Psychiatrists in Colorado Springs, CO
Brandon Baker
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Dr. Brandon Baker is a Psychiatrist in Colorado who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Baker believes every person does the best they can with the knowledge, tools, and perceptions they have available at the moment. He feels it is the job of those in mental health to help enlighten people and equip them to be their best selves.
Dr. Brandon Baker is a Psychiatrist in Colorado who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Baker believes every person does the best they can with the knowledge, tools, and perceptions they have available at the moment. He feels it is the job of those in mental health to help enlighten people and equip them to be their best selves.
Jessica Mamula
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Not accepting new clients
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of experience working in mental health. I obtained my BSN in 2011 and worked as a nurse in areas of emergency psychiatry, emergency medicine, MAT for addiction, and dialysis. I obtained my MSN and psych board certification in 2018. The first 3 years working as a PMHNP-BC, I worked with cancer patients and their loved ones. I enjoy collaborating with other members of the mental health care team and medical providers as needed to ensure good quality and continuity of care. Since January 2022, I've worked in private practice in Colorado.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of experience working in mental health. I obtained my BSN in 2011 and worked as a nurse in areas of emergency psychiatry, emergency medicine, MAT for addiction, and dialysis. I obtained my MSN and psych board certification in 2018. The first 3 years working as a PMHNP-BC, I worked with cancer patients and their loved ones. I enjoy collaborating with other members of the mental health care team and medical providers as needed to ensure good quality and continuity of care. Since January 2022, I've worked in private practice in Colorado.
Caitlin (Catie) deWit
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, C-APN, MSN
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (Online Only)
Hi Friends! My name is Catie; I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management via telehealth! I enjoy caring for diverse populations, children, the LGBTQ+ community, and peripartum/postpartum women. I have found that my clients in the adolescent and young adult age groups find me incredibly calming and relatable. My patients living with substance use challenges express feeling relieved after opening up to me because of my nonjudgmental approach. My goal as a provider is to make you feel as open and comfortable as possible and get you to live a life you love again.
Hi Friends! My name is Catie; I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management via telehealth! I enjoy caring for diverse populations, children, the LGBTQ+ community, and peripartum/postpartum women. I have found that my clients in the adolescent and young adult age groups find me incredibly calming and relatable. My patients living with substance use challenges express feeling relieved after opening up to me because of my nonjudgmental approach. My goal as a provider is to make you feel as open and comfortable as possible and get you to live a life you love again.
North Springs Psychiatry & TMS Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80924
We are currently accepting new patients ages 3-64 for diagnostic evaluations and medication management. Our practice offers a collaborative approach to mental health care. Therapy modalities for patients 18 and over include EMDR, hypnotherapy, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, CBT, and marital counseling. Our clinical team uses the latest evidence based treatment options and have been providing mental health care for over 20 years. Our services are offered in-person at our Colorado Springs location as well as virtually to patients across Colorado and Alaska.
We are currently accepting new patients ages 3-64 for diagnostic evaluations and medication management. Our practice offers a collaborative approach to mental health care. Therapy modalities for patients 18 and over include EMDR, hypnotherapy, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, CBT, and marital counseling. Our clinical team uses the latest evidence based treatment options and have been providing mental health care for over 20 years. Our services are offered in-person at our Colorado Springs location as well as virtually to patients across Colorado and Alaska.
Kristina Kurtz
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
If you're seeking adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, palliative medicine, or end-of-life care, Kristina can help you find relief and comfort. Kristina graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed a Transitional Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan, and Psychiatry Residency training at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During her residency training, she held multiple professional leadership positions, including ethics committee consultant, associate chief resident, and chief resident.
If you're seeking adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, palliative medicine, or end-of-life care, Kristina can help you find relief and comfort. Kristina graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. She completed a Transitional Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan, and Psychiatry Residency training at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During her residency training, she held multiple professional leadership positions, including ethics committee consultant, associate chief resident, and chief resident.
Ashley Benally-Ross
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Ashley invites you into a healing space that is calming and comfortable. When you meet with her, you’ll meet with a provider who’s passionate about helping you to achieve your goals through a therapeutic relationship that emphasizes listening, collaboration, empathy, and trust. She utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach when treating patients, and believes that the whole person must be considered for healing to occur. She has experience diagnosing and managing many psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance abuse.
Ashley invites you into a healing space that is calming and comfortable. When you meet with her, you’ll meet with a provider who’s passionate about helping you to achieve your goals through a therapeutic relationship that emphasizes listening, collaboration, empathy, and trust. She utilizes a holistic and collaborative approach when treating patients, and believes that the whole person must be considered for healing to occur. She has experience diagnosing and managing many psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance abuse.
Shannon Stone
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, AGACNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Greetings! I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Acute Care. My focus spans across many disorders; however, I have a special interest in PTSD, trauma and suicidal ideation. I am currently accepting new patients throughout Colorado and would love the opportunity to see how I can be of help to you. My goal is to build a rapport with you and get a strong sense of who you are, assess your primary treatment objectives, and develop an individually tailored approach to achieve our agreed upon plan of care.
Greetings! I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Acute Care. My focus spans across many disorders; however, I have a special interest in PTSD, trauma and suicidal ideation. I am currently accepting new patients throughout Colorado and would love the opportunity to see how I can be of help to you. My goal is to build a rapport with you and get a strong sense of who you are, assess your primary treatment objectives, and develop an individually tailored approach to achieve our agreed upon plan of care.
Rick Loonam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Now Scheduling New Patients! I'm Rick, a compassionate and board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. With a solid foundation as a former flight and emergency department nurse, I bring over 15 years of invaluable experience to my practice. Graduating from Regis University in Denver, I'm dedicated to providing the highest quality care to my clients.
Now Scheduling New Patients! I'm Rick, a compassionate and board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. With a solid foundation as a former flight and emergency department nurse, I bring over 15 years of invaluable experience to my practice. Graduating from Regis University in Denver, I'm dedicated to providing the highest quality care to my clients.
Esther Okanlawon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Accepting New Patients! I am dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have been in healthcare for the past 14 years. Started out my career as a nurse in homecare in NY and also worked on the Navajo reservation. As an FNP, I have worked in primary care, wellness health and treated patients with substance use disorder. As a PMHNP, I am going to help you achieve your goal of functioning to your highest capabilities. I also offer suboxone services. Call or email today to learn more.
Accepting New Patients! I am dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I have been in healthcare for the past 14 years. Started out my career as a nurse in homecare in NY and also worked on the Navajo reservation. As an FNP, I have worked in primary care, wellness health and treated patients with substance use disorder. As a PMHNP, I am going to help you achieve your goal of functioning to your highest capabilities. I also offer suboxone services. Call or email today to learn more.
MasterMind Clinic, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, RXN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (Online Only)
Jennie’s philosophy is patient centered and her approach: 1- Promotes positive and effective psychiatric mental health care 2- Access to services, support, and mental health care 3- Encourages the removal of stigma related to mental health care for everyone she encounters Jennie works as a partner with all patients or caregivers to manage the mental health concerns. She will work with each individual to create a treatment plan which will address the symptoms while minimizing possible adverse events with options. All options in your treatment plan will be discussed to make informed decisions about your own care.
Jennie’s philosophy is patient centered and her approach: 1- Promotes positive and effective psychiatric mental health care 2- Access to services, support, and mental health care 3- Encourages the removal of stigma related to mental health care for everyone she encounters Jennie works as a partner with all patients or caregivers to manage the mental health concerns. She will work with each individual to create a treatment plan which will address the symptoms while minimizing possible adverse events with options. All options in your treatment plan will be discussed to make informed decisions about your own care.
Angela Graham
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of authentic mental health, PLLC. I am a compassionate, down-to-earth provider, who is dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental and emotional well-being while creating healthy, fulfilling lives. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions within a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working towards their mental health goals. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance and involving clients in their own treatment plans.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the founder of authentic mental health, PLLC. I am a compassionate, down-to-earth provider, who is dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental and emotional well-being while creating healthy, fulfilling lives. I specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental health conditions within a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns and working towards their mental health goals. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance and involving clients in their own treatment plans.
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Sabrah Jean Collar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Waitlist for new clients
Sabrah provides a compassionate and integrated approach. She strives to listen carefully and establish open communication with clients. From a trauma-informed perspective, she partners with you to develop a care plan. Her approach to psychiatric care and medication management blends person-centered care with recommendations that are guided by research and evidence. She partners with clients through education about different components of psychiatric health, including nutrition, physical activity, and relationships.
Sabrah provides a compassionate and integrated approach. She strives to listen carefully and establish open communication with clients. From a trauma-informed perspective, she partners with you to develop a care plan. Her approach to psychiatric care and medication management blends person-centered care with recommendations that are guided by research and evidence. She partners with clients through education about different components of psychiatric health, including nutrition, physical activity, and relationships.
Melanie R Sida
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, Rxn
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Melanie is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in children and adolescents with developmental, behavioral and mental health disorders. She sees children and adolescents and is able to provide general assessments, recommendations for therapies and medication management for various disorders including ADHD, Autism, Anxiety and Depression. She has prescriptive authority in Colorado and can prescribe medications for children and adolescents. She has been in practice in Colorado since 2002.
Melanie is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in children and adolescents with developmental, behavioral and mental health disorders. She sees children and adolescents and is able to provide general assessments, recommendations for therapies and medication management for various disorders including ADHD, Autism, Anxiety and Depression. She has prescriptive authority in Colorado and can prescribe medications for children and adolescents. She has been in practice in Colorado since 2002.
Narlin Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (Online Only)
Accepting new medication management clients with immediate availability! Medicaid and private insurance are both accepted. I'm a board certified FNP and PMHNP. I'm passionate about helping others and I have experience with veterans, adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, TBI, severe and persistent mental illness, pregnant women, transient and low income populations, Indian Health Services, geriatrics, trauma, and LGBTQ+ patients. Call 720.443.1691 or book online at TrendMentalHealth.com to schedule your appointment!
Accepting new medication management clients with immediate availability! Medicaid and private insurance are both accepted. I'm a board certified FNP and PMHNP. I'm passionate about helping others and I have experience with veterans, adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, TBI, severe and persistent mental illness, pregnant women, transient and low income populations, Indian Health Services, geriatrics, trauma, and LGBTQ+ patients. Call 720.443.1691 or book online at TrendMentalHealth.com to schedule your appointment!
Dr. Joshua James: Rivendell Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients. Initial consultation is free. Dr. James completed medical school at Texas A&M School of Medicine and psychiatric residency at UT Health in San Antonio. He is committed to serving the people of Colorado, Texas, and Utah. He specializes in helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but can treat other mental health afflictions as well (see list for the most commonly treated conditions). Dr. James works exclusively via telehealth to conveniently fit appointments into your busy schedule. Insurance is not accepted at this time, but ask about options for insurance reimbursement.
Accepting new patients. Initial consultation is free. Dr. James completed medical school at Texas A&M School of Medicine and psychiatric residency at UT Health in San Antonio. He is committed to serving the people of Colorado, Texas, and Utah. He specializes in helping people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but can treat other mental health afflictions as well (see list for the most commonly treated conditions). Dr. James works exclusively via telehealth to conveniently fit appointments into your busy schedule. Insurance is not accepted at this time, but ask about options for insurance reimbursement.
Tiffany Taylor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
I have been working in the medical field for 29 years and most of that time was spent in the mental health realm. I have now been a mental health provider for 3 years. Moved to Colorado with my husband, son, and one fur baby a few years ago and love it here. My husband is retired military which does give me a lot of perspectives when dealing with military families and their particular life situations. I also specialize in the LGBTQ+ community along with Dementia and Alzheimers. In my time off we have started traveling a lot more and seeing fascinating parts of the world while learning more about ourselves as citizens of the world.
I have been working in the medical field for 29 years and most of that time was spent in the mental health realm. I have now been a mental health provider for 3 years. Moved to Colorado with my husband, son, and one fur baby a few years ago and love it here. My husband is retired military which does give me a lot of perspectives when dealing with military families and their particular life situations. I also specialize in the LGBTQ+ community along with Dementia and Alzheimers. In my time off we have started traveling a lot more and seeing fascinating parts of the world while learning more about ourselves as citizens of the world.
Chandra Crawford
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Online Only)
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in providing a safe space for adults navigating the complexities of mental health. With 14 years of experience, my goal is to understand you wholly — your struggles, aspirations, and all factors that influence your well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or depression or seeking a path to joy, I’m here to listen, understand, and walk alongside you.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my passion lies in providing a safe space for adults navigating the complexities of mental health. With 14 years of experience, my goal is to understand you wholly — your struggles, aspirations, and all factors that influence your well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or depression or seeking a path to joy, I’m here to listen, understand, and walk alongside you.
Online Kairos Psychiatry in Colorado
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (Online Only)
We often risk our mental health in this busy world and people often have to choose between psychiatric/ therapy appointments or keeping up with other life responsibilities. Now you won't have to. My goal is to reduce fragmented care by providing accessible psychiatric care online, wherever you are, all across Colorado. No more congested traffic or long drives, waiting room, missing work or school. Online psychiatry is privacy-friendly and customizable. I connect with teens, collegiates, and young professionals to navigate anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stressors of career and school transitions, and family life.
We often risk our mental health in this busy world and people often have to choose between psychiatric/ therapy appointments or keeping up with other life responsibilities. Now you won't have to. My goal is to reduce fragmented care by providing accessible psychiatric care online, wherever you are, all across Colorado. No more congested traffic or long drives, waiting room, missing work or school. Online psychiatry is privacy-friendly and customizable. I connect with teens, collegiates, and young professionals to navigate anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stressors of career and school transitions, and family life.
Amber Gates
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
I believe that everyone should have access to mental health care. I accept most major insurances and offer self-pay rates. After initial in person appointment, I offer the flexibility of virtual and in person appointments. I take a holistic approach to care by looking at other physiological causes such as nutrition deficiencies, thyroid abnormalities, etc. With 5 years of family practice background, I can manage basic needs without the need for juggling multiple providers.
I believe that everyone should have access to mental health care. I accept most major insurances and offer self-pay rates. After initial in person appointment, I offer the flexibility of virtual and in person appointments. I take a holistic approach to care by looking at other physiological causes such as nutrition deficiencies, thyroid abnormalities, etc. With 5 years of family practice background, I can manage basic needs without the need for juggling multiple providers.
Dr. Ronil Shah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
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Nearby Searches for Colorado Springs
See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Colorado Springs, CO
200+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in Colorado Springs, CO who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
89% | Medication Management |
82% | Bipolar Disorder |
81% | ADHD |
80% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
90% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Colorado Springs, CO see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Colorado Springs?
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.