Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA
Jenya Kaufman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I offer a collaborative approach to helping clients achieve their goals. I believe in treating each person as a unique individual and together finding the best way toward wellbeing. This begins with a comprehensive evaluation which can last from one to four sessions where we will attempt to understand the current difficulties and discuss treatment options. I have experience treating a wide variety of psychological and emotional difficulties with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate. In my practice I offer psychotherapy and medication evaluation/management to patients who are already in therapy.
I offer a collaborative approach to helping clients achieve their goals. I believe in treating each person as a unique individual and together finding the best way toward wellbeing. This begins with a comprehensive evaluation which can last from one to four sessions where we will attempt to understand the current difficulties and discuss treatment options. I have experience treating a wide variety of psychological and emotional difficulties with psychotherapy and medication when appropriate. In my practice I offer psychotherapy and medication evaluation/management to patients who are already in therapy.
Stuart Silverman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
Dr. Silverman is a board certified Staff Psychist at Talkiatry. He has over 30 years of experience and joined Talkiatry in 2019. He treats clients with talk therapy, medication management when indicated and by supporting clients in making lifestyle changes and choosing health-promoting strategies that produce sustained results. He completed his medical training at Tel Aviv University in Israel. After completing medical training, Dr. Silverman went on to complete two years of Residency in Pediatrics at The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and an additional two years of Residency in Psychiatry at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Silverman is a board certified Staff Psychist at Talkiatry. He has over 30 years of experience and joined Talkiatry in 2019. He treats clients with talk therapy, medication management when indicated and by supporting clients in making lifestyle changes and choosing health-promoting strategies that produce sustained results. He completed his medical training at Tel Aviv University in Israel. After completing medical training, Dr. Silverman went on to complete two years of Residency in Pediatrics at The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and an additional two years of Residency in Psychiatry at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Sam Oeur
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103 (Online Only)
I am a Masters’ prepared Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing culturally informed mental health care in populations across the lifespan including children, teens, and adults with complex acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Our practice, SSO Nursing, offers evidence-based, ethical, and transparent decision-making by being a partner in addressing mental health care in the outpatient telehealth setting.
I am a Masters’ prepared Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing culturally informed mental health care in populations across the lifespan including children, teens, and adults with complex acute and chronic psychiatric disorders. Our practice, SSO Nursing, offers evidence-based, ethical, and transparent decision-making by being a partner in addressing mental health care in the outpatient telehealth setting.
Ela Aguilar Donis
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Ela Donis, MD is a board-certified adult psychiatrist that has been in practice for over 10 years. Dr. Donis is competent in performing thorough psychiatric assessments, differential diagnosis, prognostic assessments, genetic testing and interpretation and medication management. Other colleagues and patients have described her as knowledgeable and compassionate. Her areas of interest are PTSD, trauma associated disorders,mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Ela Donis, MD is a board-certified adult psychiatrist that has been in practice for over 10 years. Dr. Donis is competent in performing thorough psychiatric assessments, differential diagnosis, prognostic assessments, genetic testing and interpretation and medication management. Other colleagues and patients have described her as knowledgeable and compassionate. Her areas of interest are PTSD, trauma associated disorders,mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
Carative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, MA, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
Hi- I am available for telehealth appointments throughout the state of California. I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, and I look forward to virtually meeting you. My goal is improve your quality of life by assisting you with your medication management needs. Our journey together will focus on supporting you in pursuing wholeness, resilience and relief. I am committed to lasting relationships with my clients and enjoy seeing the positive changes that can occur as we work together!
Hi- I am available for telehealth appointments throughout the state of California. I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, and I look forward to virtually meeting you. My goal is improve your quality of life by assisting you with your medication management needs. Our journey together will focus on supporting you in pursuing wholeness, resilience and relief. I am committed to lasting relationships with my clients and enjoy seeing the positive changes that can occur as we work together!
Porsha Peterson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94132 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of nursing experience, primarily in critical care. I earned my Master's Degree from Charles Drew University with a 4.0 GPA. Hailing from Los Angeles with a Caribbean background, my holistic approach to mental health is fueled by a passion for reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Beyond my professional dedication, you'll find me enjoying hobbies like exercising, reading, and exploring new places.
Hello, I'm a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of nursing experience, primarily in critical care. I earned my Master's Degree from Charles Drew University with a 4.0 GPA. Hailing from Los Angeles with a Caribbean background, my holistic approach to mental health is fueled by a passion for reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Beyond my professional dedication, you'll find me enjoying hobbies like exercising, reading, and exploring new places.
Dr. Anne Phan-Huy
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Dr. Phan-Huy's philosophy of care is all about you. Your beliefs, your experiences, your goals. By partnering with Dr. Phan-Huy, you will be empowered with the tools necessary to achieve fulfilment. That’s because – with Board certification in psychiatry and specialty training from the University of Michigan – Dr. Phan-Huy is a beacon of clarity in the complex world of mental health.
Paul R Linde
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 25 years in emergency psychiatric care. I have international clinical and teaching experience, a published author and researcher, and have been a professor at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for several decades. I am currently a clinical supervisor for Ria’s medical and coaching teams specializing in Alcohol Counseling Online.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with over 25 years in emergency psychiatric care. I have international clinical and teaching experience, a published author and researcher, and have been a professor at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for several decades. I am currently a clinical supervisor for Ria’s medical and coaching teams specializing in Alcohol Counseling Online.
LaShaunda Jethro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127 (Online Only)
On a typical day, I treat patients with mental health issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, sleep disorders, ADHD those who struggle with substance abuse or the heartbreak of dementia, and many more. Although I can prescribe medication as a viable option, I have also been very successful with the holistic approach of listening and educating the patient before resorting to medication, and many times it is a combination of all three.
On a typical day, I treat patients with mental health issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, sleep disorders, ADHD those who struggle with substance abuse or the heartbreak of dementia, and many more. Although I can prescribe medication as a viable option, I have also been very successful with the holistic approach of listening and educating the patient before resorting to medication, and many times it is a combination of all three.
Misha Sivia
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a compassionate psychiatrist with extensive experience working in both nonprofits and group practice settings. I treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders with medication management as well as psychotherapy. I treat Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, Trauma, Eating disorders, and Insomnia routinely in my practice. My approach involves making an individualized treatment plan framed by evidence-based medicine in collaboration with you as a patient. Taking a collaborative approach, I consult with therapists, primary care physicians, and others if clinically indicated for assessment and treatment.
I am a compassionate psychiatrist with extensive experience working in both nonprofits and group practice settings. I treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders with medication management as well as psychotherapy. I treat Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, Trauma, Eating disorders, and Insomnia routinely in my practice. My approach involves making an individualized treatment plan framed by evidence-based medicine in collaboration with you as a patient. Taking a collaborative approach, I consult with therapists, primary care physicians, and others if clinically indicated for assessment and treatment.
Duy Tran
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111 (Online Only)
Dr. Duy Tran is an adult psychiatrist. He received his Medical Doctor degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed residency training in general psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Tran aims to provide mental health care that helps patients live more fulfilling life. Dr. Tran has extensive experience treating psychiatric disorders in diverse populations, including college students, LGBT, perinatal, veterans, and those with socioeconomic disadvantages
Dr. Duy Tran is an adult psychiatrist. He received his Medical Doctor degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed residency training in general psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Tran aims to provide mental health care that helps patients live more fulfilling life. Dr. Tran has extensive experience treating psychiatric disorders in diverse populations, including college students, LGBT, perinatal, veterans, and those with socioeconomic disadvantages
15 Second Videos
Carative Psychiatry
Anne Phan-Huy
Mindful Health Solutions - Oana Galicki, MD
Brittnai Johnson
James Reich
Steve Dang
Hadia Shafi
Mindful Health Solutions - Aarti Chhatlani, MD
Margarita Holsten
Remedy Psychiatry San Francisco
Ruth S Rayikanti
Braincom Advanced Nursing Corp
John Connor Barnhart
Laura Rubenstein MD
Mindful Health Solutions - Nikhil Majumdar, MD
Dorrie Swanson
Mindful Health Solutions - Arjun Gokhale
Haining Yu
Weston Ferrer
Mindful Health Solutions - Jennifer Guo, MD, PhD
The Focus Doc
Brightside Health
Bay Area Psychiatric - Integrative Psychiatry
Cara Hoepner
Raelin Bright Wellness
Dr. Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Peter Forster
Ketetha Olengue
Juliet Morgan
Melissa Lopez-Larson
Kathryn Kinasz
Sheenie Ambardar, MD, Concierge Psychiatry
Shannon Jones
Peter Forster
Mindful Health Solutions - Benjamin Cheyette
Mindful Health Solutions - Sahab Yaqubi
Aaron Padron
Beatrice Rabkin
Marlynn Wei, MD, JD
Mark Elliott, MD
Edward M Hallowell
Claudette Banda
Thomas Mottsin
Catalina Villa
Jeremy Eugene Orgel
Sham Singh
Rainbow Psychiatry - Rafik Sidaros, MD
Rachel Jumonville
Erica Taylor
Earth Hasassri
Scott Smolar
Psychiatrist, DO, DFASAM, PC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111
Dr. Smolar's extensive experience treating a full range of ages, backgrounds, mental health and addiction issues makes him well suited to help individuals struggling with a multitude of psychiatric conditions.
Dr. Smolar's extensive experience treating a full range of ages, backgrounds, mental health and addiction issues makes him well suited to help individuals struggling with a multitude of psychiatric conditions.
Nicolas Salazar
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I was born in Colombia and the passion for psychiatry has driven my life. I went to medical school in Bogota- Colombia, following my interest in Transcultural Psychiatry worked for the University of Guadalajara in Mexico and assisted to McGill University in Montreal. I completed residency in general psychiatry in the University of Virginia, while collaborating with the International Rescue Committee as mental health provider. I have centered my practice in the development of interventions congruent with people's environment and advocating for parity in the delivery and access to services.
I was born in Colombia and the passion for psychiatry has driven my life. I went to medical school in Bogota- Colombia, following my interest in Transcultural Psychiatry worked for the University of Guadalajara in Mexico and assisted to McGill University in Montreal. I completed residency in general psychiatry in the University of Virginia, while collaborating with the International Rescue Committee as mental health provider. I have centered my practice in the development of interventions congruent with people's environment and advocating for parity in the delivery and access to services.
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Mindful Health Solutions - Oana Galicki, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108
I specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. I'm dedicating to helping patients understand their mental health conditions and finding the appropriate treatments, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which I began to offer upon seeing its remarkable effect on those who had not responded to other therapies.
I specialize in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. I'm dedicating to helping patients understand their mental health conditions and finding the appropriate treatments, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which I began to offer upon seeing its remarkable effect on those who had not responded to other therapies.
Jessica Crawford
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
**COVID-19 Update** Life in the Bay Area was already complex and stress-inducing, and now we contend with a major public health crisis. Many of my current clients want help coping with difficult current events and life changes from the pandemic. Generally I see clients experiencing a range of mood and anxiety challenges. Many of my clients are high performers who excel at school or work, yet want to accelerate their personal growth and improve relationships with those around them.
**COVID-19 Update** Life in the Bay Area was already complex and stress-inducing, and now we contend with a major public health crisis. Many of my current clients want help coping with difficult current events and life changes from the pandemic. Generally I see clients experiencing a range of mood and anxiety challenges. Many of my clients are high performers who excel at school or work, yet want to accelerate their personal growth and improve relationships with those around them.
Adam Frey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I aim to establish a warm, collaborative relationship with patients, providing evidence-based support and intervention in a manner that is understandable, helpful and compassionate. While diagnosis and medication treatment is often an early focus, in my experience much of the meaningful work is based on getting to know a person, and from there confronting discomforts and engaging therapeutically within a safe environment. It is a privilege to provide this care, and I defend confidentiality as paramount. I encourage mindful self-compassion and forgiveness as a therapeutic approach to alleviating many depressive and anxious problems.
I aim to establish a warm, collaborative relationship with patients, providing evidence-based support and intervention in a manner that is understandable, helpful and compassionate. While diagnosis and medication treatment is often an early focus, in my experience much of the meaningful work is based on getting to know a person, and from there confronting discomforts and engaging therapeutically within a safe environment. It is a privilege to provide this care, and I defend confidentiality as paramount. I encourage mindful self-compassion and forgiveness as a therapeutic approach to alleviating many depressive and anxious problems.
Sanjana Karim
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
I help women facing cancer, illness, and difficult life transitions find healing, peace, and contentment in their lives. I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. As a cancer survivor, I walk the talk. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my patients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement thereafter. If you have been suffering on your own, I want you to know that there is hope for relief, and that you aren’t alone.
Seth Sherman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94111 (Online Only)
Seth Sherman, M.D., is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over ten years. At the heart of Dr. Sherman’s clinical approach is a strong emphasis one stablishing trust, rapport, and therapeutic alliance to help persons to feel and live well and to progress toward their goals, both in treatment and in life. Dr. Sherman begins with a consultation, a compassionate, collaborative process of discovery that culminates in a working diagnostic impression and, in turn, treatment recommendations.
Seth Sherman, M.D., is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over ten years. At the heart of Dr. Sherman’s clinical approach is a strong emphasis one stablishing trust, rapport, and therapeutic alliance to help persons to feel and live well and to progress toward their goals, both in treatment and in life. Dr. Sherman begins with a consultation, a compassionate, collaborative process of discovery that culminates in a working diagnostic impression and, in turn, treatment recommendations.
Victor Torres-Collazo
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104 (Online Only)
Victor Torres-Collazo, MD provides specialty psychiatric evaluations, medication management and consultations for adults. He specializes in assessments and treatment of patients with comorbid medical and psychiatric issues. Dr. Torres-Collazo is ABPN board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Consult-Liaison Psychiatry/CLP. He completed fellowship at Georgetown, during which he also trained at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is very experienced with pharmacogenetic testing, neuropsychiatric issues, complex medical issues and medication management. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Victor Torres-Collazo, MD provides specialty psychiatric evaluations, medication management and consultations for adults. He specializes in assessments and treatment of patients with comorbid medical and psychiatric issues. Dr. Torres-Collazo is ABPN board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Consult-Liaison Psychiatry/CLP. He completed fellowship at Georgetown, during which he also trained at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is very experienced with pharmacogenetic testing, neuropsychiatric issues, complex medical issues and medication management. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Corte Madera
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA
400+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
91% | Depression |
77% | Medication Management |
68% | ADHD |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Bipolar Disorder |
62% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
86% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in San Francisco, CA see their clients
59% | In Person and Online | |
41% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
56% | Female | |
43% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in San Francisco?
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.