Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA
Joseph Stabley
Physician Assistant, PA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Joe is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 2011. Afterwards, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Program through the Department of Defense and accredited by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree and commissioned as an Officer in the US Army. As a PA, Joe has worked in variety of settings - including Urgent Care, Emergency Medicine, and has extensive knowledge in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine from years of service in the substance use rehab industry.
Joe is a board-certified Physician Assistant. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in 2011. Afterwards, he attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Program through the Department of Defense and accredited by the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He was awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree and commissioned as an Officer in the US Army. As a PA, Joe has worked in variety of settings - including Urgent Care, Emergency Medicine, and has extensive knowledge in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine from years of service in the substance use rehab industry.
Alexis Meshi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
Sonya Rasminsky
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a specialty in women's mental health. I trained at University of Chicago and Harvard University, and have over fifteen years of experience providing psychotherapy and treatment with medications. I started my private practice in 2013, and was named an Orange County Physician of Excellence in 2017, 2018, and 2019. I am an attending psychiatrist in the UCLA Women's Life Center.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with a specialty in women's mental health. I trained at University of Chicago and Harvard University, and have over fifteen years of experience providing psychotherapy and treatment with medications. I started my private practice in 2013, and was named an Orange County Physician of Excellence in 2017, 2018, and 2019. I am an attending psychiatrist in the UCLA Women's Life Center.
Sarah Jillani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Not accepting new clients
Board certified psychiatrist who offers in-depth psychiatric evaluations with consultation, psychotherapy and medication management. She treats a wide array of psychiatric conditions and behavioral problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma related illness such as PTSD, personality disorders and perinatal psychiatry. She has in-depth knowledge of normal childhood development and the effects of trauma, genetic and other biopsychosocial factor that impact ones overall emotional development including resiliency vs disorders.
Board certified psychiatrist who offers in-depth psychiatric evaluations with consultation, psychotherapy and medication management. She treats a wide array of psychiatric conditions and behavioral problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma related illness such as PTSD, personality disorders and perinatal psychiatry. She has in-depth knowledge of normal childhood development and the effects of trauma, genetic and other biopsychosocial factor that impact ones overall emotional development including resiliency vs disorders.
Samir Hamed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92657
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Allied Healers, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Gary Dylewski
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92663
I would rather teach a skill than prescribe a pill, but I will. In other words, if you or someone you know is on or in need of psychiatric medications, yet would prefer to explore other ways to address their current circumstances, my practice is a great fit. This may include those who have tried multiple medications in the past and have had less then optimal success, found that they are very sensitive to medication effects, or wish to explore alternatives such as; learning mind/emotion/stress management skills, herbal or supplement alternatives (orthomolecular medicine), and spiritual practices to support their healing process.
I would rather teach a skill than prescribe a pill, but I will. In other words, if you or someone you know is on or in need of psychiatric medications, yet would prefer to explore other ways to address their current circumstances, my practice is a great fit. This may include those who have tried multiple medications in the past and have had less then optimal success, found that they are very sensitive to medication effects, or wish to explore alternatives such as; learning mind/emotion/stress management skills, herbal or supplement alternatives (orthomolecular medicine), and spiritual practices to support their healing process.
City PsychMD
Psychiatrist, Shadi, Aramesh, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Are you struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress? Are you experiencing fatigue, frequent mood swings, poor concentration, and anger? Are you feeling overwhelmed, irritable, feeling sad and anxious? Don’t let these symptoms define you. I treat various conditions with psychotherapy and/or medication management that may include General Anxiety Disorder, depression, OCD, ADD & ADHD, PTSD, phobias, relationship issues, and much more.
Are you struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress? Are you experiencing fatigue, frequent mood swings, poor concentration, and anger? Are you feeling overwhelmed, irritable, feeling sad and anxious? Don’t let these symptoms define you. I treat various conditions with psychotherapy and/or medication management that may include General Anxiety Disorder, depression, OCD, ADD & ADHD, PTSD, phobias, relationship issues, and much more.
Piotr Pelc
Psychiatrist, DO, MS
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I'm Dr. Piotr Pelc, a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. I serve the families of Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and other surrounding Orange County cities. I provide medication management, therapy or both. Telepsychiatry appointments are available. I happily coordinate care with therapists. As an osteopathic physician, I promote prevention and whole-person care, emphasizing good work-life balance, diet, and sleep. Please note: I'm out-of-network for all insurances, but I do provide a superbill for reimbursement if you wish to use your insurance coverage.
I'm Dr. Piotr Pelc, a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. I serve the families of Newport Beach, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and other surrounding Orange County cities. I provide medication management, therapy or both. Telepsychiatry appointments are available. I happily coordinate care with therapists. As an osteopathic physician, I promote prevention and whole-person care, emphasizing good work-life balance, diet, and sleep. Please note: I'm out-of-network for all insurances, but I do provide a superbill for reimbursement if you wish to use your insurance coverage.
Sina Safahieh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dr. Sina Safahieh hails from Austin, Texas. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed an adult psychiatry residency, and child & adolescent fellowship at UC Irvine. Dr. Safahieh graduated with highest honors with a BBA in Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently in private practice with offices in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo. Dr. Safahieh is fluent in Farsi and conversational Spanish
Dr. Sina Safahieh hails from Austin, Texas. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed an adult psychiatry residency, and child & adolescent fellowship at UC Irvine. Dr. Safahieh graduated with highest honors with a BBA in Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently in private practice with offices in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo. Dr. Safahieh is fluent in Farsi and conversational Spanish
Dr. Elahe Sagart
Psychiatrist, MD, FIPA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over fifteen years of experience as a clinician and teacher, I use a biopsychosocial model to tailor an individual treatment plan by combining several modalities in assessing and treating mental health-related issues, including medical and evidence-based, psychoanalytic, and developmental theories and techniques. I strongly believe in working closely with my patients (and, if necessary, with their families) to form a solid therapeutic alliance to address current and old distress and symptoms.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst with over fifteen years of experience as a clinician and teacher, I use a biopsychosocial model to tailor an individual treatment plan by combining several modalities in assessing and treating mental health-related issues, including medical and evidence-based, psychoanalytic, and developmental theories and techniques. I strongly believe in working closely with my patients (and, if necessary, with their families) to form a solid therapeutic alliance to address current and old distress and symptoms.
Alexis Meshi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
Receive care from the comfort of your home! Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? If you or a loved one suffer from emotional or mental distress, you have come to the right place. Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
15 Second Videos
Mindful Health Solutions - Christopher Chin
Mindful Health Solutions - Benjamin Williamson, MD
Alan L Schneider
Mindful Health Solutions - Jody Whitehouse, MD
Anam Gulraiz
Vanessa Velez
Raelin Bright Wellness
Dr. Terry Eagan - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Mottsin Thomas
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Riz Ahmad
Private In Home Detox - Detox Concierge
Mindful Health Solutions - Irina Filip, MD
John Diya - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Sham Singh
Uchenna Okoye
Mindful Health Solutions - Katherine Weeks
Sham Singh
Catalina Villa
Lisa Chan
The Focus Doc
Bonmente
Anne Phan-Huy
Leigh Goodrich
Raelin Bright Wellness
Jordan Blaine
Jordan Blaine
Sheenie Ambardar MD, Concierge Psychiatrist
Aisha Abbasi
Jacob Olsen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Orange County, California. I currently works in an outpatient Telehealth setting performing medication management and psychotherapy. I have a background as an emergency room nurse, and upon graduating from Charles Drew University with his Masters degree as a nurse practitioner, I specialized in crisis management. I have a wide variety of experience and skill set to give reliable and client-focused care. I enjoy working with clients of diverse backgrounds. My mission is to create a safe and comfortable environment for all of my clients.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Orange County, California. I currently works in an outpatient Telehealth setting performing medication management and psychotherapy. I have a background as an emergency room nurse, and upon graduating from Charles Drew University with his Masters degree as a nurse practitioner, I specialized in crisis management. I have a wide variety of experience and skill set to give reliable and client-focused care. I enjoy working with clients of diverse backgrounds. My mission is to create a safe and comfortable environment for all of my clients.
Maurice A. Wiggins
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Maurice A. Wiggins, M.D. is a physician who is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is skilled in treating a wide spectrum of conditions in adolescents and adults. In his clinical practice, Doctor Wiggins recognized the need to help individuals that were not responding to traditional therapies, such as medication and or talk therapy. Subsequently, he expanded the scope of his practice to include TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. This allowed Dr. Wiggins to treat patients who were not responsive to medication alone.
Maurice A. Wiggins, M.D. is a physician who is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is skilled in treating a wide spectrum of conditions in adolescents and adults. In his clinical practice, Doctor Wiggins recognized the need to help individuals that were not responding to traditional therapies, such as medication and or talk therapy. Subsequently, he expanded the scope of his practice to include TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. This allowed Dr. Wiggins to treat patients who were not responsive to medication alone.
Anthony Mascola
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Online Only)
Doctor Mascola is friendly, highly qualified, and works warmly and collaboratively to help persons find resilience and strength when times are challenging. He served previously as the Director of Education and Evidence Based Practices at Stanford University in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He has expertise in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapies as well as expertise in the use of medications and other scientifically supported methods of health promotion. He finds great meaning in helping good persons improve their ability to live in a manner that resonates deeply with their most cherished values.
Doctor Mascola is friendly, highly qualified, and works warmly and collaboratively to help persons find resilience and strength when times are challenging. He served previously as the Director of Education and Evidence Based Practices at Stanford University in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He has expertise in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapies as well as expertise in the use of medications and other scientifically supported methods of health promotion. He finds great meaning in helping good persons improve their ability to live in a manner that resonates deeply with their most cherished values.
Alexis Meshi-Call Today
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92663
We offer Telemedicine Services. Receive care from the comfort of your home or work! Follow this link to request: https://superiorpsychiatric.video-visits.com. Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
We offer Telemedicine Services. Receive care from the comfort of your home or work! Follow this link to request: https://superiorpsychiatric.video-visits.com. Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or attention and focus difficulties? Are your symptoms causing problems in your life? Are your relationships being affected? Are you not able to work to your potential? Are you unsatisfied in life and want to make major positive changes? Or are you doing well but want to further optimize your life situation? Welcome to my practice. I look forward meeting you and your loved ones and making your world a happier and a better place.
Elizabeth Whitham
Psychiatrist, MD, MA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663 (Online Only)
Elizabeth Whitham, MD, MA is board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult reproductive psychiatry. She has a master’s degree in the sociology of women’s health and brings this perspective to her work within medicine, examining the intersection of identities affecting disease and wellness in a holistic manner over time. She believes that patients are vulnerable both to over-treatment and under-treatment, and this shapes her practice of psychiatry.
Elizabeth Whitham, MD, MA is board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in adult reproductive psychiatry. She has a master’s degree in the sociology of women’s health and brings this perspective to her work within medicine, examining the intersection of identities affecting disease and wellness in a holistic manner over time. She believes that patients are vulnerable both to over-treatment and under-treatment, and this shapes her practice of psychiatry.
Hadi Estakhri
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
Hadi Estakhri, MD — or Dr. E as his patients know him — is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained psychiatrist practicing at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. He offers customized, patient-focused treatments to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has vast proficiency in the mental health field. His expertise is in treating a wide range of psychiatric and addictive disorders in both adult and adolescents.
Mindful Health Solutions - Christopher Chin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a focus on helping people in the management of clinical depression. Having worked with patients with treatment-resistant conditions, I am is excited to be able to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to his patients.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a focus on helping people in the management of clinical depression. Having worked with patients with treatment-resistant conditions, I am is excited to be able to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to his patients.
Don De Francisco
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Kind and professional care with extensive experience of 45 years in psychiatry, psychopharmacology research (involved in over clinical 900 research trials), family therapy, and psychoanalytic treatment (have a Ph.D. in Psychoanalysis.) My approach is flexible, looking to find what can be understood psychologically, as well as what is best explained in terms of brain function or chemistry. I do not always use medication as true understanding is often enough. When I do use medication my approach is conservative. "I start low and go slow." Try visiting my Website for more details: http://www.dondefrancisco.com/
Kind and professional care with extensive experience of 45 years in psychiatry, psychopharmacology research (involved in over clinical 900 research trials), family therapy, and psychoanalytic treatment (have a Ph.D. in Psychoanalysis.) My approach is flexible, looking to find what can be understood psychologically, as well as what is best explained in terms of brain function or chemistry. I do not always use medication as true understanding is often enough. When I do use medication my approach is conservative. "I start low and go slow." Try visiting my Website for more details: http://www.dondefrancisco.com/
Gail R Raphael
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
'We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that something deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.' -E.E. Cummings. Every person has inherent value and deserves individual attention and compassionate care. It is a privilege to assist my patients on the journey to self-discovery, emotional healing and recovery. As a medical doctor, I perform psychotherapy and/or prescribe medications if needed. My passion for mental health is both professional and personal, and I believe this enables me to establish a unique and powerful therapeutic relationship essential for treatment success.
'We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that something deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.' -E.E. Cummings. Every person has inherent value and deserves individual attention and compassionate care. It is a privilege to assist my patients on the journey to self-discovery, emotional healing and recovery. As a medical doctor, I perform psychotherapy and/or prescribe medications if needed. My passion for mental health is both professional and personal, and I believe this enables me to establish a unique and powerful therapeutic relationship essential for treatment success.
See more therapy options for Newport Beach
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA
100+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
86% | Medication Management |
81% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | ADHD |
72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
15 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Aetna |
89% | Anthem | Elevance |
88% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Newport Beach, CA see their clients
61% | In Person and Online | |
39% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
37% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Newport Beach?
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.