Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA
George H. Glade
Psychiatric Nurse, MC, MN, ARNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I am currently accepting new clients. Most problems have a solution, most illnesses are treatable. Change begins with a first step toward doing things differently than you have done them before. I believe the purpose of therapy is ultimately not to be in therapy but to aquire new skills to support positive change. I am not a therapist who will sit back quietly, nod and give you an occassional 'Uh-huh'. I have Master's degrees in both Counseling and Nursing. I work in the ER at Harborview, at my office practice, and with the psychiatric needs of older adults. I come from an integrative medicine perspective when I prescribe med.s
I am currently accepting new clients. Most problems have a solution, most illnesses are treatable. Change begins with a first step toward doing things differently than you have done them before. I believe the purpose of therapy is ultimately not to be in therapy but to aquire new skills to support positive change. I am not a therapist who will sit back quietly, nod and give you an occassional 'Uh-huh'. I have Master's degrees in both Counseling and Nursing. I work in the ER at Harborview, at my office practice, and with the psychiatric needs of older adults. I come from an integrative medicine perspective when I prescribe med.s
SeattleNTC - Tacoma Bellevue Bellingham Seattle
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
We are not currently accepting new patients for medication management. When depression has you ready to give up, you need doctors who won't. SeattleNTC - www.seattlentc.com - is a specialty clinic offering compassionate, expert care for severe depression and other hard-to-treat psychiatric conditions throughout the Puget Sound region. We specialize in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), esketamine (Spravato), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other interventions for debilitating depression that has not improved with medications and psychotherapy.
We are not currently accepting new patients for medication management. When depression has you ready to give up, you need doctors who won't. SeattleNTC - www.seattlentc.com - is a specialty clinic offering compassionate, expert care for severe depression and other hard-to-treat psychiatric conditions throughout the Puget Sound region. We specialize in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), esketamine (Spravato), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other interventions for debilitating depression that has not improved with medications and psychotherapy.
Rachel Ann Jimenes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107
As a board-certified as a mental health nurse practitioner, my aim is to care for each patient holistically and with cultural sensitivity. I’m trained to provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnose, and collaborate with each patient to create individualized treatment plans. My skill set includes prescribing medications, therapeutic interventions, and exploring lifestyle modifications that promote sustainable mental health.
As a board-certified as a mental health nurse practitioner, my aim is to care for each patient holistically and with cultural sensitivity. I’m trained to provide comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnose, and collaborate with each patient to create individualized treatment plans. My skill set includes prescribing medications, therapeutic interventions, and exploring lifestyle modifications that promote sustainable mental health.
Sophia Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
Not accepting new clients
Sophia believes that medicine is anything that supports wellbeing. This stems beyond what is prescribed in medication but also in nutrition, environment, and activities that bring you joy. She aims to educate, empower, and partner with clients as part of a team to develop tailored plans that optimize mental health based on their own individual needs. Sophia practices with a holistic, integrative, and trauma-informed lens.
Sophia believes that medicine is anything that supports wellbeing. This stems beyond what is prescribed in medication but also in nutrition, environment, and activities that bring you joy. She aims to educate, empower, and partner with clients as part of a team to develop tailored plans that optimize mental health based on their own individual needs. Sophia practices with a holistic, integrative, and trauma-informed lens.
Ashley Osborne
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Ashley Osborne, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
If you're looking for a kind, knowledgeable & compassionate provider, you are in the right place. Ashley a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 10 yrs. experience working in mental health, in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings. Ashley enjoys working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, behavioral issues, eating disorders, attention-deficient disorders (ADHD) and Autism. After spending the last two years working with two WashU Psychiatrists, prescribing the latest treatments and working in new drug research, she has gained significant experience and expertise.
If you're looking for a kind, knowledgeable & compassionate provider, you are in the right place. Ashley a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 10 yrs. experience working in mental health, in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings. Ashley enjoys working with children, teens and adults with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, behavioral issues, eating disorders, attention-deficient disorders (ADHD) and Autism. After spending the last two years working with two WashU Psychiatrists, prescribing the latest treatments and working in new drug research, she has gained significant experience and expertise.
Allison Cothern
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with both my Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing. Since completing my graduate studies and residencies, I have specialized in treating adults with mental health difficulties and concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and other challenges. I will make it my priority to help you feel comfortable while performing thorough assessments to better diagnose and develop a treatment plan. I believe in a holistic approach to maximize wellbeing and to help you attain the best results.
I am a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with both my Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing. Since completing my graduate studies and residencies, I have specialized in treating adults with mental health difficulties and concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and other challenges. I will make it my priority to help you feel comfortable while performing thorough assessments to better diagnose and develop a treatment plan. I believe in a holistic approach to maximize wellbeing and to help you attain the best results.
Dr. Matias Massaro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Reading this signifies that you acknowledge things need to change. I see people living in “hard mode,” as if they are walking with Lego pieces inside their shoes, feeling stuck, resourceless, or overwhelmed. We strive to walk in those shoes and make it through the day, but sometimes we don’t take a step. Your life doesn’t have to be a daily battle. I would be honored to collaborate with you in your healing journey. I aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals seeking mental health care. I strive to build genuine, cooperative partnerships to define and address therapeutic goals.
Reading this signifies that you acknowledge things need to change. I see people living in “hard mode,” as if they are walking with Lego pieces inside their shoes, feeling stuck, resourceless, or overwhelmed. We strive to walk in those shoes and make it through the day, but sometimes we don’t take a step. Your life doesn’t have to be a daily battle. I would be honored to collaborate with you in your healing journey. I aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals seeking mental health care. I strive to build genuine, cooperative partnerships to define and address therapeutic goals.
Kevin Clinton Kerrick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who takes a holistic approach to treating patients. I recognize that people are more than of their parts. Maximizing wellness is the goal when working with clients, and to this end, exploration into complex biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors is important to gain a full view of the client's needs. Clients often seek mental health treatment to alleviate distress. It is incumbent on the provider to work with clients to uncover sources of distress and develop actionable means to empower clients to improve their lives.
I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who takes a holistic approach to treating patients. I recognize that people are more than of their parts. Maximizing wellness is the goal when working with clients, and to this end, exploration into complex biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors is important to gain a full view of the client's needs. Clients often seek mental health treatment to alleviate distress. It is incumbent on the provider to work with clients to uncover sources of distress and develop actionable means to empower clients to improve their lives.
Safe Space psychiatry group
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, Freddy, Akoko
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
Welcome to Safe Space Clinic, where compassionate care meets expertise in psychiatric and family medicine. As co-owners, Ferdinand Akoko (Freddy) PMHNP-BC and Nadege Akoko (Nadi) FNP-BC are committed to providing a holistic approach to healthcare. Freddy specializes in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, bringing years of experience and dedication to helping patients achieve mental wellness. Nadi specializes in family practice, offering comprehensive care for patients of all ages
Welcome to Safe Space Clinic, where compassionate care meets expertise in psychiatric and family medicine. As co-owners, Ferdinand Akoko (Freddy) PMHNP-BC and Nadege Akoko (Nadi) FNP-BC are committed to providing a holistic approach to healthcare. Freddy specializes in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, bringing years of experience and dedication to helping patients achieve mental wellness. Nadi specializes in family practice, offering comprehensive care for patients of all ages
Catherine Terri Lee
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
My practice is oriented towards long-term insight-oriented psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults, sometimes including medication management as part of an overall treatment plan. I seek to provide non-critical, empathic, and respectful listening which will enable my patients to feel safe as we explore together the sources of their distress. As a person achieves greater self-understanding, greater self-acceptance and compassion towards oneself becomes possible, and this helps relieve suffering and affords greater personal freedom to become one's authentic self.
My practice is oriented towards long-term insight-oriented psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults, sometimes including medication management as part of an overall treatment plan. I seek to provide non-critical, empathic, and respectful listening which will enable my patients to feel safe as we explore together the sources of their distress. As a person achieves greater self-understanding, greater self-acceptance and compassion towards oneself becomes possible, and this helps relieve suffering and affords greater personal freedom to become one's authentic self.
Talia Baruch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98199 (Online Only)
Do you struggle to find the energy to do things you once enjoyed? Activities that used to bring happiness and fulfillment now feel like an insurmountable task. Even the simplest of tasks, like getting out of bed or taking a shower, feels impossible. The constant negative thoughts and feelings are overwhelming. You might not feel as if you can ever get better but you are ready to find a way to get out of the isolating hole of depression. You are ready to start living your life again. Clients come to me looking for a compassionate and patient provider who brings them hope in even the darkest of times.
Do you struggle to find the energy to do things you once enjoyed? Activities that used to bring happiness and fulfillment now feel like an insurmountable task. Even the simplest of tasks, like getting out of bed or taking a shower, feels impossible. The constant negative thoughts and feelings are overwhelming. You might not feel as if you can ever get better but you are ready to find a way to get out of the isolating hole of depression. You are ready to start living your life again. Clients come to me looking for a compassionate and patient provider who brings them hope in even the darkest of times.
15 Second Videos
Rachel Ann Jimenes
Talia Baruch
Levi Williams
Fatima Omar
Arezu Piroozmandi
Sean Dunn
David G Zacharias
Albert Quainoo
Casilda Jennings Vigil
Lynn-Marie Peashka
Dao Nguyen
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness - Debbie Singh
Katharine Frissora
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
MindsMatter LLC
Balance Psychiatric Services
Deidre McHugh
Alexandra Scott
Inno Ogbede
Embodied Wellness Psychiatry
Pw Psych NP Services Pllc
Ike Uzowulu
Transformational Psychiatry NW & TMS Clinic
Hannah Cantrell
Nancy Masters
Mental Health For All Services
Kelsey Knox
Jacqueline Marcell-Koledin | TMS
Kathryn (Kat) McNeil
Talia Baruch
Steven Pline
Ashley Cedar
Debbie Singh PMHNP / Ideal Mental Health
Grace Martin
Jade Goodloe
Tanner Rapp
Nicholas Hatcher
Mark Ellestad
John Anthony Meunier
Honorine Betah
Anna Long
Shannon Eaton
Cate Gerrity
Raven Young
PsychiatryProvider.com
Felicia Turner, APRN | Text #Enroll 503-925-6606
Hope Mental Health
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness Care
Heather Sanudo
Victoria Abolarin
Seattle Anxiety Specialists
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101
Currently accepting new patients.
Currently accepting new patients.
Paul Okoronkwo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP -, BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98136
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in public? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US AT: https://provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo
Are you feeling down or hopeless about your future? Do you always feeling anxious or have panic attacks that you are scared to go out in public? Are you struggling to concentrate better on tasks either at work or in school? You are not alone. We are here to help you balance your physical and mental health and improve your performance. We treat clients with ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, and many more. We are currently ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US AT: https://provider.kareo.com/paul-okoronkwo
Kristina Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
I am so glad you're here. It is brave to seek out help for mental health. I'm Kristina, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am passionate about improving the quality of life of those who struggle mentally. This passion originated from my personal experiences with mental health. During our time together, my primary goal is to create a safe atmosphere for you to express and share your concerns. Together, we will design a plan guided by evidence-based practices, which we will monitor throughout for your most effective outcomes. I work remotely and am licensed in Minnesota, Arizona, and Washington.
I am so glad you're here. It is brave to seek out help for mental health. I'm Kristina, a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I am passionate about improving the quality of life of those who struggle mentally. This passion originated from my personal experiences with mental health. During our time together, my primary goal is to create a safe atmosphere for you to express and share your concerns. Together, we will design a plan guided by evidence-based practices, which we will monitor throughout for your most effective outcomes. I work remotely and am licensed in Minnesota, Arizona, and Washington.
Steven Carroll
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
Steve Carroll is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He serves clients across the lifespan and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, ADHD, Addiction, and other mood disorders. Steve specializes in the care of clients within the LGBTQ community, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Steve was a 2020 recipient of the Ken Dunning Trauma Informed Care Commissioner’s Award, a distinguished honor bestowed by the New York Department of Health for practitioners who provide medical services to trauma survivors.
Steve Carroll is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He serves clients across the lifespan and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, ADHD, Addiction, and other mood disorders. Steve specializes in the care of clients within the LGBTQ community, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Steve was a 2020 recipient of the Ken Dunning Trauma Informed Care Commissioner’s Award, a distinguished honor bestowed by the New York Department of Health for practitioners who provide medical services to trauma survivors.
Anita Sassaman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121 (Online Only)
Anita has more than 8 yrs experience as psychiatric nurse practitioner, and experience as telepsych provider for more than 4 yrs. Her experiences include outpatient, inpatient, military, and civilian; works with children and adult populations.
Anita has more than 8 yrs experience as psychiatric nurse practitioner, and experience as telepsych provider for more than 4 yrs. Her experiences include outpatient, inpatient, military, and civilian; works with children and adult populations.
Levi Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107
I believe that wherever you’re at with your mental health journey, either for yourself or a loved one, there is one thing everyone is looking for first: to be understood. In the busy world we live in, with what seems like access to everyone and everything right at our fingertips, we know what it is like to be heard; though, it is often difficult to experience meaningful connection, feel related to, and know an understanding has taken place beyond mere words. My goal is to connect in a calm and caring way with each person I meet, to understand where you are at in your journey, and to work together to identify your needs.
I believe that wherever you’re at with your mental health journey, either for yourself or a loved one, there is one thing everyone is looking for first: to be understood. In the busy world we live in, with what seems like access to everyone and everything right at our fingertips, we know what it is like to be heard; though, it is often difficult to experience meaningful connection, feel related to, and know an understanding has taken place beyond mere words. My goal is to connect in a calm and caring way with each person I meet, to understand where you are at in your journey, and to work together to identify your needs.
Season Hamilton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP-BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107
Not accepting new clients
Mental health problems like Depression and Anxiety are common and treatable mental disorders that cause dysfunction in one’s life and can further lead to social problems, broken relationships and diseases. A lot has been going on in our world today and for some it has been harder to bounce back. Treatment with medication can help get you back on track so you can live a life with less mental pain, constant self criticism, anxious fears and feelings of worthlessness.
Mental health problems like Depression and Anxiety are common and treatable mental disorders that cause dysfunction in one’s life and can further lead to social problems, broken relationships and diseases. A lot has been going on in our world today and for some it has been harder to bounce back. Treatment with medication can help get you back on track so you can live a life with less mental pain, constant self criticism, anxious fears and feelings of worthlessness.
Ashley Bouzis
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I'm guessing you're here because the road of life is feeling pretty bumpy these days and it's left you feeling uncertain, anxious or sad. Maybe you're trying to figure out answers to questions like "Why aren't my relationships/goals/jobs working out the way I'd hoped?", "What do I really want out of life or relationships?" or maybe it's something more along the lines of "Why do I feel so damn stressed, sad, disorganized and untethered all the time, and more importantly....how can I feel less of that and get back to feeling like myself?"
Hello and welcome! I'm guessing you're here because the road of life is feeling pretty bumpy these days and it's left you feeling uncertain, anxious or sad. Maybe you're trying to figure out answers to questions like "Why aren't my relationships/goals/jobs working out the way I'd hoped?", "What do I really want out of life or relationships?" or maybe it's something more along the lines of "Why do I feel so damn stressed, sad, disorganized and untethered all the time, and more importantly....how can I feel less of that and get back to feeling like myself?"
Fatima Omar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC, ARNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Fatima Omar and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in anxiety, bipolar, depression, insomnia/sleep issues, seasonal affective disorder and stress management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Fatima Omar and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in anxiety, bipolar, depression, insomnia/sleep issues, seasonal affective disorder and stress management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
See more therapy options for Seattle
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA
500+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
85% | Medication Management |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | ADHD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
79% | Aetna |
74% | Cigna and Evernorth |
67% | Premera |
How Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
69% | Female | |
30% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Seattle?
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.