Psychiatrists in Berwyn, PA

Maria Capriotti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , PMHNP , AGACNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312
Maria Capriotti is a licensed, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in medicine and neuroscience. She provides integrative care, addressing both physiological and psychological symptoms. She enjoys collaborating with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote lasting well-being. Before specializing in psychiatry, Ms. Capriotti worked as a Nurse Practitioner in critical care, managing complex medical and surgical patients. It was during this time that she recognized the need for quality mental health care and shifted her focus to psychiatry.
Maria Capriotti is a licensed, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in medicine and neuroscience. She provides integrative care, addressing both physiological and psychological symptoms. She enjoys collaborating with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote lasting well-being. Before specializing in psychiatry, Ms. Capriotti worked as a Nurse Practitioner in critical care, managing complex medical and surgical patients. It was during this time that she recognized the need for quality mental health care and shifted her focus to psychiatry.

Terri Geiger Leone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berwyn, PA 19312
Terri Leone, CRNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new clients at the office of Jeffrey Naser, MD and Associates (voted one of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021), a group practice in Berwyn, PA. Ms. Leone is trained in all areas of psychiatry, including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders.
Terri Leone, CRNP, is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new clients at the office of Jeffrey Naser, MD and Associates (voted one of Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021), a group practice in Berwyn, PA. Ms. Leone is trained in all areas of psychiatry, including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Trauma-Related Disorders.

Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC is a private, fee-for service psychiatric practice in Berwyn PA. Dr. Naser's team includes Ms. Maria Capriotti and Ms. Terri Leone, both Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. We provide psychiatric assessment, second opinions and medication management for children, teens and adults. We have significant experience working with a range of psychiatric challenges including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, and others. Our initial evalations are done in-person. We offer a choice for follow up visits, either remote or in-person. We work hard to provide a trusting and collaborative relationship.
Jeffrey Naser MD, LLC is a private, fee-for service psychiatric practice in Berwyn PA. Dr. Naser's team includes Ms. Maria Capriotti and Ms. Terri Leone, both Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. We provide psychiatric assessment, second opinions and medication management for children, teens and adults. We have significant experience working with a range of psychiatric challenges including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, OCD, PTSD, and others. Our initial evalations are done in-person. We offer a choice for follow up visits, either remote or in-person. We work hard to provide a trusting and collaborative relationship.

Dena Caplan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. She earned a PMHNP from Wilkes University and a CPNP-PC from Thomas Jefferson University. Dena has been practicing as a Pediatric Nurse. Outside of work, Dena enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and children.
Dena Caplan is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. She earned a PMHNP from Wilkes University and a CPNP-PC from Thomas Jefferson University. Dena has been practicing as a Pediatric Nurse. Outside of work, Dena enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and children.
Kristy Washington, CRNPBC, PMHNP is a dedicated mental health provider who offers compassionate care to patients across Pennsylvania, specializing in treating adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. With extensive experience in both medication management and therapy, Kristy provides comprehensive treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, substance abuse, and more. She tailors her approach to each patients unique needs, using a combination of evidencebased therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy DBT to help individuals achieve emotional stability and improved mental health.
Kristy Washington, CRNPBC, PMHNP is a dedicated mental health provider who offers compassionate care to patients across Pennsylvania, specializing in treating adults with a wide range of mental health conditions. With extensive experience in both medication management and therapy, Kristy provides comprehensive treatment to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, substance abuse, and more. She tailors her approach to each patients unique needs, using a combination of evidencebased therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy DBT to help individuals achieve emotional stability and improved mental health.

WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! North Star Psychiatry offers medication management and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. We accept new patients between ages 4 and 25 years. Patients outside of this age range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. We offer a hybrid treatment model with in-person visits at our physical location in Malvern, PA and telepsychiatry visits anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. We have extensive experience working with young people who are living with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.

My ideal client is a transgender or LGBTQI individual, navigating identity, mental health challenges, or transitioning. They often face issues like anxiety, depression, and societal stigma, leading to a need for understanding, support, and effective treatment. Their goals include finding acceptance, enhancing self-esteem, and successfully managing their mental health during transitions. They want a compassionate ally who respects their identity and provides tailored medication recommendations and consultations. Ultimately, they seek empowerment, authenticity, and the tools to thrive in a world that often feels unwelcoming.
My ideal client is a transgender or LGBTQI individual, navigating identity, mental health challenges, or transitioning. They often face issues like anxiety, depression, and societal stigma, leading to a need for understanding, support, and effective treatment. Their goals include finding acceptance, enhancing self-esteem, and successfully managing their mental health during transitions. They want a compassionate ally who respects their identity and provides tailored medication recommendations and consultations. Ultimately, they seek empowerment, authenticity, and the tools to thrive in a world that often feels unwelcoming.

I'm Dr David Danish, a double board-certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist practicing in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I lead Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, a concierge mental health practice based in Devon, Pennsylvania, where we offer a wide range of services, including medication management, therapy, ketamine for depression, ketamine-assisted therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), neurofeedback, biofeedback, wrap-around services, executive function services, and autism testing. My team and I provide care both in-person and virtually, and I hold licenses in PA, NJ, NY, DE, FL, WY, UT, and CO.
I'm Dr David Danish, a double board-certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist practicing in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I lead Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, a concierge mental health practice based in Devon, Pennsylvania, where we offer a wide range of services, including medication management, therapy, ketamine for depression, ketamine-assisted therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), neurofeedback, biofeedback, wrap-around services, executive function services, and autism testing. My team and I provide care both in-person and virtually, and I hold licenses in PA, NJ, NY, DE, FL, WY, UT, and CO.

Are you ready for change? If you are struggling with mood, anxiety or substance use, we can help. At Thalia Medical, our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. Our services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. Let us be part of change. We are now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
Are you ready for change? If you are struggling with mood, anxiety or substance use, we can help. At Thalia Medical, our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. Our services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. Let us be part of change. We are now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
More Psychiatrists Nearby

Dr. Burritt is Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has experience working with all ages from young children to older adults from various backgrounds. His training enabled him to see a wide range of patient situations at hospitals including Einstein, Jefferson, and Nemours DuPont. He enjoys working with individuals as well as couples and families. In addition to treating specific symptoms such as depression or anxiety, patients and he have worked together to address other challenges such as improving relationships or identifying what is blocking them from getting more out of life.
Dr. Burritt is Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has experience working with all ages from young children to older adults from various backgrounds. His training enabled him to see a wide range of patient situations at hospitals including Einstein, Jefferson, and Nemours DuPont. He enjoys working with individuals as well as couples and families. In addition to treating specific symptoms such as depression or anxiety, patients and he have worked together to address other challenges such as improving relationships or identifying what is blocking them from getting more out of life.

Ms. Andrews has over 18 years of extensive expertise in Nursing, spanning from Community Health to Psychiatry. Ericka utilizes a patient centered approach and therapeutic communication to address the needs, barriers, and concerns of each individual. She encourages her patients to focus on progress in place of perfection while moving towards an improved sense of well-being. Ericka’s care is based on the premise that patients respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. She places special emphasis on the integration of a psychotherapeutic approach with careful and limited use of medication prescribed only when necessary.
Ms. Andrews has over 18 years of extensive expertise in Nursing, spanning from Community Health to Psychiatry. Ericka utilizes a patient centered approach and therapeutic communication to address the needs, barriers, and concerns of each individual. She encourages her patients to focus on progress in place of perfection while moving towards an improved sense of well-being. Ericka’s care is based on the premise that patients respond best to a combination of therapy and medication. She places special emphasis on the integration of a psychotherapeutic approach with careful and limited use of medication prescribed only when necessary.

Kimberly Joffe, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and part of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, which treats children, adolescents and adults for in-office and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatry. Ms. Joffe is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. Ms. Joffe is available for Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults 18 years of age and up. She is board certified to prescribe psychiatric medications. She is also a Clinical Instructor for The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing.
Kimberly Joffe, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and part of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, which treats children, adolescents and adults for in-office and Virtual Telehealth Psychiatry. Ms. Joffe is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. Ms. Joffe is available for Psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults 18 years of age and up. She is board certified to prescribe psychiatric medications. She is also a Clinical Instructor for The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing.

Catherine Mazzie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , CRNP , FNP-C, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
West Chester, PA 19380
Are you ready to start your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself? My clients experience a range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, or drug or alcohol addiction that leads them to feel disconnected from themselves or others. I am here to openly listen to your concerns, offer evidence-based treatment plans, practice cultural competence, and avoid making personal judgments.
Are you ready to start your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself? My clients experience a range of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, or drug or alcohol addiction that leads them to feel disconnected from themselves or others. I am here to openly listen to your concerns, offer evidence-based treatment plans, practice cultural competence, and avoid making personal judgments.

I am a psychiatric NP currently accepting new clients for medication management. I enjoy working with folks across the lifespan, and have a special fondness for working with teens and young adults. I have experience working inpatient, outpatient, and by telehealth. I can help with issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and mood disorders. As a nurse practitioner, I work on a holistic level, and approach my clients as individuals, rather than focusing on a particular diagnosis. My clients and I work together to identify targets for treatment, and discuss how medication may play a role in meeting their wellness goals.
I am a psychiatric NP currently accepting new clients for medication management. I enjoy working with folks across the lifespan, and have a special fondness for working with teens and young adults. I have experience working inpatient, outpatient, and by telehealth. I can help with issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and mood disorders. As a nurse practitioner, I work on a holistic level, and approach my clients as individuals, rather than focusing on a particular diagnosis. My clients and I work together to identify targets for treatment, and discuss how medication may play a role in meeting their wellness goals.

I understand that your mental health is too important for one-size-fits-all "fixes." That’s why I focus on holistic and integrative psychiatry, offering a personalized approach that goes beyond conventional care.
I understand that your mental health is too important for one-size-fits-all "fixes." That’s why I focus on holistic and integrative psychiatry, offering a personalized approach that goes beyond conventional care.

I have devoted my time caring for patients as a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to create an impact in the health and mental well being of individuals in diverse communities. By providing unconditional acceptance of their symptoms in a stigma free-environment and encouraging self-advocacy, I have been able to encourage physical, emotional, and mental health recovery. Through encouragement, acceptance, and advocacy my patients have found recovery and healing that is meaningful and attainable, thereby influencing their personal desire for health promotion and self care
I have devoted my time caring for patients as a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to create an impact in the health and mental well being of individuals in diverse communities. By providing unconditional acceptance of their symptoms in a stigma free-environment and encouraging self-advocacy, I have been able to encourage physical, emotional, and mental health recovery. Through encouragement, acceptance, and advocacy my patients have found recovery and healing that is meaningful and attainable, thereby influencing their personal desire for health promotion and self care

Oluyemi Alabi Olaore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMH-NP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My name is Oluyemi Olaore. I’m a board-certified psychiatric-mental health practitioner. My academic journey includes a BSc in Microbiology, a BSN in Nursing, and MSN in Psychiatric and mental health nursing. Over the space of 13 years of experience in nursing, I have held several positions in home care, wound care, medical-surgical, geriatric, and psychiatry.
My name is Oluyemi Olaore. I’m a board-certified psychiatric-mental health practitioner. My academic journey includes a BSc in Microbiology, a BSN in Nursing, and MSN in Psychiatric and mental health nursing. Over the space of 13 years of experience in nursing, I have held several positions in home care, wound care, medical-surgical, geriatric, and psychiatry.

Suparna Basu is an experienced and compassionate board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in caring for those with a variety of mental health problems and emotional issues . Dr. Basu is a psychopharmacologist who focuses primarily on medication management. She prefers her patients have a separate therapist that she can collaborate with. Dr. Basu's approach can best be described as interpersonal/humanistic, one in which her working relationship is every bit as important as any medication you might decide to use. You can learn more about Dr.Basu on her website; http://basupsychiatry.com
Suparna Basu is an experienced and compassionate board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in caring for those with a variety of mental health problems and emotional issues . Dr. Basu is a psychopharmacologist who focuses primarily on medication management. She prefers her patients have a separate therapist that she can collaborate with. Dr. Basu's approach can best be described as interpersonal/humanistic, one in which her working relationship is every bit as important as any medication you might decide to use. You can learn more about Dr.Basu on her website; http://basupsychiatry.com

Joseph Gagnon Jr.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN, BS, RN-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chesterbrook, PA 19087
Joe Gagnon, owner of Psychiatric Edge, brings nearly 15 years of psychiatric experience treating children, adolescents, and adults, with expertise in ADHD, ASD, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic and Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and PANDAS. He integrates plant-based medicine, supplements, and genetic testing into his approach, offering clients alternative options. Joe presents nationally on complex psychiatric topics and holds certifications in addiction treatment (MAT) and clozapine prescribing. He also has extensive experience using LDN. Additionally, he has served as a clinical faculty instructor for 25 different universities.
Joe Gagnon, owner of Psychiatric Edge, brings nearly 15 years of psychiatric experience treating children, adolescents, and adults, with expertise in ADHD, ASD, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic and Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and PANDAS. He integrates plant-based medicine, supplements, and genetic testing into his approach, offering clients alternative options. Joe presents nationally on complex psychiatric topics and holds certifications in addiction treatment (MAT) and clozapine prescribing. He also has extensive experience using LDN. Additionally, he has served as a clinical faculty instructor for 25 different universities.

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.
See more therapy options for Berwyn
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Berwyn, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Berwyn, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
89% | ADHD |
89% | Trauma and PTSD |
89% | Bipolar Disorder |
89% | Medication Management |
78% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
67% | BHS | Behavioral Health Systems |
67% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Berwyn, PA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
37% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Berwyn?
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.