Psychiatrists in Columbia, MD
Laurette Abunaw
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with a specialization in psychiatry. I have over 17 years of combined clinical experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner working in acute care and outpatient clinical settings such as hospitals, day treatment centers, home care, rehabilitation centers, hospice and long-term care facilities. With this diverse background, I have served as a contributing nurse practitioner at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital providing psychiatric and mental health services on the behavioral, medical and emergency department units. I provide psychiatric consultations/evaluations and medication management services.
I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with a specialization in psychiatry. I have over 17 years of combined clinical experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner working in acute care and outpatient clinical settings such as hospitals, day treatment centers, home care, rehabilitation centers, hospice and long-term care facilities. With this diverse background, I have served as a contributing nurse practitioner at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital providing psychiatric and mental health services on the behavioral, medical and emergency department units. I provide psychiatric consultations/evaluations and medication management services.
My Client Mental Health and Wellness LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
Providing patient-centered psychiatric care in a friendly and supportive setting is our goal at My Client Mental Health and Wellness. As a first step in regaining self-control, reaching out is critical yet difficult one. Our experienced team will listen to you and work together on your recovery path. Many evidence-based tools are available to help you achieve your full potential, whether it is getting better sleep, coping with life's challenges, or improving your mood.
Providing patient-centered psychiatric care in a friendly and supportive setting is our goal at My Client Mental Health and Wellness. As a first step in regaining self-control, reaching out is critical yet difficult one. Our experienced team will listen to you and work together on your recovery path. Many evidence-based tools are available to help you achieve your full potential, whether it is getting better sleep, coping with life's challenges, or improving your mood.
Olawunmi Olufowobi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
Have you been feeling uncertain and not knowing why? Do you feel out of place, or wonder if what you are feeling is ordinary? You're working hard but have a hard time focusing on what’s in front of you. You may feel unstable, unfocused, forgetful, or you may feel all those feelings at once! It’s okay to seek help, and we are here to help you! I have experience working with adults. I provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment that integrates psychotherapy and medication management. My treatment philosophy centers around the belief that healing occurs within the context of a compassionate therapeutic relationship.
Have you been feeling uncertain and not knowing why? Do you feel out of place, or wonder if what you are feeling is ordinary? You're working hard but have a hard time focusing on what’s in front of you. You may feel unstable, unfocused, forgetful, or you may feel all those feelings at once! It’s okay to seek help, and we are here to help you! I have experience working with adults. I provide comprehensive psychiatric treatment that integrates psychotherapy and medication management. My treatment philosophy centers around the belief that healing occurs within the context of a compassionate therapeutic relationship.
Geraldine Nkwain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, CRNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045 (Online Only)
Now accepting new patients for telehealth appointments! Geraldine, a passionate psychiatric nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree, is dedicated to helping you live your best life. With over 13 years of experience, she specializes in holistic wellness, effective communication, and empathy. From children to older adults, she supports clients through various challenges, including trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and more. Geraldine's approach involves active listening and individualized treatment plans to promote self-management and independence. Patient education and collaboration are at the core of her practice.
Now accepting new patients for telehealth appointments! Geraldine, a passionate psychiatric nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree, is dedicated to helping you live your best life. With over 13 years of experience, she specializes in holistic wellness, effective communication, and empathy. From children to older adults, she supports clients through various challenges, including trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and more. Geraldine's approach involves active listening and individualized treatment plans to promote self-management and independence. Patient education and collaboration are at the core of her practice.
Ebonique McClinnahan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
Ebonique McClinnahan is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Certified Professional and Development Life Coach. Ebonique’s experience includes more than 20 years of behavioral health care provided to both civilian and military service members within the community, acute care, residential treatment, and outpatient settings .Her background specialties include psychotic and mood disorders, depression, anxiety, life skills, substance abuse, addictions, crisis management, and sexual abuse.
Ebonique McClinnahan is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Certified Professional and Development Life Coach. Ebonique’s experience includes more than 20 years of behavioral health care provided to both civilian and military service members within the community, acute care, residential treatment, and outpatient settings .Her background specialties include psychotic and mood disorders, depression, anxiety, life skills, substance abuse, addictions, crisis management, and sexual abuse.
Usha Bachani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
As a child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, I have a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health issues in children and adolescents. With advanced training and expertise in both psychiatry and psychoanalysis, I offer a unique blend of treatment approaches to help my patients achieve their full potential.
As a child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, I have a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health issues in children and adolescents. With advanced training and expertise in both psychiatry and psychoanalysis, I offer a unique blend of treatment approaches to help my patients achieve their full potential.
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.
Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness
Psychiatrist, LSCW, MD, CRNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
Mental Health Care – For Everyone. At Gladstone Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. We use an individualized approach to help clients get their lives back on track. Our treatment approach is more than just medicine. Our psychiatrists work with you to provide evidence-based treatments, unique to your lifestyle and challenges. We believe in a holistic view of medicine and provide personalized care to each patient, while making it affordable, inclusive and easy to access.
Mental Health Care – For Everyone. At Gladstone Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. We use an individualized approach to help clients get their lives back on track. Our treatment approach is more than just medicine. Our psychiatrists work with you to provide evidence-based treatments, unique to your lifestyle and challenges. We believe in a holistic view of medicine and provide personalized care to each patient, while making it affordable, inclusive and easy to access.
Olivia Anaele-Nwogu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
Do you miss the casualness and thrill of your early relationship. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 12 years of experience I understand that good health cannot exist without mental health. I serve my patients by preventing, identifying, and treating psychiatric conditions through holistic approaches in many ways. I employ experience, culture, and history of patients to facilitate healing.
Do you miss the casualness and thrill of your early relationship. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 12 years of experience I understand that good health cannot exist without mental health. I serve my patients by preventing, identifying, and treating psychiatric conditions through holistic approaches in many ways. I employ experience, culture, and history of patients to facilitate healing.
Samuel T Goldberg
Psychiatrist, MD, DFAPA
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Samuel T. Goldberg, M.D., is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is on the faculties of the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, where he has three times been named Teacher of the Year. Dr Goldberg was also honored with the Wendell Muncie Award by the Maryland Psychiatric Society. His recent publications and public lectures have concerned psychoanalytic perspectives on the works of William Shakespeare. His private practice of psychiatry and psychoanalysis centers in Columbia, Maryland.
Samuel T. Goldberg, M.D., is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is on the faculties of the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, where he has three times been named Teacher of the Year. Dr Goldberg was also honored with the Wendell Muncie Award by the Maryland Psychiatric Society. His recent publications and public lectures have concerned psychoanalytic perspectives on the works of William Shakespeare. His private practice of psychiatry and psychoanalysis centers in Columbia, Maryland.
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.
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Terrye Mowatt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Sometimes life does not go as smoothly as we would hope. Sometimes we need a little help negotiating life's challenges, particularly when we experience feelings of sadness, isolation, anxiety, or discontent. As a practitioner of psychiatry in the Washington-Baltimore area for over ten years, I have learned to look at individuals as a whole and help them draw on their strengths to negotiate life's obstacles. Doing so allows me to determine their needs and provide the compassionate, quality treatment that people deserve. I offer psychotherapy and medication management services to adults.
Sometimes life does not go as smoothly as we would hope. Sometimes we need a little help negotiating life's challenges, particularly when we experience feelings of sadness, isolation, anxiety, or discontent. As a practitioner of psychiatry in the Washington-Baltimore area for over ten years, I have learned to look at individuals as a whole and help them draw on their strengths to negotiate life's obstacles. Doing so allows me to determine their needs and provide the compassionate, quality treatment that people deserve. I offer psychotherapy and medication management services to adults.
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.
Richard Silver
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
I am an adult/ adolescent psychiatrist and founder of the THRIVE Center for ADHD and Comprehensive Mental Health Care (www.MyThrive.net). THRIVE's specialty programs include ADHD/ Executive Dysfunction; Failure to Launch Young Adults; Workplace Mental Health; and Thriving Families. I believe that the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of personal growth flow together. THRIVE's goal is to create opportunities for success and mastery. We are committed to providing compassionate care which includes: discovering the gifts of individuals; honoring the wisdom of all participating in the healing partnership; and validating the unique ways each person experiences the world.
I am an adult/ adolescent psychiatrist and founder of the THRIVE Center for ADHD and Comprehensive Mental Health Care (www.MyThrive.net). THRIVE's specialty programs include ADHD/ Executive Dysfunction; Failure to Launch Young Adults; Workplace Mental Health; and Thriving Families. I believe that the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of personal growth flow together. THRIVE's goal is to create opportunities for success and mastery. We are committed to providing compassionate care which includes: discovering the gifts of individuals; honoring the wisdom of all participating in the healing partnership; and validating the unique ways each person experiences the world.
Shanya S Hardie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045 (Online Only)
“It's time to rethink mental health”. Our Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner seeks to make each client experience unique by combining the latest evidence-based practices and technology to guide medication management and other healing options. Our provider recognizes the importance of customizing psychiatric care based on the individual characteristics, needs, and preferences of clients. We are happy to support you as you embrace your mental health and quality of life. Our behavioral health approach assists with the navigation of stress, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and other concerns.
“It's time to rethink mental health”. Our Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner seeks to make each client experience unique by combining the latest evidence-based practices and technology to guide medication management and other healing options. Our provider recognizes the importance of customizing psychiatric care based on the individual characteristics, needs, and preferences of clients. We are happy to support you as you embrace your mental health and quality of life. Our behavioral health approach assists with the navigation of stress, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and other concerns.
Uche Ifeji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
I chose a career in the medical field because I enjoy building relationships with patients and partnering with them in their journey toward improved mental health. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, feeling down, withdrawn, or having difficulty with sleep, I may be able to help you recover and improve your quality of life.
I chose a career in the medical field because I enjoy building relationships with patients and partnering with them in their journey toward improved mental health. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, feeling down, withdrawn, or having difficulty with sleep, I may be able to help you recover and improve your quality of life.
Suzzette Van-Lare
Physician Assistant, DMSc, PA-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045 (Online Only)
Dr. Suzzette Van-Lare, DMSc, PA-C is a doctorally prepared Psychiatric Physician Associate in Maryland. She received her Doctorate in Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg and Masters in PA Practice from Campbell University. She has a decade of experience managing behavioral health conditions. She is very experienced with ketamine and offers ketamine treatment to qualified candidates. She has expertise in the management of a range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, OCD and more.
Dr. Suzzette Van-Lare, DMSc, PA-C is a doctorally prepared Psychiatric Physician Associate in Maryland. She received her Doctorate in Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg and Masters in PA Practice from Campbell University. She has a decade of experience managing behavioral health conditions. She is very experienced with ketamine and offers ketamine treatment to qualified candidates. She has expertise in the management of a range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, OCD and more.
Favour Ofoegbu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044 (Online Only)
My name is Favour Ofoegbu. I am a board-certified, detail-oriented psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with almost two decades of combined clinical experience. I specialize in treating various disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, OCD, Trauma & PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Eating disorders, Adjustment disorders, ADHD, Insomnia, and other mental health conditions. I am skilled at medication prescription and management. My patients consistently give positive feedback on how their symptoms are improving with the care received from our sessions. My goal is your total wellness.
My name is Favour Ofoegbu. I am a board-certified, detail-oriented psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with almost two decades of combined clinical experience. I specialize in treating various disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, OCD, Trauma & PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Eating disorders, Adjustment disorders, ADHD, Insomnia, and other mental health conditions. I am skilled at medication prescription and management. My patients consistently give positive feedback on how their symptoms are improving with the care received from our sessions. My goal is your total wellness.
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.
Emotion Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-- VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS /IN PERSON " am a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing the highest quality of care, personalized to each individual. My methods of treatment are both psychodynamic and rooted in the evidence-based medicine technique. I have had experience in the treatment of Children, Adolescents and Adults for 12 years. The last 7 years I have worked as a telepsychiatrist providing comprehensive and superior treatment to my patients from the comfort of their homes.
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-- VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS /IN PERSON " am a Double Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing the highest quality of care, personalized to each individual. My methods of treatment are both psychodynamic and rooted in the evidence-based medicine technique. I have had experience in the treatment of Children, Adolescents and Adults for 12 years. The last 7 years I have worked as a telepsychiatrist providing comprehensive and superior treatment to my patients from the comfort of their homes.
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) |
71% | 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.