Psychiatrists in Denver, CO
Wellcova Health Services
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80206
Wellcova Health is excited to announce that Dr. Katz has joined our team. She brings a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in psychiatric medication management in both pediatric and adult patients. Dr. Rebecca Katz is a Board Certified Psychiatrist. Prior to becoming a physician, Dr. Katz received a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and was a High School Science and Math Teacher as well as an Athletic coach in Pennsylvania for 6 years. She went on to receive a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences with a focus in stroke research from Rutgers’s University before changing careers to study medicine.
Wellcova Health is excited to announce that Dr. Katz has joined our team. She brings a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in psychiatric medication management in both pediatric and adult patients. Dr. Rebecca Katz is a Board Certified Psychiatrist. Prior to becoming a physician, Dr. Katz received a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and was a High School Science and Math Teacher as well as an Athletic coach in Pennsylvania for 6 years. She went on to receive a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences with a focus in stroke research from Rutgers’s University before changing careers to study medicine.
Susan Joshua
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80224 (Online Only)
Welcome. I am Susan Joshua MD, a psychiatrist who cares about your needs. I have 35 years experience in the field of adult psychiatry. I bring my skills and expertise, with an open heart, to help you with your current challenges and choices. We will use a comprehensive, integrative and holistic approach. An environment of care, support, and partnership will be created in order to assist you on your journey through challenging and chaotic times. We start with what needs attention today to address your immediate needs and goals. In doing so we will assess medication needs, therapy focus and lifestyle choices.
Welcome. I am Susan Joshua MD, a psychiatrist who cares about your needs. I have 35 years experience in the field of adult psychiatry. I bring my skills and expertise, with an open heart, to help you with your current challenges and choices. We will use a comprehensive, integrative and holistic approach. An environment of care, support, and partnership will be created in order to assist you on your journey through challenging and chaotic times. We start with what needs attention today to address your immediate needs and goals. In doing so we will assess medication needs, therapy focus and lifestyle choices.
Jodi Barry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients with immediate availability for medication management! Medicaid and private insurance both accepted. Jodi is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been working in mental health since 2001 and she embodies a passion for psychiatric mental health that serves a wide spectrum of communities. She helps those with physical disabilities, domestic violence/ human trafficking survivors, developmental delays,rural inhabitants, LGBTQ+, and those battling chronic illnesses. Book an appointmnet now at Trendmentalhealth.com, or call/text our support team at 720.433.1691 to get started!
Accepting new clients with immediate availability for medication management! Medicaid and private insurance both accepted. Jodi is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been working in mental health since 2001 and she embodies a passion for psychiatric mental health that serves a wide spectrum of communities. She helps those with physical disabilities, domestic violence/ human trafficking survivors, developmental delays,rural inhabitants, LGBTQ+, and those battling chronic illnesses. Book an appointmnet now at Trendmentalhealth.com, or call/text our support team at 720.433.1691 to get started!
Sommer Perkins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CAPN
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80207
Sommer Perkins is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her passion for helping others became highly evident during her career as a registered nurse on a medical-surgical unit, where she gained firsthand insight into how mental health can impact our thoughts, actions, interactions, and physical well-being. She received a Master of Science in Nursing as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She has experience working with clients of varied ethnicities and embraces building a solid practitioner-client relationship with people of all ages.
Sommer Perkins is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her passion for helping others became highly evident during her career as a registered nurse on a medical-surgical unit, where she gained firsthand insight into how mental health can impact our thoughts, actions, interactions, and physical well-being. She received a Master of Science in Nursing as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and graduated with honors from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She has experience working with clients of varied ethnicities and embraces building a solid practitioner-client relationship with people of all ages.
Susan Hudson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicing in the Boulder office of the Strock Medical Group. Prior to completing my Master of Science in Nursing, I worked in the corrections setting as a RN for seven years where I was able to offer compassionate, empathic care, and I learned that I am able to treat everyone with unconditional positive regard regardless of circumstances. I specialize in working with adults with a variety of mental health concerns, and I am truly passionate about treating trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, and substance use disorders using current evidence to guide treatment decisions.
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicing in the Boulder office of the Strock Medical Group. Prior to completing my Master of Science in Nursing, I worked in the corrections setting as a RN for seven years where I was able to offer compassionate, empathic care, and I learned that I am able to treat everyone with unconditional positive regard regardless of circumstances. I specialize in working with adults with a variety of mental health concerns, and I am truly passionate about treating trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, and substance use disorders using current evidence to guide treatment decisions.
Kristen Sheffey
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, PMHNP, RN, CNL, CCRN
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216
I’m Kristy, a psychiatric NP extern committed to providing integrative mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults. I combine traditional psychiatric care with holistic approaches that promote well-being, such as mindfulness, sleep hygiene practices, grounding techniques, lifestyle modification, and herbal supplements or medications if indicated. Whether you’re processing new stress or haven’t felt like yourself in a while, we can work together to create an individualized plan tailored to your specific concerns and needs. I prioritize building trust while providing a safe space for individuals to feel empowered.
I’m Kristy, a psychiatric NP extern committed to providing integrative mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults. I combine traditional psychiatric care with holistic approaches that promote well-being, such as mindfulness, sleep hygiene practices, grounding techniques, lifestyle modification, and herbal supplements or medications if indicated. Whether you’re processing new stress or haven’t felt like yourself in a while, we can work together to create an individualized plan tailored to your specific concerns and needs. I prioritize building trust while providing a safe space for individuals to feel empowered.
Dr. Michael J Fuller
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80205
A large portion of my career over the last 15 years was spent working solely in the acute inpatient psychiatric setting. In 2020 I decided to begin to use the expertise developed from a strong residency and a decade of experience to the outpatient individuals in need of psychiatric care. I have experienced and truly enjoyed developing long standing relationships and seeing my patients succeed in this setting. My focus is to help create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
A large portion of my career over the last 15 years was spent working solely in the acute inpatient psychiatric setting. In 2020 I decided to begin to use the expertise developed from a strong residency and a decade of experience to the outpatient individuals in need of psychiatric care. I have experienced and truly enjoyed developing long standing relationships and seeing my patients succeed in this setting. My focus is to help create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
Henry Fagnant
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80205
Appointments available! Henry is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained his undergraduate and advanced nursing degree from Regis University in Denver, CO. He has over ten years of healthcare experience serving pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Henry’s background includes an engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines, ecclesiastical work in service to the poor and underserved, and nursing services that include pediatric homecare, hospital inpatient and hospice care.
Appointments available! Henry is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained his undergraduate and advanced nursing degree from Regis University in Denver, CO. He has over ten years of healthcare experience serving pediatric, adult and geriatric populations. Henry’s background includes an engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines, ecclesiastical work in service to the poor and underserved, and nursing services that include pediatric homecare, hospital inpatient and hospice care.
Jesse Maizels
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am licensed and trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, provide supportive therapy, and write medication prescriptions where appropriate. Additionally, I have a broad range of experience working with clients across the lifespan and with many different presenting concerns including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD and ADHD. I also have a special interest in providing care to LGBTQIA+ individuals and aim to provide nonjudgmental care to people from all walks of life.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am licensed and trained to assess and diagnose mental health conditions, provide supportive therapy, and write medication prescriptions where appropriate. Additionally, I have a broad range of experience working with clients across the lifespan and with many different presenting concerns including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD and ADHD. I also have a special interest in providing care to LGBTQIA+ individuals and aim to provide nonjudgmental care to people from all walks of life.
Alison Murphy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80231 (Online Only)
Welcome to Murphy Mental Health. Some of the things I can help with include: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression. I work together with my patients on improving wellness by listening and providing options rather than just telling someone what to do. I address care in a holistic manner, integrating use of therapy, positive lifestyle changes, traditional psychiatric medications, supplements and genetic testing-as appropriate.
Welcome to Murphy Mental Health. Some of the things I can help with include: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression. I work together with my patients on improving wellness by listening and providing options rather than just telling someone what to do. I address care in a holistic manner, integrating use of therapy, positive lifestyle changes, traditional psychiatric medications, supplements and genetic testing-as appropriate.
Joyce Liu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, APRN, MSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216 (Online Only)
*NEW Patients: CO MEDICAID, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, United, Aetna, Oscar/Oxford and self pay* I am a masters prepared board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with prescriptive authority. I provide medication management treatment for adults age 18 and older with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention/concentration disturbances, trauma, behavioral issues and substance use disorders. Unfortunately, I do not do talk therapy at this time.
*NEW Patients: CO MEDICAID, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, United, Aetna, Oscar/Oxford and self pay* I am a masters prepared board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with prescriptive authority. I provide medication management treatment for adults age 18 and older with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention/concentration disturbances, trauma, behavioral issues and substance use disorders. Unfortunately, I do not do talk therapy at this time.
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Kristin Demmert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP, WHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216
Kristin Demmert, WHNP, PMHNP, MSN, RN attended Johns Hopkins for her bachelor's degree and the University of Colorado for her master's and post-master's. She has practiced as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner for over a decade and then added mental health nursing to her scope of practice. Kristin treats all mental health concerns and has a particular interest in women's behavioral health including perinatal mental health, infertility, menstrual disorders, and menopause.
Kristin Demmert, WHNP, PMHNP, MSN, RN attended Johns Hopkins for her bachelor's degree and the University of Colorado for her master's and post-master's. She has practiced as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner for over a decade and then added mental health nursing to her scope of practice. Kristin treats all mental health concerns and has a particular interest in women's behavioral health including perinatal mental health, infertility, menstrual disorders, and menopause.
Amy Franks
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80206 (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping my patients navigate a wide array of mental health challenges, ranging from depression and anxiety to trauma and addiction. My approach involves conducting thorough and comprehensive evaluations to gain a holistic understanding of my patients' lives and symptoms. This forms the basis for my treatment recommendations, which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. My goal is to deeply understand my patients in order to provide compassionate care and facilitate lasting change.
I am passionate about helping my patients navigate a wide array of mental health challenges, ranging from depression and anxiety to trauma and addiction. My approach involves conducting thorough and comprehensive evaluations to gain a holistic understanding of my patients' lives and symptoms. This forms the basis for my treatment recommendations, which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both. My goal is to deeply understand my patients in order to provide compassionate care and facilitate lasting change.
Ebelechukwu Ekwenugo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80219 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Ebelechukwu Ekwenugo, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a passion for delivering compassionate and individualized care to my clients. With over three years of specialized experience in mental health across various settings including inpatient, outpatient, telepsychiatry, and substance abuse treatment, I've honed my skills to support your journey to wellness. My nursing background spans 14 years, where I've cultivated expertise in behavioral health, urgent care, home health, and pediatric care.
Hello! I'm Ebelechukwu Ekwenugo, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a passion for delivering compassionate and individualized care to my clients. With over three years of specialized experience in mental health across various settings including inpatient, outpatient, telepsychiatry, and substance abuse treatment, I've honed my skills to support your journey to wellness. My nursing background spans 14 years, where I've cultivated expertise in behavioral health, urgent care, home health, and pediatric care.
David J Williams
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80246
David J. Williams, M.D., is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in private practice in Denver, CO specializing in talk therapy. Dr. Williams treats patients with chronic work and relationship problems, ADHD, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Panic Disorder. While trained in the use of medications, Dr. Williams also has extensive additional experience and training in providing talk therapy for chronic or recurrent mood and anxiety problems for patients seeking treatment beyond medication management.
David J. Williams, M.D., is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in private practice in Denver, CO specializing in talk therapy. Dr. Williams treats patients with chronic work and relationship problems, ADHD, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Panic Disorder. While trained in the use of medications, Dr. Williams also has extensive additional experience and training in providing talk therapy for chronic or recurrent mood and anxiety problems for patients seeking treatment beyond medication management.
Naseem Smith
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
Personal growth and a happier life can happen in different ways. Sometimes the focus is on removing obstacles, using therapy to improve patterns in thinking, behaving and relating, or medication to address symptoms standing in your way. Other times it focuses mainly on building new skills, understanding links between the past & present, expanding one's identity, or balancing lifestyle choices. I strive to help people identify and believe in the person they really wish to be, what inspires them, and the life they wish to create. I support using lowest effective medicine doses, but am experienced with complex meds when necessary.
Personal growth and a happier life can happen in different ways. Sometimes the focus is on removing obstacles, using therapy to improve patterns in thinking, behaving and relating, or medication to address symptoms standing in your way. Other times it focuses mainly on building new skills, understanding links between the past & present, expanding one's identity, or balancing lifestyle choices. I strive to help people identify and believe in the person they really wish to be, what inspires them, and the life they wish to create. I support using lowest effective medicine doses, but am experienced with complex meds when necessary.
Restorative Psychiatry & Wellness, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
"Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step." At Restorative Psychiatry & Wellness, we provide psychiatric mental health care to adolescents and adults. We believe in a holistic and client centered approach to mental health care, ensuring we treat our clients' health as an interconnected whole. We motivate our clients to be active participants in their treatment and encourage them to be involved in the shared decision-making with their Nurse Practitioner.
"Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step." At Restorative Psychiatry & Wellness, we provide psychiatric mental health care to adolescents and adults. We believe in a holistic and client centered approach to mental health care, ensuring we treat our clients' health as an interconnected whole. We motivate our clients to be active participants in their treatment and encourage them to be involved in the shared decision-making with their Nurse Practitioner.
Satveet Khela
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80206 (Online Only)
Dr. Satveet Khela is a board certified physician specializing in adult psychiatry. She has been practicing since 2021. n addition to focusing on medication management, Dr Khela's practice also prioritizes a whole person approach, incorporating aspects of nutrition, lifestyle, mindfulness, and supportive or brief cognitive behavioral therapy into the treatment plan. Occasionally, Dr. Khela may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you see a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. Dr. Khela received her undergraduate degree from University of California Berkeley and her medical degree from A.T. Still.
Dr. Satveet Khela is a board certified physician specializing in adult psychiatry. She has been practicing since 2021. n addition to focusing on medication management, Dr Khela's practice also prioritizes a whole person approach, incorporating aspects of nutrition, lifestyle, mindfulness, and supportive or brief cognitive behavioral therapy into the treatment plan. Occasionally, Dr. Khela may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you see a separate therapist to provide the best outcome. Dr. Khela received her undergraduate degree from University of California Berkeley and her medical degree from A.T. Still.
Kayla Sharpe
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, APRN
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hello! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with prescriptive authority providing treatment for psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders allows me to provide excellent care for complications including Women's Health/Perinatal/Postpartum, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Substance Use/Dual Diagnosis, Psychosis, and behavioral concerns.
Hello! I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with prescriptive authority providing treatment for psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders allows me to provide excellent care for complications including Women's Health/Perinatal/Postpartum, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Substance Use/Dual Diagnosis, Psychosis, and behavioral concerns.
Jeanne Theobald - Denver Wellness Associates
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209
Are you or a loved one in need of someone to talk to? I offer psychiatric medication evaluations and treatment, as well as therapy. It is my goal to establish a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where you feel listened to and can heal.
Are you or a loved one in need of someone to talk to? I offer psychiatric medication evaluations and treatment, as well as therapy. It is my goal to establish a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where you feel listened to and can heal.
See more therapy options for Denver
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Denver, CO
400+
Average cost per session
$225
Psychiatrists in Denver, CO who prioritize treating:
97% | Anxiety |
95% | Depression |
88% | Medication Management |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
82% | ADHD |
79% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
91% | Aetna |
91% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Denver, CO see their clients
64% | In Person and Online | |
36% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
68% | Female | |
32% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Denver?
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.