Psychiatrists in 37923
![Photo of Teresa Arnold - Mind Matters Behavioral Health, MSN`, APRN, PMHNPBC, CCATP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6b21f57-338c-4303-8480-d0f8398af36c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mind Matters Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN`, APRN, PMHNPBC, CCATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 7 years of nursing experience and a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional (CCATP). My journey began in the ICU, caring for society's most vulnerable as they fought for their lives. Though we saved many, I wanted to do more - to improve their quality of life. This calling led me to mental healthcare, where I now have the privilege of walking with people on their road to recovery. My goal is not just to prolong life, but to improve it.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 7 years of nursing experience and a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional (CCATP). My journey began in the ICU, caring for society's most vulnerable as they fought for their lives. Though we saved many, I wanted to do more - to improve their quality of life. This calling led me to mental healthcare, where I now have the privilege of walking with people on their road to recovery. My goal is not just to prolong life, but to improve it.
![Photo of Lori Hestand, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c9d8d5e-e8a9-473b-8c70-00b649d913e1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have been a nurse practitioner for about 15 years. I was a pediatric nurse practitioner for 12 years. I have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for the last 3 years. I see clients of all ages. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. I enjoy partnering with my clients to develop an individualized treatment plan.
I have been a nurse practitioner for about 15 years. I was a pediatric nurse practitioner for 12 years. I have been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for the last 3 years. I see clients of all ages. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. I enjoy partnering with my clients to develop an individualized treatment plan.
![Photo of Dawit Zemichael - Healthy Living Medical Services LLC, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d8f803-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We take a positive approach to your addiction or mental health needs. Our goal is to help you find success without judgement, offering positive support. We have witnessed many success stories and provide a structured atmosphere through your treatment with Suboxone (or other medications). We also provide Psychiatry & Weight Management services. Dr Dawit Zemichael uses the most advanced approaches in the treatment of mental health, addictions & behavioral problems. He utilizes a holistic approach in his treatment modality. Qualifications: Years of practice-18 years. *Education: East Tennessee State University, Quillan School of Medicine, London University Medical College & Old Church Hospital London, England & Training in Dublin Ireland.
We take a positive approach to your addiction or mental health needs. Our goal is to help you find success without judgement, offering positive support. We have witnessed many success stories and provide a structured atmosphere through your treatment with Suboxone (or other medications). We also provide Psychiatry & Weight Management services. Dr Dawit Zemichael uses the most advanced approaches in the treatment of mental health, addictions & behavioral problems. He utilizes a holistic approach in his treatment modality. Qualifications: Years of practice-18 years. *Education: East Tennessee State University, Quillan School of Medicine, London University Medical College & Old Church Hospital London, England & Training in Dublin Ireland.
![Photo of Lisa Kaye Kruger, PMHNP, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3f568b2-513e-4aec-bb56-44e4d4176892/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Kaye Kruger
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
Now accepting adult and adolescent patients who are interesting in exploring options for Anxiety disorders, Depression, ADHD, ADD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, adjustment difficulties and child - caregiver difficulties.
Now accepting adult and adolescent patients who are interesting in exploring options for Anxiety disorders, Depression, ADHD, ADD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, adjustment difficulties and child - caregiver difficulties.
![Photo of Lori Jane Holt, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad15fb06-406e-4a34-8c6d-e6123c1cba9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lori Jane Holt
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923 (Online Only)
Now accepting new patients in the state of Tennessee for virtual medication management appointments with affordable fees and immediate availability. I offer 15 years of experience treating patients with various mental health issues. I have worked in many different settings with multiple populations throughout my career and believe in holistic patient-centered care.
Now accepting new patients in the state of Tennessee for virtual medication management appointments with affordable fees and immediate availability. I offer 15 years of experience treating patients with various mental health issues. I have worked in many different settings with multiple populations throughout my career and believe in holistic patient-centered care.
![Photo of Rachel Tamaroff, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5287c1a2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Many of us struggle with depression, anxiety, fear, and loneliness, but you don't have to face these challenges alone. Treatment can help you feel safe and secure. It can help you reach your potential, derive more satisfaction and joy from your relationships, and ultimately help you achieve a sense of contentedness and fulfillment.
Many of us struggle with depression, anxiety, fear, and loneliness, but you don't have to face these challenges alone. Treatment can help you feel safe and secure. It can help you reach your potential, derive more satisfaction and joy from your relationships, and ultimately help you achieve a sense of contentedness and fulfillment.
![Photo of Dee Brahmbhatt, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12bb3fe7-de9f-4461-96e7-90540f06e35e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dee Brahmbhatt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
Hello! My name is Dee and I provide psychiatric medication management services for ages 18-45 years old. I particularly enjoy helping young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, adjusting to college and/or other situations that arise as they enter adulthood. Please visit www.knoxpsychnp.com to learn more about me. Thank you!
Hello! My name is Dee and I provide psychiatric medication management services for ages 18-45 years old. I particularly enjoy helping young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, adjusting to college and/or other situations that arise as they enter adulthood. Please visit www.knoxpsychnp.com to learn more about me. Thank you!
![Photo of Sally (Sarah Elizabeth) Summers, PMHNP, MSN-CNL, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da391e3a-a0de-4671-b550-92064bdefb8b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sally (Sarah Elizabeth) Summers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN-CNL
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
Waitlist for new clients
Sally has a Bachelor's in Psychology and two advanced degrees in Nursing. She provides psychiatric services, including psychiatric evaluation and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. Her primary goal is to make her patients feel "seen" with a caring, non-judgemental approach. She provides high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to her patient's diagnosis and lifestyle in hopes of reducing individual suffering and helping her patients become the most optimal version of themself.
Sally has a Bachelor's in Psychology and two advanced degrees in Nursing. She provides psychiatric services, including psychiatric evaluation and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults. Her primary goal is to make her patients feel "seen" with a caring, non-judgemental approach. She provides high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to her patient's diagnosis and lifestyle in hopes of reducing individual suffering and helping her patients become the most optimal version of themself.
![Photo of Kelsey Wallace, MPH, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1edcb1e8-6019-425a-aedf-dd39f3951dc1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey Wallace
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
I am a Nurse Practitioner board certified in Adult/Gero Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health. I provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management and supportive psychotherapy for patients 13 years old and above, focusing on trauma-related disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder. I have a special interest in survivors of sexual violence & first responders.
I am a Nurse Practitioner board certified in Adult/Gero Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health. I provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management and supportive psychotherapy for patients 13 years old and above, focusing on trauma-related disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder. I have a special interest in survivors of sexual violence & first responders.
![Photo of Shannon Leah Hutchison, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc6f0bca-5570-4620-bce1-24cfa009a86b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Leah Hutchison
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 22 years of nursing experience. I am accepting new patients ages 18 and older and have experience treating anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 22 years of nursing experience. I am accepting new patients ages 18 and older and have experience treating anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
![Photo of Laura Pohl - Women's Mental Health Specialist, CNM, PHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66288c45-6fc0-4faa-ba23-42c80cefa7dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Pohl - Women's Mental Health Specialist
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923 (Online Only)
I am passionate about women's mental health. In today's world, there are many pressures of life that can cause mental health illnesses. I work primarily with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I am also a Certified Nurse Midwife. I love working with women who are struggling with mental health needs as well. Breastfeeding is NOT a limiter for medications! Let me help you manage your mental health today!
I am passionate about women's mental health. In today's world, there are many pressures of life that can cause mental health illnesses. I work primarily with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I am also a Certified Nurse Midwife. I love working with women who are struggling with mental health needs as well. Breastfeeding is NOT a limiter for medications! Let me help you manage your mental health today!
![Photo of Vanessa Freeman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ad7d316-10ae-4c44-873a-5665d0182b9d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vanessa Freeman is a Medical Doctor who is double Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. She graduated from Fellowship in 2021 from the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences. Dr. Freeman believes in providing medication management, TMS, and therapeutic interventions to her patients. She values a patient centered approach in treating psychotic disorders and mood disorders. In her spare time, Dr. Freeman enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and animals.
Dr. Vanessa Freeman is a Medical Doctor who is double Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. She graduated from Fellowship in 2021 from the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences. Dr. Freeman believes in providing medication management, TMS, and therapeutic interventions to her patients. She values a patient centered approach in treating psychotic disorders and mood disorders. In her spare time, Dr. Freeman enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and animals.
![Photo of Scott Baymiller, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e8f1689-78fc-42d5-a841-84dab653f88d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Scott Baymiller, M. D, is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in the field of medication management for the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. "š He graduated medical school at the University of Tennessee and completed his residency at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He has been on faculty at multiple universities and has worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and community mental health settings. He has also served as medical director of multiple psychiatric hospitals.
Scott Baymiller, M. D, is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in the field of medication management for the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. "š He graduated medical school at the University of Tennessee and completed his residency at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He has been on faculty at multiple universities and has worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and community mental health settings. He has also served as medical director of multiple psychiatric hospitals.
![Photo of Jana Arwood, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c598e1db-cdf2-4221-98dc-ed20c71e1dfd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Graduated from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville with a BA in Chemistry. Graduated from Quillen College of Medicine-East Tennessee State University with Medical Degree. Completed General Psychiatry Residency Washington University St. Louis, MO. Board Certified in General Psychiatry. Lifetime Member of American Psychiatric Association and the Tennessee Psychiatric Association.
Graduated from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville with a BA in Chemistry. Graduated from Quillen College of Medicine-East Tennessee State University with Medical Degree. Completed General Psychiatry Residency Washington University St. Louis, MO. Board Certified in General Psychiatry. Lifetime Member of American Psychiatric Association and the Tennessee Psychiatric Association.
![Photo of Karla Carroll, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0a71129-58da-45b3-b13a-16ec565bb800/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karla Carroll is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee. She has a Masters in Nursing from Lincoln Memorial University. Karla has experience with interventional psych in major depressive disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, ODD, DMDD, and substance use disorders. Outside of work, Karla enjoys walking with her two dachshunds, working out, and baking cakes.
Karla Carroll is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee. She has a Masters in Nursing from Lincoln Memorial University. Karla has experience with interventional psych in major depressive disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, ODD, DMDD, and substance use disorders. Outside of work, Karla enjoys walking with her two dachshunds, working out, and baking cakes.
![Photo of Edelyn Bishop, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34882f7f-f27d-48bb-91da-8db36fde2411/1/320x400.jpeg)
Edelyn is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner receiving her post-masters PMHNP graduate degree from the University of Tennessee in 2021. She received her Bachelor degree in nursing in 1988 from the University of Connecticut, and has had an over 34 year nursing career in various areas of Psychiatric Nursing including inpatient, outpatient, partial programs, and 14 years of emergency room psychiatric crisis work.
Edelyn is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner receiving her post-masters PMHNP graduate degree from the University of Tennessee in 2021. She received her Bachelor degree in nursing in 1988 from the University of Connecticut, and has had an over 34 year nursing career in various areas of Psychiatric Nursing including inpatient, outpatient, partial programs, and 14 years of emergency room psychiatric crisis work.
![Photo of Teresa Arnold, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dcd9096-288c-423b-9439-794d89a06e53/2/320x400.jpeg)
Teresa Arnold
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 6 years of nursing experience and 2 years of experience in psychiatry. My nursing background is in critical care, and I have experience treating high-acuity and high-risk patient populations across neurological, surgical, medical, trauma, and cardiac intensive-care settings. I transitioned into psychiatry due to my experience with vulnerable mentally ill and substance -addicted populations experiencing acute illness as a result of many years without adequate psychiatric care.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with 6 years of nursing experience and 2 years of experience in psychiatry. My nursing background is in critical care, and I have experience treating high-acuity and high-risk patient populations across neurological, surgical, medical, trauma, and cardiac intensive-care settings. I transitioned into psychiatry due to my experience with vulnerable mentally ill and substance -addicted populations experiencing acute illness as a result of many years without adequate psychiatric care.
![Photo of Sadonya Meadows Allen, MSN, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45436b97-f1d6-45f3-8921-cefe21a997e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sadonya Meadows Allen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
I have worked in the field of behavioral health since 2001. My current focus is psychiatric medication management. I treat ages across the lifespan and specialize in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorder.
I have worked in the field of behavioral health since 2001. My current focus is psychiatric medication management. I treat ages across the lifespan and specialize in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorder.
![Photo of Jennifer Thomas, APRN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4d794e0-ca35-4810-b811-938aa3b51580/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer M. Thomas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer believes her role as an PMHNP is to use her 22 years of nursing experience along with her higher education to assess patients for various mental health disorders and implement medications to help manage their symptoms. She feels it is important as a provider to make sure we have a great provider-client relationship that is based on trust, compassion, empathy, and no judgement regarding their mental health issues.
Jennifer M. Thomas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer believes her role as an PMHNP is to use her 22 years of nursing experience along with her higher education to assess patients for various mental health disorders and implement medications to help manage their symptoms. She feels it is important as a provider to make sure we have a great provider-client relationship that is based on trust, compassion, empathy, and no judgement regarding their mental health issues.
![Photo of Hannah Braden, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6399b1da-52a5-4e3d-a331-c27ad731f085/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Braden is a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2015 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2018. She has experience in caring for patients across the lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management to patients 18 years and older. Her areas of focus include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and attention deficit disorder.
Hannah Braden is a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2015 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2018. She has experience in caring for patients across the lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management to patients 18 years and older. Her areas of focus include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and attention deficit disorder.
See more therapy options for 37923
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 37923
30+
Average cost per session
$135
Psychiatrists in 37923 who prioritize treating:
94% | Depression |
90% | Bipolar Disorder |
87% | Anxiety |
84% | Trauma and PTSD |
81% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
81% | Medication Management |
71% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 37923 see their clients
84% | In Person and Online | |
16% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
90% | Female | |
10% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 37923?
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.