Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA

Photo of Rebecca Kolb, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Newport Beach, CA
Rebecca Kolb
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PHMNP-B, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(949) 979-6366 View (949) 979-6366
Photo of Sina Safahieh, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Sina Safahieh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dr. Sina Safahieh hails from Austin, Texas. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed an adult psychiatry residency, and child & adolescent fellowship at UC Irvine. Dr. Safahieh graduated with highest honors with a BBA in Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently in private practice with offices in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo. Dr. Safahieh is fluent in Farsi and conversational Spanish
Dr. Sina Safahieh hails from Austin, Texas. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed an adult psychiatry residency, and child & adolescent fellowship at UC Irvine. Dr. Safahieh graduated with highest honors with a BBA in Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently in private practice with offices in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo. Dr. Safahieh is fluent in Farsi and conversational Spanish
(949) 216-3135 View (949) 216-3135
Photo of Anam Gulraiz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Newport Beach, CA
Anam Gulraiz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
Assisting you with medication management and therapy for better mental health. I pride myself in listening to your concerns. Asking specific questions to narrow down your symptoms. Holistic approach- look at your relationships, environment, and upbringing along with providing solutions and a treatment plan for your current concerns. Collaborative approach- we work as a team, I don't ignore your concerns. If I dont know an answer, I redirect you to someone who does.
Assisting you with medication management and therapy for better mental health. I pride myself in listening to your concerns. Asking specific questions to narrow down your symptoms. Holistic approach- look at your relationships, environment, and upbringing along with providing solutions and a treatment plan for your current concerns. Collaborative approach- we work as a team, I don't ignore your concerns. If I dont know an answer, I redirect you to someone who does.
(714) 312-7578 View (714) 312-7578
Photo of Gol Ara, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Gol Ara
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
Accepting New Patients - Dr. Ara completed her fellowship training in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) at UCLA. CLP is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on treating mental health issues in patients with complex medical conditions. Before her fellowship training, she completed her psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico and earned her M.D. degree from Tehran University.
(949) 989-5216 View (949) 989-5216
Photo of Stefani LaFrenierre, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Stefani LaFrenierre
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
I offer personalized mental health treatment and utilize an integrative and evidence-based approach for the treatment of mental health and addiction conditions. I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I focus on building long-lasting changes and resiliency so you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I bring a cautious and conservative approach to medication while considering all aspects of your health in treatment planning. I am therapeutically-oriented, and see Adults.
I offer personalized mental health treatment and utilize an integrative and evidence-based approach for the treatment of mental health and addiction conditions. I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I focus on building long-lasting changes and resiliency so you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I bring a cautious and conservative approach to medication while considering all aspects of your health in treatment planning. I am therapeutically-oriented, and see Adults.
(310) 742-9259 View (310) 742-9259
Photo of Don De Francisco, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Don De Francisco
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Kind and professional care with extensive experience of 45 years in psychiatry, psychopharmacology research (involved in over clinical 900 research trials), family therapy, and psychoanalytic treatment (have a Ph.D. in Psychoanalysis.) My approach is flexible, looking to find what can be understood psychologically, as well as what is best explained in terms of brain function or chemistry. I do not always use medication as true understanding is often enough. When I do use medication my approach is conservative. "I start low and go slow." Try visiting my Website for more details: http://www.dondefrancisco.com/
Kind and professional care with extensive experience of 45 years in psychiatry, psychopharmacology research (involved in over clinical 900 research trials), family therapy, and psychoanalytic treatment (have a Ph.D. in Psychoanalysis.) My approach is flexible, looking to find what can be understood psychologically, as well as what is best explained in terms of brain function or chemistry. I do not always use medication as true understanding is often enough. When I do use medication my approach is conservative. "I start low and go slow." Try visiting my Website for more details: http://www.dondefrancisco.com/
(949) 347-5168 View (949) 347-5168
Photo of Helene Morel, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Newport Beach, CA
Helene Morel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
Asking for help is not easy, and finding a provider you trust to help you with mental health care can be a challenge. You don't need to suffer alone. I am here to help you and to provide confidential tele-psychiatry services for medication management and/or psychotherapy in the state of California allowing you to receive psychiatric treatment in the privacy and comfort of your home or work.
Asking for help is not easy, and finding a provider you trust to help you with mental health care can be a challenge. You don't need to suffer alone. I am here to help you and to provide confidential tele-psychiatry services for medication management and/or psychotherapy in the state of California allowing you to receive psychiatric treatment in the privacy and comfort of your home or work.
(949) 996-0157 View (949) 996-0157
Photo of Sonya Rasminsky, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Sonya Rasminsky
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a specialty in women's mental health. I trained at University of Chicago and Harvard University, and have over fifteen years of experience providing psychotherapy and treatment with medications. I started my private practice in 2013, and was named an Orange County Physician of Excellence in 2017, 2018, and 2019. I am an attending psychiatrist in the UCLA Women's Life Center.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a specialty in women's mental health. I trained at University of Chicago and Harvard University, and have over fifteen years of experience providing psychotherapy and treatment with medications. I started my private practice in 2013, and was named an Orange County Physician of Excellence in 2017, 2018, and 2019. I am an attending psychiatrist in the UCLA Women's Life Center.
(949) 242-9744 View (949) 242-9744
Photo of Sinat Aleje, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Newport Beach, CA
Sinat Aleje
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
As a PMHNP, my ideal client is anyone who is looking to better their mental health and put the effort into taking care of themselves that they deserve.
As a PMHNP, my ideal client is anyone who is looking to better their mental health and put the effort into taking care of themselves that they deserve.
(949) 997-1996 View (949) 997-1996
Photo of City PsychMD, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
City PsychMD
Psychiatrist, Shadi, Aramesh, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Are you struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress? Are you experiencing fatigue, frequent mood swings, poor concentration, and anger? Are you feeling overwhelmed, irritable, feeling sad and anxious? Don’t let these symptoms define you. I treat various conditions with psychotherapy and/or medication management that may include General Anxiety Disorder, depression, OCD, ADD & ADHD, PTSD, phobias, relationship issues, and much more.
Are you struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress? Are you experiencing fatigue, frequent mood swings, poor concentration, and anger? Are you feeling overwhelmed, irritable, feeling sad and anxious? Don’t let these symptoms define you. I treat various conditions with psychotherapy and/or medication management that may include General Anxiety Disorder, depression, OCD, ADD & ADHD, PTSD, phobias, relationship issues, and much more.
(949) 531-7042 View (949) 531-7042
Dr. Elahe Sagart
Psychiatrist, MD, FIPA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over fifteen years of experience as a clinician and teacher, I use a biopsychosocial model to tailor an individual treatment plan by combining several modalities in assessing and treating mental health-related issues, including medical and evidence-based, psychoanalytic, and developmental theories and techniques. I strongly believe in working closely with my patients (and, if necessary, with their families) to form a solid therapeutic alliance to address current and old distress and symptoms.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over fifteen years of experience as a clinician and teacher, I use a biopsychosocial model to tailor an individual treatment plan by combining several modalities in assessing and treating mental health-related issues, including medical and evidence-based, psychoanalytic, and developmental theories and techniques. I strongly believe in working closely with my patients (and, if necessary, with their families) to form a solid therapeutic alliance to address current and old distress and symptoms.
(949) 919-5075 View (949) 919-5075
Photo of Alexis Meshi, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Alexis Meshi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
(949) 353-6801 View (949) 353-6801
Photo of Gail R Raphael, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Gail R Raphael
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
'We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that something deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.' -E.E. Cummings. Every person has inherent value and deserves individual attention and compassionate care. It is a privilege to assist my patients on the journey to self-discovery, emotional healing and recovery. As a medical doctor, I perform psychotherapy and/or prescribe medications if needed. My passion for mental health is both professional and personal, and I believe this enables me to establish a unique and powerful therapeutic relationship essential for treatment success.
'We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that something deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.' -E.E. Cummings. Every person has inherent value and deserves individual attention and compassionate care. It is a privilege to assist my patients on the journey to self-discovery, emotional healing and recovery. As a medical doctor, I perform psychotherapy and/or prescribe medications if needed. My passion for mental health is both professional and personal, and I believe this enables me to establish a unique and powerful therapeutic relationship essential for treatment success.
(949) 245-6698 View (949) 245-6698
Photo of Kenneth Neil Sokolski, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Kenneth Neil Sokolski
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
As a graduate of U.C. Irvine School of Medicine and Residency in Psychiatry with 28 years of experience diagnosing and treating behavioral conditions, author of over 35 peer reviewed publications in mood and anxiety disorders, and a professor of psychiatry in charge of the psychopharmacology course for psychiatric residents at U.C.I., I am in a unique position to understand and provide the most appropriate therapy for my patients' emotional needs. I am at the forefront of psychiatric treatments and am sought out by therapists and physicians for treatment of the most difficult psychiatric cases as well as for my compassionate care.
As a graduate of U.C. Irvine School of Medicine and Residency in Psychiatry with 28 years of experience diagnosing and treating behavioral conditions, author of over 35 peer reviewed publications in mood and anxiety disorders, and a professor of psychiatry in charge of the psychopharmacology course for psychiatric residents at U.C.I., I am in a unique position to understand and provide the most appropriate therapy for my patients' emotional needs. I am at the forefront of psychiatric treatments and am sought out by therapists and physicians for treatment of the most difficult psychiatric cases as well as for my compassionate care.
(949) 899-6704 View (949) 899-6704
Photo of Joseph Stabley, Physician Assistant in Newport Beach, CA
Joseph Stabley
Physician Assistant, PA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Joe is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 2011. Afterwards, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Program through the Department of Defense and accredited by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree and commissioned as an Officer in the US Army.​ As a PA, Joe has worked in variety of settings - including Urgent Care, Emergency Medicine, and has extensive knowledge in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine from years of service in the substance use rehab industry.
Joe is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 2011. Afterwards, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Program through the Department of Defense and accredited by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree and commissioned as an Officer in the US Army.​ As a PA, Joe has worked in variety of settings - including Urgent Care, Emergency Medicine, and has extensive knowledge in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine from years of service in the substance use rehab industry.
(949) 334-5455 View (949) 334-5455
Photo of Mindful Health Solutions - Christopher Chin, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Mindful Health Solutions - Christopher Chin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a focus on helping people in the management of clinical depression. Having worked with patients with treatment-resistant conditions, I am is excited to be able to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to his patients.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a focus on helping people in the management of clinical depression. Having worked with patients with treatment-resistant conditions, I am is excited to be able to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to his patients.
(949) 516-0085 View (949) 516-0085
Photo of Christian Small, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Christian Small
Psychiatrist, MD, ABPN, ABPM, ABFM
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92657
Thanks for visiting! My professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry and Family Medicine. I am the founder of Headlands ATS, a leader in addiction psychiatry. Our services are professional, personable, and based on methods proven to help you achieve sustainable recovery from substance use. At Headlands, we understand that the underpinnings of addiction have little to do with morality, character or personal responsibility – and everything to do with an individual trying desperately to cope with their suffering. We want to help you, give us a call.
Thanks for visiting! My professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry and Family Medicine. I am the founder of Headlands ATS, a leader in addiction psychiatry. Our services are professional, personable, and based on methods proven to help you achieve sustainable recovery from substance use. At Headlands, we understand that the underpinnings of addiction have little to do with morality, character or personal responsibility – and everything to do with an individual trying desperately to cope with their suffering. We want to help you, give us a call.
(442) 276-3541 View (442) 276-3541
Photo of Sarah Graff, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Sarah Graff
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Not accepting new clients
I am a Board certified Adult Psychiatrist educated at Princeton University, Stanford University, UCSF, and Harvard Medical School, in practice over 20 years. I treat a wide range of problems, including mood, anxiety, OCD, addiction, trauma, ADHD, marital, identity, and interpersonal disorders. You don't need to suffer alone. I have the expertise to help you. With good treatment, you will feel and function better. I offer you warmth, insight, honesty, intelligence, and my promise to help you find a path to wellness.
I am a Board certified Adult Psychiatrist educated at Princeton University, Stanford University, UCSF, and Harvard Medical School, in practice over 20 years. I treat a wide range of problems, including mood, anxiety, OCD, addiction, trauma, ADHD, marital, identity, and interpersonal disorders. You don't need to suffer alone. I have the expertise to help you. With good treatment, you will feel and function better. I offer you warmth, insight, honesty, intelligence, and my promise to help you find a path to wellness.
(949) 763-4009 View (949) 763-4009
Photo of Vanessa Velez, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Vanessa Velez
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! Hi there! I understand that it’s probably taken a lot to get here: emotional pain, depression, anxiety, grief and maybe even existential crises. I want you to know that you are not alone and it does get better over time. I’m a holistic board-certified psychiatrist, therapist, and artist who specializes in helping young adults and adult professionals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ecological and spiritual distress find inner peace. I combine holistic approaches such as creativity and spirituality with traditional modalities such as psychotherapy and medications, when needed.
Accepting New Patients! Hi there! I understand that it’s probably taken a lot to get here: emotional pain, depression, anxiety, grief and maybe even existential crises. I want you to know that you are not alone and it does get better over time. I’m a holistic board-certified psychiatrist, therapist, and artist who specializes in helping young adults and adult professionals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ecological and spiritual distress find inner peace. I combine holistic approaches such as creativity and spirituality with traditional modalities such as psychotherapy and medications, when needed.
(949) 569-5933 View (949) 569-5933
Photo of Douglas Gerard Kahn, Psychiatrist in Newport Beach, CA
Douglas Gerard Kahn
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
This question asks me to describe my ideal client. In truth, I have no "ideal client". My pleasure and privilege is to use all of my skill as a physician/psychiatrist to make accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, and then treat with whatever forms of psychotherapy (and with medications when necessary) that will produce the best results for my clients/patients who genuinely want to be well, healthy, productive, and able to love and to work.
This question asks me to describe my ideal client. In truth, I have no "ideal client". My pleasure and privilege is to use all of my skill as a physician/psychiatrist to make accurate and comprehensive diagnosis, and then treat with whatever forms of psychotherapy (and with medications when necessary) that will produce the best results for my clients/patients who genuinely want to be well, healthy, productive, and able to love and to work.
(949) 822-9891 View (949) 822-9891

See more therapy options for Newport Beach

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA

100+

Average cost per session

$300

Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA who prioritize treating:

94% Anxiety
93% Depression
86% Medication Management
81% Bipolar Disorder
74% Trauma and PTSD
73% ADHD
72% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Average years in practice

15 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

89% Aetna
89% Anthem | Elevance
88% Optum

How Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA see their clients

61% In Person and Online
39% Online Only

Gender breakdown

63% Female
37% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Newport Beach?

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.