Psychiatrists in 11217
I work with people who suffer from a wide range of difficulties, from the every day to the more challenging obstacles. I utilize a range of therapeutic interventions, including my medical training as a physician, talk therapy, yogic breathing, meditation, and nutrition/herbs. Together we can create greater balance and wholeness in you and in your life.
I work with people who suffer from a wide range of difficulties, from the every day to the more challenging obstacles. I utilize a range of therapeutic interventions, including my medical training as a physician, talk therapy, yogic breathing, meditation, and nutrition/herbs. Together we can create greater balance and wholeness in you and in your life.
![Photo of Beata Bliss Lewis, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4515c1c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
You deserve to live your best life, and I would like to help. I am an experienced, compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist serving the Brooklyn community. I utilize a balanced blend of psychotherapy, medication, and complementary approaches to help you find lasting solutions for both your mental health and your overall well-being. While I can assist with many concerns, I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, adults, and individuals of all sexual orientations. We'll take a collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals.
You deserve to live your best life, and I would like to help. I am an experienced, compassionate psychiatrist and psychotherapist serving the Brooklyn community. I utilize a balanced blend of psychotherapy, medication, and complementary approaches to help you find lasting solutions for both your mental health and your overall well-being. While I can assist with many concerns, I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, adults, and individuals of all sexual orientations. We'll take a collaborative approach to help you achieve your goals.
![Photo of Pedro Rabelo Olivetti, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b4c2bd9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher with experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric and mental health conditions. My expertise includes treatment of major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychotic spectrum disorders, as well as attention and concentration issues (ADHD). I have extensive experience with difficult life transitions, work/career issues, and relationships.
I am a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and neuroscience researcher with experience treating a wide variety of psychiatric and mental health conditions. My expertise includes treatment of major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychotic spectrum disorders, as well as attention and concentration issues (ADHD). I have extensive experience with difficult life transitions, work/career issues, and relationships.
![Photo of Rachel Griffin, DNP, MPH, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/496c31a0-2411-40a9-aeb4-7d1dda6f2baa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Griffin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MPH, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified, Columbia University educated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric assessment and medication management. Across the course of my career I have worked in a broad range of clinical settings and have experience treating a diversity of patients and diagnoses. I have particular expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and people with a history of trauma. I take a holistic, full-person approach to both assessment and treatment and will work collaboratively with you and with the rest of your healthcare and mental health providers.
I am a board-certified, Columbia University educated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric assessment and medication management. Across the course of my career I have worked in a broad range of clinical settings and have experience treating a diversity of patients and diagnoses. I have particular expertise in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and people with a history of trauma. I take a holistic, full-person approach to both assessment and treatment and will work collaboratively with you and with the rest of your healthcare and mental health providers.
![Photo of Samantha Mehlman, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d493e91a-3b86-458c-b65e-9cfab401750b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I aim to provide the highest quality care to my patients. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my expertise in psychopharmacology is best utilized by taking the whole person into account. There is no one size fits all approach to mental health treatment, and we will work together to carefully understand your unique struggles. We will then customize a plan to get you feeling centered and empowered. While I offer both medication and therapy services, I also enjoy collaborating with other providers and seeing clients solely for medication management.
Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I aim to provide the highest quality care to my patients. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my expertise in psychopharmacology is best utilized by taking the whole person into account. There is no one size fits all approach to mental health treatment, and we will work together to carefully understand your unique struggles. We will then customize a plan to get you feeling centered and empowered. While I offer both medication and therapy services, I also enjoy collaborating with other providers and seeing clients solely for medication management.
![Photo of Ruth Emily Geller, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/437f1d71-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, I treat individuals of all ages, with both medication and psychotherapy, as appropriate. Whether you are seeking care for yourself or your child, it is important that you feel confidence and trust in me if I'm to be of help. I strongly believe (and research shows!) that the most important factor in successful outcomes is the therapeutic relationship. I encourage you to ask questions, trust your gut, and take time to determine if you feel comfortable. I appreciate that speaking with a psychiatrist may not be easy and takes courage.
As a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, I treat individuals of all ages, with both medication and psychotherapy, as appropriate. Whether you are seeking care for yourself or your child, it is important that you feel confidence and trust in me if I'm to be of help. I strongly believe (and research shows!) that the most important factor in successful outcomes is the therapeutic relationship. I encourage you to ask questions, trust your gut, and take time to determine if you feel comfortable. I appreciate that speaking with a psychiatrist may not be easy and takes courage.
![Photo of Royston Ogbuagu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71459efe-9dee-4dd2-8ca9-dc83e1476f3b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Royston Ogbuagu, PMHNP-BC Royston's style of practice fosters the belief that every client is an individual who deserves an individualistic treatment approach to their own unique past, present and future life challenges. He brings a strong culturally sensitive approach to address ongoing stressors within the client, his environment and support network or lack thereof. His understanding of the client's personal values being a crucial tool to establish a good rapport, trust and a positive collaborative therapist/client relationship is a core strength he possesses.
Royston Ogbuagu, PMHNP-BC Royston's style of practice fosters the belief that every client is an individual who deserves an individualistic treatment approach to their own unique past, present and future life challenges. He brings a strong culturally sensitive approach to address ongoing stressors within the client, his environment and support network or lack thereof. His understanding of the client's personal values being a crucial tool to establish a good rapport, trust and a positive collaborative therapist/client relationship is a core strength he possesses.
![Photo of Gundu Anupama Reddy, MD, MBBS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b513c26-5b6f-44a5-9db1-0239c113e6cc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gundu Anupama Reddy
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist , with a special interest in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance. I have also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy , family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Finding a psychiatrist can be a challenge , and it is important that you are listened to , your thoughts and ideas addressed, and through history and evaluation is utilized to ensure quality care. Whatever your reasons for seeking a psychiatrist ,with dedication and perseverance most people have the potential to feel better and achieve symptom relief. Please view my website and blog at gaba.healthcare
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist , with a special interest in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance. I have also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy , family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Finding a psychiatrist can be a challenge , and it is important that you are listened to , your thoughts and ideas addressed, and through history and evaluation is utilized to ensure quality care. Whatever your reasons for seeking a psychiatrist ,with dedication and perseverance most people have the potential to feel better and achieve symptom relief. Please view my website and blog at gaba.healthcare
![Photo of Hong Kim, PMHNP, NP-P, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453f3713-aee5-4670-81e4-6d1329ef2b14/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
I am a board-certified psychiatric NP, trained at New York University. I specialize in adults, children, adolescents, and geriatrics. My virtual and in-person practices are friendly and confidential spaces where I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and personalized medication management. My approach is to always see things from the client’s perspective. My mission is to support my clients while they create more meaningful progress in life. I use my expertise to help them find harmony between mind and body. I think mental health care can be a spiritual, and yet a scientific way for the client to look into their soul.
![Photo of Patrick Sassoon, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/646ef238-d168-46d1-9b8f-809b6441a130/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
My approach is based on integrative psychiatry, which uses medications, therapy and complementary medicine to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. I address the combined impact of sleep, lifestyle, relationships, nutrition and chronic medical conditions on well-being, and use cutting edge tools like genetic testing to guide personalized treatment with medication and supplements. I consider the patient’s cultural background in my assessments and I can provide treatment in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian. My goal is to help my patients create lasting changes and build vitality, resilience and purpose in life.
![Photo of Johnny Lops, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e2c30eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Expert therapist for the hit reality series "Married at First Sight," former team psychiatrist for the Brooklyn Nets, and author of the self help book, "Reinvent Yourself: Essential Tools From a Brooklyn Psychiatrist Who Has Seen It All," Dr. Lops is known for being a "therapist's psychiatrist." All clients, children and adults, receive some form of therapy because all of us have the ability to benefit from further tool building or support. Dr. Lops realizes that upon initial assessment, symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD/disruptive behaviors maybe so significant that to do "the work" a trial of medication can be beneficial.
Expert therapist for the hit reality series "Married at First Sight," former team psychiatrist for the Brooklyn Nets, and author of the self help book, "Reinvent Yourself: Essential Tools From a Brooklyn Psychiatrist Who Has Seen It All," Dr. Lops is known for being a "therapist's psychiatrist." All clients, children and adults, receive some form of therapy because all of us have the ability to benefit from further tool building or support. Dr. Lops realizes that upon initial assessment, symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD/disruptive behaviors maybe so significant that to do "the work" a trial of medication can be beneficial.
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![Photo of Christine Lisa - TMR Mental Health Care PC, PMHNP, OCN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2bb2481-bde7-42bd-b48e-8d524ddfca57/3/320x400.jpeg)
TMR Mental Health Care PC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, OCN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11217
TMR is a comprehensive private practice. We offer psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to people of all ages. We offer psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. Our staff consists of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychotherapists (Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Professional Counselors), Nutritionist, and Clinical Psychologists who perform psychological testing and evaluations.
TMR is a comprehensive private practice. We offer psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to people of all ages. We offer psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. Our staff consists of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychotherapists (Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Professional Counselors), Nutritionist, and Clinical Psychologists who perform psychological testing and evaluations.
![Photo of Irina Kogan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8f33d16-0bd1-4260-9100-8962e34159ce/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Irina Kogan is a board certified psychiatrist with a thorough knowledge of psychopharmacology across the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders. She is expert in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and attentional disorders. In addition, she completed addiction psychiatry training at Beth Israel Medical Center, where she gained expertise in the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders (substance use that occurs alongside anxiety, depression, and other conditions). Dr. Kogan provides cutting edge treatment for the full spectrum of mood, anxiety, attentional and related conditions.
Dr. Irina Kogan is a board certified psychiatrist with a thorough knowledge of psychopharmacology across the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders. She is expert in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and attentional disorders. In addition, she completed addiction psychiatry training at Beth Israel Medical Center, where she gained expertise in the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders (substance use that occurs alongside anxiety, depression, and other conditions). Dr. Kogan provides cutting edge treatment for the full spectrum of mood, anxiety, attentional and related conditions.
![Photo of Natasha Felton, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d87770-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Brooklyn-based Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 18 years of experience. I focus on integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology considering your priorities, lifestyle, and your symptoms to help you address your concerns and to enhance your life. As we collaborate to achieve your goals, you can expect a thorough, but gentle, compassionate and personalized experience. I work with both adolescents and adults, and serve individuals from every cultural background. I work in private practice with Dr. Beata Lewis MD at Mind Body Seven.
Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Brooklyn-based Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 18 years of experience. I focus on integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology considering your priorities, lifestyle, and your symptoms to help you address your concerns and to enhance your life. As we collaborate to achieve your goals, you can expect a thorough, but gentle, compassionate and personalized experience. I work with both adolescents and adults, and serve individuals from every cultural background. I work in private practice with Dr. Beata Lewis MD at Mind Body Seven.
![Photo of Kari Groff - Park Slope Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b95d20ae-b3ac-4b0d-8d2e-80164c78e1d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kari Groff, MD founded Park Slope Psychiatry to provide excellent and thoughtful psychopharmacology and therapy to children and adults. She is frequently consulted for her extensive training and experience in psychopharmacology, her gentle and appropriate use of medication, and her wellness-centered approach focusing on a patient’s strengths and goals. Dr. Groff trained at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was the chief resident, and completed her child training at NYU Child Study Center. She is an award-winning psychiatrist who values connection and compassion.
Kari Groff, MD founded Park Slope Psychiatry to provide excellent and thoughtful psychopharmacology and therapy to children and adults. She is frequently consulted for her extensive training and experience in psychopharmacology, her gentle and appropriate use of medication, and her wellness-centered approach focusing on a patient’s strengths and goals. Dr. Groff trained at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was the chief resident, and completed her child training at NYU Child Study Center. She is an award-winning psychiatrist who values connection and compassion.
![Photo of Michael David Combs, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401538fb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michael David Combs
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Not accepting new clients
***I'm not currently accepting new clients.*** Thank you for considering working with me. I know how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you're taking a step closer to where you want to be.I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who will do my best to help you overcome the obstacles in your way, recognize negative patterns in your life and behavior, and find healthy, productive responses to the challenges you face.
***I'm not currently accepting new clients.*** Thank you for considering working with me. I know how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you're taking a step closer to where you want to be.I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who will do my best to help you overcome the obstacles in your way, recognize negative patterns in your life and behavior, and find healthy, productive responses to the challenges you face.
![Photo of Sarah L Hartman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f4a9155-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced, Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and I specialize in treating patients who require psychodynamic treatment to understand themselves and their problems more deeply; medications; or often a combination of the two. Choice of treatment modality is always dependent on the needs and preferences of the patient.
I am an experienced, Columbia University-trained psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and I specialize in treating patients who require psychodynamic treatment to understand themselves and their problems more deeply; medications; or often a combination of the two. Choice of treatment modality is always dependent on the needs and preferences of the patient.
![Photo of Ashraf Elshafei - Mind and Body Wellness Medical Center, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ddb611a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mind and Body Wellness Medical Center
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Online Only)
We are a privately owned medical center that offers both psychotherapy and psychophramacology to the community. We provide individual, family and group counseling services in a professional and comfortable environment. Our staff of psychiatrists' and therapists specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults. We work as a team to help our clients achieve real and lasting change.
We are a privately owned medical center that offers both psychotherapy and psychophramacology to the community. We provide individual, family and group counseling services in a professional and comfortable environment. Our staff of psychiatrists' and therapists specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults. We work as a team to help our clients achieve real and lasting change.
![Photo of Akinola Adebisi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d39dfd4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Our experiences and the demands of modern day living can make the already challenging goals of life - to love, to work, and pursue happiness - seem even harder to achieve. These stressors and our predispositions can result in emotional difficulties which may be short lived or life-long.
Our experiences and the demands of modern day living can make the already challenging goals of life - to love, to work, and pursue happiness - seem even harder to achieve. These stressors and our predispositions can result in emotional difficulties which may be short lived or life-long.
![Photo of Tracy Roth, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fed9708-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling depressed, anxious and stuck in unsatisfying thought and behavior patterns can feel very isolating. Working together in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at your feelings for a fuller understanding of who you are and how your mind works. Through our exploration, we will develop more flexible ways for you to approach challenges, leading to greater satisfaction in your life.
Feeling depressed, anxious and stuck in unsatisfying thought and behavior patterns can feel very isolating. Working together in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at your feelings for a fuller understanding of who you are and how your mind works. Through our exploration, we will develop more flexible ways for you to approach challenges, leading to greater satisfaction in your life.
See more therapy options for 11217
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 11217
30+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in 11217 who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
97% | Depression |
81% | Trauma and PTSD |
78% | ADHD |
75% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
75% | Medication Management |
69% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
84% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
63% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 11217 see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Female | |
34% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 11217?
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.