Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
Inno Ogbede
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11232 (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in New York state. I went into healthcare to serve others; I started from the bottom and walked my way up. I went from a certified nursing assistant to a vocational nurse to a registered nurse and now a nurse practitioner.
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in New York state. I went into healthcare to serve others; I started from the bottom and walked my way up. I went from a certified nursing assistant to a vocational nurse to a registered nurse and now a nurse practitioner.
Dr. Irina Kogan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
I work with patients with treatment-resistant depression when medications and therapy don’t provide enough quality of life improvement. I can refer my patients to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the brain (TMS) or Ketamine treatment, if necessary. I treat patients with ADHD, PTSD, Mood disorders, Anxiety spectrum disorders, and Dual diagnosis patients.
I work with patients with treatment-resistant depression when medications and therapy don’t provide enough quality of life improvement. I can refer my patients to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the brain (TMS) or Ketamine treatment, if necessary. I treat patients with ADHD, PTSD, Mood disorders, Anxiety spectrum disorders, and Dual diagnosis patients.
Jenna Reeder — Brooklyn Integrative Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11249
I offer holistic and therapeutic psychiatry to help adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, and treatment-resistant depression identify and address the root causes of their mental health struggles. I also specialize in working in perinatal psychiatry and women. I specialize in supporting women's emotional well-being throughout the perinatal period, which includes the time before, during, and after childbirth. My treatment philosophy centers on a holistic, patient-centric approach, integrating medication management with psychotherapy, mindfulness, nutraceutical supplementation, sleep optimization, and lifestyle interventions.
I offer holistic and therapeutic psychiatry to help adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, and treatment-resistant depression identify and address the root causes of their mental health struggles. I also specialize in working in perinatal psychiatry and women. I specialize in supporting women's emotional well-being throughout the perinatal period, which includes the time before, during, and after childbirth. My treatment philosophy centers on a holistic, patient-centric approach, integrating medication management with psychotherapy, mindfulness, nutraceutical supplementation, sleep optimization, and lifestyle interventions.
Holly L White
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNM, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11249
I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for adults dealing with reproductive issues, specifically during the fertility journey, pregnancy, postpartum and early parenting. You are the authority on your goals, your life, and your story. I can offer up to date, practical information, flexibility and collaboration.
I specialize in medication management and psychotherapy for adults dealing with reproductive issues, specifically during the fertility journey, pregnancy, postpartum and early parenting. You are the authority on your goals, your life, and your story. I can offer up to date, practical information, flexibility and collaboration.
Dr. Sima Christina Paul
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Online Only)
Please go to headway.co for NJ residents, and for NY and PA residents please go to skypiatrist.com website to book an initial psychiatric evaluation. I see patients and licensed in NJ, NY, PA, WI, and accept all insurances. I treat all psychiatric conditions and can do medication management and therapy. I can help you treat whatever symptoms you may have or recommended the best approach to improve the way you feel. I see adults and adolescents/child starting at age 5. you must first open an account at headway.co or skypiatrist.com, enter you ID and insurance information, an email will follow on how to schedule an appointment online.
Please go to headway.co for NJ residents, and for NY and PA residents please go to skypiatrist.com website to book an initial psychiatric evaluation. I see patients and licensed in NJ, NY, PA, WI, and accept all insurances. I treat all psychiatric conditions and can do medication management and therapy. I can help you treat whatever symptoms you may have or recommended the best approach to improve the way you feel. I see adults and adolescents/child starting at age 5. you must first open an account at headway.co or skypiatrist.com, enter you ID and insurance information, an email will follow on how to schedule an appointment online.
Jacquescr Lucien
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11211
I am Jacques Lucien, DNP-PMHNP. In my work with patients, I often incorporate traditional and non-traditional therapeutic approaches based on the needs of the individual patient. My orientation is integrative/holistic, and I typically use a combination of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and motivational interviewing techniques in my work. I have worked with patients across the lifespan and have experience treating common diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorder.
I am Jacques Lucien, DNP-PMHNP. In my work with patients, I often incorporate traditional and non-traditional therapeutic approaches based on the needs of the individual patient. My orientation is integrative/holistic, and I typically use a combination of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and motivational interviewing techniques in my work. I have worked with patients across the lifespan and have experience treating common diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorder.
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!
Dr. Latoya George
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ThD, MBA, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11234 (Online Only)
LaToya is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) with over 13 years of experience in psychiatry. Her goal is for clients to feel empowered to treat their illnesses through supportive education in a stigma-free environment. She focuses on the treatment of chronic mental illness through psychiatric assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic intervention.
LaToya is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) with over 13 years of experience in psychiatry. Her goal is for clients to feel empowered to treat their illnesses through supportive education in a stigma-free environment. She focuses on the treatment of chronic mental illness through psychiatric assessment, medication management, and psychotherapeutic intervention.
M And M Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Services PL
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Online Only)
Ms. Penny is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her degree from Adelphi University. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their mental health goals and live their best lives. KerryAnn has a strong understanding of mental health disorders and is able to effectively diagnose and treat them. She assists her patients in pursuing healing by conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessment and focusing on her clients interpretation of optimal health.
Ms. Penny is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her degree from Adelphi University. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their mental health goals and live their best lives. KerryAnn has a strong understanding of mental health disorders and is able to effectively diagnose and treat them. She assists her patients in pursuing healing by conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessment and focusing on her clients interpretation of optimal health.
Stephanie Owusu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who strives to meet clients where they are, combining psychiatric models with real world experience. As a mental health specialist, I prioritize patient care and needs with a person first/trauma centered approach to provide holistic and individualized care plans for my patients. I prioritize the care of underserved communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ with emphasis on individualized patient care. My ultimate goal in working collaboratively, is to give individuals more control and power over their mental health and by way of that, their overall well being.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who strives to meet clients where they are, combining psychiatric models with real world experience. As a mental health specialist, I prioritize patient care and needs with a person first/trauma centered approach to provide holistic and individualized care plans for my patients. I prioritize the care of underserved communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ with emphasis on individualized patient care. My ultimate goal in working collaboratively, is to give individuals more control and power over their mental health and by way of that, their overall well being.
Toba Omidiji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11212 (Online Only)
Toba has experience treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, and schizophrenia; in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. He currently renders care to the young adult (17) and older adult population. When treating clients who are experiencing mental health issues it is very important to understand the other elements that may serve as contributing factors for their diagnosis. It takes a level of compassion, integrity, patience, and understanding to work with individuals who are experiencing difficulties managing mental health or the mental health of their loved ones.
Toba has experience treating a range of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, and schizophrenia; in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. He currently renders care to the young adult (17) and older adult population. When treating clients who are experiencing mental health issues it is very important to understand the other elements that may serve as contributing factors for their diagnosis. It takes a level of compassion, integrity, patience, and understanding to work with individuals who are experiencing difficulties managing mental health or the mental health of their loved ones.
15 Second Videos
Inno Ogbede
Jacquescr Lucien
Jessica Parente
Kyle Wiktor
Shalita Clark
Justin Shaw
Vsevolod Rudoy
Doug Mitchell
Anne Phan-Huy
Osarugue Blessing Erhunmwunsee
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness
Tenisha Simon
Dr. Fritzner Montalmant
Stacy M Humphreys
Carline Lamour-Occean
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness Care
Kelly Cook
Sarah Manco
Faith Ogala
Keisha Gordon-Primus
Christine Chollak
Hisla Bates, MD
Linda Kim
TMR Mental Health Care PC
Insightful Psychiatry, PLLC
Sheenie Ambardar MD, Concierge Psychiatrist
Ling Chen
Tejal Kaur
Timothy Greco
Carbon Minds Mental Health & Wellness
Becca Spaulding
Henna Warman
Vanessa Menjivar
LocalMD Psychiatry
Where Hearts Speak, PLLC
Veronica O’Meally-Tully
Brightside Health
Scott Shapiro MD - Specializing in Adult ADHD
Shawn Faust
Drew K. Goldbaum-Ratkevich
Alexander Welge
Nia Josiah
Joe Gallego
Renee Koval
Viktoriya Natanel
DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY
SMPsychotherapy & Counseling Services
Healthy Minds NYC | Dr. Travis Meadows
SMPsychotherapy & Counseling Services
Katherine Sullivan
Adriel Gerard
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11242
I bring my sense of humor and upbeat personality to every session, and I am deeply dedicated to working to help you feel better. I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who provides medication management and psychotherapy to adults. We can work together to address your everyday challenges and the issues that cause you stress, fear, and depression. I also provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which works in the "here and now" to address your thought processes and behaviors to help you feel happier. I offer flexible appointment times, including on weekends at my private office in Brooklyn Heights.
I bring my sense of humor and upbeat personality to every session, and I am deeply dedicated to working to help you feel better. I'm a board-certified psychiatrist who provides medication management and psychotherapy to adults. We can work together to address your everyday challenges and the issues that cause you stress, fear, and depression. I also provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which works in the "here and now" to address your thought processes and behaviors to help you feel happier. I offer flexible appointment times, including on weekends at my private office in Brooklyn Heights.
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.
Shelley Padgett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Online Only)
Shelley Padgett is a warm and compassionate psychiatric provider. Her approach to treatment follows a wholistic model that combines talk therapy and medication as needed. She enjoys getting to know her patients on a personal level. She creates a space that is safe and free of judgement. Shelley is down to earth and through empathy, she forms meaningful connections with her patients. Shelly has over 20 years of nursing experience. She is highly skilled in psychopharmacology. She specializes in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, sleep disorders, and ADHD.
Shelley Padgett is a warm and compassionate psychiatric provider. Her approach to treatment follows a wholistic model that combines talk therapy and medication as needed. She enjoys getting to know her patients on a personal level. She creates a space that is safe and free of judgement. Shelley is down to earth and through empathy, she forms meaningful connections with her patients. Shelly has over 20 years of nursing experience. She is highly skilled in psychopharmacology. She specializes in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, sleep disorders, and ADHD.
Willow Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11216 (Online Only)
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.
Melanie Schwarz
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215
I have extensive experience in working with patients who are struggling with Depression, Anxiety and Relationship issues. I provide both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I have a particular expertise in working with patients with concurrent medical issues. This includes women struggling with REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES, including infertility, antepartum and postpartum depression, menapause. I also specialize in patients with chronic medical illnesses including but not limited to Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer and end of life issues.
I have extensive experience in working with patients who are struggling with Depression, Anxiety and Relationship issues. I provide both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I have a particular expertise in working with patients with concurrent medical issues. This includes women struggling with REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES, including infertility, antepartum and postpartum depression, menapause. I also specialize in patients with chronic medical illnesses including but not limited to Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer and end of life issues.
Emmy Li
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Emmy Li, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, PCCN, CCRN is a double board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She recognizes that every individual has unique experiences, circumstances, challenges, and history and, therefore strives to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each specific need. She is committed to developing therapeutic alliances with patients through building trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Her approach to care involves actively listening, validating the experiences, and collaborating to establish goals while incorporating a combination of different therapies and/or medication.
Emmy Li, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, PCCN, CCRN is a double board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She recognizes that every individual has unique experiences, circumstances, challenges, and history and, therefore strives to provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each specific need. She is committed to developing therapeutic alliances with patients through building trust, empathy, and mutual respect. Her approach to care involves actively listening, validating the experiences, and collaborating to establish goals while incorporating a combination of different therapies and/or medication.
Jessica Parente
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Hi, I'm Jess! I am an ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, an ICF & CPD Accredited Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach, and a Level IV Brainspotting Provider. I believe the attunement and therapeutic alliance between the provider and the client to be the most crucial part of mental health care. I make it my goal to foster a non-judgmental environment of safety, one where you feel comfortable to “come exactly as you are,” regardless of what that means.
Hi, I'm Jess! I am an ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, an ICF & CPD Accredited Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach, and a Level IV Brainspotting Provider. I believe the attunement and therapeutic alliance between the provider and the client to be the most crucial part of mental health care. I make it my goal to foster a non-judgmental environment of safety, one where you feel comfortable to “come exactly as you are,” regardless of what that means.
Priya Vijay
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11243 (Online Only)
Thank you for taking the courageous first step in beginning the journey of healing and self-exploration. Many times, we get stuck in patterns that cause distress, and seeking help is the best way to break through these habits and reach our full potential. I am a licensed and board-certified psychiatrist working with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and life transitions, among other things. My approach involves an integrated style that incorporates elements of psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness.
Thank you for taking the courageous first step in beginning the journey of healing and self-exploration. Many times, we get stuck in patterns that cause distress, and seeking help is the best way to break through these habits and reach our full potential. I am a licensed and board-certified psychiatrist working with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and life transitions, among other things. My approach involves an integrated style that incorporates elements of psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness.
Alhasan Ghazzawi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry, I am committed to providing care that addresses the multifaceted aspects of my patients' well-being. I offer an integrated approach that recognizes the interplay between social, psychological, and biological factors in shaping mental health. I began my psychiatry career at Maimonides Medical Center, serving as chief resident and pursued a post-doc training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at NYU's Psychoanalytical Association of New York. Following this, I completed my public psychiatry fellowship at Columbia University.
As a dedicated board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry, I am committed to providing care that addresses the multifaceted aspects of my patients' well-being. I offer an integrated approach that recognizes the interplay between social, psychological, and biological factors in shaping mental health. I began my psychiatry career at Maimonides Medical Center, serving as chief resident and pursued a post-doc training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at NYU's Psychoanalytical Association of New York. Following this, I completed my public psychiatry fellowship at Columbia University.
See more therapy options for Brooklyn
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY
500+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
85% | Medication Management |
73% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Brooklyn, NY see their clients
53% | Online Only | |
47% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
64% | Female | |
35% | 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.