Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
Orenda Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Online Only)
Dr. Jarvis, a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health, considering the mind, body, and spirit. She values the patient as an active partner in their care, striving to empower them in managing their health journey. Dr. Jarvis offers comprehensive services, including psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and culturally sensitive care. Patients under her care feel genuinely supported, heard, and empowered, fostering hope for positive improvements in their situations.
Dr. Jarvis, a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner, emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health, considering the mind, body, and spirit. She values the patient as an active partner in their care, striving to empower them in managing their health journey. Dr. Jarvis offers comprehensive services, including psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and culturally sensitive care. Patients under her care feel genuinely supported, heard, and empowered, fostering hope for positive improvements in their situations.
Egger NP in Psychiatry, PC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11221 (Online Only)
The practice is run by Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Kristen Egger treating adolescents and adults with a wide range of behavioral and emotional difficulties. With over 10 years experience working inpatient, outpatient, & emergency setting, our treatment philosophy centers on treating the whole person. We will explore the individual’s mental, physical, and emotional health with the goal of health promotion and disease prevention. Medical Marijuana Evaluations & Certification.
The practice is run by Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Kristen Egger treating adolescents and adults with a wide range of behavioral and emotional difficulties. With over 10 years experience working inpatient, outpatient, & emergency setting, our treatment philosophy centers on treating the whole person. We will explore the individual’s mental, physical, and emotional health with the goal of health promotion and disease prevention. Medical Marijuana Evaluations & Certification.
YuWellnes Telepsychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my primary goal is to build a therapeutic relationship with my clients that is rooted in trust, respect, and empathy. I understand that seeking mental health treatment can be a vulnerable and challenging experience, and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and collaborating with me to develop a personalized treatment plan.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my primary goal is to build a therapeutic relationship with my clients that is rooted in trust, respect, and empathy. I understand that seeking mental health treatment can be a vulnerable and challenging experience, and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and collaborating with me to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Saaema Pastron
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
Saaema (she/her) is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals attain mental well-being, using a collaborative and individualized approach with each client. She works closely with her clients to help them achieve their goals using a combination of evidence-based treatments and within the context of the clients’ cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs. Saaema specializes in medication management and non-pharmacological approaches that link our mind and body experiences. She will work with you to tailor a medication regimen after a thorough evaluation.
Saaema (she/her) is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals attain mental well-being, using a collaborative and individualized approach with each client. She works closely with her clients to help them achieve their goals using a combination of evidence-based treatments and within the context of the clients’ cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs. Saaema specializes in medication management and non-pharmacological approaches that link our mind and body experiences. She will work with you to tailor a medication regimen after a thorough evaluation.
Erin Shindle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201
I am trained and licensed to treat individuals across the lifespan with specialized experience working with older children, adolescents, and young adults. Treatment begins with an initial assessment to gain insight into you are and what brings you to treatment. We all may struggle to fully understand ourselves and our core challenges and patterns that may be impacting us adversely. Together, through thoughtful exploration, we will work to develop a shared understanding of these challenges and what underlies them. This shared understanding helps us to focus your treatment and guide you in achieving meaningful psychological change.
I am trained and licensed to treat individuals across the lifespan with specialized experience working with older children, adolescents, and young adults. Treatment begins with an initial assessment to gain insight into you are and what brings you to treatment. We all may struggle to fully understand ourselves and our core challenges and patterns that may be impacting us adversely. Together, through thoughtful exploration, we will work to develop a shared understanding of these challenges and what underlies them. This shared understanding helps us to focus your treatment and guide you in achieving meaningful psychological change.
Darwin Joseph Buschman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
I am board certified psychiatrist, medical school SUNY Downstate, residency NYU/Bellvue, in private practice since 1986 in New York City with affiliations NYU, Mt. Sinai, St. Lukes/Roosevelt, Lenox Hill hospitals and others. I have a broad range of experience I describe as general psychiatry and experience with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Dementias, and many areas although I don't prefer to treat Substance Abuse Disorders or ADHD (I do not prescribe stimulants.) I provide IPT short term psychotherapy, medication management, and 1-2 session psychiatric evaluations with assessment and recommendation. email me
I am board certified psychiatrist, medical school SUNY Downstate, residency NYU/Bellvue, in private practice since 1986 in New York City with affiliations NYU, Mt. Sinai, St. Lukes/Roosevelt, Lenox Hill hospitals and others. I have a broad range of experience I describe as general psychiatry and experience with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Dementias, and many areas although I don't prefer to treat Substance Abuse Disorders or ADHD (I do not prescribe stimulants.) I provide IPT short term psychotherapy, medication management, and 1-2 session psychiatric evaluations with assessment and recommendation. email me
Carlene Macmillan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11249
I am the co-founder of Fermata (www.fermata.health) and am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist for children, adolescents and adults. I am an expert in accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and second opinions for complex cases, including when families are contemplating higher levels of care like residential treatment. My approach is to be collaborative, individualized and curious.This may involve managing medications, providing individual, family or group therapy or a combination of these options. I am comfortable working with individuals with complex psychiatric backgrounds. Please go to www.fermata.health to make an inquiry.
I am the co-founder of Fermata (www.fermata.health) and am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist for children, adolescents and adults. I am an expert in accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and second opinions for complex cases, including when families are contemplating higher levels of care like residential treatment. My approach is to be collaborative, individualized and curious.This may involve managing medications, providing individual, family or group therapy or a combination of these options. I am comfortable working with individuals with complex psychiatric backgrounds. Please go to www.fermata.health to make an inquiry.
Paul Davanzo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11242
Paul Davanzo is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of experience. He earned his Master’s of Science in Nursing from Stonybrook University School of Nursing and Health Studies. After graduation, he started at South Oaks Psychiatric Hospital, then Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, and later New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center's CPEP unit. Throughout his career, Paul prioritizes addressing psycho-social needs in a compassionate, non-judgmental, safe therapeutic environment for clients.
Paul Davanzo is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of experience. He earned his Master’s of Science in Nursing from Stonybrook University School of Nursing and Health Studies. After graduation, he started at South Oaks Psychiatric Hospital, then Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, and later New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center's CPEP unit. Throughout his career, Paul prioritizes addressing psycho-social needs in a compassionate, non-judgmental, safe therapeutic environment for clients.
Jean Rigaud Cetoute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11236 (Online Only)
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric-Mental Health. I specialized in several aspects of mental health such as mood disorders, eating disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and anxiety disorders. I Provide comprehensive evaluations and medication management. I have a solid foundation to customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In a world where life is so unpredictable, my goal is to assure that I meet your needs to walk you through the dark tunnel. I look forward to helping you in times of uncertainty. Feel free to contact me.
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric-Mental Health. I specialized in several aspects of mental health such as mood disorders, eating disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and anxiety disorders. I Provide comprehensive evaluations and medication management. I have a solid foundation to customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In a world where life is so unpredictable, my goal is to assure that I meet your needs to walk you through the dark tunnel. I look forward to helping you in times of uncertainty. Feel free to contact me.
Olivia Louise Young
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, FPMHNP-, BC, MAT-C
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11223 (Online Only)
We practice metabolism based tele-psychiatry. We also specialize in improved weight management and longevity lifestyle tactics. Our approach to psychiatric care utilizes nutrition, supplements, movement, pharmaceuticals, and psychotherapy to treat psychiatric disorders. Improved physical health and weight management are frequent outcomes of the approach. This approach is ideal for those who want to actively work on their physical as well as mental health b/c what's good for the brain is good for the body. We also offer emergency prescription drug refill services.
We practice metabolism based tele-psychiatry. We also specialize in improved weight management and longevity lifestyle tactics. Our approach to psychiatric care utilizes nutrition, supplements, movement, pharmaceuticals, and psychotherapy to treat psychiatric disorders. Improved physical health and weight management are frequent outcomes of the approach. This approach is ideal for those who want to actively work on their physical as well as mental health b/c what's good for the brain is good for the body. We also offer emergency prescription drug refill services.
Joel Bernanke
Psychiatrist, MD, MSc
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11242 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a Cornell and Columbia trained, board certified psychiatrist providing virtual care to teenagers and adults in New York City and State. My individualized, comprehensive treatments include psychotherapy, research-backed complementary and alternative approaches, and medication when needed. I work with people facing personal, academic, and professional challenges, like coping with intense emotions, feeling down, experiencing anxiety or stress, suffering from trauma, having trouble in relationships, or struggling with focus and organization.
I am a Cornell and Columbia trained, board certified psychiatrist providing virtual care to teenagers and adults in New York City and State. My individualized, comprehensive treatments include psychotherapy, research-backed complementary and alternative approaches, and medication when needed. I work with people facing personal, academic, and professional challenges, like coping with intense emotions, feeling down, experiencing anxiety or stress, suffering from trauma, having trouble in relationships, or struggling with focus and organization.
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Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Not accepting new clients
***I'm not currently accepting new clients.*** Thank you for considering working with me. I know how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you're taking a step closer to where you want to be.I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who will do my best to help you overcome the obstacles in your way, recognize negative patterns in your life and behavior, and find healthy, productive responses to the challenges you face.
***I'm not currently accepting new clients.*** Thank you for considering working with me. I know how difficult it can be to seek help, but by doing so you're taking a step closer to where you want to be.I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who will do my best to help you overcome the obstacles in your way, recognize negative patterns in your life and behavior, and find healthy, productive responses to the challenges you face.
Kelli Hamilton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Online Only)
I take a comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health emphasizing care of the mind and body. As a provider who is board certified in psychiatric mental health and primary care, I am equipped to partner with my clients to meet their psychological and medical needs with an open mind. I recognize the profound impact that mental health has on physical health, as well as the physical health impact on mental health. I partner with clients using psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based pharmacology. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors, running and biking, reading, cooking, and spending time with my dog.
I take a comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health emphasizing care of the mind and body. As a provider who is board certified in psychiatric mental health and primary care, I am equipped to partner with my clients to meet their psychological and medical needs with an open mind. I recognize the profound impact that mental health has on physical health, as well as the physical health impact on mental health. I partner with clients using psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based pharmacology. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors, running and biking, reading, cooking, and spending time with my dog.
Fatimah K Boone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11225 (Online Only)
Fatimah Boone is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adults 18 and older. She specializes in anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and other psychiatric issues and disorders. She brings experience working inpatient and outpatient clinics. She performs psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric diagnoses, and prescribes and provides medication management as well as person-centered psychotherapy to patients residing in New York and Delaware. Appointments are only on weekday evenings and weekends.
Fatimah Boone is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adults 18 and older. She specializes in anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and other psychiatric issues and disorders. She brings experience working inpatient and outpatient clinics. She performs psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric diagnoses, and prescribes and provides medication management as well as person-centered psychotherapy to patients residing in New York and Delaware. Appointments are only on weekday evenings and weekends.
Kerry Callender
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Kerry is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health provider, that offers initial consultations, medication management and talk therapy, in a non-judgemental therapeutic setting, that is centered around patient empowerment. Allowing an individual to define what wellness means for themselves, by encouraging patients to utilize a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Kerry is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health provider, that offers initial consultations, medication management and talk therapy, in a non-judgemental therapeutic setting, that is centered around patient empowerment. Allowing an individual to define what wellness means for themselves, by encouraging patients to utilize a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Natasha Felton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Do you feel that it is time to get help and to address the emotional pain you have been feeling? Maybe you are ready to focus on yourself and to break through old patterns that keep you feeling stuck. It is not easy to find a good provider in NYC and I'd like to make it easier for you to get the care that you deserve. Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in holistic and integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Do you feel that it is time to get help and to address the emotional pain you have been feeling? Maybe you are ready to focus on yourself and to break through old patterns that keep you feeling stuck. It is not easy to find a good provider in NYC and I'd like to make it easier for you to get the care that you deserve. Your health and well-being are my top priority. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in holistic and integrative psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Kevin Lam
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11242
Are you having difficulty with work, school, relationships or feeling stuck, anxious or unhappy? I am a board-certified psychiatrist providing adults, children and adolescents with compassionate, expert care incorporating the latest evidence based practices and integrative approaches to help you feel better. I specialize in work with children and adolescents in the areas of mood, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, tics, developmental and behavioral issues. I also welcome adults to my practice who may need help with depression, anxiety/panic, OCD, ADHD or struggling with stress related to work, relationships, transitions or career development.
Are you having difficulty with work, school, relationships or feeling stuck, anxious or unhappy? I am a board-certified psychiatrist providing adults, children and adolescents with compassionate, expert care incorporating the latest evidence based practices and integrative approaches to help you feel better. I specialize in work with children and adolescents in the areas of mood, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, tics, developmental and behavioral issues. I also welcome adults to my practice who may need help with depression, anxiety/panic, OCD, ADHD or struggling with stress related to work, relationships, transitions or career development.
Kathleen Fentress Tripp
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, PMHNP-B, PNP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Supporting you in your health and recovery are my top priorities and I look forward to working with you closely to address your needs or the needs of your child. I am a Yale-educated, board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of experience. I am a specialist in integrative psychopharmacology and I work with children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, I am a psychotherapist using CBT and DBT approaches to address mood, anxiety, relationship, and other concerns. My goal is to listen to you deeply and to understand your experience so that I can be of greatest help.
Supporting you in your health and recovery are my top priorities and I look forward to working with you closely to address your needs or the needs of your child. I am a Yale-educated, board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of experience. I am a specialist in integrative psychopharmacology and I work with children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, I am a psychotherapist using CBT and DBT approaches to address mood, anxiety, relationship, and other concerns. My goal is to listen to you deeply and to understand your experience so that I can be of greatest help.
Elda Ziko
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, -BC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11209
I am a dual Board Certified Psychiatric NP and Family NP with over 11 years of experience treating a diverse population in mental health and primary care. I specialize in Psychiatric Illnesses like ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, Insomnia. I also offer Medical Weight Loss Program (Semiglutide and Tirzepatide) for patients that qualify. A patient needs a provider that is understanding, compassionate and has the vast medical experience to cater to the mental issues they might be facing. My goal is to improve my patients’ mental and physical well-being.
I am a dual Board Certified Psychiatric NP and Family NP with over 11 years of experience treating a diverse population in mental health and primary care. I specialize in Psychiatric Illnesses like ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, Insomnia. I also offer Medical Weight Loss Program (Semiglutide and Tirzepatide) for patients that qualify. A patient needs a provider that is understanding, compassionate and has the vast medical experience to cater to the mental issues they might be facing. My goal is to improve my patients’ mental and physical well-being.
Flo Leighton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11242 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and have over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. As a BIPOC provider I believe navigating clients’ life challenges through an intersectional lens is necessary in order to heal. My approach offers clients a holistic and integrative approach to treatment. Along with a functional medicine in lieu of medication management, I provide supportive psychotherapy that incorporates and skills based techniques.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and have over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. As a BIPOC provider I believe navigating clients’ life challenges through an intersectional lens is necessary in order to heal. My approach offers clients a holistic and integrative approach to treatment. Along with a functional medicine in lieu of medication management, I provide supportive psychotherapy that incorporates and skills based techniques.
See more therapy options for Brooklyn
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
500+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
87% | Medication Management |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
68% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY see their clients
54% | Online Only | |
46% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
65% | Female | |
35% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brooklyn?
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.