Psychiatrists in Northampton, PA
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
An ideal client would be someone who is open, honest, and willing to ask for help. This person wants to get better and is open to suggestions and treatment options. They are willing to put in the effort to help themselves and work as a team with their provider in order to move toward mental wellness.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
Struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, or schizophrenia? Finding it challenging to manage your mental health despite your best efforts? As a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over six years of experience, I specialize in medication management and psychoeducation. My goal is to help you regain control, alleviate symptoms, and improve your daily functioning so you can lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
Struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, or schizophrenia? Finding it challenging to manage your mental health despite your best efforts? As a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over six years of experience, I specialize in medication management and psychoeducation. My goal is to help you regain control, alleviate symptoms, and improve your daily functioning so you can lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Northampton, PA 18067
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
EM&E Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northampton, PA 18067
1 in 5 adults suffers from a mental health condition or substance use disorder. 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness. Unfortunately, stigma leads to so many individuals not receiving the care they need. Hi, I am Evelyn Mensah and I am here to partner with you to provide you with the needed psychiatric /behavioral health care. Evelyn uses a holistic and person-centered approach to care.
1 in 5 adults suffers from a mental health condition or substance use disorder. 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness. Unfortunately, stigma leads to so many individuals not receiving the care they need. Hi, I am Evelyn Mensah and I am here to partner with you to provide you with the needed psychiatric /behavioral health care. Evelyn uses a holistic and person-centered approach to care.
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Bethlehem Counseling Associates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Andrea’s philosophy in prescribing medication for a client is “only when warranted”- and in conjunction with psychotherapy to help identify triggers to their anxiety and depression, maneuvering life’s stressors, as well as establishing healthier coping techniques. Andrea focused on treating individuals ages 10 and older in making positive changes to better their lives.
Andrea’s philosophy in prescribing medication for a client is “only when warranted”- and in conjunction with psychotherapy to help identify triggers to their anxiety and depression, maneuvering life’s stressors, as well as establishing healthier coping techniques. Andrea focused on treating individuals ages 10 and older in making positive changes to better their lives.
David Holland
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center is here to help you with your mental health needs. Dr. Holland offers telehealth and in-person visits at our East Stroudsburg, Pa location and is accepting new clients. Dr. Holland can telehealth with Pennsylvania clients.
Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center is here to help you with your mental health needs. Dr. Holland offers telehealth and in-person visits at our East Stroudsburg, Pa location and is accepting new clients. Dr. Holland can telehealth with Pennsylvania clients.
Saundra Hyman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, MSN/MEd, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104
I am a Doctorate prepared Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. I saw a need for better mental health services. I attended University of Cincinnati and became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to strengthen and improve the lives of our clients by delivering exceptional mental health care tailored to meet their needs, and to educate our community about mental health and mental illness while working to eliminate stigma, labels and prejudice. I am dedicated to helping individuals lead mentally healthy lives. I believe that to achieve optimal health we must make a commitment to care for mind, body, and spirit.
I am a Doctorate prepared Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. I saw a need for better mental health services. I attended University of Cincinnati and became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to strengthen and improve the lives of our clients by delivering exceptional mental health care tailored to meet their needs, and to educate our community about mental health and mental illness while working to eliminate stigma, labels and prejudice. I am dedicated to helping individuals lead mentally healthy lives. I believe that to achieve optimal health we must make a commitment to care for mind, body, and spirit.
Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Appointments available within the same week! Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center offers the most comprehensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in the Northeast. Water Gap Wellness outpatient center can bill insurance and offers attractive cash pay rates. Located 75 miles from NYC and less than 100 miles from Philadelphia and Connecticut. Christine Arezzi is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who can perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as recommend treatment options including medication management, TMS, Spravato, ADHD testing, and more as appropriate.
Appointments available within the same week! Water Gap Wellness Outpatient Center offers the most comprehensive Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in the Northeast. Water Gap Wellness outpatient center can bill insurance and offers attractive cash pay rates. Located 75 miles from NYC and less than 100 miles from Philadelphia and Connecticut. Christine Arezzi is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who can perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations as well as recommend treatment options including medication management, TMS, Spravato, ADHD testing, and more as appropriate.
Afanwingong C Lafon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, AGNP-C
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18020
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning.” Hi, my name is Afanwingong Lafon, and I am here to support you. I am an ANCC board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse practitioner and an adult-gerontology Nurse practitioner. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Maryville University. She endeavors to provide individualized, patient-centered and for each individual's mental health goals as well as helping them achieve a full life while incorporating cultural awareness in each individualized care and plan.
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning.” Hi, my name is Afanwingong Lafon, and I am here to support you. I am an ANCC board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse practitioner and an adult-gerontology Nurse practitioner. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Maryville University. She endeavors to provide individualized, patient-centered and for each individual's mental health goals as well as helping them achieve a full life while incorporating cultural awareness in each individualized care and plan.
Rosaline Stevenson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nazareth, PA 18064 (Online Only)
Rosaline Stevenson is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about caring for people with mental health disorders, therefore I pride myself on taking care of them. I try to understand and appreciate where they’re coming from and all aspects of their life when treating them. What I love about my job is getting to know the people that I care for.
Rosaline Stevenson is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about caring for people with mental health disorders, therefore I pride myself on taking care of them. I try to understand and appreciate where they’re coming from and all aspects of their life when treating them. What I love about my job is getting to know the people that I care for.
Muhamad Aly Rifai
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA, FACP, FACLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18104
Blue Mountain Psychiatry under the direction of Dr. Rifai provides comprehensive premium care integrating a thorough medical workup, psychotherapy and medication treatments. We also provide non-medication treatment options including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. We are a center for excellence in providing Ketamine treatments. Dr. Rifai is board certified in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Management and has practiced in the Greater Lehigh Valley for more than 20 years. Dr. Rifai currently serves as the president of the Lehigh Valley psychiatric Society
Blue Mountain Psychiatry under the direction of Dr. Rifai provides comprehensive premium care integrating a thorough medical workup, psychotherapy and medication treatments. We also provide non-medication treatment options including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. We are a center for excellence in providing Ketamine treatments. Dr. Rifai is board certified in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Management and has practiced in the Greater Lehigh Valley for more than 20 years. Dr. Rifai currently serves as the president of the Lehigh Valley psychiatric Society
Renae DeFreitas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Bethlehem, PA 18018 (Online Only)
Renae is an ANCC board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with an additional board-certification as a family nurse practitioner. She is a graduate of both DeSales University and Wilkes University and is passionate about providing empathetic, individualized care to her patients. Utilizing her background in both family and psychiatric health, she approaches her patients in a compassionate and holistic manner. She encourages open discussion with patients to determine their needs and goals for treatment, and she incorporates each patient in their treatment plan to assist them in achieving healthier, balanced lives.
Renae is an ANCC board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with an additional board-certification as a family nurse practitioner. She is a graduate of both DeSales University and Wilkes University and is passionate about providing empathetic, individualized care to her patients. Utilizing her background in both family and psychiatric health, she approaches her patients in a compassionate and holistic manner. She encourages open discussion with patients to determine their needs and goals for treatment, and she incorporates each patient in their treatment plan to assist them in achieving healthier, balanced lives.
Hello - I invite you to reach out! Water Gap Wellness offers out patient appointments as well as intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
Hello - I invite you to reach out! Water Gap Wellness offers out patient appointments as well as intensive mental health and substance use treatment that requires a continuous commitment of 6 hours per day 6 days per week. Housing is available upon request. Included are weekly sessions with me or one of our other psychiatrists, two sessions with your primary therapist per week, and ongoing daily group sessions. Call us today - we are here for you.
See more therapy options for Northampton
Nearby Searches for Northampton
- Allentown
- Bethlehem
- Center Valley
- Coopersburg
- Easton
- Emmaus
- Fogelsville
- Macungie
- Perkasie
- Quakertown
- Stroudsburg
- Telford
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Northampton, PA
10+
Psychiatrists in Northampton, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
82% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
82% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | ADHD |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | AmeriHealth |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Northampton, PA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
18% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Northampton?
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.