Psychiatrists in Columbia, MD
Dr. Temitope Akinladenu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
Welcome! I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
Welcome! I believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. I am a nationally board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trained to treat all ages. I have a decade of healthcare experience in inpatient, outpatient, PHP, and IOP settings. My passion is to provide comprehensive care that focuses on client needs and empower full participation in their own treatment. I incorporate supportive therapy, use of positive coping skills and medication management (if needed). I believe educating how medications work in the brain is important for clients to know and understand
Selam Tekie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045
Hi there! I’m Selam Tekie, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner, licensed in Maryland and Virginia. I am thrilled to welcome new patients, ages 6 and up, to my practice! My passion is providing wholehearted care to individuals struggling with mental health. I take a holistic approach, blending evidence based practice with empathy and understanding.
Hi there! I’m Selam Tekie, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner, licensed in Maryland and Virginia. I am thrilled to welcome new patients, ages 6 and up, to my practice! My passion is providing wholehearted care to individuals struggling with mental health. I take a holistic approach, blending evidence based practice with empathy and understanding.
Nicolas Kuiate Tekam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
Nicolas Kuiate Tekam is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) since 2021. Nicolas manages and treats adult patients with a range of mental health issues. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep issues, and stress across the lifespan. Nicolas is compassionate and dedicated to his patients and looks forward at their speedy recovery. His aim is to make a difference in people’s lives and community.
Nicolas Kuiate Tekam is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) since 2021. Nicolas manages and treats adult patients with a range of mental health issues. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep issues, and stress across the lifespan. Nicolas is compassionate and dedicated to his patients and looks forward at their speedy recovery. His aim is to make a difference in people’s lives and community.
Arise Health Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Accepting new patients. Hello, I'm Dr. Blanche Kattie, a mental health provider dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care with a focus on empowerment and healing. With expertise in depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD, I offer a holistic approach that encompasses medication management and psychotherapy. Through a combination of medication management and psychotherapy, I strive to address the underlying factors contributing to mental health concerns and empower my clients to achieve lasting positive change.
Accepting new patients. Hello, I'm Dr. Blanche Kattie, a mental health provider dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care with a focus on empowerment and healing. With expertise in depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD, I offer a holistic approach that encompasses medication management and psychotherapy. Through a combination of medication management and psychotherapy, I strive to address the underlying factors contributing to mental health concerns and empower my clients to achieve lasting positive change.
Dr. Blanche Kattie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
Accepting new patient. Welcome. I'm Blanche Kattie, a compassionate psychiatrist committed to guiding individuals on their path to mental well-being and fulfillment. With specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD, I offer a comprehensive range of services including medication management and psychotherapy.By integrating medication management with psychotherapy, I aim to not only alleviate symptoms but also address the underlying factors contributing to your mental health concerns.
Accepting new patient. Welcome. I'm Blanche Kattie, a compassionate psychiatrist committed to guiding individuals on their path to mental well-being and fulfillment. With specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD, I offer a comprehensive range of services including medication management and psychotherapy.By integrating medication management with psychotherapy, I aim to not only alleviate symptoms but also address the underlying factors contributing to your mental health concerns.
Dr. Blanche Kattie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
Accepting new patient. Welcome. I'm Blanche Kattie, a compassionate psychiatrist committed to guiding individuals on their path to mental well-being and fulfillment. With specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD, I offer a comprehensive range of services including medication management and psychotherapy.By integrating medication management with psychotherapy, I aim to not only alleviate symptoms but also address the underlying factors contributing to your mental health concerns.
Accepting new patient. Welcome. I'm Blanche Kattie, a compassionate psychiatrist committed to guiding individuals on their path to mental well-being and fulfillment. With specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD, I offer a comprehensive range of services including medication management and psychotherapy.By integrating medication management with psychotherapy, I aim to not only alleviate symptoms but also address the underlying factors contributing to your mental health concerns.
Synergy Strive
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, CNSNP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
Synergy Strive is a diverse team of solution-focused clinicians with the goal of helping adults, teens, adolescents, and children uncover their true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can’t change difficult situations of the past, we can help you get on a path of healthy discovery. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, we’re ready to work with you to achieve your goals.
Synergy Strive is a diverse team of solution-focused clinicians with the goal of helping adults, teens, adolescents, and children uncover their true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can’t change difficult situations of the past, we can help you get on a path of healthy discovery. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation, we’re ready to work with you to achieve your goals.
Omiah Behavioral Health & Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Accepting New Clients in Maryland and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s lived experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create therapeutic partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals, what you are experiencing and how effective treatment is going in each visit. We provide psychiatric evaluations, individual treatment plans, medication management and supportive therapy.
Accepting New Clients in Maryland and Virginia. Whether online or in-person, we believe the right for every individual is to receive quality mental health services. Understanding each person’s lived experience is different, we consider all aspects of your life and treat the WHOLE person not just symptoms. Our clinicians are experienced providers who create therapeutic partnership with each client, actively listen to your personal goals, what you are experiencing and how effective treatment is going in each visit. We provide psychiatric evaluations, individual treatment plans, medication management and supportive therapy.
Dr. Ifeyinwa Maduka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
Telehealth Appointments Only....Dr. Ifeyinwa Maduka is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 4 years of experience. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and a Doctorate from Chatham University.
Telehealth Appointments Only....Dr. Ifeyinwa Maduka is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 4 years of experience. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and a Doctorate from Chatham University.
Laurette Abunaw
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045
I am a Board Certified -Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on assessments, diagnosis & interventions such as medication management and individual/supportive therapy. I have over 17 years of combined clinical experience. I am well versed in providing mental health services through outpatient/tele-health, in-patient/hospital, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice related to mental health needs. My Inpatient/Hospital experience includes Contributing Nurse Practitioner at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital providing psychiatric and mental health services on the behavioral, medical and emergency department units.
I am a Board Certified -Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on assessments, diagnosis & interventions such as medication management and individual/supportive therapy. I have over 17 years of combined clinical experience. I am well versed in providing mental health services through outpatient/tele-health, in-patient/hospital, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice related to mental health needs. My Inpatient/Hospital experience includes Contributing Nurse Practitioner at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital providing psychiatric and mental health services on the behavioral, medical and emergency department units.
Dr. Gifty Addai
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
Greetings! I am a nationally board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 12 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics in mental health. My approach is patient-centered and holistic, creating a partnership with each client. I advocate for patient empowerment through family and patient education, clear communication, and trust to help improve quality of life. My experience in medical and mental health allows me to make appropriate treatment plans, therapy and medication recommendations, if necessary. I believe in treating the root cause and not just treating symptoms.
Greetings! I am a nationally board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 12 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics in mental health. My approach is patient-centered and holistic, creating a partnership with each client. I advocate for patient empowerment through family and patient education, clear communication, and trust to help improve quality of life. My experience in medical and mental health allows me to make appropriate treatment plans, therapy and medication recommendations, if necessary. I believe in treating the root cause and not just treating symptoms.
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Master Plan Health Concepts
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
Our practice is based on Behavioral Health Treatment that focuses on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar. We lean towards a client centered, goal focused approach that gives people tools to effectively manage stressors and difficult life circumstances. We specialize in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, substance use, depression and bipolar. We will help to restore your mental stability which can help you maintain your physical health. We are here to help you through various challenges. You don't have to do it on your own. We can help you gain control of your life with various treatment and counseling options that are available.
Our practice is based on Behavioral Health Treatment that focuses on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar. We lean towards a client centered, goal focused approach that gives people tools to effectively manage stressors and difficult life circumstances. We specialize in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety, substance use, depression and bipolar. We will help to restore your mental stability which can help you maintain your physical health. We are here to help you through various challenges. You don't have to do it on your own. We can help you gain control of your life with various treatment and counseling options that are available.
Favour Ofoegbu Tehila Healthcare Llc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, CRNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045 (Online Only)
Tehila Healthcare LLC is a telehealth, psychiatric, mental, and behavioral health outpatient clinic serving Maryland and the District of Columbia (DC). It is managed by Favour Ofoegbu, a board-certified, detail-oriented psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with almost two decades of combined clinical experience. I have a niche for therapeutic listening as I care for age groups 12 and above. I specialize in diagnosing and treating Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Insomnia, Psychosis, etc. At Tehila Healthcare, your total wellness is our goal because your health is an invaluable investment. Our slogan is "Health is Wealth".
Tehila Healthcare LLC is a telehealth, psychiatric, mental, and behavioral health outpatient clinic serving Maryland and the District of Columbia (DC). It is managed by Favour Ofoegbu, a board-certified, detail-oriented psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with almost two decades of combined clinical experience. I have a niche for therapeutic listening as I care for age groups 12 and above. I specialize in diagnosing and treating Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Insomnia, Psychosis, etc. At Tehila Healthcare, your total wellness is our goal because your health is an invaluable investment. Our slogan is "Health is Wealth".
Brett Greenberger
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Dr. Brett Greenberger is dually board-certified in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, young adults and adults. He is the founder of Collaborative Counseling Center in Howard County, MD (www.collaborativecounselingcenter.com). He provides psychiatric services including psychiatric evaluations, ADHD evaluations and medication management. He believes in treating the whole client as they exist within their environment, which includes their family, school and community. Dr. Greenberger uses a strengths-based approach to treatment that focuses on improving client overall health and wellness.
Dr. Brett Greenberger is dually board-certified in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry. He specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, young adults and adults. He is the founder of Collaborative Counseling Center in Howard County, MD (www.collaborativecounselingcenter.com). He provides psychiatric services including psychiatric evaluations, ADHD evaluations and medication management. He believes in treating the whole client as they exist within their environment, which includes their family, school and community. Dr. Greenberger uses a strengths-based approach to treatment that focuses on improving client overall health and wellness.
Yvonne Swann
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
Ms. Yvonne Swann is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Integrative Psychiatric Provider. Her credentials allow her to diagnose psychiatric conditions, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medications to individuals across the lifespan. She was awarded her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Walden University, completed a Fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, and holds a Bachelor of Art Degree in History from Loyola University in Maryland.
Ms. Yvonne Swann is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Integrative Psychiatric Provider. Her credentials allow her to diagnose psychiatric conditions, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medications to individuals across the lifespan. She was awarded her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Walden University, completed a Fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, and holds a Bachelor of Art Degree in History from Loyola University in Maryland.
Adeline Mangwa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , BC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Life can be very stressful and overwhelming, sometimes it leaves us feeling sad, depressed, anxious and scared. Your mental health is our priority. Adeline is a board-certified PMHNP and suboxone certified, with 15 years plus working in the mental health field. Now helping clients and families face with mental health challenges, like anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, schizoaffective disorder ,suboxone maintenance etc. After working together with Adeline, clients are successfully managing their symptoms, and now living their normal life. I believe your case is not different.
Life can be very stressful and overwhelming, sometimes it leaves us feeling sad, depressed, anxious and scared. Your mental health is our priority. Adeline is a board-certified PMHNP and suboxone certified, with 15 years plus working in the mental health field. Now helping clients and families face with mental health challenges, like anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, schizoaffective disorder ,suboxone maintenance etc. After working together with Adeline, clients are successfully managing their symptoms, and now living their normal life. I believe your case is not different.
Linh Register
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
Mrs. Register immigrated to the United State at the age of 11 from Vietnam. She grew up in Garden City, KS. She is the oldest of 8 children. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University and worked for a short time in that field before deciding to stay home full time to raise her three children. After her last child started Kindergarten, she wanted to pursue a career in nursing. Her first nursing job was at a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital in Maryland. It was there that she decided to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Earned a Master's degree from Walden.
Mrs. Register immigrated to the United State at the age of 11 from Vietnam. She grew up in Garden City, KS. She is the oldest of 8 children. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University and worked for a short time in that field before deciding to stay home full time to raise her three children. After her last child started Kindergarten, she wanted to pursue a career in nursing. Her first nursing job was at a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital in Maryland. It was there that she decided to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Earned a Master's degree from Walden.
Renew your Mind Wellness Services LLC- Katia Coley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN , FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
Hello there, are you sensing something doesn't feel right in your life, are you tired of the one size fit all medication management. My philosophy is that every person is a unique individual that deserves time and respect to be heard. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my goal is to increase the quality of life with a uniquely personalized and comprehensive approach to care. I am also a certified Family Nurse Practitioner which allows me to provide more non-medical holistic care as I can give consideration to your medical issues.
Hello there, are you sensing something doesn't feel right in your life, are you tired of the one size fit all medication management. My philosophy is that every person is a unique individual that deserves time and respect to be heard. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my goal is to increase the quality of life with a uniquely personalized and comprehensive approach to care. I am also a certified Family Nurse Practitioner which allows me to provide more non-medical holistic care as I can give consideration to your medical issues.
Solutions For Mindfulness Psychiatric Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
Solutions for Mindfulness remains committed to providing the latest treatment options and world class psychiatric services to Maryland residents. As a team our focus is on collaboration, and partnering with our patients to work with treatment plans that focus on our patients needs. we also discuss all options available to the patient. We offer non- medication options. these Include therapy and Transcranial magnetic Stimulation ( TMS) We realize that the clients we serve have a right to determine their best treatment options for themselves and their families.
Solutions for Mindfulness remains committed to providing the latest treatment options and world class psychiatric services to Maryland residents. As a team our focus is on collaboration, and partnering with our patients to work with treatment plans that focus on our patients needs. we also discuss all options available to the patient. We offer non- medication options. these Include therapy and Transcranial magnetic Stimulation ( TMS) We realize that the clients we serve have a right to determine their best treatment options for themselves and their families.
Brenda Pearson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience in understanding how physical and psychological illness affect the mind and body. I have learned that no one treatment is always effective for every person and any one ailment. My focus is holistic and I welcome natural treatments that have proven to be effective in providing relief as well as pharmacologic treatments. I truly believe the best outcome and optimal level of wellness is achieved when the patient can concurrently participate in therapy and is an active participant in their mental health treatment.
I have extensive experience in understanding how physical and psychological illness affect the mind and body. I have learned that no one treatment is always effective for every person and any one ailment. My focus is holistic and I welcome natural treatments that have proven to be effective in providing relief as well as pharmacologic treatments. I truly believe the best outcome and optimal level of wellness is achieved when the patient can concurrently participate in therapy and is an active participant in their mental health treatment.
See more therapy options for Columbia
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Columbia, MD
100+
Average cost per session
$155
Psychiatrists in Columbia, MD who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
87% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | ADHD |
72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
69% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
90% | Cigna and Evernorth |
88% | CareFirst |
82% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Columbia, MD see their clients
62% | In Person and Online | |
38% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
74% | Female | |
26% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Columbia?
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.