Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA
Rafael Achacoso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121 (Online Only)
As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. As an immigrant from the Philippines & a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a distinct viewpoint on mental health. My experience as an inpatient psychiatric provider, treating clients with complex symptoms and those in active crisis, significantly deepens my understanding and knowledge base.
As a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my mission is to offer a safe, warm, and inviting space. I provide comprehensive medication management, ensuring that any medications prescribed are effectively addressing your symptoms while minimizing side effects. As an immigrant from the Philippines & a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a distinct viewpoint on mental health. My experience as an inpatient psychiatric provider, treating clients with complex symptoms and those in active crisis, significantly deepens my understanding and knowledge base.
LaToyia Neal
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119 (Online Only)
I am a highly motivated board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. I have over 10 years of nursing experience. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Georgia Southwestern State University in 2011. In 2017 I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing (APRN) degree from Clayton State University and my Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Degree in July 2021 from Valdosta State University.
I am a highly motivated board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. I have over 10 years of nursing experience. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Georgia Southwestern State University in 2011. In 2017 I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing (APRN) degree from Clayton State University and my Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Degree in July 2021 from Valdosta State University.
Amy Brumbaugh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
My clients come from different backgrounds and walks of life, all seeking support for their emotional well-being and mental balance. I specialize in helping those dealing with mood disorders and anxiety, offering a tailored approach to address their unique struggles (including medication management, supplements & exercise programs, and therapy options). My ideal client is someone who's ready to work together on this journey towards better mental health, with trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to positive change.
My clients come from different backgrounds and walks of life, all seeking support for their emotional well-being and mental balance. I specialize in helping those dealing with mood disorders and anxiety, offering a tailored approach to address their unique struggles (including medication management, supplements & exercise programs, and therapy options). My ideal client is someone who's ready to work together on this journey towards better mental health, with trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to positive change.
Dr. Matias Massaro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Reading this signifies that you acknowledge things need to change. I see people living in “hard mode,” as if they are walking with Lego pieces inside their shoes, feeling stuck, resourceless, or overwhelmed. We strive to walk in those shoes and make it through the day, but sometimes we don’t take a step. Your life doesn’t have to be a daily battle. I would be honored to collaborate with you in your healing journey. I aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals seeking mental health care. I strive to build genuine, cooperative partnerships to define and address therapeutic objectives.
Reading this signifies that you acknowledge things need to change. I see people living in “hard mode,” as if they are walking with Lego pieces inside their shoes, feeling stuck, resourceless, or overwhelmed. We strive to walk in those shoes and make it through the day, but sometimes we don’t take a step. Your life doesn’t have to be a daily battle. I would be honored to collaborate with you in your healing journey. I aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for individuals seeking mental health care. I strive to build genuine, cooperative partnerships to define and address therapeutic objectives.
Leah Haddad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/WA
Sydney Berkman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
I work with people of all ages to understand and work toward their goals for a more fulfilling life. I meet all clients with an individualized and trauma informed approach, recognizing that no one can truly understand another's unique experience. I work with clients living with symptoms related to trauma, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health concerns. I specialize in adolescents and young adults, and am passionate about partnering with young people to develop the skills and language necessary to advocate for their mental wellbeing.
I work with people of all ages to understand and work toward their goals for a more fulfilling life. I meet all clients with an individualized and trauma informed approach, recognizing that no one can truly understand another's unique experience. I work with clients living with symptoms related to trauma, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health concerns. I specialize in adolescents and young adults, and am passionate about partnering with young people to develop the skills and language necessary to advocate for their mental wellbeing.
Dao Nguyen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Dao and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Dao and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Talia Baruch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
Do you struggle to find the energy to do things you once enjoyed? Activities that used to bring happiness and fulfillment now feel like an insurmountable task. Even the simplest of tasks, like getting out of bed or taking a shower, feels impossible. The constant negative thoughts and feelings are overwhelming. You might not feel as if you can ever get better but you are ready to find a way to get out of the isolating hole of depression. You are ready to start living your life again. Clients come to me looking for a compassionate and patient provider who brings them hope in even the darkest of times.
Do you struggle to find the energy to do things you once enjoyed? Activities that used to bring happiness and fulfillment now feel like an insurmountable task. Even the simplest of tasks, like getting out of bed or taking a shower, feels impossible. The constant negative thoughts and feelings are overwhelming. You might not feel as if you can ever get better but you are ready to find a way to get out of the isolating hole of depression. You are ready to start living your life again. Clients come to me looking for a compassionate and patient provider who brings them hope in even the darkest of times.
Ross Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101
Ross A Brown is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). He holds a Masters of Science and Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, where he completed studies as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. For fifteen years he worked in preventative cardiology and stroke neurology, then went on to complete his postmaster certificate as a PMHNP at the University of New Mexico. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, he cares for patients ages sixteen and older with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, and treats the mental health needs of senior adults.
Ross A Brown is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). He holds a Masters of Science and Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, where he completed studies as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. For fifteen years he worked in preventative cardiology and stroke neurology, then went on to complete his postmaster certificate as a PMHNP at the University of New Mexico. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, he cares for patients ages sixteen and older with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, and treats the mental health needs of senior adults.
Amy Renee
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
-Now accepting clients via telehealth- Is this your first time seeking mental health services or is your current provider not a great fit? Do you have a distrust around medicine? Do you not feel seen or heard? Do you feel alone, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed? You are not alone. You’ve taken the first step. Together, with you in charge, I hope to help you aim to reframe, successfully with life’s challenges through a holistic and person-centered perspective.
-Now accepting clients via telehealth- Is this your first time seeking mental health services or is your current provider not a great fit? Do you have a distrust around medicine? Do you not feel seen or heard? Do you feel alone, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed? You are not alone. You’ve taken the first step. Together, with you in charge, I hope to help you aim to reframe, successfully with life’s challenges through a holistic and person-centered perspective.
Kisha Clune
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are collaborative processes of self- and relational exploration. I aim to provide holistic and integrating mental health care, with or without medication management. For those seeking to increase meaning and agency, it may be a path.
Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are collaborative processes of self- and relational exploration. I aim to provide holistic and integrating mental health care, with or without medication management. For those seeking to increase meaning and agency, it may be a path.
15 Second Videos
Dao Nguyen
Talia Baruch
Ross Brown
Victoria Abolarin
Mark Ellestad
MindsMatter LLC
Arezu Piroozmandi
Nicholas Hatcher
Katharine Frissora
Sean Dunn
Levi Williams
Grace Martin
Debbie Singh PMHNP / Ideal Mental Health
Mental Health For All Services
John Anthony Meunier
Ashley Cedar
Transformational Psychiatry NW & TMS Clinic
Casilda Jennings Vigil
Pw Psych NP Services Pllc
Balance Psychiatric Services
Cate Gerrity
Anna Long
Lynn-Marie Peashka
Kelsey Knox
Jade Goodloe
Inno Ogbede
Jacqueline Marcell-Koledin | TMS
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness - Debbie Singh
PsychiatryProvider.com
Kathryn (Kat) McNeil
Embodied Wellness Psychiatry
Talia Baruch
Heather Sanudo
Deidre McHugh
Shannon Eaton
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Alexandra Scott
Ike Uzowulu
Steven Pline
Nancy Masters
Albert Quainoo
Ideal Mental Health and Wellness Care
Rachel Ann Jimenes
Raven Young
Hannah Cantrell
Felicia Turner, APRN | Text #Enroll 503-925-6606
Hope Mental Health
Fatima Omar
Honorine Betah
David G Zacharias
Kelsey Pope
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98118
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. My goal is to provide evidence-based, holistic care by combining psychopharmacology with supportive psychotherapy to enhance each individual’s mental, physical, and emotional state of well-being. I value collaborative relationships and enjoy tailoring care by taking into account one’s unique identities, background, and environment. I am passionate about social justice and equality, learning about the cultural underpinnings that comprise each unique identity, and reducing the stigma of mental illnesses.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. My goal is to provide evidence-based, holistic care by combining psychopharmacology with supportive psychotherapy to enhance each individual’s mental, physical, and emotional state of well-being. I value collaborative relationships and enjoy tailoring care by taking into account one’s unique identities, background, and environment. I am passionate about social justice and equality, learning about the cultural underpinnings that comprise each unique identity, and reducing the stigma of mental illnesses.
Trae Stewart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98122 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW patients! Make appointments directly at www.psychmatters.net Dr. Stewart is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority. He provides quality mental health care through assessment, diagnosis, and medication management via virtual appointments. Dr. Stewart focuses on medication management for adolescents and adults (13+ years old). He treats mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and sleep disorders.
Accepting NEW patients! Make appointments directly at www.psychmatters.net Dr. Stewart is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with full prescriptive authority. He provides quality mental health care through assessment, diagnosis, and medication management via virtual appointments. Dr. Stewart focuses on medication management for adolescents and adults (13+ years old). He treats mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and sleep disorders.
Victoria Abolarin
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Victoria and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in Anxiety, ADHD, Burnout, Depression, Family Issue, Life Coaching, Maternal Mental Health/Pre/Postpartum and Stress Management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Hello, I look forward to meeting you! My name is Victoria and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner In the state of Washington. I specialize in Anxiety, ADHD, Burnout, Depression, Family Issue, Life Coaching, Maternal Mental Health/Pre/Postpartum and Stress Management. I work with an amazing group of colleagues at Lavender, an online psychiatry and therapy office, where we believe psychiatric care shouldn't be expensive nor impossible to access.
Francine Buckner
Psychiatric Nurse, ARNP, MS
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98134
I offer counseling, psychotherapy, and medication management to adults of all ages and from all walks of life. My philosophy is that this kind of work is deeply collaborative and that the client and I work together as a team to help navigate whatever challenges they face with the clarity and resilience needed to flourish despite difficulty. I believe that the mind and body are deeply integrated and that both must be addressed in order to heal from difficulty and to face whatever challenges the future holds.
I offer counseling, psychotherapy, and medication management to adults of all ages and from all walks of life. My philosophy is that this kind of work is deeply collaborative and that the client and I work together as a team to help navigate whatever challenges they face with the clarity and resilience needed to flourish despite difficulty. I believe that the mind and body are deeply integrated and that both must be addressed in order to heal from difficulty and to face whatever challenges the future holds.
Dr. Mark Ellestad
Psychiatrist, MD, ABPN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Hi! I am a Notre Dame and University of Washington trained addiction and integrative psychiatrist who believes that connection and compassion are at the heart of psychiatry. I integrate holistic approaches with scientifically proven methods and focus on delivering personalized treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma for people who might also struggle with chronic medical conditions, chronic pain, or addiction. My practice is not limited to treating just these conditions. As a gay psychiatrist, I also have lived-experience of the challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face. I connect and enjoy working with this community.
Hi! I am a Notre Dame and University of Washington trained addiction and integrative psychiatrist who believes that connection and compassion are at the heart of psychiatry. I integrate holistic approaches with scientifically proven methods and focus on delivering personalized treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma for people who might also struggle with chronic medical conditions, chronic pain, or addiction. My practice is not limited to treating just these conditions. As a gay psychiatrist, I also have lived-experience of the challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face. I connect and enjoy working with this community.
Cheryl Cooke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, DNP, ARNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105 (Online Only)
I am primarily seeing folks for therapy. I am familiar with the challenges experienced by communities of Color, academics, women at transitions in life, and individuals experiencing parenting and relationship challenges. I also see children with anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 5 & 12.
I am primarily seeing folks for therapy. I am familiar with the challenges experienced by communities of Color, academics, women at transitions in life, and individuals experiencing parenting and relationship challenges. I also see children with anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 5 & 12.
Chima Egwim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a compassionate and self-driven practitioner with a Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and over 8 years of professional experience. My expertise includes evaluating health risk factors, stabilizing patients, minimizing complications, and providing physical and psychological support. I am adept in geriatric care management, mental health counseling, and managing psychiatric medications. I have experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health disorders.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a compassionate and self-driven practitioner with a Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and over 8 years of professional experience. My expertise includes evaluating health risk factors, stabilizing patients, minimizing complications, and providing physical and psychological support. I am adept in geriatric care management, mental health counseling, and managing psychiatric medications. I have experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health disorders.
New Heights Behavioral Health, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98105
AS Seen On: NBC, CBS, FOX, and USA Today. Anxiety, Stress, Depression, and Trauma are challenges that can make life hard. You feel lost. Your relationships and work suffer, and eventually, your overall health declines. You can barely get out of bed because you don't feel motivated. Pain is inevitable but suffering is unnecessary. Working together, you'll discover your strengths and the tools necessary to help you overcome obstacles stopping you from showing up in the world and living your best life.
AS Seen On: NBC, CBS, FOX, and USA Today. Anxiety, Stress, Depression, and Trauma are challenges that can make life hard. You feel lost. Your relationships and work suffer, and eventually, your overall health declines. You can barely get out of bed because you don't feel motivated. Pain is inevitable but suffering is unnecessary. Working together, you'll discover your strengths and the tools necessary to help you overcome obstacles stopping you from showing up in the world and living your best life.
MindsMatter LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
At MindsMatter, prescribing medication is not the main focus. We believe in patient-centered care tailored to your needs! Not all clients seek mental wellness treatment for the same reasons, and that's why individualized care is so important in our treatment plans. We also offer brief therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for those seeking personal counseling. I provided educational videos about mental wellness on social media via TikTok and YouTube. You can find me on TikTok (raypsychnp) or YouTube (mrraypsychnp) if you would like to subscribe to either channel or be informed when a new video is posted!
At MindsMatter, prescribing medication is not the main focus. We believe in patient-centered care tailored to your needs! Not all clients seek mental wellness treatment for the same reasons, and that's why individualized care is so important in our treatment plans. We also offer brief therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for those seeking personal counseling. I provided educational videos about mental wellness on social media via TikTok and YouTube. You can find me on TikTok (raypsychnp) or YouTube (mrraypsychnp) if you would like to subscribe to either channel or be informed when a new video is posted!
See more therapy options for Seattle
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA
500+
Average cost per session
$249
Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
84% | Medication Management |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
77% | Trauma and PTSD |
75% | ADHD |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
79% | Aetna |
75% | Cigna and Evernorth |
66% | Premera |
How Psychiatrists in Seattle, WA see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
70% | Female | |
29% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Seattle?
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.