Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA

Mallory Mizvitowicz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN-RN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Broomall, PA 19008
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in Pennsylvania. I'm board certified to work with patients across the lifespan. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner I worked as a psychiatric nurse for 7 years at various facilities in the Philadelphia area. I earned my BSN & MSN from La Salle, and am currently working on my Doctorate there as well. I also work as adjunct faculty at the La Salle University school of nursing. I have worked with patients representing a range of ages and diagnoses in various settings, and look forward to sharing my clinical knowledge and experience with my patients.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed in Pennsylvania. I'm board certified to work with patients across the lifespan. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner I worked as a psychiatric nurse for 7 years at various facilities in the Philadelphia area. I earned my BSN & MSN from La Salle, and am currently working on my Doctorate there as well. I also work as adjunct faculty at the La Salle University school of nursing. I have worked with patients representing a range of ages and diagnoses in various settings, and look forward to sharing my clinical knowledge and experience with my patients.

A psychiatry and psychotherapy practice that’s grounded in its commitment to elevating lives, our bespoke care enables patients to break patterns that no longer serve them. By providing effective, individualized and collaborative evidence-based treatment, we collaborate with our patients to rediscover what was lost or what they’re now seeking.
A psychiatry and psychotherapy practice that’s grounded in its commitment to elevating lives, our bespoke care enables patients to break patterns that no longer serve them. By providing effective, individualized and collaborative evidence-based treatment, we collaborate with our patients to rediscover what was lost or what they’re now seeking.

Dr. Pranesh N. Patel is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Patel offers a whole lifestyle approach to mental health, the mind is affected by much more than just medications, sleep, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy alone. Mental health treatment is the combination of these things in conjunction with one another. Outside of work, Dr. Patel loves to work with his hands, he has renovated his kitchen and bathrooms on his own and enjoys the gratification of knowing that he built something with his hands.
Dr. Pranesh N. Patel is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Patel offers a whole lifestyle approach to mental health, the mind is affected by much more than just medications, sleep, diet, exercise, and psychotherapy alone. Mental health treatment is the combination of these things in conjunction with one another. Outside of work, Dr. Patel loves to work with his hands, he has renovated his kitchen and bathrooms on his own and enjoys the gratification of knowing that he built something with his hands.

Julianne Walters, CRNP Julianne Walters is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who started practicing in 2012. She has earned an MSN, CRNP, and PMHNP-BC. Julianne believes that as a psychiatric mental health provider, quality of care, patient education and treating patients as unique individuals are most important. She feels her patients should have input into their treatment plans and options and gives patients the time that they deserve so she can properly assess, diagnose, and treat them.
Julianne Walters, CRNP Julianne Walters is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who started practicing in 2012. She has earned an MSN, CRNP, and PMHNP-BC. Julianne believes that as a psychiatric mental health provider, quality of care, patient education and treating patients as unique individuals are most important. She feels her patients should have input into their treatment plans and options and gives patients the time that they deserve so she can properly assess, diagnose, and treat them.

Essential Behavioral Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat. A has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.

Accepting New Patients in May 2025!
Juno Mental Health PLLC is the private practice of Dr. Kathryn Zagrabbe, a Harvard-trained board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in women's mental health. Dr. Zagrabbe offers personalized psychiatric care for each of her patients. She cares for women ages 18 and above who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, panic disorder, as well as ADHD. She has particular expertise in caring for women in the perinatal period (before, during, and after pregnancy) as well as in perimenopause.
Accepting New Patients in May 2025!
Juno Mental Health PLLC is the private practice of Dr. Kathryn Zagrabbe, a Harvard-trained board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in women's mental health. Dr. Zagrabbe offers personalized psychiatric care for each of her patients. She cares for women ages 18 and above who are struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, panic disorder, as well as ADHD. She has particular expertise in caring for women in the perinatal period (before, during, and after pregnancy) as well as in perimenopause.

Katie Sawaneh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a passionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, compassion, and professionalism to manage patients’ medical and emotional care and well-being. I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide the highest-quality care, whether managing the intricate needs of adolescents or offering support to seniors. My goal is to guide each patient towards resilience and recovery. My dedication to ongoing professional development keeps me at the forefront of psychiatric care, allowing me to offer innovative and effective treatments to my patients.
As a passionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, compassion, and professionalism to manage patients’ medical and emotional care and well-being. I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide the highest-quality care, whether managing the intricate needs of adolescents or offering support to seniors. My goal is to guide each patient towards resilience and recovery. My dedication to ongoing professional development keeps me at the forefront of psychiatric care, allowing me to offer innovative and effective treatments to my patients.

Dr. Tenesa Rivera is a board certified psychiatrist. She obtained her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, completing the Women's Health Education Pathway. She trained in the psychiatry residency program in psychiatry at Temple University Hospital. Dr. Rivera then sub-specialized in the treatment of children through a fellowship at Jefferson University Hospital in child and adolescent psychiatry, where she served as a chief fellow.
Dr. Tenesa Rivera is a board certified psychiatrist. She obtained her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, completing the Women's Health Education Pathway. She trained in the psychiatry residency program in psychiatry at Temple University Hospital. Dr. Rivera then sub-specialized in the treatment of children through a fellowship at Jefferson University Hospital in child and adolescent psychiatry, where she served as a chief fellow.

I am a highly experienced board-certified psychiatrist with added qualifications in addiction psychiatry. I spend a good deal of time and energy to establish an accurate diagnosis, then create a treatment plan tailored to the individual. I am interested in learning about a person’s strengths and resources as well as his or her challenges and conflicts. Because of my training and experience I am able to be helpful to adults of different ages who come to me with a wide range of mental health concerns.
I am a highly experienced board-certified psychiatrist with added qualifications in addiction psychiatry. I spend a good deal of time and energy to establish an accurate diagnosis, then create a treatment plan tailored to the individual. I am interested in learning about a person’s strengths and resources as well as his or her challenges and conflicts. Because of my training and experience I am able to be helpful to adults of different ages who come to me with a wide range of mental health concerns.

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

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatry trained across the lifespan. I have experience in outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization and Intensive outpatient services. 10+ years as a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry and 17+ years as a nurse in Critical Care Units, Cardiology, Pediatric Medical Psychiatry, Emergency Departments, Telemetry, and many levels of Behavioral Health care. I very much enjoy working with patients across the lifespan from age 6- 70 years.
I am a Board Certified Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatry trained across the lifespan. I have experience in outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization and Intensive outpatient services. 10+ years as a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry and 17+ years as a nurse in Critical Care Units, Cardiology, Pediatric Medical Psychiatry, Emergency Departments, Telemetry, and many levels of Behavioral Health care. I very much enjoy working with patients across the lifespan from age 6- 70 years.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

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.

Mutiat Ajibade
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat Ajibade has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.
At Essential Behavioral Health LLC, your mental health is our top priority. We are committed to exercising the greatest standard of practice to meet the mental health of our clients’ needs. Empathetic psychiatric care in Pennsylvania from a private family owned psychiatric practice. Nurse Practitioner Mutiat Ajibade has over a decade of experience and knowledge in mental health dealing with children, adolescent, adults and geriatric population.

Christine Mulligan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Suffering with mental health issues or conditions is a challenge that no one should face alone, nor without support and treatment. There are many pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year (2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Suffering with mental health issues or conditions is a challenge that no one should face alone, nor without support and treatment. There are many pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options available to provide relief. I am a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience helping individuals recover to remission. I assisted in developing the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at UPenn and received awards for faculty of the year (2016) and preceptor of the year (2018). Let's work together to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Dr. Zachary Guy-Frank, MD, is a dedicated psychiatrist at LifeStance Health who helps young adults and adults navigate a variety of mental health challenges in Pennsylvania. By creating individualized treatment plans that consider cultural, psychological, social, and biological factors, Dr. Guy-Frank fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. His holistic approach incorporates both psychotherapeutic techniques and medication management when necessary, aiming to cultivate healing and wellness for his clients. Dr. Guy-Frank is particularly passionate about addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Dr. Zachary Guy-Frank, MD, is a dedicated psychiatrist at LifeStance Health who helps young adults and adults navigate a variety of mental health challenges in Pennsylvania. By creating individualized treatment plans that consider cultural, psychological, social, and biological factors, Dr. Guy-Frank fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. His holistic approach incorporates both psychotherapeutic techniques and medication management when necessary, aiming to cultivate healing and wellness for his clients. Dr. Guy-Frank is particularly passionate about addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Hi, my name is Irene Franck, I am an integrative nurse practitioner and the owner of Synergy Therapy. As an integrative provider, I not only offer medication management and psychotherapy, but I treat patients in a holistic manner, whether with lifestyle changes, nutrition coaching, supplements, and mindfulness techniques. I treat people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Medications are not the only solution to address your symptoms. I will listen to you, and I will make you seen and heard. I offer a 15 minutes complimentary call to see if we are a good fit.
Hi, my name is Irene Franck, I am an integrative nurse practitioner and the owner of Synergy Therapy. As an integrative provider, I not only offer medication management and psychotherapy, but I treat patients in a holistic manner, whether with lifestyle changes, nutrition coaching, supplements, and mindfulness techniques. I treat people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Medications are not the only solution to address your symptoms. I will listen to you, and I will make you seen and heard. I offer a 15 minutes complimentary call to see if we are a good fit.

I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience and expertise in psychopharmacology and therapy. My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and substance use disorders. I believe in a collaborative approach to treatment, and I will work with you to develop a medication regimen that is tailored to your individual needs.
My goal is to ensure that you are on medication only when absolutely necessary, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration appropriate.
I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience and expertise in psychopharmacology and therapy. My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and substance use disorders. I believe in a collaborative approach to treatment, and I will work with you to develop a medication regimen that is tailored to your individual needs.
My goal is to ensure that you are on medication only when absolutely necessary, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration appropriate.

Dr. Wolfe is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry. She completed both medical school and residency training at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. In addition to her clinical role, she serves as Regional Medical Director for Lifestance Health in Pennsylvania. Having experience in multiple psychiatric settings, Dr. Wolfe appreciates the wide range of how psychiatric illness can present and the importance of individualized treatment plans.
Dr. Wolfe is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry. She completed both medical school and residency training at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. In addition to her clinical role, she serves as Regional Medical Director for Lifestance Health in Pennsylvania. Having experience in multiple psychiatric settings, Dr. Wolfe appreciates the wide range of how psychiatric illness can present and the importance of individualized treatment 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.
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.

My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.
My aim is to understand you, not just medicate you. My work is in depth, encompassing current and past treatments, relationship and professional history, family history and other important areas of your life. I see patients from age 18 to 60, primarily treat depression and anxiety. My sessions are very interactive utilizing strength based approaches, cognitive therapy, behavioral modification and other modalities. Goals are identified as are obstacles to achieving them. Validated rating scales are used to further explore areas of concern and genetic testing is used when considering best medications.
See more therapy options for Delaware County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA
100+
Average cost per session
$210
Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
95% | Depression |
77% | ADHD |
75% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Medication Management |
67% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Aetna |
93% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Delaware County, PA see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Delaware County?
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.