Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
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.
Tallon Reeder Lamoreaux
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living and working in Portland, Oregon. I have a professional background working in various mental health settings including both acute and residential inpatient treatment, addiction and recovery, youth behavioral health and general outpatient psychiatry. My primary area of specialty is the treatment of mood, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and sleep disorders in adults ages 18-65. I enjoy getting to know and understand my patients and their individual needs. I am willing to meet you where you are at and collaborate on a plan to help you with your mental health goals.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner living and working in Portland, Oregon. I have a professional background working in various mental health settings including both acute and residential inpatient treatment, addiction and recovery, youth behavioral health and general outpatient psychiatry. My primary area of specialty is the treatment of mood, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and sleep disorders in adults ages 18-65. I enjoy getting to know and understand my patients and their individual needs. I am willing to meet you where you are at and collaborate on a plan to help you with your mental health goals.
Timothy Lafolette
Psychiatric Nurse, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97290 (Online Only)
I enjoy helping clients to identify and head toward their goals. I've been in practice for 11 years, and worked with a diverse set of clients in a federally qualified health clinic. I believe in the power of individual work, alongside being involved in relationships to bring about the greatest healing and fulfillment in life. I believe in focusing on client values to collaborate on the plan. I value viewing and addressing issues from multiple angles to find what's going to be the best approach for a particular client. For instance, I will focus on physical health, thoughts, emotions, as well as spirituality, and chosen community.
I enjoy helping clients to identify and head toward their goals. I've been in practice for 11 years, and worked with a diverse set of clients in a federally qualified health clinic. I believe in the power of individual work, alongside being involved in relationships to bring about the greatest healing and fulfillment in life. I believe in focusing on client values to collaborate on the plan. I value viewing and addressing issues from multiple angles to find what's going to be the best approach for a particular client. For instance, I will focus on physical health, thoughts, emotions, as well as spirituality, and chosen community.
Robert Hernandez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
When treating patients, I consider the whole person, not just symptoms. I take into account other underlying medical conditions, medications, and physiological changes that may impact the effectiveness of a planned treatment. I consider these factors to determine your best treatment path. I have a developmental orientation toward understanding human behavior. I recognize that everyone is unique; and therefore, I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs. I also appreciate a collaborative approach, working with other providers to help facilitate the best treatment outcomes.
When treating patients, I consider the whole person, not just symptoms. I take into account other underlying medical conditions, medications, and physiological changes that may impact the effectiveness of a planned treatment. I consider these factors to determine your best treatment path. I have a developmental orientation toward understanding human behavior. I recognize that everyone is unique; and therefore, I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs. I also appreciate a collaborative approach, working with other providers to help facilitate the best treatment outcomes.
Marisa Bell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I believe people in early adulthood deserve high-quality and compassionate care tailored for this challenging phase of every person’s life. Your twenties (and thirties) can be awesome. Let’s make it happen for you! I am straightforward in my approach, listen carefully and work at your pace. In treatment I attempt to balance my expertise– the science supporting medication decisions– with your own expertise– your body and mind. At the core, I work with people who are struggling and want to reclaim their lives. If you don’t know what’s going on or how to get better, I’m happy to guide you on your path to finding out.
I believe people in early adulthood deserve high-quality and compassionate care tailored for this challenging phase of every person’s life. Your twenties (and thirties) can be awesome. Let’s make it happen for you! I am straightforward in my approach, listen carefully and work at your pace. In treatment I attempt to balance my expertise– the science supporting medication decisions– with your own expertise– your body and mind. At the core, I work with people who are struggling and want to reclaim their lives. If you don’t know what’s going on or how to get better, I’m happy to guide you on your path to finding out.
Nate Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MN, RN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm currently accepting clients for medication management only for Oregon residents. As you consider mental health medications, you're likely feeling some mix of overwhelmed, exhausted, unfulfilled, and "stuck." The way you feel might be connected to challenging transitions in your life, a sense of unmet potential, or even long-held emotions and memories of painful experiences and relationships. The good news is that often times medications work and finding the right "fit" in a provider is a big initial step. Please click over to my website to see a full description of my approach. I look forward to hearing from you!
Hello! I'm currently accepting clients for medication management only for Oregon residents. As you consider mental health medications, you're likely feeling some mix of overwhelmed, exhausted, unfulfilled, and "stuck." The way you feel might be connected to challenging transitions in your life, a sense of unmet potential, or even long-held emotions and memories of painful experiences and relationships. The good news is that often times medications work and finding the right "fit" in a provider is a big initial step. Please click over to my website to see a full description of my approach. I look forward to hearing from you!
La Lune Integrative Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients at joinlalune.com. Jaymie is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who has been working in healthcare for over 15 years. Since 2013, she has worked as a registered nurse and has experience in different areas such as critical care, inpatient medical care and specialty surgeries, cardiology, memory care and rehabilitation, and psychiatry. As a former member of a Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), she became proficient in crisis prevention and intervention, and motivational interviewing. She is an instructor of mental health nursing at the undergraduate university level.
Accepting New Patients at joinlalune.com. Jaymie is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who has been working in healthcare for over 15 years. Since 2013, she has worked as a registered nurse and has experience in different areas such as critical care, inpatient medical care and specialty surgeries, cardiology, memory care and rehabilitation, and psychiatry. As a former member of a Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT), she became proficient in crisis prevention and intervention, and motivational interviewing. She is an instructor of mental health nursing at the undergraduate university level.
Sheena Munson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) providing holistic and patient-centered care is at the heart of what I do. My approach is warm, empathetic, trauma-informed, and evidenced based. We are not our symptoms and as such deserve to be treated as a whole person. We are shaped and effected by every aspect of our life and this cannot be overlooked when addressing our mental health.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) providing holistic and patient-centered care is at the heart of what I do. My approach is warm, empathetic, trauma-informed, and evidenced based. We are not our symptoms and as such deserve to be treated as a whole person. We are shaped and effected by every aspect of our life and this cannot be overlooked when addressing our mental health.
Morgan Huls
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I am is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a certificate in Functional Medicine. This specialized education allows me to approach each client's mental health from a holistic standpoint, looking at all aspects of life to determine the underlying cause and assist the client in achieving optimal mental wellness by addressing the root of an issue!
I am is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a certificate in Functional Medicine. This specialized education allows me to approach each client's mental health from a holistic standpoint, looking at all aspects of life to determine the underlying cause and assist the client in achieving optimal mental wellness by addressing the root of an issue!
Marguerite Maguire
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
Susan Mbugua
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212
Welcome to Imani Mental Health and Wellness. My name is Susan Mbugua, and I am Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I believe in the importance of personalized mental health treatment that addresses the biological, emotional, environmental, and spiritual aspects of mental health and wellness. My treatment approach is to use a combination of medications, therapy, and education to interrupt acute episodes of illness and to break the cycle of recurrence with a holistic approach that includes medications, supportive therapy, guidance on diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices.
Welcome to Imani Mental Health and Wellness. My name is Susan Mbugua, and I am Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I believe in the importance of personalized mental health treatment that addresses the biological, emotional, environmental, and spiritual aspects of mental health and wellness. My treatment approach is to use a combination of medications, therapy, and education to interrupt acute episodes of illness and to break the cycle of recurrence with a holistic approach that includes medications, supportive therapy, guidance on diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices.
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Adam Ellis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97204 (Online Only)
Adam Ellis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has earned degrees from the University of California, Irvine, The George Washington University, and most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Pennsylvania. He has worked with both adult and adolescent psychiatric populations since 2015, and he enjoys engaging with diverse patients who have a broad range of mental health needs. While serving 20 years as a naval officer, Adam developed strong active listening skills and a high level of consideration and respect for others.
Adam Ellis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has earned degrees from the University of California, Irvine, The George Washington University, and most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Pennsylvania. He has worked with both adult and adolescent psychiatric populations since 2015, and he enjoys engaging with diverse patients who have a broad range of mental health needs. While serving 20 years as a naval officer, Adam developed strong active listening skills and a high level of consideration and respect for others.
Hope Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97267 (Online Only)
Hi there! I am Satu Woodland, owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health. When you come see me, you will be a part of a team of 2. Myself, and a wonderful intern. The intern will take a medical history and psychiatric history and then bring me to finish the psychiatric evaluation and the two of us will participate with you in creating a treatment plan. On subsequent visits, the intern will lead the followup and bring me on if there needs to be a change with meds or the treatment plan. Our interns can also provide psychotherapy as needed. Our style is integrative in nature. We use the latest, medications, supplements and treatments.
Hi there! I am Satu Woodland, owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health. When you come see me, you will be a part of a team of 2. Myself, and a wonderful intern. The intern will take a medical history and psychiatric history and then bring me to finish the psychiatric evaluation and the two of us will participate with you in creating a treatment plan. On subsequent visits, the intern will lead the followup and bring me on if there needs to be a change with meds or the treatment plan. Our interns can also provide psychotherapy as needed. Our style is integrative in nature. We use the latest, medications, supplements and treatments.
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.
Nancy C Winters
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
I specialize in psychoanalysis, an intensive, in-depth form of psychotherapy for people who are confronting repetitive and confusing patterns in life preventing them from living more fully. My approach involves careful listening and responsiveness to your unique mind and a sharing of your curiosity and commitment to deeper self-understanding and progressive freedom.
I specialize in psychoanalysis, an intensive, in-depth form of psychotherapy for people who are confronting repetitive and confusing patterns in life preventing them from living more fully. My approach involves careful listening and responsiveness to your unique mind and a sharing of your curiosity and commitment to deeper self-understanding and progressive freedom.
Philip Cawkwell
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210 (Online Only)
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, as well as the most up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
Hi there - I'm Dr. Philip Cawkwell, board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I trained at the top institutions - NYU for medical school, MGH/McLean Harvard for Adult Residency, and Stanford for Child Fellowship. I have the ability to connect with teenagers and young adults, as well as the most up-to-date knowledge on the latest in psychiatric treatments. I am a good fit if you are looking for a provider who is easy to communicate with (both in and out of session), takes your concerns seriously, and is results-driven.
Njideka Domrufus
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Njideka (NJ) Domrufus is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a dual board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specializes in treating major depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD and ADHD.
Njideka (NJ) Domrufus is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a dual board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specializes in treating major depression, substance use disorders, eating disorders, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD and ADHD.
Sara Weber
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97201
Sara is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Oregon. She specializes in treating adults with mood disorders and ADHD. She blends her expertise with a patient's mental health goals, using a combination of medication & limited psychotherapy. Building a trusting collaborative relationship is paramount to her. Sara has a particular interest in providing trauma informed care, believing it is essential to consider the impact our past experiences have on emotional and behavioral health. She strives to be neuro-inclusive.
Sara is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Oregon. She specializes in treating adults with mood disorders and ADHD. She blends her expertise with a patient's mental health goals, using a combination of medication & limited psychotherapy. Building a trusting collaborative relationship is paramount to her. Sara has a particular interest in providing trauma informed care, believing it is essential to consider the impact our past experiences have on emotional and behavioral health. She strives to be neuro-inclusive.
Andrea Hughes
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Hello, and welcome. I believe all individuals are complex beings that bring a mix of history, culture and beliefs into our daily lives, and this affects both our mental and physical health. Traditionally, health has been, and is viewed, as the absence of disease. However, I believe that health is a continuum and different for every person. The WHO says “mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community", and I hope to help you uncover what you need to achieve this.
Hello, and welcome. I believe all individuals are complex beings that bring a mix of history, culture and beliefs into our daily lives, and this affects both our mental and physical health. Traditionally, health has been, and is viewed, as the absence of disease. However, I believe that health is a continuum and different for every person. The WHO says “mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community", and I hope to help you uncover what you need to achieve this.
UltimateProfessionalServices
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202 (Online Only)
Gostine Dankwa is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive and individualized psychiatric care for patients who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses such as Anxiety disorders, ADHD, Depression, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and sleep related disorders. He is an engaging and compassionate practitioner who focuses on patient-centered care and listens to heal the patient from within. He specializes in therapy and medication management for individuals who suffer from mental illnesses. His focus is on holistic care and encourages individuals to be part of their care and help manage their physical and emotional.
Gostine Dankwa is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive and individualized psychiatric care for patients who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses such as Anxiety disorders, ADHD, Depression, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and sleep related disorders. He is an engaging and compassionate practitioner who focuses on patient-centered care and listens to heal the patient from within. He specializes in therapy and medication management for individuals who suffer from mental illnesses. His focus is on holistic care and encourages individuals to be part of their care and help manage their physical and emotional.
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 |
72% | ADHD |
72% | Bipolar Disorder |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
73% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
72% | Aetna |
68% | PacificSource |
How Psychiatrists in Portland, OR see their clients
63% | In Person and Online | |
37% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
26% | 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.