Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA
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.
Rotimi M Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, MBBS
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19120
I have worked in psychiatry for many years and feel that it's my life purpose! I don't consider this to be a job, it's what I love to do. I've worked in a variety of settings (inpatient and outpatient) with people of all ages, which has given me the expertise and the courage to unravel the complex mental health conditions that inflict so many. I always make mental health simple for my clients, and work with patients to find an approach that feels right for them. Whether you're experiencing ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood swings, or something entirely different, I promise it will help to reach out!
I have worked in psychiatry for many years and feel that it's my life purpose! I don't consider this to be a job, it's what I love to do. I've worked in a variety of settings (inpatient and outpatient) with people of all ages, which has given me the expertise and the courage to unravel the complex mental health conditions that inflict so many. I always make mental health simple for my clients, and work with patients to find an approach that feels right for them. Whether you're experiencing ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood swings, or something entirely different, I promise it will help to reach out!
Erica Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Online Only)
Erica Johnson is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in the state of Pennsylvania. She completed her Bachelors of Nursing from Temple University in Philadelphia, P.A. She recieved her Masters of Nursing in Psychiatry from Walden University. She has over 11 years in the field of Nursing.
Erica Johnson is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in the state of Pennsylvania. She completed her Bachelors of Nursing from Temple University in Philadelphia, P.A. She recieved her Masters of Nursing in Psychiatry from Walden University. She has over 11 years in the field of Nursing.
Dr. Jonathan A Beatty
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Accepting new patients treatment-resistant depression with TMS and Spravato/ketamine. We continue to offer harm reduction and medication options to meet your goals when struggling w/ substance dependence. Triple-board certified and provide a comprehensive medical approach and psychotherapy. Extensive experience treating the most complex issues that you are facing. I will help you to break down these issues and identify recurring themes that may be the barriers to your mental and physical wellness. Addiction is a medical disorder not a moral failure; together we will address the neurobiology of addiction AND its psychological impact.
Accepting new patients treatment-resistant depression with TMS and Spravato/ketamine. We continue to offer harm reduction and medication options to meet your goals when struggling w/ substance dependence. Triple-board certified and provide a comprehensive medical approach and psychotherapy. Extensive experience treating the most complex issues that you are facing. I will help you to break down these issues and identify recurring themes that may be the barriers to your mental and physical wellness. Addiction is a medical disorder not a moral failure; together we will address the neurobiology of addiction AND its psychological impact.
Russell Bohner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Online Only)
Russell Bohner is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has worked with psychiatric patients for over 21 years. Through his education and previous practice experience, Russell has accumulated a wide range of experiences working with people from adolescents to the elderly. Russell started his career in psychiatry as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and worked his way to a Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) at Wilkes University before obtaining his Nurse Practitioner (NP) license.
Russell Bohner is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has worked with psychiatric patients for over 21 years. Through his education and previous practice experience, Russell has accumulated a wide range of experiences working with people from adolescents to the elderly. Russell started his career in psychiatry as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and worked his way to a Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) at Wilkes University before obtaining his Nurse Practitioner (NP) license.
Vincenzo R Sanguineti
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107
My areas of expertise in Adult Psychiatry include: anxiety disorders (obsessive-compulsive, PTSD, dissociative disorders); depression (including atypical and treatment resistant subtypes); bipolar disorders; pain management and other medico-psychiatric conditions; addictions and substance abuse; problems of aging. By practicing for over 40 years I came to realize that every individual is able to change his or her way of thinking and feeling, provided the client is willing to do so. My role is to individualize which role medications and psychotherapy may play for each client, in which combination, and to act accordingly.
My areas of expertise in Adult Psychiatry include: anxiety disorders (obsessive-compulsive, PTSD, dissociative disorders); depression (including atypical and treatment resistant subtypes); bipolar disorders; pain management and other medico-psychiatric conditions; addictions and substance abuse; problems of aging. By practicing for over 40 years I came to realize that every individual is able to change his or her way of thinking and feeling, provided the client is willing to do so. My role is to individualize which role medications and psychotherapy may play for each client, in which combination, and to act accordingly.
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.
Dr. David L. Lopez / Cornell Affiliated
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP, Cornell, Faculty
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Cornell and Columbia trained, Dr. Lopez does not believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the national Child and Adolescent Psychiatry society (AACAP) and believes in down-to-earth approaches that really make sense. Dr. Lopez is also an adult psychotherapist with years of training in the most in-depth psychotherapies. He provides interventions that have clear results. A Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), he has taught at Cornell and Columbia specialized programs for more than 15 years. He now brings to Philadelphia the latest knowledge to help kids, parents, and adult patients.
Cornell and Columbia trained, Dr. Lopez does not believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the national Child and Adolescent Psychiatry society (AACAP) and believes in down-to-earth approaches that really make sense. Dr. Lopez is also an adult psychotherapist with years of training in the most in-depth psychotherapies. He provides interventions that have clear results. A Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), he has taught at Cornell and Columbia specialized programs for more than 15 years. He now brings to Philadelphia the latest knowledge to help kids, parents, and adult patients.
Jessica Plocher
Psychiatric Nurse, CRNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am currently scheduling new patients for initial psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We additionally have psychotherapists (within our network at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates) whom we collaborate with if indicated. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, including working as a mental health resource specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital (2003-2008), The Johns Hopkins Hospital in both clinical and supervisor roles (2009-2012) and have instructed at The University of Pennsylvania (where I completed my training including certification to prescribe psychiatric medications).
I am currently scheduling new patients for initial psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We additionally have psychotherapists (within our network at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates) whom we collaborate with if indicated. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, including working as a mental health resource specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital (2003-2008), The Johns Hopkins Hospital in both clinical and supervisor roles (2009-2012) and have instructed at The University of Pennsylvania (where I completed my training including certification to prescribe psychiatric medications).
Christina Woodson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Online Only)
Christina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and former Clinical Social Worker who combines empathy and a strong understanding of psychopharmacology to provide comprehensive mental health treatment. Mental Health conditions treated include depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief/bereavement, adjustment disorder, ADHD, and OCD. Christina is passionate about mental health advocacy, client-centered care, and building a strong and effective therapeutic relationship.
Christina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and former Clinical Social Worker who combines empathy and a strong understanding of psychopharmacology to provide comprehensive mental health treatment. Mental Health conditions treated include depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief/bereavement, adjustment disorder, ADHD, and OCD. Christina is passionate about mental health advocacy, client-centered care, and building a strong and effective therapeutic relationship.
Sheena Dohar
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Sheena Dohar is a board certified general psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she practiced extensively in community mental health with adults of all ages in both outpatient and inpatient settings and as the medical director of several intensive outpatient and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) based programs. She has experience in private practice and in the dual diagnoses of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Dr. Sheena Dohar is a board certified general psychiatrist. Before joining Talkiatry, she practiced extensively in community mental health with adults of all ages in both outpatient and inpatient settings and as the medical director of several intensive outpatient and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) based programs. She has experience in private practice and in the dual diagnoses of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
15 Second Videos
Chenhang Zou
Paul Joseph Resignato
Marcia Starkman
Linda Kim
Robert F. McFadden
Chris Pagnani MD PC
Shannon Bucciarelli
Karen (Yang) Chen
Elizabeth Milburn
Richard M D'Amato
Michelle McCarthy
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates
Allen Masry
Paula Bu
Elizabeth Pak- Impak Psychiatry
Rachel Reis
Edena Walden
Andrea Papa-Molter
Michelle Antanovich
Marie R. Dona
Bright Mind Wellness
michaelsumdpc
Samantha O'Donnell
Renewing Mindsets
DUO Mental Health
Thomas Scary
Aviva Zohar
KetaMinds
Ife Ajuwon
Melissa Lopez-Larson
Theresa Webster
Conboy Psychiatry, LLC
Breeze Mental Health, specializing in stress
Karen Bendak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
John G Wilson III
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who works hard to practice psychotherapy and psychopharmacology in both a private & supportive setting. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic interventions backed by empirical evidence, I am a firm believer in the value of therapy & more holistic interventions (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I understand the importance of shoring up wellness rather than treating illness, and you can expect to spend a significant amount of time discussing the importance of sleep, fitness and nutrition, in addition to tackling deeper psychological issues.
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who works hard to practice psychotherapy and psychopharmacology in both a private & supportive setting. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic interventions backed by empirical evidence, I am a firm believer in the value of therapy & more holistic interventions (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I understand the importance of shoring up wellness rather than treating illness, and you can expect to spend a significant amount of time discussing the importance of sleep, fitness and nutrition, in addition to tackling deeper psychological issues.
Francesca Engel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
People seek treatment for many reasons. Sometimes the source of pain is clear, as in a traumatic event or a painful loss. Just as often, there may be symptoms that are harder to pinpoint and understand. It could be that you are struggling with emotional pain due to a difficult relationship or aren't sure how to move forward in life. Psychotherapy can be brief and support you in a difficult time; or it can help you develop a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want out of life. My approach is psychodynamic: I believe that our past relationships and attachments impact how we live life in the present.
People seek treatment for many reasons. Sometimes the source of pain is clear, as in a traumatic event or a painful loss. Just as often, there may be symptoms that are harder to pinpoint and understand. It could be that you are struggling with emotional pain due to a difficult relationship or aren't sure how to move forward in life. Psychotherapy can be brief and support you in a difficult time; or it can help you develop a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want out of life. My approach is psychodynamic: I believe that our past relationships and attachments impact how we live life in the present.
Loretta Sernekos
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Online Only)
Dr. Loretta Sernekos, PhD, CRNP of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, provides holistic, empathic, and evidence-based care to her patients. Her prior experience as a nurse practitioner in outpatient primary care informs her thinking regarding psychiatric conditions and their relationship to the whole person’s physical and emotional health. Her appointment as a Senior Lecturer, teaching pharmacology and pathophysiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing allows her to stay current with evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions, as well as other medical conditions.
Dr. Loretta Sernekos, PhD, CRNP of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, provides holistic, empathic, and evidence-based care to her patients. Her prior experience as a nurse practitioner in outpatient primary care informs her thinking regarding psychiatric conditions and their relationship to the whole person’s physical and emotional health. Her appointment as a Senior Lecturer, teaching pharmacology and pathophysiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing allows her to stay current with evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions, as well as other medical conditions.
Nicole Schwartz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Nicole Schwartz, and for over two decades, I've dedicated my career to providing unwavering support and effective treatment for individuals navigating various behavioral health and addiction-related challenges. First as a therapist and now as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds.
Welcome! I'm Nicole Schwartz, and for over two decades, I've dedicated my career to providing unwavering support and effective treatment for individuals navigating various behavioral health and addiction-related challenges. First as a therapist and now as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds.
Megan Ines
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Megan Ines is a Psychiatrist in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2023. She received her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, where she studied Human Biology, Health & Society with a minor in Policy Analysis & Management. Megan attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residency at Northwell Health-Mather Hospital, where she served as chief resident. As a DO, Megan has been trained to look at a patient holistically, treating the whole patient and not just the disease.
Megan Ines is a Psychiatrist in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2023. She received her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, where she studied Human Biology, Health & Society with a minor in Policy Analysis & Management. Megan attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residency at Northwell Health-Mather Hospital, where she served as chief resident. As a DO, Megan has been trained to look at a patient holistically, treating the whole patient and not just the disease.
Prianka Sinha
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I was born and raised in New Jersey, and moved to Erie, PA for medical school, internship, residency, and fellowship. I am trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and have also certified in ECT. I received my medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and completed residency and fellowship with Millcreek Community Hospital. During my time working as a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Erie, PA, I was given an incredible opportunity to serve a community in need.
I was born and raised in New Jersey, and moved to Erie, PA for medical school, internship, residency, and fellowship. I am trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and have also certified in ECT. I received my medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and completed residency and fellowship with Millcreek Community Hospital. During my time working as a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Erie, PA, I was given an incredible opportunity to serve a community in need.
Ijeoma Njoku
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, LPN
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
People with mental health disorders are affected in many ways due to the nature of the problem. These individuals need stability and want to be well. My goal of treatment is to reduce their symptoms so that it will not impact their daily functioning and so they can live fruitful and healthy life.
People with mental health disorders are affected in many ways due to the nature of the problem. These individuals need stability and want to be well. My goal of treatment is to reduce their symptoms so that it will not impact their daily functioning and so they can live fruitful and healthy life.
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.
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.