Psychotherapy with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Talk therapy by secure video, from the same clinician who handles your diagnosis and, when needed, your medication.
Questions first? Call 617-858-8276. Booking and intake run through our secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
Clinically reviewed by Joseph Lavoie, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC · Last reviewed
The short answer
Yes, a psychiatric nurse practitioner can provide talk therapy. At Journey Psychiatric Care, psychotherapy with a psychiatric nurse practitioner means Joseph Lavoie, PMHNP-BC, can offer therapy on its own or alongside medication, by secure video anywhere in Massachusetts.
Why therapy and medication with one clinician
Many people see a therapist for talking and a separate prescriber for medication. That can work well. It can also mean two people holding two different pictures of you, and nobody quite owning the whole plan.
With Joseph, the clinician who hears how your month went is the one who decides whether a medication change makes sense. What comes up in therapy shapes the prescribing, and the other way around. You tell your story once.
Therapy is also a full treatment on its own. For many people with anxiety or depression, research supports psychotherapy as a first option, alone or with medication. The guide therapy vs. medication explains how people choose. You do not have to take medication to be a patient here.
If you already have a therapist you like, keep them. Joseph can focus on the psychiatric side and coordinate with your therapist when you give permission.
What therapy sessions can focus on
Understanding patterns
Noticing the thoughts, habits and situations that keep a problem going, so you can respond differently.
Practical skills
Ways to handle worry, panic, low mood, poor sleep and stress that you can use between visits.
Hard events
Grief, breakups, job loss, moves and other changes that knocked things off balance.
Relationships
Conflict, boundaries and communication with partners, family and coworkers.
Identity
Affirming support for LGBTQ+ patients, whether identity is the focus or simply part of who you are.
Staying well
Spotting early warning signs and keeping your progress once you feel better.
About the kinds of talk therapy
Psychotherapy is a broad term. The National Institute of Mental Health describes several approaches backed by research. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions connect. Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships and life changes. Other approaches build skills for handling strong emotions or solving problems.
In practice, good therapy depends less on the label and more on fit. Joseph will ask what you want to work on and explain how sessions will go before you start. If your needs call for a specialty program or a higher level of care than telehealth can offer, he will tell you plainly and help you find it.
Therapy is not a place where you have to perform or say the right thing. Nothing you share will shock someone who has worked in inpatient psychiatric units and emergency departments. You can go at your own pace.
Some people come to therapy with a clear goal, like sleeping better or handling panic at work. Others only know that something has to change. Both are fine starting points, and the first few sessions help put words to what you want.
How therapy works here
- Start with an evaluation. Your first visit is a psychiatric evaluation, so therapy starts from a clear picture.
- Agree on goals. You decide what you want to change. Goals can shift as you go.
- Meet by video. Sessions happen on a secure platform from home, work or anywhere private in Massachusetts.
- Check in on progress. Every so often you look together at whether therapy is helping and whether anything else should change, including medication.
Common reasons people start therapy
Insurance
In-network with 7 Massachusetts insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and Point32Health. Out-of-network invoices are available. Ready to start? See the new-patient steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner do therapy?
Yes. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner training covers psychotherapy as well as diagnosis and medication. Joseph offers psychotherapy and prescription medication management, when indicated, at Journey Psychiatric Care.
Do I have to take medication to get therapy here?
No. Therapy alone is a real option. Medication comes up only when it is likely to help, and you decide whether to try it.
How often are therapy sessions?
It depends on your goals. Many people meet more often at the start and space visits out as things improve. You and Joseph set the schedule together and change it when it stops fitting.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Studies of video therapy for common concerns like anxiety and depression have generally found results similar to in-person care. It works best when you have privacy and a steady connection. If your needs are better met in person, Joseph will tell you.
Can I keep my current therapist?
Yes. Some patients see Joseph only for evaluation and medication while they keep their therapist. With your written permission, he can talk with your therapist so the plan stays consistent.
Does insurance cover psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is usually covered as an outpatient mental health benefit. Journey Psychiatric Care is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Aetna, Cigna and Evernorth, Oscar Health, Oxford, Point32Health and UnitedHealthcare (UHC/UBH). What you pay depends on your plan, so check your benefits before your first visit.
Is therapy here a crisis service?
No. Telehealth therapy is scheduled care, not emergency care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Take the next step in your journey.
Same clinician every visit. Telehealth anywhere in Massachusetts.
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