Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA
Rachel Reis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offers virtual and in-office appts. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to facilitate overall wellness and quality of life for those struggling with their mental health, through the application of evidence-based interventions including medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Fundamental to my practice is truly listening to what an individual is communicating, relieving them of their burden of struggling alone. I strive for a genuine partnership in treatment, encouraging individuals to take an active role in their care, facilitating resilience and growth.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates offers virtual and in-office appts. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to facilitate overall wellness and quality of life for those struggling with their mental health, through the application of evidence-based interventions including medication management and supportive psychotherapy. Fundamental to my practice is truly listening to what an individual is communicating, relieving them of their burden of struggling alone. I strive for a genuine partnership in treatment, encouraging individuals to take an active role in their care, facilitating resilience and growth.
Soroosh Hashemi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
I am Board Certified in Family Medicine and hold additional credentials in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Yoga, and Meditation. My background gives me a unique advantage at balancing the treatment of physical as well as psychiatric conditions. Sessions with me are longer than with the average Psychiatrist or Family Physician and I believe a strong partnership between doctor and patient is the key to success. I have become an expert at medication management as well as various types of talk therapy. If you're feeling lost, you've come to the right place.
I am Board Certified in Family Medicine and hold additional credentials in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Yoga, and Meditation. My background gives me a unique advantage at balancing the treatment of physical as well as psychiatric conditions. Sessions with me are longer than with the average Psychiatrist or Family Physician and I believe a strong partnership between doctor and patient is the key to success. I have become an expert at medication management as well as various types of talk therapy. If you're feeling lost, you've come to the right place.
Thy Vo
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
Dr. Thy Vo is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Vo approaches patients as whole human beings with the goal of providing a safe therapeutic space that will help patients understand and address their suffering as well as foster healthy emotional expression and self-awareness. Dr. Vo is collaborative with treatment needs, which may include medication and/or supportive or insight-oriented psychotherapy in 30 or 45-minute follow-up visits.
Dr. Thy Vo is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children. Dr. Vo approaches patients as whole human beings with the goal of providing a safe therapeutic space that will help patients understand and address their suffering as well as foster healthy emotional expression and self-awareness. Dr. Vo is collaborative with treatment needs, which may include medication and/or supportive or insight-oriented psychotherapy in 30 or 45-minute follow-up visits.
Robert F. McFadden
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19107
I have expertise in psychodynamics, CBT, and psychopharmacology. I have experience in the clinical assessment and treatment of Adult ADHD, depression and anxiety. In 2015, I was named a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I am a Three Best Rated Psychiatrist in Philadelphia. I was named a Top Doc in Psychiatry in 2020. I offer initial assessments, coordination of care, and the choice of several treatment modalities (including medication). I do not accept insurance. I can help you submit reimbursement forms to your insurance. Watch "What to Expect at Our First Meeting" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sv9GGBp0AOU
I have expertise in psychodynamics, CBT, and psychopharmacology. I have experience in the clinical assessment and treatment of Adult ADHD, depression and anxiety. In 2015, I was named a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I am a Three Best Rated Psychiatrist in Philadelphia. I was named a Top Doc in Psychiatry in 2020. I offer initial assessments, coordination of care, and the choice of several treatment modalities (including medication). I do not accept insurance. I can help you submit reimbursement forms to your insurance. Watch "What to Expect at Our First Meeting" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sv9GGBp0AOU
Seetha Chandrasekhara
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Dr. Seetha Chandrasekhara is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2018. She completed her undergraduate studies in Behavioral Neuroscience at Lehigh University. After college, she attended medical school at Temple. and stayed on at Temple to complete her residency in general psychiatry and serve as Chief Resident her last year. While in residency, she completed a master's in Urban Bioethics, and she went on to complete her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chandrasekhara is board certified in General Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry.
Dr. Seetha Chandrasekhara is a Psychiatrist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2018. She completed her undergraduate studies in Behavioral Neuroscience at Lehigh University. After college, she attended medical school at Temple. and stayed on at Temple to complete her residency in general psychiatry and serve as Chief Resident her last year. While in residency, she completed a master's in Urban Bioethics, and she went on to complete her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chandrasekhara is board certified in General Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry.
Yun Mi Kim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Online Only)
Yun Mi is board certified in psychiatry. She offers diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and genetic testing services to those 18+. She believes in providing patient-led care in an environment that is validating, compassionate, and free of judgment. Yun Mi is a firm believer that diagnoses do not define an individual. Her approach to psychopharmacological treatment is evidence-based, individualized, and collaborative. She takes her time to provide optimal care, and her overall goal is to help her patients achieve psychological well-being and the quality of life they deserve. Appointments are available within 1 week.
Yun Mi is board certified in psychiatry. She offers diagnostic evaluations, medication management, and genetic testing services to those 18+. She believes in providing patient-led care in an environment that is validating, compassionate, and free of judgment. Yun Mi is a firm believer that diagnoses do not define an individual. Her approach to psychopharmacological treatment is evidence-based, individualized, and collaborative. She takes her time to provide optimal care, and her overall goal is to help her patients achieve psychological well-being and the quality of life they deserve. Appointments are available within 1 week.
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
Franklin George Maleson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
I regard empathy, responsiveness, and respect for the patient as core therapeutic values. While I tailor treatment to the individual, as a psychoanalyst I place special importance on gaining insight about unconscious contributors to current difficulties. I also appreciate the importance of clarifying and resolving here-and-now problems. When appropriate I prescribe medications or work short-term. My style is collaborative rather than authoritarian. For many years I have taught psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to trainees in these fields. I also teach professional ethics. I have published in the major journals in my field and am a training and supervising psychoanalyst.
I regard empathy, responsiveness, and respect for the patient as core therapeutic values. While I tailor treatment to the individual, as a psychoanalyst I place special importance on gaining insight about unconscious contributors to current difficulties. I also appreciate the importance of clarifying and resolving here-and-now problems. When appropriate I prescribe medications or work short-term. My style is collaborative rather than authoritarian. For many years I have taught psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to trainees in these fields. I also teach professional ethics. I have published in the major journals in my field and am a training and supervising psychoanalyst.
Theresa Colberg
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
Dr. Theresa Colberg is a board certified adult psychiatrist. She offers guidance with navigating difficult and painful emotions that may result from mood disorders, stressful life situations, the loss of a loved one, traumatic events, attachment traumas, or neurodevelopment disorders. Within a safe, and supportive working relationship, Dr. Colberg will strive to reach an understanding your unique situation, identify the issues that are interfering with progress, and develop a plan to better identify and achieve your goals.
Dr. Theresa Colberg is a board certified adult psychiatrist. She offers guidance with navigating difficult and painful emotions that may result from mood disorders, stressful life situations, the loss of a loved one, traumatic events, attachment traumas, or neurodevelopment disorders. Within a safe, and supportive working relationship, Dr. Colberg will strive to reach an understanding your unique situation, identify the issues that are interfering with progress, and develop a plan to better identify and achieve your goals.
Tim Kelly
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
Dr. Tim Kelly specializes in adult psychiatry. His practice focuses primarily on medication management but often incorporates aspects of supportive, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies into his 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Kelly also strongly believes in working in conjunction with therapists for the best possible outcomes for his patients. He feels it is important to create strong therapeutic relationships with his patients in order to help patients achieve their treatment goals.
Dr. Tim Kelly specializes in adult psychiatry. His practice focuses primarily on medication management but often incorporates aspects of supportive, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioral therapies into his 30-minute follow-up visits. Dr. Kelly also strongly believes in working in conjunction with therapists for the best possible outcomes for his patients. He feels it is important to create strong therapeutic relationships with his patients in order to help patients achieve their treatment goals.
Dr. Zheya Jenny Yu
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Life is a journey, it does not always go as we have planned or not. Each stage of life brings us different kinds of fulfillment as well as challenges. If you find yourself having difficulties in overcoming these challenges whether they are loss, trauma, or extreme stress related to school, work, relationships, you are not alone. When not dealt with, these challenges may interfere with your daily function and affect your capacity to achieve your potential. As a result, you may experience combination symptoms of insomnia, appetite and weight change, muscle tension and fatigue, inability to focus, depression, anxiety or more.
Life is a journey, it does not always go as we have planned or not. Each stage of life brings us different kinds of fulfillment as well as challenges. If you find yourself having difficulties in overcoming these challenges whether they are loss, trauma, or extreme stress related to school, work, relationships, you are not alone. When not dealt with, these challenges may interfere with your daily function and affect your capacity to achieve your potential. As a result, you may experience combination symptoms of insomnia, appetite and weight change, muscle tension and fatigue, inability to focus, depression, anxiety or more.
15 Second Videos
Rachel Reis
Robert F. McFadden
Andrea Papa-Molter
Chris Pagnani MD PC
Allen Masry
Chenhang Zou
Marcia Starkman
Michelle McCarthy
Elizabeth Milburn
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates
Elizabeth Pak- Impak Psychiatry
Paul Joseph Resignato
Richard M D'Amato
Linda Kim
Paula Bu
Edena Walden
Shannon Bucciarelli
Karen (Yang) Chen
michaelsumdpc
Bright Mind Wellness
Samantha O'Donnell
Thomas Scary
DUO Mental Health
Renewing Mindsets
Marie R. Dona
Michelle Antanovich
Aviva Zohar
KetaMinds
Ife Ajuwon
Melissa Lopez-Larson
Theresa Webster
Conboy Psychiatry, LLC
Breeze Mental Health, specializing in stress
Albert Han Yu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19146 (Online Only)
Uncertainty, upheaval, illness, and traumas can take many forms throughout a person's life, leading to depression, anxiety, unhappiness, and conflict in relationships. My practice aims to address your unique circumstances, to collaborate with you to achieve sustainable and meaningful life changes, and to cultivate a deeper understanding of your personal narrative. I offer comprehensive and individualized treatment for a range of concerns through psychiatric medication management and/or psychotherapy.
Uncertainty, upheaval, illness, and traumas can take many forms throughout a person's life, leading to depression, anxiety, unhappiness, and conflict in relationships. My practice aims to address your unique circumstances, to collaborate with you to achieve sustainable and meaningful life changes, and to cultivate a deeper understanding of your personal narrative. I offer comprehensive and individualized treatment for a range of concerns through psychiatric medication management and/or psychotherapy.
Zachariah Pranckun
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified, academically oriented child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy and medication management services to clients located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. I use a comprehensive, collaborative, and holistic approach. Please note that I am only providing services through telemedicine and I am not in-network with any insurance providers.
I am a board-certified, academically oriented child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy and medication management services to clients located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. I use a comprehensive, collaborative, and holistic approach. Please note that I am only providing services through telemedicine and I am not in-network with any insurance providers.
Dr. Michael Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
Erica Borman
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Dr. Borman is board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. Erica graduated from Cornell University with a BA in Biology and Society. After completing medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of the NJ School of Osteopathic Medicine, she then trained for two years in Obstetrics and Gynecology before completing a psychiatry residency at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. She has experience in a wide array of mental health issues including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and ADHD.
Dr. Borman is board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. Erica graduated from Cornell University with a BA in Biology and Society. After completing medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of the NJ School of Osteopathic Medicine, she then trained for two years in Obstetrics and Gynecology before completing a psychiatry residency at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. She has experience in a wide array of mental health issues including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and ADHD.
Milena Goldshmidt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
Dr. Milena Goldshmidt is a new addition to the Talkiatry network which allows her the luxury of working from home after the new addition to her family. She is double boarded in Adult Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. She has been practicing for 10 years. Dr. Goldshmidt's focus is on medication management as well as supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She gives ample time during new patient appointments and has 30-minute follow sessions. She also is a believer in additional therapy is needed and/or additional medical and procedural therapies if needed to provide the best care and outcomes to her patients.
Dr. Milena Goldshmidt is a new addition to the Talkiatry network which allows her the luxury of working from home after the new addition to her family. She is double boarded in Adult Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. She has been practicing for 10 years. Dr. Goldshmidt's focus is on medication management as well as supportive and emotionally focused therapy. She gives ample time during new patient appointments and has 30-minute follow sessions. She also is a believer in additional therapy is needed and/or additional medical and procedural therapies if needed to provide the best care and outcomes to her patients.
Cara Gouldey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
Cyndia Choi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
Dr. Cyndia Choi has been board certified in psychiatry since 1991. Her specialty is medication management, however she believes that a therapeutic relationship is crucial to treatment. Dr. Choi values the privilege of getting to know each patient personally to develop a patient-centered plan of care. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Choi are 30 minutes to check on medication effects and provide supportive therapy. If she believes that you may benefit from additional therapy, Dr. Choi may recommend including a therapist to your treatment team. Dr. Choi also believes in a holistic approach toward helping you achieve a healthy life.
Dr. Cyndia Choi has been board certified in psychiatry since 1991. Her specialty is medication management, however she believes that a therapeutic relationship is crucial to treatment. Dr. Choi values the privilege of getting to know each patient personally to develop a patient-centered plan of care. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Choi are 30 minutes to check on medication effects and provide supportive therapy. If she believes that you may benefit from additional therapy, Dr. Choi may recommend including a therapist to your treatment team. Dr. Choi also believes in a holistic approach toward helping you achieve a healthy life.
Behdad Bozorgnia
Psychiatrist, MD, MAPP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Often the tribulations and traumas of life can expose our personal vulnerabilities, causing us to feel overwhelmed, unhappy in our relationships, and dissatisfied with our lives. Yet human beings are innately resilient and with the right support and guidance, we can not only diminish our suffering but cultivate greater understanding, deeper relationships, and wisdom. My aim is to use my advanced training in existential philosophy, positive psychology, and psychoanalysis to work collaboratively and compassionately with clients to help them feel better, develop greater insight, and develop greater sense of meaning in life.
Often the tribulations and traumas of life can expose our personal vulnerabilities, causing us to feel overwhelmed, unhappy in our relationships, and dissatisfied with our lives. Yet human beings are innately resilient and with the right support and guidance, we can not only diminish our suffering but cultivate greater understanding, deeper relationships, and wisdom. My aim is to use my advanced training in existential philosophy, positive psychology, and psychoanalysis to work collaboratively and compassionately with clients to help them feel better, develop greater insight, and develop greater sense of meaning in life.
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Are you struggling with depressive, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Are you struggling with depressive, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Bryn Mawr
- Drexel Hill
- Gladwyne
- Haverford
- Havertown
- Jenkintown
- Narberth
- Springfield
- Upper Darby
- Wynnewood
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA
200+
Average cost per session
$227
Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
76% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Medication Management |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
62% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
80% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
29% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Philadelphia?
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.