind, body and spirit. My mission is to return a person to their optimal health & assist one to live a happy, healthier & fulfilled life. Holistic approach used for treatment as well.

As a dedicated board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in New York, I render hope for individuals battling mental illness and substance abuse. With a profound commitment to healing, I offer teletherapy services, leveraging technology to reach those in need regardless of location. Armed with a wealth of expertise and compassion, I provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Some common issues potential clients seeking treatment from me usually consist of : substance abuse, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and low motivation.
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in New York, I render hope for individuals battling mental illness and substance abuse. With a profound commitment to healing, I offer teletherapy services, leveraging technology to reach those in need regardless of location. Armed with a wealth of expertise and compassion, I provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and circumstances. Some common issues potential clients seeking treatment from me usually consist of : substance abuse, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and low motivation.

Dr. Amanda Lefkowitz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and I’d like to welcome you to my practice. I am experienced in diagnosing, assessing, and providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. I prescribe medications within the context of a holistic and culturally sensitive approach. From genetic testing to bio-psycho-social assessment of your situation, I am dedicated to making thoughtful and informed treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. I recognize the value of healing within the context of a positive, supportive and safe relationship. I collaborate extensively with other health care providers in your team.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and I’d like to welcome you to my practice. I am experienced in diagnosing, assessing, and providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. I prescribe medications within the context of a holistic and culturally sensitive approach. From genetic testing to bio-psycho-social assessment of your situation, I am dedicated to making thoughtful and informed treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. I recognize the value of healing within the context of a positive, supportive and safe relationship. I collaborate extensively with other health care providers in your team.

Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-C, AGNP-BC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Mr. Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health & Adult Nurse Practitioner, Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus specializes in Suboxone, Alcohol Addiction, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Pain Management Treatment at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction Services. He can provide confidential online treatment plans and consultations for you or a loved one seeking help.
Mr. Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health & Adult Nurse Practitioner, Jean-Jeffrey Marcellus specializes in Suboxone, Alcohol Addiction, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Pain Management Treatment at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction Services. He can provide confidential online treatment plans and consultations for you or a loved one seeking help.
See more therapy options for Roslyn
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Roslyn, NY
10+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Roslyn, NY who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
83% | Depression |
83% | Medication Management |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | Self Esteem |
58% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
18 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Aetna |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | Oxford |
How Psychiatrists in Roslyn, NY see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Roslyn?
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.