Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN
Paula Wilt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238 (Online Only)
Dr. Wilt is board certified in adult psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans where she also completed her four-year residency in psychiatry. Dr. Wilt takes a biopsychosocial approach to mental health and has over 13 years of experience with an array of mental health diagnoses including Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. Dr. Wilt enjoys spending time getting to know her patients and working hand in hand with them to accurately diagnose and treat the symptoms they are experiencing.
Dr. Wilt is board certified in adult psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans where she also completed her four-year residency in psychiatry. Dr. Wilt takes a biopsychosocial approach to mental health and has over 13 years of experience with an array of mental health diagnoses including Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. Dr. Wilt enjoys spending time getting to know her patients and working hand in hand with them to accurately diagnose and treat the symptoms they are experiencing.
Tammy Suggs Alberico
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
I am dedicated to helping people suffering from a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, ocd, social anxiety, panic, autism, adhd, relationship difficulties and behavioral problems. It is a privilege to walk alongside people and help them resolve symptoms they find distressing and improve their quality of life. Ensuring a safe, therapeutic relationship, I allow individuals to share their struggles openly and honestly, and together we pursue healing and hope. We will consider biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that may be creating problems and address each of these as part of our work together.
I am dedicated to helping people suffering from a variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, ocd, social anxiety, panic, autism, adhd, relationship difficulties and behavioral problems. It is a privilege to walk alongside people and help them resolve symptoms they find distressing and improve their quality of life. Ensuring a safe, therapeutic relationship, I allow individuals to share their struggles openly and honestly, and together we pursue healing and hope. We will consider biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that may be creating problems and address each of these as part of our work together.
Joseph M Sharpe
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Memphis medical school in 1999 and then continued my training in psychiatry at Duke University where I served as chief resident of the Duke Inpatient service. I provide therapy and medication management for personality disorders, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, sleeping disorders, addiction and attention deficit disorder. Medications are important but are not necessary in every case. I believe that through education, therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication everyone can return to their previous level of functioning and enjoy life to the fullest. I have been in practice 17yrs.
I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Memphis medical school in 1999 and then continued my training in psychiatry at Duke University where I served as chief resident of the Duke Inpatient service. I provide therapy and medication management for personality disorders, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, sleeping disorders, addiction and attention deficit disorder. Medications are important but are not necessary in every case. I believe that through education, therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication everyone can return to their previous level of functioning and enjoy life to the fullest. I have been in practice 17yrs.
Michelle O'Quinn, APRN: Bloom Psychiatry Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
I am ANCC Board Certified as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and specialize in medication management. I have over 8+ years of working as an emergency department registered nurse. I believe those years were monumental in teaching me empathy and compassion. Nobody has the same story to tell. We all deserve to be treated with kindness and understanding no matter what choices we have made in life. Without a doubt, it can be challenging to prioritize your mental health but I believe that in doing so, we are choosing to advocate for ourselves.
I am ANCC Board Certified as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and specialize in medication management. I have over 8+ years of working as an emergency department registered nurse. I believe those years were monumental in teaching me empathy and compassion. Nobody has the same story to tell. We all deserve to be treated with kindness and understanding no matter what choices we have made in life. Without a doubt, it can be challenging to prioritize your mental health but I believe that in doing so, we are choosing to advocate for ourselves.
Ocean Ray
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner serving clients in Nashville and the surrounding rural areas. I specialize in helping adult clients manage depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder with a combination of medication and therapy. I enjoy thoroughly educating clients, their families and caregivers about treatment options and working collaboratively to make sure clients have the information they need to make the best decisions for their care. I also adopt a health at every size approach in my practice and encourage seeing the good and strength in all bodies and all beings.
I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner serving clients in Nashville and the surrounding rural areas. I specialize in helping adult clients manage depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder with a combination of medication and therapy. I enjoy thoroughly educating clients, their families and caregivers about treatment options and working collaboratively to make sure clients have the information they need to make the best decisions for their care. I also adopt a health at every size approach in my practice and encourage seeing the good and strength in all bodies and all beings.
Dr. Chandra Krishnasastry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37218
Dr. Chandra Krishnasastry has over 40 years of experience in psychotic disorders, substance abuse, addiction, mood disorders, and trauma. He is a nationally recognized psychiatrist with an extensive resume, and is currently the medical director at Saint Thomas Behavioral Health. He continues a private practice to help even more people achieve wellness and live to their full potential.
Dr. Chandra Krishnasastry has over 40 years of experience in psychotic disorders, substance abuse, addiction, mood disorders, and trauma. He is a nationally recognized psychiatrist with an extensive resume, and is currently the medical director at Saint Thomas Behavioral Health. He continues a private practice to help even more people achieve wellness and live to their full potential.
Ali Wittenberg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I aim to provide individualized care to help folks feel like themselves again. I’m acutely aware that psychiatric care is intimidating, so I invite you to look at our first appointment as a chat where you tell me all about yourself—your interests, the important people in your life and what it’s like to be you. After getting to know you, we can come up with a plan that may include medication or nonpharmacologic treatments like psychotherapy or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). I offer all three of these services at the clinic, and it is my goal to work with you to achieve your treatment goals.
I aim to provide individualized care to help folks feel like themselves again. I’m acutely aware that psychiatric care is intimidating, so I invite you to look at our first appointment as a chat where you tell me all about yourself—your interests, the important people in your life and what it’s like to be you. After getting to know you, we can come up with a plan that may include medication or nonpharmacologic treatments like psychotherapy or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). I offer all three of these services at the clinic, and it is my goal to work with you to achieve your treatment goals.
Mary Bartek
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238
Dr. Bartek is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Pediatrics, and board-eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been caring for children and adolescents as a physician for 15 years. Dr. Bartek’s approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. Dr. Bartek draws on her years as a pediatrician working with families and children in her work as a psychiatrist. Dr. Bartek incorporates therapeutic techniques into medication management visits, but she may also recommend adding a therapist to your care team for the best results.
Dr. Bartek is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Pediatrics, and board-eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been caring for children and adolescents as a physician for 15 years. Dr. Bartek’s approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. Dr. Bartek draws on her years as a pediatrician working with families and children in her work as a psychiatrist. Dr. Bartek incorporates therapeutic techniques into medication management visits, but she may also recommend adding a therapist to your care team for the best results.
Dominique Holley
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238 (Online Only)
Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.
Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.
Laura Reynolds
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205 (Online Only)
Dr. Reynolds started her practice to serve her patients and help them lead enriched and fulfilling lives. She will guide and support you as you navigate life’s stressors and challenges. In addition to medication, she will use a comprehensive approach for your mental health needs that focuses on the whole self. It takes courage to ask for help and Dr. Reynolds will use her knowledge and compassion to help you achieve your treatment goals. In-person and Telepsychiatry appointments are available for your convenience.
Dr. Reynolds started her practice to serve her patients and help them lead enriched and fulfilling lives. She will guide and support you as you navigate life’s stressors and challenges. In addition to medication, she will use a comprehensive approach for your mental health needs that focuses on the whole self. It takes courage to ask for help and Dr. Reynolds will use her knowledge and compassion to help you achieve your treatment goals. In-person and Telepsychiatry appointments are available for your convenience.
Lauren Foreman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37211 (Online Only)
I'm here to help women navigate life transitions. Since I've practiced as a midwife for over 7 years, I'm particularly experienced assisting during the profound phases of pregnancy and postpartum. I am passionate about providing unwavering support and guidance during these transformative moments, fostering a holistic approach that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being. Together, we navigate the unique challenges and joys that come with these significant life transitions, ensuring a compassionate and empowering experience. Committed to a well-rounded approach, I integrate conventional and alternative modalities.
I'm here to help women navigate life transitions. Since I've practiced as a midwife for over 7 years, I'm particularly experienced assisting during the profound phases of pregnancy and postpartum. I am passionate about providing unwavering support and guidance during these transformative moments, fostering a holistic approach that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being. Together, we navigate the unique challenges and joys that come with these significant life transitions, ensuring a compassionate and empowering experience. Committed to a well-rounded approach, I integrate conventional and alternative modalities.
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Lindsay Works
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238 (Online Only)
Dr. Lindsay Works is board certified in Psychiatry as well as Addiction Medicine. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Works was a staff Psychiatrist at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the clinical consultant for substance abuse treatment at Fort Campbell, KY, providing patient care in an inpatient and outpatient setting. After completing 8 years of active duty service, Dr. Works honorably left army service at the rank of Major.
Dr. Lindsay Works is board certified in Psychiatry as well as Addiction Medicine. Before joining Talkiatry, Dr. Works was a staff Psychiatrist at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the clinical consultant for substance abuse treatment at Fort Campbell, KY, providing patient care in an inpatient and outpatient setting. After completing 8 years of active duty service, Dr. Works honorably left army service at the rank of Major.
Lara Kierlin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I am a psychiatrist board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Sleep Medicine. My focus is the behavioral treatment of insomnia. I provide medical supervision provided to those desiring taper off sleep medications. Telehealth is offered. Please note I do not accept insurance. Email me for rates and details: nwsleepandbehavior@gmail.com. I am currently only accepting patients located in Tennessee.
I am a psychiatrist board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Sleep Medicine. My focus is the behavioral treatment of insomnia. I provide medical supervision provided to those desiring taper off sleep medications. Telehealth is offered. Please note I do not accept insurance. Email me for rates and details: nwsleepandbehavior@gmail.com. I am currently only accepting patients located in Tennessee.
Rachael Tanner-Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
Are you struggling to get the traction or depth in therapy that you want? Psychiatric medicines can help support your therapeutic gains. We can work together on a plan for how medicines can help support your healing journey so that you can create a life you love. As one of the only dualy licensed professional counselors & nurse practitioners in the middle TN area I’m uniquely qualified to treat the whole you. I provide compassionate, gentle care to people who are suffering through psychiatric evaluation & medication management.
Are you struggling to get the traction or depth in therapy that you want? Psychiatric medicines can help support your therapeutic gains. We can work together on a plan for how medicines can help support your healing journey so that you can create a life you love. As one of the only dualy licensed professional counselors & nurse practitioners in the middle TN area I’m uniquely qualified to treat the whole you. I provide compassionate, gentle care to people who are suffering through psychiatric evaluation & medication management.
Lila Homan, MSN, APRN: Bloom Psychiatry Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
Not accepting new clients
I believe in the power of listening with acceptance and compassion, and, most importantly, without judgement. My goal is to relate to you as an individual, to understand your unique situation, and to work together with you to develop a treatment plan that will help produce positive and meaningful change. Over a decade of experience as an Emergency Room nurse strengthened my belief in bringing empathy and respect to all individuals, regardless of their struggles. My office is a safe place, and I'm LGBTQ- and gender-affirming. Seeking assistance with personal challenges takes courage and vulnerability. You don't have to do this alone.
I believe in the power of listening with acceptance and compassion, and, most importantly, without judgement. My goal is to relate to you as an individual, to understand your unique situation, and to work together with you to develop a treatment plan that will help produce positive and meaningful change. Over a decade of experience as an Emergency Room nurse strengthened my belief in bringing empathy and respect to all individuals, regardless of their struggles. My office is a safe place, and I'm LGBTQ- and gender-affirming. Seeking assistance with personal challenges takes courage and vulnerability. You don't have to do this alone.
Karyn L Brown
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
**I am unable to accept new patients at this time** As a physician, my goal is to perform a thorough diagnostic examination and to develop a treatment plan that allows for improvement in daily quality of life and function. Psychiatric care is my specialty area, but I believe in treating patients as a whole and considering how other medical conditions may be affecting a person's overall mental health.
**I am unable to accept new patients at this time** As a physician, my goal is to perform a thorough diagnostic examination and to develop a treatment plan that allows for improvement in daily quality of life and function. Psychiatric care is my specialty area, but I believe in treating patients as a whole and considering how other medical conditions may be affecting a person's overall mental health.
Brent Necaise
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
I specialize in treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many other psychiatric illness through medication management and interventional treatments (such as Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) all through a collaborative approach with my patients. I have a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ patient populations. I aim to prioritize my patient's goals and provide recommendations to achieve their desired outcomes.
I specialize in treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many other psychiatric illness through medication management and interventional treatments (such as Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) all through a collaborative approach with my patients. I have a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ patient populations. I aim to prioritize my patient's goals and provide recommendations to achieve their desired outcomes.
Chanel Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
As a provider who is neurodivergent, queer, and Black, I know I provide a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. If you are tired of rushed appointments that do not get to the root of your distress, then you are ready for an integrative approach! I work primarily with young adults of various backgrounds with emphasis on BIPOC and queer/questioning/transgender folx. I work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, herbal alternatives/supplements, and psychotherapy to empower your journey to sustainable wellness.
As a provider who is neurodivergent, queer, and Black, I know I provide a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. If you are tired of rushed appointments that do not get to the root of your distress, then you are ready for an integrative approach! I work primarily with young adults of various backgrounds with emphasis on BIPOC and queer/questioning/transgender folx. I work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, herbal alternatives/supplements, and psychotherapy to empower your journey to sustainable wellness.
Gundu Reddy
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist Tennessee. I have trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family and Marital therapy, as well as Psychiatric Medication Management. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier. Whether your reasons for seeking treatment include treatment-resistant hallucinations, persistent irritability, dysphoria, insomnia, wanting to perform better at work- the core principles of treatment are often similar.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist Tennessee. I have trained in Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family and Marital therapy, as well as Psychiatric Medication Management. I have always believed that brain health is the key to every form of well being and every individual regardless of their diagnosis or symptoms has the potential to be healthier. Whether your reasons for seeking treatment include treatment-resistant hallucinations, persistent irritability, dysphoria, insomnia, wanting to perform better at work- the core principles of treatment are often similar.
Cynthia S Terry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN , PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37209
Not accepting new clients
Cindy Strother Terry, APRN, PMHNP, BC, graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Austin Peay State University in 1985. She graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 2004 with her Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialty tract in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy from The Albert Ellis Institute in New York. She has maintained a private therapy practice in Nashville since 2011. She specializes in addictions with Dual Diagnosis, Trauma, PTSD and Complicated Grief from adolescents to adults, LGBTQ friendly.
Cindy Strother Terry, APRN, PMHNP, BC, graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Austin Peay State University in 1985. She graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 2004 with her Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialty tract in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy from The Albert Ellis Institute in New York. She has maintained a private therapy practice in Nashville since 2011. She specializes in addictions with Dual Diagnosis, Trauma, PTSD and Complicated Grief from adolescents to adults, LGBTQ friendly.
See more therapy options for Nashville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN
100+
Average cost per session
$175
Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
84% | Trauma and PTSD |
84% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | Medication Management |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
72% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
86% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
29% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Nashville?
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.