Psychiatrists in Madison, NJ
Maribel Abbate
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, NJ 07940 (Online Only)
Please visit my personal website for all details and fees by clicking on the link to the left. With the privacy and convenience of videoconferencing, my focus is treating non emergent psychiatric issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, adjustment and mood disorders. I work to understand the biological, psychological, social issues affecting every patient and will make recommendations which may include nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, meditation, light therapy, psychotherapy, supplements and/or medications. The goal is to provide private and comprehensive care in order to get every patient to better health.
Please visit my personal website for all details and fees by clicking on the link to the left. With the privacy and convenience of videoconferencing, my focus is treating non emergent psychiatric issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, adjustment and mood disorders. I work to understand the biological, psychological, social issues affecting every patient and will make recommendations which may include nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, meditation, light therapy, psychotherapy, supplements and/or medications. The goal is to provide private and comprehensive care in order to get every patient to better health.
Angelic Helpers Behavioral Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APN-C, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940
Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and disequilibrium. Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or given up hope about a better future? Utilizing a holistic approach that combines treating the physical and emotional, I am able to help you maximize your potential, and live a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. Have you been diagnosed or are you a survivor of a life-changing illness? I am able to help you emotionally while you recover physically.
Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and disequilibrium. Are you feeling depressed, anxious, or given up hope about a better future? Utilizing a holistic approach that combines treating the physical and emotional, I am able to help you maximize your potential, and live a life that is fulfilling and rewarding. Have you been diagnosed or are you a survivor of a life-changing illness? I am able to help you emotionally while you recover physically.
Violina Frenkel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Madison, NJ 07940
My treatment philosophy involves operating from a biopsychosocial framework to implement the most comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. I believe psychopharmacological interventions are an important part of a treatment plan, but are most efficacious in conjunction with other non-pharmacological interventions such as psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral psychotherapy as well as integrative medicine. My services include consultation, medication management and TMS. I work very closely with a number of therapists who I refer to if therapy is essential to your treatment.
My treatment philosophy involves operating from a biopsychosocial framework to implement the most comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. I believe psychopharmacological interventions are an important part of a treatment plan, but are most efficacious in conjunction with other non-pharmacological interventions such as psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral psychotherapy as well as integrative medicine. My services include consultation, medication management and TMS. I work very closely with a number of therapists who I refer to if therapy is essential to your treatment.
Tolga Taneli
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Madison, NJ 07940
Not accepting new clients
I'm a child & adolescent psychiatrist who trained physicians and medical students, as the Division Director for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for 13 years. I worked a busy emergency room and sub-specialty clinics. I specialize in medicine treatments for Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, and anxiety disorders. I am honored to have been recognized by the readers of NJ Family Magazine as one of just five "New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs" in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Essex County, December 2016.)
I'm a child & adolescent psychiatrist who trained physicians and medical students, as the Division Director for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for 13 years. I worked a busy emergency room and sub-specialty clinics. I specialize in medicine treatments for Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, and anxiety disorders. I am honored to have been recognized by the readers of NJ Family Magazine as one of just five "New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs" in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Essex County, December 2016.)
Roger B. Granet
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940
Roger Granet MD blends cutting edge academic psychiatry with years of empathic clinical practice. Dr. Granet is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Lecturer in Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Consultant at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Attending Psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Division and Morristown Memorial Hospital. Dr. Granet is author of: If You Think You Have Depression (Dell,1998), If you Think You Have Panic Disorder (Dell, 1998), Is it Alzheimer’s? What To Do When Loved Ones Can’t Remember What They Should (Avon, 1998), and Why Am I Up, Why Am I Down: Understanding Bipolar Disorder (Dell, 1999), Surviving Cancer Emotionally: Learning How to Heal, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2001
Roger Granet MD blends cutting edge academic psychiatry with years of empathic clinical practice. Dr. Granet is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Lecturer in Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Consultant at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Attending Psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Division and Morristown Memorial Hospital. Dr. Granet is author of: If You Think You Have Depression (Dell,1998), If you Think You Have Panic Disorder (Dell, 1998), Is it Alzheimer’s? What To Do When Loved Ones Can’t Remember What They Should (Avon, 1998), and Why Am I Up, Why Am I Down: Understanding Bipolar Disorder (Dell, 1999), Surviving Cancer Emotionally: Learning How to Heal, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2001
Jonathan Easton
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940 (Online Only)
I have been in private practice of psychiatry and psychotherapy since 1986 at my New York City office. Prior to the pandemic I also had an office in Morristown, New Jersey. I am currently working by Zoom video only.
I have been in private practice of psychiatry and psychotherapy since 1986 at my New York City office. Prior to the pandemic I also had an office in Morristown, New Jersey. I am currently working by Zoom video only.
Seth Michael Dorsky
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
Jeffrey Wolff
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940
Many of my clients have battled symptoms for years. Some have been in psychotherapy and some have tried psychiatric medications. Few have been able to work with one care provider in both modalities simultaneously. I offer this possibility- the option that many research studies have shown to be the most effective!
As a physician I will take your overall health and nutritional status into account in formulating an approach to your care. I will make sure you are totally comfortable with our plan.
Many of my clients have battled symptoms for years. Some have been in psychotherapy and some have tried psychiatric medications. Few have been able to work with one care provider in both modalities simultaneously. I offer this possibility- the option that many research studies have shown to be the most effective!
As a physician I will take your overall health and nutritional status into account in formulating an approach to your care. I will make sure you are totally comfortable with our plan.
Balance Psychiatry Services
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940
Hello, I am Dr. Shilin Pandya, Board Certified Psychiatrist. I have been helping people just like you for many years. I concentrate on treating the whole patient and not just the symptoms of a problem. This holistic approach takes into account any factors affecting you - culture, job, school, medical issues, family, religion, sleep, appetite, past trauma, etc. Issues that are unique to every human being and require individual attention and treatment. The goal of each visit is to leave you empowered to live a more content life.
Hello, I am Dr. Shilin Pandya, Board Certified Psychiatrist. I have been helping people just like you for many years. I concentrate on treating the whole patient and not just the symptoms of a problem. This holistic approach takes into account any factors affecting you - culture, job, school, medical issues, family, religion, sleep, appetite, past trauma, etc. Issues that are unique to every human being and require individual attention and treatment. The goal of each visit is to leave you empowered to live a more content life.
Omar Canosa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Madison, NJ 07940
I am board-certified in both adult and child/adolescent psychiatry, and do my best work with adolescent clients, and their families. I am intensively trained in DBT, and its principles inform my practice, even when the full model is not applied. I am also trained in medical acupuncture, and have practiced martial arts and meditative systems for over two decades. By virtue of this unique training, I am dedicated to an integrative approach which both addresses symptoms and problems, while also seeking to maximize the capacity for attaining and sustaining wellbeing. I am equally fluent in English and Spanish.
I am board-certified in both adult and child/adolescent psychiatry, and do my best work with adolescent clients, and their families. I am intensively trained in DBT, and its principles inform my practice, even when the full model is not applied. I am also trained in medical acupuncture, and have practiced martial arts and meditative systems for over two decades. By virtue of this unique training, I am dedicated to an integrative approach which both addresses symptoms and problems, while also seeking to maximize the capacity for attaining and sustaining wellbeing. I am equally fluent in English and Spanish.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Andrew Kuiken
Physician Assistant, PA
Verified Verified
Florham Park, NJ 07932
Tri America is thrilled to introduce Andrew Kuiken, a certified physician assistant with over 12 years of clinical experience. PA Kuiken recently earned his Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Rocky Mountain University, showcasing his unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of medical knowledge. In addition to Psychiatry, PA Kuiken has in neurosurgical and intensive care services, giving him a well rounded background in complex medical problems and how they may interact with psychiatric conditions.
Tri America is thrilled to introduce Andrew Kuiken, a certified physician assistant with over 12 years of clinical experience. PA Kuiken recently earned his Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Rocky Mountain University, showcasing his unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of medical knowledge. In addition to Psychiatry, PA Kuiken has in neurosurgical and intensive care services, giving him a well rounded background in complex medical problems and how they may interact with psychiatric conditions.
Meg Sosnow
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chatham, NJ 07928
Not accepting new clients
As a board certified psychiatrist, I can help you improve your mental health problems in a warm compassionate manner. My treatment philosophy involves looking at all the factors that may be affecting your mental health, including biological, psychological and even environmental ones. I specialize in comprehensive evaluations and treatment and use many different treatments to help you feel better.
As a board certified psychiatrist, I can help you improve your mental health problems in a warm compassionate manner. My treatment philosophy involves looking at all the factors that may be affecting your mental health, including biological, psychological and even environmental ones. I specialize in comprehensive evaluations and treatment and use many different treatments to help you feel better.
Catherine D'Aprix Heffner
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07961
ONE STOP SHOPPING. That is right! You can see me for all of your mental health and wellness needs vs seeing a separate doctor for medications, another therapist for psychotherapy and possibly even a third person as a coach or for basic nutrition/fitness. One appointment/one hour per week vs 3-4?! What a time saver and ultimately, what a money saver, especially in the long run!!! If you are ready to start on a path of healing or self-discovery, with a practitioner who is warm and caring yet firm when needed, please call. You deserve it!!
ONE STOP SHOPPING. That is right! You can see me for all of your mental health and wellness needs vs seeing a separate doctor for medications, another therapist for psychotherapy and possibly even a third person as a coach or for basic nutrition/fitness. One appointment/one hour per week vs 3-4?! What a time saver and ultimately, what a money saver, especially in the long run!!! If you are ready to start on a path of healing or self-discovery, with a practitioner who is warm and caring yet firm when needed, please call. You deserve it!!
Serenity Healthcare Associates (Dr. J Akombe)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07961 (Online Only)
Dr. Jeliah Akombe is a dual board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner and Family nurse practitioner. Dr. Akombe completed her undergraduate studies in Nursing at New Jersey State University. Dr. Akombe received her master’s degree in nursing from Walden University and a doctorate degree from Samford University. She later earned her post doctorate degree in psychiatric mental health from the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Akombe is licensed in 14 states including, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC , New York and Pennsylvania among others.
Dr. Jeliah Akombe is a dual board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner and Family nurse practitioner. Dr. Akombe completed her undergraduate studies in Nursing at New Jersey State University. Dr. Akombe received her master’s degree in nursing from Walden University and a doctorate degree from Samford University. She later earned her post doctorate degree in psychiatric mental health from the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Akombe is licensed in 14 states including, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC , New York and Pennsylvania among others.
Karimi Mailutha
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Florham Park, NJ 07932
All adults, parents and caregivers have challenging moments in their lives. Children and teenagers also can struggle with their emotions or behaviors. These difficult moments can feel unmanageable, causing feelings of stress, worry, or sadness. This can make school or work feel overwhelming or impact eating, sleeping and concentration. Dr. Mailutha will work with you or your family to address these concerns. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication prescribing with warmth and care to adults, families, children and adolescents.
All adults, parents and caregivers have challenging moments in their lives. Children and teenagers also can struggle with their emotions or behaviors. These difficult moments can feel unmanageable, causing feelings of stress, worry, or sadness. This can make school or work feel overwhelming or impact eating, sleeping and concentration. Dr. Mailutha will work with you or your family to address these concerns. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication prescribing with warmth and care to adults, families, children and adolescents.
Ashley Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Chatham, NJ 07928 (Online Only)
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
Hello! I am Dr. Ashley Anderson, DNP, APRN. I believe in person-centered care with evidence-based treatment approaches and I strongly feel that building a connection with patients is a vital aspect of providing care. I use evidence-based practices with a focus on person-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery. I take pride in supporting my patients through difficult mental health symptoms, and I bring a knowledgeable and compassionate perspective to patient care. I like when my patients ask questions, and I'm always happy to address their concerns!
Ayelet Stuhl
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, ACNP
Verified Verified
Florham Park, NJ 07932
Not accepting new clients
I am an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across lifespan (children and adult). I am also a board certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Being certified in both acute care and psychiatry provides me with broader range of assessment skills; I am able to identify connections and overlap between physical and mental health conditions and provide holistic integrated treatment plan. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from NYU in 2006, and received my graduate degree from NYU in 2010. I completed a post masters psychiatry certificate in psychiatry from Wilkes University.
I am an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across lifespan (children and adult). I am also a board certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Being certified in both acute care and psychiatry provides me with broader range of assessment skills; I am able to identify connections and overlap between physical and mental health conditions and provide holistic integrated treatment plan. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from NYU in 2006, and received my graduate degree from NYU in 2010. I completed a post masters psychiatry certificate in psychiatry from Wilkes University.
Counseling & Consulting Services of North Jersey
Physician Assistant, PA
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
We provide the highest quality of care in prescribing mental health medications. CCSNJ is a beautiful and established facility that individualizes ALL our patients. You will have direct access to your prescriber and can contact them at any time. New medication, Side effects, text us! We are flexible to accommodate you offering Tele-health and flexible hours for treatment. The turn around time for appointments can be anywhere from 4-48 hours. We also have a staff of specialists offering comprehensive treatment if you are in need of psychotherapy ,kids, couples,or family counseling, in addition to your medication.
We provide the highest quality of care in prescribing mental health medications. CCSNJ is a beautiful and established facility that individualizes ALL our patients. You will have direct access to your prescriber and can contact them at any time. New medication, Side effects, text us! We are flexible to accommodate you offering Tele-health and flexible hours for treatment. The turn around time for appointments can be anywhere from 4-48 hours. We also have a staff of specialists offering comprehensive treatment if you are in need of psychotherapy ,kids, couples,or family counseling, in addition to your medication.
Connected Tele-Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chatham, NJ 07928
Choosing a psychiatrist is hard. Let me introduce myself. I am a working mother, spouse, and physician. I understand the challenges facing women and men today. As life becomes more stressful and as we do less to take care of ourselves, problems are likely to emerge. I see adults with Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Marital/Relationship difficulties and other Life Crises. I focus on present-day coping strategies and on bettering your understanding of the way your difficulties are related to overall life history. I do intensive work with people who want to improve their self-understanding, define goals and lead more productive lives.
Choosing a psychiatrist is hard. Let me introduce myself. I am a working mother, spouse, and physician. I understand the challenges facing women and men today. As life becomes more stressful and as we do less to take care of ourselves, problems are likely to emerge. I see adults with Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Marital/Relationship difficulties and other Life Crises. I focus on present-day coping strategies and on bettering your understanding of the way your difficulties are related to overall life history. I do intensive work with people who want to improve their self-understanding, define goals and lead more productive lives.
Rehman Madraswala
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chatham, NJ 07928
I am dedicated to providing personalized and quality psychiatric care to help clients live more fulfilling lives. I use an integrated approach encompassing nutrition, supplements, exercise, sleep, psychotherapy, and only if necessary, medication. My child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry training was completed at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where I continue to serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor.
I am dedicated to providing personalized and quality psychiatric care to help clients live more fulfilling lives. I use an integrated approach encompassing nutrition, supplements, exercise, sleep, psychotherapy, and only if necessary, medication. My child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry training was completed at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where I continue to serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor.
See more therapy options for Madison
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Madison, NJ
10+
Average cost per session
$295
Psychiatrists in Madison, NJ who prioritize treating:
90% | Medication Management |
80% | Depression |
80% | Anxiety |
80% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
60% | Child |
60% | ADHD |
60% | Parenting |
Average years in practice
22 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield |
50% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Madison, NJ see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
66% | Male | |
34% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Madison?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists 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 sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist 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. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.