Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
![Photo of Zoe Goldberg, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e65f156-4036-4e4a-9b96-5b65c205f525/2/320x400.png)
Zoe Goldberg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I obtained my Masters of Science and Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Columbia University and completed my clinical training at Bellevue Hospital. I have worked with adults of all ages experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and various other mental health concerns.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I obtained my Masters of Science and Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Columbia University and completed my clinical training at Bellevue Hospital. I have worked with adults of all ages experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and various other mental health concerns.
![Photo of Toba Omidiji, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a14ca6b6-7fb8-4926-a665-c16138986ba9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Toba Omidiji is my name and I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I started my mental health journey in a State Facility about thirteen years ago. However, over the years my roles have changed, and I have had the opportunity to work in many outpatient and online settings. I’m experienced working with patients with history of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia. My communication style is calm and assertive, and I am always open to feedback.
Toba Omidiji is my name and I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I started my mental health journey in a State Facility about thirteen years ago. However, over the years my roles have changed, and I have had the opportunity to work in many outpatient and online settings. I’m experienced working with patients with history of Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia. My communication style is calm and assertive, and I am always open to feedback.
![Photo of Wendy McIntosh, MSN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59045775-91ed-483c-8844-1564a3357d92/3/320x400.jpeg)
Wendy McIntosh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11242 (Online Only)
My practice treats patients with mental health disorders such as Opioid Addiction, ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression. I offer a holistic approach in which I cater to my patient’s unique needs through a comprehensive initial evaluation. I also use a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacology to treat my patients to help them develop a healthy mind in order to maintain a fulfilling and balanced life. This can be achieved through long term treatment with the goal of returning you to pre-illness state or as close to as possible.
My practice treats patients with mental health disorders such as Opioid Addiction, ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression. I offer a holistic approach in which I cater to my patient’s unique needs through a comprehensive initial evaluation. I also use a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacology to treat my patients to help them develop a healthy mind in order to maintain a fulfilling and balanced life. This can be achieved through long term treatment with the goal of returning you to pre-illness state or as close to as possible.
![Photo of Fadekemi Olude, APRN, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/113415dc-52c9-4125-aaa2-86be5151be5b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fadekemi Olude
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11234 (Online Only)
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Currently accepting patients with appointments within A WEEK, with flexible scheduling. Are you struggling to find your way out of a dark place? Fighting to overcome feelings of grief, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder or major life transitions? Have a history of physical, emotional, or sexual trauma? Feeling like you’ve exhausted all options for treatment and given up hope on finding a solution? I am here to provide light at the end of the tunnel for you. Offerring comprehensive evaluations, diagnosis and med management for conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
![Photo of Erica Johnson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b1ffb38-18b0-45b7-a8f4-402c6dec0e58/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Erica Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 13 years of experience in mental health. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, my role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication. In addition to medication management, I also incorporate cognitive behavioral health therapy (CBT), emotionally focused as well as person-centered techniques into treatment with clients.
My name is Erica Johnson. I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 13 years of experience in mental health. I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, my role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication. In addition to medication management, I also incorporate cognitive behavioral health therapy (CBT), emotionally focused as well as person-centered techniques into treatment with clients.
![Photo of Joseph Mouallem, MD, JD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3a460fa-2b50-4e41-89e3-14f24db6cc59/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mouallem is a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist specialized in evaluating and treating individuals with a wide range of issues, including depression and anxiety, relationship and career concerns, self-esteem problems, grief and loss. He has a special interest and focus in issues of early adulthood, reproductive psychiatry, and life transitions. After an extensive evaluation, you will work together to establish a plan of care that may include talk therapy, medication, or both when indicated. He has a warm and open-minded approach to care that is challenging and collaborative, thoughtful and thorough.
Dr. Mouallem is a board-certified psychiatrist and psychotherapist specialized in evaluating and treating individuals with a wide range of issues, including depression and anxiety, relationship and career concerns, self-esteem problems, grief and loss. He has a special interest and focus in issues of early adulthood, reproductive psychiatry, and life transitions. After an extensive evaluation, you will work together to establish a plan of care that may include talk therapy, medication, or both when indicated. He has a warm and open-minded approach to care that is challenging and collaborative, thoughtful and thorough.
![Photo of Jean Rigaud Cetoute, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94c95ea1-330d-4de3-bf5b-a510df37dfb0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jean Rigaud Cetoute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11236 (Online Only)
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric-Mental Health. I specialized in several aspects of mental health such as mood disorders, eating disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and anxiety disorders. I Provide comprehensive evaluations and medication management. I have a solid foundation to customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In a world where life is so unpredictable, my goal is to assure that I meet your needs to walk you through the dark tunnel. I look forward to helping you in times of uncertainty. Feel free to contact me.
I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric-Mental Health. I specialized in several aspects of mental health such as mood disorders, eating disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, and anxiety disorders. I Provide comprehensive evaluations and medication management. I have a solid foundation to customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs. In a world where life is so unpredictable, my goal is to assure that I meet your needs to walk you through the dark tunnel. I look forward to helping you in times of uncertainty. Feel free to contact me.
![Photo of Kerry Callender, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cce55d1-9368-47f7-a788-027416323090/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kerry is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health provider, that offers initial consultations, medication management and talk therapy, in a non-judgemental therapeutic setting, that is centered around patient empowerment. Allowing an individual to define what wellness means for themselves, by encouraging patients to utilize a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Kerry is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health provider, that offers initial consultations, medication management and talk therapy, in a non-judgemental therapeutic setting, that is centered around patient empowerment. Allowing an individual to define what wellness means for themselves, by encouraging patients to utilize a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
![Photo of Laura Bevilacqua, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2e09f6c-584a-4cb6-80dd-7a0d8a633f39/2/320x400.jpeg)
You have taken a big step in seeking help. When I meet with you in my practice, I will want to get to know you and understand your challenges, strengths, and goals. Together we will come up with a plan which may include psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication. Through this process, my hope is to help you gain clarity and self-knowledge, relieve your suffering, improve your relationships, and support you in building a full and meaningful life.
You have taken a big step in seeking help. When I meet with you in my practice, I will want to get to know you and understand your challenges, strengths, and goals. Together we will come up with a plan which may include psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication. Through this process, my hope is to help you gain clarity and self-knowledge, relieve your suffering, improve your relationships, and support you in building a full and meaningful life.
![Photo of Kyle Wiktor, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bc88e33-4e18-42de-b611-f6cb723eb778/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Kyle Wiktor and I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2001 and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2012. I have worked in most areas of inpatient and outpatient mental health and chemical dependency. I am comfortable with most general psychiatric issues. I am a good listener and I want to understand what you want and need for treatment and then see how we can work together to accomplish the goals. I started in general medical care but found my passion was working with clients experiencing mental health and chemical dependency issues.
My name is Kyle Wiktor and I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2001 and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2012. I have worked in most areas of inpatient and outpatient mental health and chemical dependency. I am comfortable with most general psychiatric issues. I am a good listener and I want to understand what you want and need for treatment and then see how we can work together to accomplish the goals. I started in general medical care but found my passion was working with clients experiencing mental health and chemical dependency issues.
![Photo of Janika Emmanuel, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb1b6272-d165-4488-9c6a-6889fbfba8d8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Janika Emmanuel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11210 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner currently providing medication management services to adults ages 18 and older. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using an integrative approach, I aim to assist my clients with achieving their treatment goals and reaching mental wellness.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner currently providing medication management services to adults ages 18 and older. I have experience treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using an integrative approach, I aim to assist my clients with achieving their treatment goals and reaching mental wellness.
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![Photo of Christina Gerdes - Willow Health, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f997a53e-4e51-4a74-a32b-49652ae2080d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Willow Health offers patients immediate access to our virtual crisis clinic that provides personalized, recovery-oriented care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
Willow Health offers patients immediate access to our virtual crisis clinic that provides personalized, recovery-oriented care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
![Photo of Vikas Malik, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40dbeae3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety, Depression, Attention problems can cause significant difficulties in life. I provide medication management and at my Garden City location offer TMS therapy. TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is non-invasive treatment for Depression for patients who have not responded to medications and therapy. It does not require anesthesia and only requires at an average 20-30 minutes. Most patients are able to drive back home and resume daily activities.
Anxiety, Depression, Attention problems can cause significant difficulties in life. I provide medication management and at my Garden City location offer TMS therapy. TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is non-invasive treatment for Depression for patients who have not responded to medications and therapy. It does not require anesthesia and only requires at an average 20-30 minutes. Most patients are able to drive back home and resume daily activities.
![Photo of Saumya Dave - Saumya Dave, MD PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5108a97c-f079-4c33-b531-2ca66bf2634f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I am Dr. Saumya Dave. As a board certified psychiatrist, I am passionate about working with people in areas such as self-care, depression, anxiety, burnout, and family conflict. I use an integrative, multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to come up with a unique treatment plan for each individual.
Hi! I am Dr. Saumya Dave. As a board certified psychiatrist, I am passionate about working with people in areas such as self-care, depression, anxiety, burnout, and family conflict. I use an integrative, multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to come up with a unique treatment plan for each individual.
![Photo of Akinola Adebisi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d39dfd4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Our experiences and the demands of modern day living can make the already challenging goals of life - to love, to work, and pursue happiness - seem even harder to achieve. These stressors and our predispositions can result in emotional difficulties which may be short lived or life-long.
Our experiences and the demands of modern day living can make the already challenging goals of life - to love, to work, and pursue happiness - seem even harder to achieve. These stressors and our predispositions can result in emotional difficulties which may be short lived or life-long.
![Photo of S. Shane Konrad, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db8a433-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy--the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light." --Dr. Brené Brown. I could not have said it better myself. Our inner resistance to facing our fears and vulnerabilities includes the initial resistance to reach out for help.
"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy--the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light." --Dr. Brené Brown. I could not have said it better myself. Our inner resistance to facing our fears and vulnerabilities includes the initial resistance to reach out for help.
![Photo of Stella O Okobi, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/786772e9-09cf-47be-962d-a9e62ef3619c/1/320x400.png)
Stella O Okobi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11236 (Online Only)
Stella enjoys communicating and educating her clients about the importance of taking an active role in their health and mental health. Sometimes this is easier said than done; but she believes as an advocate of mental health, building a trusting relationship with her clients will encourage them to not just simply ask questions but engage in a dialogue that will promote better health related decisions. She believes that creating a safe space exudes comfort, patience, and trust. Moreover, it will lead her clients to have better health outcomes. Having the will to make a change is pivotal. So she is ready when you are!
Stella enjoys communicating and educating her clients about the importance of taking an active role in their health and mental health. Sometimes this is easier said than done; but she believes as an advocate of mental health, building a trusting relationship with her clients will encourage them to not just simply ask questions but engage in a dialogue that will promote better health related decisions. She believes that creating a safe space exudes comfort, patience, and trust. Moreover, it will lead her clients to have better health outcomes. Having the will to make a change is pivotal. So she is ready when you are!
![Photo of Rosario Fernandez - Total Mental Healing, LLC, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e91fcd3d-47f3-4845-bb3b-8da88407c8e2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Total Mental Healing, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11213 (Online Only)
Rosario Fernandez is the founder of Total Mental Healing, LLC, a mental health practice. She is a board-certified mental health psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specialized in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Insomnia, and Addiction medicine. She has worked in the mental health care field for over 15 years as a psychiatric nurse in outpatient clinics, private practice, and hospital settings. Rosario is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish), multicultural provider who enjoys working with people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
Rosario Fernandez is the founder of Total Mental Healing, LLC, a mental health practice. She is a board-certified mental health psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) specialized in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Insomnia, and Addiction medicine. She has worked in the mental health care field for over 15 years as a psychiatric nurse in outpatient clinics, private practice, and hospital settings. Rosario is a bilingual (fluent in Spanish), multicultural provider who enjoys working with people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
![Photo of Mellen Lovrin - Dr. Mellen Lovrin, DNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401c87ed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mellen Lovrin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Not accepting new clients
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychoanalyst, I am qualified to provide comprehensive psychiatric- mental health assessments, psychodynamic psychotherapy and medication management.
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychoanalyst, I am qualified to provide comprehensive psychiatric- mental health assessments, psychodynamic psychotherapy and medication management.
![Photo of Rebecca Feldman, PMHNP, CNM, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/182bbd63-6ad4-42f5-8610-affbd2303584/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for all stages of family building, including preconception, pregnancy, infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum and/or perinatal mood disorders. I offer practical, comprehensive and up to date information so what we can make the best decisions for you and your family.
I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for all stages of family building, including preconception, pregnancy, infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum and/or perinatal mood disorders. I offer practical, comprehensive and up to date information so what we can make the best decisions for you and your family.
See more therapy options for Brooklyn
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
500+
Average cost per session
$278
Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
84% | Medication Management |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
74% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
85% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY see their clients
53% | Online Only | |
47% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
36% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brooklyn?
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.