Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
Hope Anderson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MBA, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223
Accepting NEW patients virtually. Hope is a doctorate-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and pharmacological management of psychiatric conditions throughout an adult's lifespan. Hope understands that clients are the experts in themselves. She collaborates with her patients to create an individual treatment plan that values the patient's preferences while she provides clinical expertise. Her style is easygoing and practical, as she tries to engage clients in a unified discussion.
Accepting NEW patients virtually. Hope is a doctorate-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and pharmacological management of psychiatric conditions throughout an adult's lifespan. Hope understands that clients are the experts in themselves. She collaborates with her patients to create an individual treatment plan that values the patient's preferences while she provides clinical expertise. Her style is easygoing and practical, as she tries to engage clients in a unified discussion.
Jean Sterry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
I collaborate with people who seek to identify and achieve their goals and improve their relationships with themselves and others to build a more connected and authentic life. I have experience supporting clients with difficult symptoms related to life transitions, mood, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and neurodiversity, as well as working with people in recovery. I work with adults and adolescents and see clients in person and via telehealth. I believe that safety, curiosity, compassion, and authenticity are the foundations of a strong and safe therapeutic relationship which is the cornerstone of all therapeutic work.
I collaborate with people who seek to identify and achieve their goals and improve their relationships with themselves and others to build a more connected and authentic life. I have experience supporting clients with difficult symptoms related to life transitions, mood, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and neurodiversity, as well as working with people in recovery. I work with adults and adolescents and see clients in person and via telehealth. I believe that safety, curiosity, compassion, and authenticity are the foundations of a strong and safe therapeutic relationship which is the cornerstone of all therapeutic work.
Deb Kiehlmeier
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Accepting new patients with immediate availability! I am a board certified psychiatrist offering telepsychiatric services to patients throughout Oregon. I have in-person availability for those local to Portland. I have experience diagnosing and treating all mental health disorders, but focus primarily on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety (including PTSD), depressive disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating LGBTQIA+ patients.
Accepting new patients with immediate availability! I am a board certified psychiatrist offering telepsychiatric services to patients throughout Oregon. I have in-person availability for those local to Portland. I have experience diagnosing and treating all mental health disorders, but focus primarily on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety (including PTSD), depressive disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating LGBTQIA+ patients.
Erika Bales
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97206 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
John Robert Kratzer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
Are you in the middle of a life transition? Are you looking for ways to open up your heart and soul so you can have more purpose and meaning in your life? Would you like help in building skills to be more present and peaceful in your day to day life? Would you like to experience healing as part of a larger community? Do you want to put your psychological concerns and symptoms in a broader context? I would like to help you discover your souls place in the world so you can live a life that accords to your values, is purposeful and meaningful and helps to integrate all of this with your childhood experiences.
Are you in the middle of a life transition? Are you looking for ways to open up your heart and soul so you can have more purpose and meaning in your life? Would you like help in building skills to be more present and peaceful in your day to day life? Would you like to experience healing as part of a larger community? Do you want to put your psychological concerns and symptoms in a broader context? I would like to help you discover your souls place in the world so you can live a life that accords to your values, is purposeful and meaningful and helps to integrate all of this with your childhood experiences.
Farah Raqib
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Investing in one's well-being, healing and personal growth is a journey I have the privilege to support in my career. I am a board certified adult psychiatrist who has a passion for using therapy and medications as tools for empowerment and learning. To learn more about my practice, please visit website.
Investing in one's well-being, healing and personal growth is a journey I have the privilege to support in my career. I am a board certified adult psychiatrist who has a passion for using therapy and medications as tools for empowerment and learning. To learn more about my practice, please visit website.
Mary E. Theodore, MD, MPH
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97210
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty years experience taking care of patients. Practicing for all these years in a field that I love, I have developed deep and lasting bonds with many of them. I am both a psycho-pharmacologist and a psycho-therapist. I treat numerous psychiatric & personality disorders but specialize in Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, adult ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, Women's Mental Health, and HIV psychiatry. My goal is to help you create solutions and restore balance and well being in your life.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty years experience taking care of patients. Practicing for all these years in a field that I love, I have developed deep and lasting bonds with many of them. I am both a psycho-pharmacologist and a psycho-therapist. I treat numerous psychiatric & personality disorders but specialize in Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, adult ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, Women's Mental Health, and HIV psychiatry. My goal is to help you create solutions and restore balance and well being in your life.
Helen Caldwell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) located in Portland, Oregon. I completed my Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Oregon Health & Science University. I have experience working with clients who suffer from a variety of mental health issues including difficulty with focus and attention, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma. A majority of my experience has been focused on medication management in addition to the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) located in Portland, Oregon. I completed my Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Oregon Health & Science University. I have experience working with clients who suffer from a variety of mental health issues including difficulty with focus and attention, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma. A majority of my experience has been focused on medication management in addition to the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression.
Shannon LaDouce
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97218 (Online Only)
Feb 2024- OPEN. I am passionate about supporting those who have dedicated their lives to service (of all types!). I am adept at working with the "givers" - the folks who are often over-extending to those around them. I am committed to creating a safe and judgment-free space for you to finally be the one that receives support. Whether you're a veteran navigating the challenges of post-service life, a healthcare provider managing the pressures of the field, a mom juggling the demands of parenthood, or the friend who everyone turns to, I am here to partner with you to give YOU the support you deserve.
Feb 2024- OPEN. I am passionate about supporting those who have dedicated their lives to service (of all types!). I am adept at working with the "givers" - the folks who are often over-extending to those around them. I am committed to creating a safe and judgment-free space for you to finally be the one that receives support. Whether you're a veteran navigating the challenges of post-service life, a healthcare provider managing the pressures of the field, a mom juggling the demands of parenthood, or the friend who everyone turns to, I am here to partner with you to give YOU the support you deserve.
Annie Hood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
I received advanced practice training at OHSU, graduating with MSN in addition to a Psychology MA from the University of British Columbia. I am Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have expertise in treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, and medication-assisted treatments for substance use. My approach is client-centered, warm, and collaborative; employing evidence-based pharmacotherapeutic and functional interventions to support individual wellness goals.
I received advanced practice training at OHSU, graduating with MSN in addition to a Psychology MA from the University of British Columbia. I am Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have expertise in treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, and medication-assisted treatments for substance use. My approach is client-centered, warm, and collaborative; employing evidence-based pharmacotherapeutic and functional interventions to support individual wellness goals.
Robert Geistwhite, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
Despite being successful, many creative and talented people live with a negative inner world. Often thinking, "If I only had someone to talk to." They are stuck but reluctant to seek help. It seems shameful or overwhelming. The fact is, once we are able to connect many of my patients quickly start to feel better. I listen in a way that respects their own perspective, pace and autonomy. Together we strive to deepen our understanding of the problems, while expanding our appreciation of a unique inner life.
Despite being successful, many creative and talented people live with a negative inner world. Often thinking, "If I only had someone to talk to." They are stuck but reluctant to seek help. It seems shameful or overwhelming. The fact is, once we are able to connect many of my patients quickly start to feel better. I listen in a way that respects their own perspective, pace and autonomy. Together we strive to deepen our understanding of the problems, while expanding our appreciation of a unique inner life.
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Mary E Theodore, MD, MPH
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I hope we can work together. Practicing for years, in a profession that I love, I have formed deep & lasting bonds with my patients. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist who has a bi-coastal practice in NYC & Portland, Oregon. I care for patients both in-person and virtually. My expertise is in providing both psycho-pharmacology & psychotherapy. I specialize in complex & hard to treat cases & work closely with the LGBTQIA+ community. My areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, & Personality & Substance Use Disorders.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I hope we can work together. Practicing for years, in a profession that I love, I have formed deep & lasting bonds with my patients. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist who has a bi-coastal practice in NYC & Portland, Oregon. I care for patients both in-person and virtually. My expertise is in providing both psycho-pharmacology & psychotherapy. I specialize in complex & hard to treat cases & work closely with the LGBTQIA+ community. My areas of expertise include Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, & Personality & Substance Use Disorders.
Alexandra Gomez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217 (Online Only)
Hi, are you looking for more holistic- patient-centered care? I specialize in treating adults and adolescents with mental health issues with special attention given to treating anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, as well as substance use disorder. I am compassionate and nonjudgmental. I work hard to help my patients reach their goals. My practice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship to facilitate the process of healing. We provide Telehealth visits in Oregon.
Hi, are you looking for more holistic- patient-centered care? I specialize in treating adults and adolescents with mental health issues with special attention given to treating anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, as well as substance use disorder. I am compassionate and nonjudgmental. I work hard to help my patients reach their goals. My practice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship to facilitate the process of healing. We provide Telehealth visits in Oregon.
Sari Matisoff
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
Update - Emails from psychology today seem to be getting lost, please fill out the new client inquiry form at www.hmhpdx.com/new-client-inquiries-1 to ensure your communication to the office does not get missed! I specialize in psychiatric medication management for ages 18-64. I have a BA in psychology from Willamette University and Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in nursing from OHSU. I am licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington. I see psychiatric medications as an added tool to aid in overall well-being, and enjoy working with clients on how to maximize wellness with the least amount of medication needed.
Update - Emails from psychology today seem to be getting lost, please fill out the new client inquiry form at www.hmhpdx.com/new-client-inquiries-1 to ensure your communication to the office does not get missed! I specialize in psychiatric medication management for ages 18-64. I have a BA in psychology from Willamette University and Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in nursing from OHSU. I am licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington. I see psychiatric medications as an added tool to aid in overall well-being, and enjoy working with clients on how to maximize wellness with the least amount of medication needed.
Tyler Clark Chipman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MN, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
I work in collaborative partnership with individuals who are seeking to regain or retain industry and autonomy in their lives, to identify and achieve their goals, and to improve their relationships with themselves and others. I have experience in treating difficult symptoms related to personality, mood, thoughts, trauma, anxiety, OCD, neurocognition, and autism, as well as working with people in recovery. I work with adults of all ages and diverse backgrounds. I fundamentally believe that healing happens in relationship and that authenticity, curiosity, empathy, and compassion are the cornerstones of helpful clinical relationships.
I work in collaborative partnership with individuals who are seeking to regain or retain industry and autonomy in their lives, to identify and achieve their goals, and to improve their relationships with themselves and others. I have experience in treating difficult symptoms related to personality, mood, thoughts, trauma, anxiety, OCD, neurocognition, and autism, as well as working with people in recovery. I work with adults of all ages and diverse backgrounds. I fundamentally believe that healing happens in relationship and that authenticity, curiosity, empathy, and compassion are the cornerstones of helpful clinical relationships.
Angela Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I can help you move beyond your trauma, anxiety, or depression. I believe you have the capacity to get better. I’d love to be your guide in getting there! My style is candid, thoughtful and compassionate. With the right information, I know my clients can make the best care decisions for themselves. Though medications are a piece of my toolkit, I also incorporate solutions-focused therapy, nutrition considerations, and overall wellness support. My hope is to get you feeling well.
I can help you move beyond your trauma, anxiety, or depression. I believe you have the capacity to get better. I’d love to be your guide in getting there! My style is candid, thoughtful and compassionate. With the right information, I know my clients can make the best care decisions for themselves. Though medications are a piece of my toolkit, I also incorporate solutions-focused therapy, nutrition considerations, and overall wellness support. My hope is to get you feeling well.
Naomi Suhler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223
Welcome. I'm a Board Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with advanced training in medication management, mindful based cognitive therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I provide trauma informed, person-centered care utilizing medications, cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness and coping skills training to individuals seeking relief from mental health symptoms that have impacted their happiness, connection with others, work productivity and quality of life.
Welcome. I'm a Board Certified and Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with advanced training in medication management, mindful based cognitive therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I provide trauma informed, person-centered care utilizing medications, cognitive-behavioral approaches, mindfulness and coping skills training to individuals seeking relief from mental health symptoms that have impacted their happiness, connection with others, work productivity and quality of life.
Terri Leigh Squires Licensed Medical Provider In Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NBCC, LPC, FNP-BC, PNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Triple Boarded Licensed Medical Provider in Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Clinical Psychology with 9 years of graduate medical/clinical education. Licensed Medical Provider Psychiatry in four states for the last 20 years. Thirty years of experience working in the psychiatry field as a Psychotherapist, Licensed Medical Provider utilizing an Integrative/Holistic approach when prescribing medications; triple boarded in Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Clinical Psychology; emphasis on mindfulness techniques Buddhist Psychology strategies for difficult to treat anxiety, difficult to treat depression, ADHD, mood swings.
Triple Boarded Licensed Medical Provider in Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Clinical Psychology with 9 years of graduate medical/clinical education. Licensed Medical Provider Psychiatry in four states for the last 20 years. Thirty years of experience working in the psychiatry field as a Psychotherapist, Licensed Medical Provider utilizing an Integrative/Holistic approach when prescribing medications; triple boarded in Psychiatry, Family Medicine and Clinical Psychology; emphasis on mindfulness techniques Buddhist Psychology strategies for difficult to treat anxiety, difficult to treat depression, ADHD, mood swings.
Francoise Eipper
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
The foundation of my practice is a thoughtful, integrated treatment approach that centers around psychodynamic psychotherapy. For adolescents and adults, I offer a more intensive form of psychodynamic psychotherapy, known as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, for those interested in a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. I also work with children and their parents, and I provide psychodynamically informed play therapy for children who need help expressing, working through, and mastering difficult feelings. I am board certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.
The foundation of my practice is a thoughtful, integrated treatment approach that centers around psychodynamic psychotherapy. For adolescents and adults, I offer a more intensive form of psychodynamic psychotherapy, known as psychoanalytic psychotherapy, for those interested in a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. I also work with children and their parents, and I provide psychodynamically informed play therapy for children who need help expressing, working through, and mastering difficult feelings. I am board certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.
Dallas L Upchurch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97229
Hello, and welcome to your best life! I believe in listening to my patients concerns and creating the best possible individualized treatment plan to help each one of my patient's live their best lives as they navigate the rough waters life sometimes brings our way. I started my nursing career as an ICU trauma nurse in neuro, surgical, medical, and trauma ICU in federal, veteran, and civilian hospitals all over this amazing country. I feel my unique background of medical, nursing, and psychological approaches help my clients feel comfortable with my holistic approach to their psychiatric care.
Hello, and welcome to your best life! I believe in listening to my patients concerns and creating the best possible individualized treatment plan to help each one of my patient's live their best lives as they navigate the rough waters life sometimes brings our way. I started my nursing career as an ICU trauma nurse in neuro, surgical, medical, and trauma ICU in federal, veteran, and civilian hospitals all over this amazing country. I feel my unique background of medical, nursing, and psychological approaches help my clients feel comfortable with my holistic approach to their psychiatric care.
See more therapy options for Portland
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
400+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
95% | Depression |
81% | Medication Management |
75% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | ADHD |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
73% | Aetna |
72% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
67% | PacificSource |
How Psychiatrists in Portland, OR see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
27% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Portland?
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.