Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
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.
Angela Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I can help you move beyond your trauma, anxiety, or depression. I believe you have the capacity to get better. I’d love to be your guide in getting there! My style is candid, thoughtful and compassionate. With the right information, I know my clients can make the best care decisions for themselves. Though medications are a piece of my toolkit, I also incorporate solutions-focused therapy, nutrition considerations, and overall wellness support. My hope is to get you feeling well.
I can help you move beyond your trauma, anxiety, or depression. I believe you have the capacity to get better. I’d love to be your guide in getting there! My style is candid, thoughtful and compassionate. With the right information, I know my clients can make the best care decisions for themselves. Though medications are a piece of my toolkit, I also incorporate solutions-focused therapy, nutrition considerations, and overall wellness support. My hope is to get you feeling well.
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.
Scot Maclean
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
Hello, I offer psychotherapy and medication management for adults in Oregon. Presently, I am offering both telemedicine visits and in person visits. My preferred approach to working with you is to get a good sense of who you are, how difficulties started, and how you can find solutions for yourself. When I prescribe medication we will talk about the options in detail and then help you decide what makes most sense.
Hello, I offer psychotherapy and medication management for adults in Oregon. Presently, I am offering both telemedicine visits and in person visits. My preferred approach to working with you is to get a good sense of who you are, how difficulties started, and how you can find solutions for yourself. When I prescribe medication we will talk about the options in detail and then help you decide what makes most sense.
Michael Boas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223 (Online Only)
I believe in a working partnership with every patient, and their families, in order to produce the best results together. I have chosen to focus on ADHD/ADD, anxiety, & depression, which are issues personal to me. The only thing I ask of my clients is that they are invested in themselves and our treatment plan. I promise to give my all to you and just want the same commitment back.
I believe in a working partnership with every patient, and their families, in order to produce the best results together. I have chosen to focus on ADHD/ADD, anxiety, & depression, which are issues personal to me. The only thing I ask of my clients is that they are invested in themselves and our treatment plan. I promise to give my all to you and just want the same commitment back.
Compass Psychiatric Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211
Compass Psychiatric Wellness is a Portland based clinic with offices in NE Portland, Lake Oswego and Hazel Dell. We work with older teens and adults dealing with a wide range of psychiatric concerns who are looking for medication management with adjunctive psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions. Our goal is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation and make evidence based recommendations that align with our clients' preferences and goals.
Compass Psychiatric Wellness is a Portland based clinic with offices in NE Portland, Lake Oswego and Hazel Dell. We work with older teens and adults dealing with a wide range of psychiatric concerns who are looking for medication management with adjunctive psychotherapy and lifestyle interventions. Our goal is to conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation and make evidence based recommendations that align with our clients' preferences and goals.
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.
Farah Raqib
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Investing in one's well-being, healing and personal growth is a journey I have the privilege to support in my career. I am a board certified adult psychiatrist who has a passion for using therapy and medications as tools for empowerment and learning. To learn more about my practice, please visit website.
Investing in one's well-being, healing and personal growth is a journey I have the privilege to support in my career. I am a board certified adult psychiatrist who has a passion for using therapy and medications as tools for empowerment and learning. To learn more about my practice, please visit website.
Jen Miller Clarity Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C, MSN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
Ask about Genetic Testing! Our psychiatric experts offer evening & weekend availability for busy professionals and students. The Clarity Health team embraces a gentle approach to ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Social Anxiety, and Public Speaking struggles. We often see those who are unsure if medication is right for them. We are certified in psychiatry and use evidence-based-medicine, genetics and a functional lens to understand of how inflammation, nutrition, genetics, gut health, hormones and stress impact physical and mental health. Please visit www.clarityhealthnow.com to discover if it is the right fit for us both!
Ask about Genetic Testing! Our psychiatric experts offer evening & weekend availability for busy professionals and students. The Clarity Health team embraces a gentle approach to ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Social Anxiety, and Public Speaking struggles. We often see those who are unsure if medication is right for them. We are certified in psychiatry and use evidence-based-medicine, genetics and a functional lens to understand of how inflammation, nutrition, genetics, gut health, hormones and stress impact physical and mental health. Please visit www.clarityhealthnow.com to discover if it is the right fit for us both!
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.
Melinda Pilar Anello
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97222
Melinda uses a person-centered, holistic approach that incorporates medication management, exercise, nutrition, complementary and alternative medicine, and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. She feels strongly that each person’s mental health is influenced by their age, gender, language, faith, sexual and gender identity, and healing must incorporate all of the things that make you, uniquely you. Most importantly, she believes that we all have the innate ability to heal and in working collaboratively to create a care plan that you feel confident and safe in.
Melinda uses a person-centered, holistic approach that incorporates medication management, exercise, nutrition, complementary and alternative medicine, and lifestyle modifications in conjunction with supportive psychotherapy. She feels strongly that each person’s mental health is influenced by their age, gender, language, faith, sexual and gender identity, and healing must incorporate all of the things that make you, uniquely you. Most importantly, she believes that we all have the innate ability to heal and in working collaboratively to create a care plan that you feel confident and safe in.
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Erik Lee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97223
Are you ready to begin (or continue) your journey to outstanding mental health? The judicious use of medications can sometimes be the key to sustained and improved mental health. If medication has helped in the past; if you feel you have exhausted other approaches; or even if you have an aversion to prescribed medications, my expertise can help. I provide clinical services (including telemedicine) to patients who have (or suspect they have) ADHD; and/or who struggle with mood, anxiety, or trauma-related issues. I also assist clients taper off medications safely, where previous attempts to do so may have proved challenging.
Are you ready to begin (or continue) your journey to outstanding mental health? The judicious use of medications can sometimes be the key to sustained and improved mental health. If medication has helped in the past; if you feel you have exhausted other approaches; or even if you have an aversion to prescribed medications, my expertise can help. I provide clinical services (including telemedicine) to patients who have (or suspect they have) ADHD; and/or who struggle with mood, anxiety, or trauma-related issues. I also assist clients taper off medications safely, where previous attempts to do so may have proved challenging.
Anne Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
We all must contend with suffering in one form or another, and it can be helpful to develop a relationship with a psychotherapist to explore the meaning to be found in it. I believe this can lead to deep transformation. We typically come to therapy due to getting caught in a whirlwind of some kind: sudden loss via death or romantic breakup, prolonged grief, or an awakening to our outdated patterns and fixed negative beliefs about ourselves. We can also use the therapy space to enrich our capacity for curiosity, enhance our imagination, and better find our footing.
We all must contend with suffering in one form or another, and it can be helpful to develop a relationship with a psychotherapist to explore the meaning to be found in it. I believe this can lead to deep transformation. We typically come to therapy due to getting caught in a whirlwind of some kind: sudden loss via death or romantic breakup, prolonged grief, or an awakening to our outdated patterns and fixed negative beliefs about ourselves. We can also use the therapy space to enrich our capacity for curiosity, enhance our imagination, and better find our footing.
Kelly Yan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205 (Online Only)
I support mental wellness through medication management and behavioral health counseling. I work in partnership with you, your therapist, and other members of your care team to manage concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, inattention, and neurodivergence. My treatment philosophy is grounded in evidence-based practice and holistic, patient-centered care. I believe in using the gentlest interventions that will achieve your goals. I do not perform ADHD assessments, but I can provide ongoing ADHD treatment. I do not prescribe benzodiazepines long-term.
I support mental wellness through medication management and behavioral health counseling. I work in partnership with you, your therapist, and other members of your care team to manage concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, inattention, and neurodivergence. My treatment philosophy is grounded in evidence-based practice and holistic, patient-centered care. I believe in using the gentlest interventions that will achieve your goals. I do not perform ADHD assessments, but I can provide ongoing ADHD treatment. I do not prescribe benzodiazepines long-term.
Stacey Gramann
Psychiatrist, DO, MPH
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
Not accepting new clients
With my background in osteopathic medicine, my approach to mental health is holistic. I believe that long-term psychotherapy leads to the greatest personal growth. Deeper personal work can be accomplished within a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, and thus, it is fundamentally important that I create such a space for my clients. My therapy approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Through this model, my goal is to help my clients gain insight into their own emotions, how they relate to others, and through a collaborative therapeutic process, be better able to work through issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief. With a holistic focus on the mind and body, adjunct treatment may include a focus on relaxation/meditation, nutrition, sleep, and life style practices. Psychiatric medications are not the focus of my practice. However, I can prescribe medications for those clients attending weekly or more frequent therapy if they are determined to be a helpful adjunct to treatment.
With my background in osteopathic medicine, my approach to mental health is holistic. I believe that long-term psychotherapy leads to the greatest personal growth. Deeper personal work can be accomplished within a therapeutic relationship that feels safe, and thus, it is fundamentally important that I create such a space for my clients. My therapy approach is rooted in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Through this model, my goal is to help my clients gain insight into their own emotions, how they relate to others, and through a collaborative therapeutic process, be better able to work through issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief. With a holistic focus on the mind and body, adjunct treatment may include a focus on relaxation/meditation, nutrition, sleep, and life style practices. Psychiatric medications are not the focus of my practice. However, I can prescribe medications for those clients attending weekly or more frequent therapy if they are determined to be a helpful adjunct to treatment.
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.
Njideka Domrufus Dnp Pmhnp-Bc Fnp-C
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97221
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.
Deb Kiehlmeier
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Accepting new patients with immediate availability! I am a board certified psychiatrist offering telepsychiatric services to patients throughout Oregon. I have in-person availability for those local to Portland. I have experience diagnosing and treating all mental health disorders, but focus primarily on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety (including PTSD), depressive disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating LGBTQIA+ patients.
Accepting new patients with immediate availability! I am a board certified psychiatrist offering telepsychiatric services to patients throughout Oregon. I have in-person availability for those local to Portland. I have experience diagnosing and treating all mental health disorders, but focus primarily on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety (including PTSD), depressive disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. In addition, I have extensive experience treating LGBTQIA+ patients.
elevateher | concierge psychiatry + ketamine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
Are you feeling anxious, depressed and/or unmotivated? Do your dreams and goals seem out of reach? Have you been told that you are physically present but emotionally absent in relationships? Maybe your difficult emotions get in your way and you want to move past them, but you aren’t sure how to do it. Have you been with a life coach but want to go further in your transformation? Are you staying in therapy but you don’t seem to be going anywhere? You need more specific strategies and a better support system to empower yourself. Then you’d feel most alive and aligned with yourself.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed and/or unmotivated? Do your dreams and goals seem out of reach? Have you been told that you are physically present but emotionally absent in relationships? Maybe your difficult emotions get in your way and you want to move past them, but you aren’t sure how to do it. Have you been with a life coach but want to go further in your transformation? Are you staying in therapy but you don’t seem to be going anywhere? You need more specific strategies and a better support system to empower yourself. Then you’d feel most alive and aligned with yourself.
Felicia Turner, APRN | Text #Enroll 503-925-6606
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97204 (Online Only)
Schedule Today! Ms. Felicia envisions her ideal client as someone navigating the complexities of mental health, seeking support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, & ADHD. Her clients are individuals striving for a better quality of life, hoping to overcome personal challenges and achieve lasting mental wellness. They value a compassionate and knowledgeable professional like Ms. Felicia, who not only understands their struggles but also empowers them with personalized strategies for growth and resilience. In essence, her ideal clients are motivated individuals aiming for transformative change in their mental health journeys.
Schedule Today! Ms. Felicia envisions her ideal client as someone navigating the complexities of mental health, seeking support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, & ADHD. Her clients are individuals striving for a better quality of life, hoping to overcome personal challenges and achieve lasting mental wellness. They value a compassionate and knowledgeable professional like Ms. Felicia, who not only understands their struggles but also empowers them with personalized strategies for growth and resilience. In essence, her ideal clients are motivated individuals aiming for transformative change in their mental health journeys.
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.