Psychiatrists in Portland, OR
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.
Carmen Kosicek - Visionary Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97223
Depressed? Did you know that there are new treatment options offering relief from depression in 2 weeks?!?! No, not SSRI's. No, not SNRI's. YES.... covered by insurance and no, not a huge out of pocket spend! Finally, there IS help & hope for YOU! ADHD challenged? ADHD focused care assessed with Neurocognitive Testing & current, once a day treatments! Psychiatric Medication Management offered online throughout Oregon. In person visits in Tigard, Oregon. Currently accepting new patients! Reach out today at www.visionarypsych.com
Depressed? Did you know that there are new treatment options offering relief from depression in 2 weeks?!?! No, not SSRI's. No, not SNRI's. YES.... covered by insurance and no, not a huge out of pocket spend! Finally, there IS help & hope for YOU! ADHD challenged? ADHD focused care assessed with Neurocognitive Testing & current, once a day treatments! Psychiatric Medication Management offered online throughout Oregon. In person visits in Tigard, Oregon. Currently accepting new patients! Reach out today at www.visionarypsych.com
Robert Geistwhite, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
Despite being successful, many creative and talented people live with a negative inner world. Often thinking, "If I only had someone to talk to." They are stuck but reluctant to seek help. It seems shameful or overwhelming. The fact is, once we are able to connect many of my patients quickly start to feel better. I listen in a way that respects their own perspective, pace and autonomy. Together we strive to deepen our understanding of the problems, while expanding our appreciation of a unique inner life.
Despite being successful, many creative and talented people live with a negative inner world. Often thinking, "If I only had someone to talk to." They are stuck but reluctant to seek help. It seems shameful or overwhelming. The fact is, once we are able to connect many of my patients quickly start to feel better. I listen in a way that respects their own perspective, pace and autonomy. Together we strive to deepen our understanding of the problems, while expanding our appreciation of a unique inner life.
Chaney L Reel Davis, PMHNP, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
My practice is trauma-informed, sex-positive, body neutral, anti-racist, and I am a LGBTQIA+ ally. I develop partnerships with my patients based on the principles of self-respect, equality, dignity and mutuality. We will negotiate your healthcare needs through a variety of approaches: education, communication, self-care, medication and complementary treatments. I am honored to walk alongside in your journey towards recovery, happiness and life satisfaction.
My practice is trauma-informed, sex-positive, body neutral, anti-racist, and I am a LGBTQIA+ ally. I develop partnerships with my patients based on the principles of self-respect, equality, dignity and mutuality. We will negotiate your healthcare needs through a variety of approaches: education, communication, self-care, medication and complementary treatments. I am honored to walk alongside in your journey towards recovery, happiness and life satisfaction.
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.
Maya Nair
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I provide a safe and accepting space for you to share your unique story to find stability and joy. By supporting you and deepening our understanding of you, your mind and body, and the world around you, we can find short and long term strategies to manage and overcome your symptoms and make progress on your goals. As you process and make meaning out of your life, you become better equipped to address problems in your personal life and career, change how you feel about yourself, and resolve concerns in your relationships.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, I provide a safe and accepting space for you to share your unique story to find stability and joy. By supporting you and deepening our understanding of you, your mind and body, and the world around you, we can find short and long term strategies to manage and overcome your symptoms and make progress on your goals. As you process and make meaning out of your life, you become better equipped to address problems in your personal life and career, change how you feel about yourself, and resolve concerns in your relationships.
Jermiah Floyd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97203
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is providing holistic and person-centered care. My approach is rooted in empathy, a trauma-informed perspective, and evidence-based methodologies. I believe that individuals are more than just their symptoms and am committed to treating each person as a unique individual. Your mental health is intricately linked to every aspect of your life, and I prioritize this holistic perspective in addressing your well-being. I offer medication management and primary/adjunct psychotherapy to help alleviate your symptoms and help you balance your lived experience.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is providing holistic and person-centered care. My approach is rooted in empathy, a trauma-informed perspective, and evidence-based methodologies. I believe that individuals are more than just their symptoms and am committed to treating each person as a unique individual. Your mental health is intricately linked to every aspect of your life, and I prioritize this holistic perspective in addressing your well-being. I offer medication management and primary/adjunct psychotherapy to help alleviate your symptoms and help you balance your lived experience.
Kristen Cole
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206
I use a trauma-informed approach to mental health that includes both medication management and psychotherapy. I employ a Health at Every Size philosophy that prioritizes whole person wellness above a weight-centric perspective. In my practice, the client is at the helm of choosing what issues to work on. A holistic approach is favored over one-size-fits-all formulas. As most people today are touched by mental health struggles, whether it be their own or their loved ones, we can use those experiences to learn to ground spiritually and mentally.
I use a trauma-informed approach to mental health that includes both medication management and psychotherapy. I employ a Health at Every Size philosophy that prioritizes whole person wellness above a weight-centric perspective. In my practice, the client is at the helm of choosing what issues to work on. A holistic approach is favored over one-size-fits-all formulas. As most people today are touched by mental health struggles, whether it be their own or their loved ones, we can use those experiences to learn to ground spiritually and mentally.
Mary E. Theodore, MD, MPH
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97210
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty years experience taking care of patients. Practicing for all these years in a field that I love, I have developed deep and lasting bonds with many of them. I am both a psycho-pharmacologist and a psycho-therapist. I treat numerous psychiatric & personality disorders but specialize in Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, adult ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, Women's Mental Health, and HIV psychiatry. My goal is to help you create solutions and restore balance and well being in your life.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I am a Board Certified psychiatrist with over twenty years experience taking care of patients. Practicing for all these years in a field that I love, I have developed deep and lasting bonds with many of them. I am both a psycho-pharmacologist and a psycho-therapist. I treat numerous psychiatric & personality disorders but specialize in Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, adult ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Abuse Disorders, Women's Mental Health, and HIV psychiatry. My goal is to help you create solutions and restore balance and well being in your life.
Kelli L Holloway
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
As a psychiatrist and psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I enjoy working with a wide variety of mental health concerns. I have developed special expertise in helping persons with self esteem issues, relationship problems, midlife and career transitions and trauma. I believe that talking through ones struggles, burdens, losses and pain leads to greater fulfillment in life, a sense of hope and joy. It is a privilege to be invited to accompany another on their personal journey. Psychotherapy is hard work but well worth the investment in oneself for discovering potential in love, work and play.
As a psychiatrist and psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I enjoy working with a wide variety of mental health concerns. I have developed special expertise in helping persons with self esteem issues, relationship problems, midlife and career transitions and trauma. I believe that talking through ones struggles, burdens, losses and pain leads to greater fulfillment in life, a sense of hope and joy. It is a privilege to be invited to accompany another on their personal journey. Psychotherapy is hard work but well worth the investment in oneself for discovering potential in love, work and play.
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.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MBA, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than ten years of experience in various facets of mental health. My philosophy includes a focus on whole mind and body wellness. I strive to deliver excellent, compassionate care through active listening and thoughtful collaboration with my patients – with a splash of humor. You will feel heard and validated, never rushed or ignored. My interest is in the person with a symptom rather than the symptom of a person.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than ten years of experience in various facets of mental health. My philosophy includes a focus on whole mind and body wellness. I strive to deliver excellent, compassionate care through active listening and thoughtful collaboration with my patients – with a splash of humor. You will feel heard and validated, never rushed or ignored. My interest is in the person with a symptom rather than the symptom of a person.
Martin Cunanan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, AGNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97204
I am currently accepting new clients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, burnout, trauma, sleep/insomnia, alcohol/substance use, and relationship and attachment concerns.
I am currently accepting new clients. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, burnout, trauma, sleep/insomnia, alcohol/substance use, and relationship and attachment concerns.
Marguerite Maguire
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
I am a general adult psychiatrist, treating a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses with particular interests in depression, anxiety, maternal mental health, and ADHD. I earned my medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Southern California/LAC+USC.
Vicki Grossman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MS, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Wholeness Care for Body, Mind and Spirit for Depression, Anxiety, Mood Changes, ADHD, Grief, and Weight Management. PhD, Board Certified Licensed Psychiatric Provider, Oregon and Colorado. My PhD, is based on Caring Science Psychology with Board Certification as a Licensed Psychiatric Practitioner (PMHNP) in Colorado and Oregon. Over 25 years working in numerous areas of Healthcare including Psychiatry, Critical Care, Emergency and Trauma medicine, this provides me with the important connections in Medical Care and Mental Health Care. PhD with a focus in Caring Psychology, Holistic Psychiatric Care and Evidence Based Medicine.
Wholeness Care for Body, Mind and Spirit for Depression, Anxiety, Mood Changes, ADHD, Grief, and Weight Management. PhD, Board Certified Licensed Psychiatric Provider, Oregon and Colorado. My PhD, is based on Caring Science Psychology with Board Certification as a Licensed Psychiatric Practitioner (PMHNP) in Colorado and Oregon. Over 25 years working in numerous areas of Healthcare including Psychiatry, Critical Care, Emergency and Trauma medicine, this provides me with the important connections in Medical Care and Mental Health Care. PhD with a focus in Caring Psychology, Holistic Psychiatric Care and Evidence Based Medicine.
Robert S McKelvey
Psychiatrist, MD, DLFAPA, LFAACAP, FRANZCP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239
Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex cases, psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of children, adolescents, adults, and psychopharmacology. I am especially interested in the care of persons from other cultural traditions, an outgrowth of many years of clinical and research involvement with refugees from Southeast Asia, and particularly Vietnam. Prior to entering medicine, I served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It was that experience that stimulated my interest in both medicine and cross-cultural psychiatry.
Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex cases, psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy of children, adolescents, adults, and psychopharmacology. I am especially interested in the care of persons from other cultural traditions, an outgrowth of many years of clinical and research involvement with refugees from Southeast Asia, and particularly Vietnam. Prior to entering medicine, I served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It was that experience that stimulated my interest in both medicine and cross-cultural psychiatry.
Opus Mental Health LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97225 (Online Only)
Our ideal client may face anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders. They need understanding, personalized care, and effective strategies. Their goals include achieving mental harmony, personal growth, resilience, and enriched relationships. They seek a better quality of life, tools to manage emotions, and the ability to thrive through life's challenges. Our client understands that mental health is integral to overall well-being and desires to take proactive steps in crafting a life that resonates with fulfillment and purpose.
Our ideal client may face anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders. They need understanding, personalized care, and effective strategies. Their goals include achieving mental harmony, personal growth, resilience, and enriched relationships. They seek a better quality of life, tools to manage emotions, and the ability to thrive through life's challenges. Our client understands that mental health is integral to overall well-being and desires to take proactive steps in crafting a life that resonates with fulfillment and purpose.
Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97208 (Online Only)
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner providing care to Adults with various mental health conditions. My practice is focused on providing holistic-evidence based care centered on social, cultural, and preventive aspects of mental health.
Welcome to Healthcore Psychiatry Consultants! I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner providing care to Adults with various mental health conditions. My practice is focused on providing holistic-evidence based care centered on social, cultural, and preventive aspects of mental health.
Sari Matisoff
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
Update - Emails from psychology today seem to be getting lost, please fill out the new client inquiry form at www.hmhpdx.com/new-client-inquiries-1 to ensure your communication to the office does not get missed! I specialize in psychiatric medication management for ages 18-64. I have a BA in psychology from Willamette University and Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in nursing from OHSU. I am licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington. I see psychiatric medications as an added tool to aid in overall well-being, and enjoy working with clients on how to maximize wellness with the least amount of medication needed.
Update - Emails from psychology today seem to be getting lost, please fill out the new client inquiry form at www.hmhpdx.com/new-client-inquiries-1 to ensure your communication to the office does not get missed! I specialize in psychiatric medication management for ages 18-64. I have a BA in psychology from Willamette University and Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in nursing from OHSU. I am licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington. I see psychiatric medications as an added tool to aid in overall well-being, and enjoy working with clients on how to maximize wellness with the least amount of medication needed.
SOL Care Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97223
My clinical focus is on holistic and patient centered care for adults and adolescents, with special attention given to treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress related disorders, as well as substance use disorder. Further, I am trained in motivational interviewing which I find to be effective tools in understanding and treating these issues. I believe in taking a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to helping my patients reach their goals. My practice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship to facilitate the process of healing.
My clinical focus is on holistic and patient centered care for adults and adolescents, with special attention given to treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress related disorders, as well as substance use disorder. Further, I am trained in motivational interviewing which I find to be effective tools in understanding and treating these issues. I believe in taking a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to helping my patients reach their goals. My practice emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship to facilitate the process of healing.
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.