Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN
Dr. Chandra Krishnasastry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37218
Dr. Chandra Krishnasastry has over 40 years of experience in psychotic disorders, substance abuse, addiction, mood disorders, and trauma. He is a nationally recognized psychiatrist with an extensive resume, and is currently the medical director at Saint Thomas Behavioral Health. He continues a private practice to help even more people achieve wellness and live to their full potential.
Dr. Chandra Krishnasastry has over 40 years of experience in psychotic disorders, substance abuse, addiction, mood disorders, and trauma. He is a nationally recognized psychiatrist with an extensive resume, and is currently the medical director at Saint Thomas Behavioral Health. He continues a private practice to help even more people achieve wellness and live to their full potential.
Lara Kierlin
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I am a psychiatrist board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Sleep Medicine. My focus is the behavioral treatment of insomnia. I provide medical supervision provided to those desiring taper off sleep medications. Telehealth is offered. Please note I do not accept insurance. Email me for rates and details: nwsleepandbehavior@gmail.com. I am currently only accepting patients located in Tennessee.
I am a psychiatrist board certified in Adult Psychiatry as well as Sleep Medicine. My focus is the behavioral treatment of insomnia. I provide medical supervision provided to those desiring taper off sleep medications. Telehealth is offered. Please note I do not accept insurance. Email me for rates and details: nwsleepandbehavior@gmail.com. I am currently only accepting patients located in Tennessee.
Paula Wilt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238 (Online Only)
Dr. Wilt is board certified in adult psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans where she also completed her four-year residency in psychiatry. Dr. Wilt takes a biopsychosocial approach to mental health and has over 13 years of experience with an array of mental health diagnoses including Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. Dr. Wilt enjoys spending time getting to know her patients and working hand in hand with them to accurately diagnose and treat the symptoms they are experiencing.
Dr. Wilt is board certified in adult psychiatry. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans where she also completed her four-year residency in psychiatry. Dr. Wilt takes a biopsychosocial approach to mental health and has over 13 years of experience with an array of mental health diagnoses including Depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorders. Dr. Wilt enjoys spending time getting to know her patients and working hand in hand with them to accurately diagnose and treat the symptoms they are experiencing.
Alicia Batson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238 (Online Only)
Dr. Batson is board-certified in psychiatry and dual-trained in internal medicine. Since recovering from her own chronic pain journey, she has specialized in the education, diagnosis, and treatment of Chronic Primary Pain and other Psychophysiologic Disorders. She works with each patient to determine the best course of treatment for them - medication management, lifestyle modification, psychotherapy, or a combination depending on each patient’s particular diagnosis and needs. She also refers patients to various print and online resources to help them better understand their conditions.
Dr. Batson is board-certified in psychiatry and dual-trained in internal medicine. Since recovering from her own chronic pain journey, she has specialized in the education, diagnosis, and treatment of Chronic Primary Pain and other Psychophysiologic Disorders. She works with each patient to determine the best course of treatment for them - medication management, lifestyle modification, psychotherapy, or a combination depending on each patient’s particular diagnosis and needs. She also refers patients to various print and online resources to help them better understand their conditions.
Lashandra Saulsberry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209 (Online Only)
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats complex mood and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder LGBTQ+ issues, panic disorder and more.
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats complex mood and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder LGBTQ+ issues, panic disorder and more.
Kevin Adams
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10+ years of experience treating patients with various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. I specialize in Medication Management of mental health symptoms, yet approach treatment from a holistic perspective that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of my patients. My experience has enabled an understanding that life creates stressors for people in diverse occupations, difficulties within relationships and families, and while pursuing educational milestones, and realize treatment must be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
I am a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10+ years of experience treating patients with various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. I specialize in Medication Management of mental health symptoms, yet approach treatment from a holistic perspective that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of my patients. My experience has enabled an understanding that life creates stressors for people in diverse occupations, difficulties within relationships and families, and while pursuing educational milestones, and realize treatment must be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Dianna Smith
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP-c
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203 (Online Only)
Dianna Smith, MSN, PMHNP-C, DNP-c is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of professional nursing experience caring for psychiatric, mental health/behavioral, developmental/intellectual disability, and substance abuse clients in the community and acute settings. She loves providing direct care and values her expanded capacity to serve as a Provider. Diana states she is honored and reverent that her practice role allows the responsibility of managing and facilitating care;
Dianna Smith, MSN, PMHNP-C, DNP-c is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of professional nursing experience caring for psychiatric, mental health/behavioral, developmental/intellectual disability, and substance abuse clients in the community and acute settings. She loves providing direct care and values her expanded capacity to serve as a Provider. Diana states she is honored and reverent that her practice role allows the responsibility of managing and facilitating care;
Stasha Hampton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37209
Our vision at Prosperity Mental Wellness Center is to provide holistic care that balances eastern & western philosophies to assist patients in achieving & maintaining mental wellness. We believe in the importance of creating a personalized care plan for each of our patients, taking into account their medical history, lifestyle, & personal goals. We strive to create a healthy space where patients will feel safe and supported to begin their healing journey. We are dedicated to highlighting the power of the brain & body conversation in order to improve the overall health & wellbeing of our patients.
Our vision at Prosperity Mental Wellness Center is to provide holistic care that balances eastern & western philosophies to assist patients in achieving & maintaining mental wellness. We believe in the importance of creating a personalized care plan for each of our patients, taking into account their medical history, lifestyle, & personal goals. We strive to create a healthy space where patients will feel safe and supported to begin their healing journey. We are dedicated to highlighting the power of the brain & body conversation in order to improve the overall health & wellbeing of our patients.
Dominique Holley
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238 (Online Only)
Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.
Dr. Dominique Holley is a triple board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Holley completed her post-doctoral residency and fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has served as an active US Army officer and recently separated from the US Army after 11 years of service. In her most recent role, she served as the Deputy Chief of the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Campbell, KY where she provided clinical and administrative supervision, as well as mentorship and guidance for an interdisciplinary team of over 140 personnel.
Ali Wittenberg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I aim to provide individualized care to help folks feel like themselves again. I’m acutely aware that psychiatric care is intimidating, so I invite you to look at our first appointment as a chat where you tell me all about yourself—your interests, the important people in your life and what it’s like to be you. After getting to know you, we can come up with a plan that may include medication or nonpharmacologic treatments like psychotherapy or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). I offer all three of these services at the clinic, and it is my goal to work with you to achieve your treatment goals.
I aim to provide individualized care to help folks feel like themselves again. I’m acutely aware that psychiatric care is intimidating, so I invite you to look at our first appointment as a chat where you tell me all about yourself—your interests, the important people in your life and what it’s like to be you. After getting to know you, we can come up with a plan that may include medication or nonpharmacologic treatments like psychotherapy or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). I offer all three of these services at the clinic, and it is my goal to work with you to achieve your treatment goals.
Chanel Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
As a provider who is neurodivergent, queer, and Black, I know I provide a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. If you are tired of rushed appointments that do not get to the root of your distress, then you are ready for an integrative approach! I work primarily with young adults of various backgrounds with emphasis on BIPOC and queer/questioning/transgender folx. I work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, herbal alternatives/supplements, and psychotherapy to empower your journey to sustainable wellness. +I do not accept insurance at this time+
As a provider who is neurodivergent, queer, and Black, I know I provide a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. If you are tired of rushed appointments that do not get to the root of your distress, then you are ready for an integrative approach! I work primarily with young adults of various backgrounds with emphasis on BIPOC and queer/questioning/transgender folx. I work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medications, herbal alternatives/supplements, and psychotherapy to empower your journey to sustainable wellness. +I do not accept insurance at this time+
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Justin Malais
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
Common clients of mine are children, adolescents, and adults, struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and OCD among other psychiatric conditions. Individuals facing these symptoms may have interruptions of daily functioning. My clients need tools to manage their concerns and open communication to improve themselves and their relationships. Some goals are to control emotions and live a fulfilling life. The clients I see want lasting change because their conditions are keeping them from pursuing their passions and connecting with others.
Common clients of mine are children, adolescents, and adults, struggling with ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and OCD among other psychiatric conditions. Individuals facing these symptoms may have interruptions of daily functioning. My clients need tools to manage their concerns and open communication to improve themselves and their relationships. Some goals are to control emotions and live a fulfilling life. The clients I see want lasting change because their conditions are keeping them from pursuing their passions and connecting with others.
Cynthia S Terry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN , PMHNP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37209
Not accepting new clients
Cindy Strother Terry, APRN, PMHNP, BC, graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Austin Peay State University in 1985. She graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 2004 with her Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialty tract in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy from The Albert Ellis Institute in New York. She has maintained a private therapy practice in Nashville since 2011. She specializes in addictions with Dual Diagnosis, Trauma, PTSD and Complicated Grief from adolescents to adults, LGBTQ friendly.
Cindy Strother Terry, APRN, PMHNP, BC, graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Austin Peay State University in 1985. She graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 2004 with her Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialty tract in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained a Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy from The Albert Ellis Institute in New York. She has maintained a private therapy practice in Nashville since 2011. She specializes in addictions with Dual Diagnosis, Trauma, PTSD and Complicated Grief from adolescents to adults, LGBTQ friendly.
Angela Shields
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238 (Online Only)
Dr. Angela Shields is a board-certified adult and addiction psychiatrist with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Shields’ clinical expertise includes treating adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance abuse. Dr. Shields’ greatest passion is bringing healing and hope to those experiencing stress in their lives. Dr. Shields takes an evidence-based, whole health approach to patient care and believes in meeting you “where you are” on your road to recovery. Dr. Shields will welcome you with empathy and sincerity combined with a direct approach to treatment.
Dr. Angela Shields is a board-certified adult and addiction psychiatrist with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Shields’ clinical expertise includes treating adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance abuse. Dr. Shields’ greatest passion is bringing healing and hope to those experiencing stress in their lives. Dr. Shields takes an evidence-based, whole health approach to patient care and believes in meeting you “where you are” on your road to recovery. Dr. Shields will welcome you with empathy and sincerity combined with a direct approach to treatment.
Scot Mckay
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I enjoy working with patients in life transitions from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, high school to college, and college to adult life. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, and ADHD as well as trouble with relationships and family conflict.
I enjoy working with patients in life transitions from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, high school to college, and college to adult life. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, and ADHD as well as trouble with relationships and family conflict.
Corina Picchiottino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
As the founder and clinician at Redefining Roots, LLC, I believe your past choices should not define you. We will explore your biological, psychological, social, and spiritual influences to determine how they shape your view of yourself and the world around you. I utilize an integrative mental health care model that is whole-body focused, patient-centered, and trauma-informed to provide holistic healing with the use of various modalities including psychopharmacology, nutritional supplements, lab testing, and pharmacogenomic testing. Additionally, I provide individualized education and supportive therapy.
As the founder and clinician at Redefining Roots, LLC, I believe your past choices should not define you. We will explore your biological, psychological, social, and spiritual influences to determine how they shape your view of yourself and the world around you. I utilize an integrative mental health care model that is whole-body focused, patient-centered, and trauma-informed to provide holistic healing with the use of various modalities including psychopharmacology, nutritional supplements, lab testing, and pharmacogenomic testing. Additionally, I provide individualized education and supportive therapy.
Hannah Street
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204 (Online Only)
I am so eager to be a resource to you and our community about treating mental health! If you or your child are struggling with their mental health, I am here to guide you to success using medication management as a tool. You and I will work together as a team by designing a treatment plan that helps you achieve your goals in a holistic manner so you can obtain better health mentally, physically, and spiritually. You are not alone in this journey. If you would like to book an appointment with me, go to www.amethystmentalhealth.com/book-an-appointment.
I am so eager to be a resource to you and our community about treating mental health! If you or your child are struggling with their mental health, I am here to guide you to success using medication management as a tool. You and I will work together as a team by designing a treatment plan that helps you achieve your goals in a holistic manner so you can obtain better health mentally, physically, and spiritually. You are not alone in this journey. If you would like to book an appointment with me, go to www.amethystmentalhealth.com/book-an-appointment.
The Art of Healing, P.C.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, LPC-MHS, IFMCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37221
Deb York is good at helping you through the art of resilience, we can get through problems together. She feels like the most important aspect of counseling is empathy and unconditional regard; her job is to help you understand yourself and support your chosen path! She has a holistic view for psychiatric problems. She does trauma therapy and has her EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) certification. She continues to take UHC and Aetna but will be dropping insurance in 2024.
Deb York is good at helping you through the art of resilience, we can get through problems together. She feels like the most important aspect of counseling is empathy and unconditional regard; her job is to help you understand yourself and support your chosen path! She has a holistic view for psychiatric problems. She does trauma therapy and has her EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) certification. She continues to take UHC and Aetna but will be dropping insurance in 2024.
Mary Bartek
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37238
Dr. Bartek is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Pediatrics, and board-eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been caring for children and adolescents as a physician for 15 years. Dr. Bartek’s approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. Dr. Bartek draws on her years as a pediatrician working with families and children in her work as a psychiatrist. Dr. Bartek incorporates therapeutic techniques into medication management visits, but she may also recommend adding a therapist to your care team for the best results.
Dr. Bartek is a Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. She is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Pediatrics, and board-eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. She has been caring for children and adolescents as a physician for 15 years. Dr. Bartek’s approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. Dr. Bartek draws on her years as a pediatrician working with families and children in her work as a psychiatrist. Dr. Bartek incorporates therapeutic techniques into medication management visits, but she may also recommend adding a therapist to your care team for the best results.
Anne Rankin Meade
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APN, MSN
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
I believe every human being holds within them the ability to grow and become the happiest healthiest version of themselves, and I supply guidance, information and individual support in helping my clients do so. I have a profoundly expansive experience base in assessing, evaluating and treating mood disorders, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, thought disorders and more. I’ve seen clients for psychiatric evaluation, medication management and/or therapy, using a myriad of frameworks from CBT to supportive therapy, to REBT, and more.
I believe every human being holds within them the ability to grow and become the happiest healthiest version of themselves, and I supply guidance, information and individual support in helping my clients do so. I have a profoundly expansive experience base in assessing, evaluating and treating mood disorders, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, thought disorders and more. I’ve seen clients for psychiatric evaluation, medication management and/or therapy, using a myriad of frameworks from CBT to supportive therapy, to REBT, and more.
See more therapy options for Nashville
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN
100+
Average cost per session
$185
Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
84% | Trauma and PTSD |
84% | Bipolar Disorder |
80% | Medication Management |
72% | ADHD |
72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
89% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
85% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Nashville, TN see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
71% | Female | |
28% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Nashville?
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.