Psychiatrists in Missouri

View cities and counties in Missouri
Photo of Katie Padberg, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Katie Padberg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141
I am so happy you are here! It takes courage to reach out for help. You don't have to feel this way forever. Valuable mental healthcare means feeling understood and supported, while continuously moving forward towards improved mental health. I understand how challenging it can be to find the right provider that really listens and fosters a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I would be honored to be that person for you.
I am so happy you are here! It takes courage to reach out for help. You don't have to feel this way forever. Valuable mental healthcare means feeling understood and supported, while continuously moving forward towards improved mental health. I understand how challenging it can be to find the right provider that really listens and fosters a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I would be honored to be that person for you.
(314) 347-3034 View (314) 347-3034
Photo of Success Health System, Worldwide Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Success Health System, Worldwide Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Independence, MO 64055
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.
(573) 269-3946 View (573) 269-3946
Photo of James Mikolajczak, Psychiatrist in Missouri
James Mikolajczak
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
I strongly believe a good psychotherapy experience is based on a good healthy connection between the patient and therapist. Within this relationship the two can both explore the internal and external world in which the patient lives. The internal world arises from both present and past experiences. An understanding of these worlds and the conflicts within these worlds, leads to an easing of the patient's symptoms and an improved resilience to handle life's events. Lasting results come gradually in psychotherapy. I offer meeting with a patient to listen and discuss one's history. I will provide my assessment of some of the important life experiences and make a recommendation of what treatment I might offer to relieve symptoms. As a physician, I offer medication management along with psychotherapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults in psychotherapy and medical psychotherapy.
(314) 828-1343 View (314) 828-1343
Photo of Jennifer McMahan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Jennifer McMahan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Carthage, MO 64836
Jennifer, McMahan, MSN, PMHNP-BC received her masters degree in Nursing from Walden University in 2020 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017 from Excelsior College. Jennifer works with adults with a wide range of disorders and symptoms including anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss, bipolar, substance use, trauma, ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. She uses a holistic and integrative approach to therapy which includes different techniques based on each clients unique personality and needs.
Jennifer, McMahan, MSN, PMHNP-BC received her masters degree in Nursing from Walden University in 2020 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017 from Excelsior College. Jennifer works with adults with a wide range of disorders and symptoms including anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss, bipolar, substance use, trauma, ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. She uses a holistic and integrative approach to therapy which includes different techniques based on each clients unique personality and needs.
(417) 981-2733 View (417) 981-2733
Photo of Alexander Hayek, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Alexander Hayek
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Dr. Alexander Hayek is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. One of the things Dr. Hayek has come to appreciate in his personal and professional life is the importance of the Winnicottian "holding environment" to facilitate personal growth and development, one that is consistent, stable, and supported. While this is important throughout one's life, it is especially so for children and adolescents who rely on that security and safety, critically so during periods of constant flux.
Dr. Alexander Hayek is a Psychiatrist in Missouri who has been practicing since 2019. One of the things Dr. Hayek has come to appreciate in his personal and professional life is the importance of the Winnicottian "holding environment" to facilitate personal growth and development, one that is consistent, stable, and supported. While this is important throughout one's life, it is especially so for children and adolescents who rely on that security and safety, critically so during periods of constant flux.
(314) 860-7763 View (314) 860-7763
Photo of Abraham Medaris, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Abraham Medaris
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Not accepting new clients
Patients suffering from: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mood related symptoms.
Patients suffering from: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mood related symptoms.
(636) 259-4513 View (636) 259-4513
Photo of Rachel Kranz, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Rachel Kranz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Saint Peters, MO 63376
Rachel Kranz is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master's Degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2018 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University in 2013. Rachel offers medication management to children, adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and a variety of other mental health conditions. As a nurse practitioner, Rachel works primarily in the outpatient setting but has done inpatient work in the behavioral health hospital as well.
Rachel Kranz is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master's Degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2018 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University in 2013. Rachel offers medication management to children, adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and a variety of other mental health conditions. As a nurse practitioner, Rachel works primarily in the outpatient setting but has done inpatient work in the behavioral health hospital as well.
(636) 324-8653 View (636) 324-8653
Photo of Celeste Herleth, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Celeste Herleth
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63122
Dr. Herleth is passionate about providing evidence-based treatment and care with compassion and empathy. She has years of expertise treating eating disorders, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She works collaboratively with other providers including dietitians, therapists, and primary care doctors to provide seamless, integrated care.
Dr. Herleth is passionate about providing evidence-based treatment and care with compassion and empathy. She has years of expertise treating eating disorders, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She works collaboratively with other providers including dietitians, therapists, and primary care doctors to provide seamless, integrated care.
(314) 501-9220 View (314) 501-9220
Photo of Sunlight Psychiatry and Wellness, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Sunlight Psychiatry and Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Nixa, MO 65714  (Online Only)
My name is Dr. Jaya LaFontaine. I am a board certified Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist, seeing people of all ages. I provide holistic, integrative virtual telepsychiatry services in the state of Missouri. Psychiatric practice has become solely about medicating symptoms rather than addressing the cause. I specialize in reducing polypharmacy, trauma-informed psychotherapy, and providing a safe, inclusive, confidential, and compassionate space for my patients who want to heal rather than numb their pain.
My name is Dr. Jaya LaFontaine. I am a board certified Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist, seeing people of all ages. I provide holistic, integrative virtual telepsychiatry services in the state of Missouri. Psychiatric practice has become solely about medicating symptoms rather than addressing the cause. I specialize in reducing polypharmacy, trauma-informed psychotherapy, and providing a safe, inclusive, confidential, and compassionate space for my patients who want to heal rather than numb their pain.
Photo of Innovative Mental Health Services, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Innovative Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63141  (Online Only)
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
Brenda Bush is a dual Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. Her focus is Psychiatric Mental Health and Primary Care Adult medicine. Brenda has been a nurse for 28 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years. Her practitioner education is from Indiana Wesleyan University- Marion, Indiana and University of Missouri- St. Louis. She has a collaborative practice in St. Louis and surrounding cities in Mo. and is also licensed in Arizona, Kansas and Virgina. Her goal is to partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.
(314) 582-6420 View (314) 582-6420
Photo of Ashok Yanamadala, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Ashok Yanamadala
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129  (Online Only)
In my practice, I strive to care for patients who are seeking guidance in their path to improve their mental health. The needs of my patients vary significantly, but they share the goal of wanting to lead happy and healthy lives. People approach the problems they face in a multitude of ways, and the mission of my organization is to understand each patient’s unique starting point and work with them to get them where they want to be. I understand that no two patients can be treated exactly the same and that personal factors have to be considered to deliver quality care.
In my practice, I strive to care for patients who are seeking guidance in their path to improve their mental health. The needs of my patients vary significantly, but they share the goal of wanting to lead happy and healthy lives. People approach the problems they face in a multitude of ways, and the mission of my organization is to understand each patient’s unique starting point and work with them to get them where they want to be. I understand that no two patients can be treated exactly the same and that personal factors have to be considered to deliver quality care.
(314) 701-7596 View (314) 701-7596
Photo of Tamara Runge, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Tamara Runge
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Tamara Runge is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose passion is in providing care and treatment for adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health conditions. Her goal is to help her clients achieve a better quality of life using a combination of both medicinal and holistic treatment approaches, each dependent on her clients' unique and individual needs. Tamara practices with LifeStance Health in offices in Kirkwood and Clayton, Missouri. She also has the ability to see patients from home via telehealth services.
Tamara Runge is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose passion is in providing care and treatment for adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health conditions. Her goal is to help her clients achieve a better quality of life using a combination of both medicinal and holistic treatment approaches, each dependent on her clients' unique and individual needs. Tamara practices with LifeStance Health in offices in Kirkwood and Clayton, Missouri. She also has the ability to see patients from home via telehealth services.
(314) 626-8235 View (314) 626-8235
Photo of Alpha Allied Mental Health Services (AMS), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Alpha Allied Mental Health Services (AMS)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, MO 63303
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the states of Iowa and Missouri. I have full practice authority in the state of Iowa, I am accepting new patients in Iowa and Missouri. I practice psychiatry by assessing biological, psychological and social aspects of each patient I care for, to deliver optimal mental health. I take insurance in Missouri and Iowa. I prescribe a full range of psychotropic medications for genuine mental health disorders. We now have an additional provider that is accepting new patients. Give us a call.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the states of Iowa and Missouri. I have full practice authority in the state of Iowa, I am accepting new patients in Iowa and Missouri. I practice psychiatry by assessing biological, psychological and social aspects of each patient I care for, to deliver optimal mental health. I take insurance in Missouri and Iowa. I prescribe a full range of psychotropic medications for genuine mental health disorders. We now have an additional provider that is accepting new patients. Give us a call.
(636) 735-7068 View (636) 735-7068
Photo of Narissa Marasso, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Narissa Marasso
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63122
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
(314) 794-5562 View (314) 794-5562
Photo of Kelsey Kingsborough, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Kelsey Kingsborough
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
O Fallon, MO 63368
I am a Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult mental health. I want to help the patient and their family get an individualized care plan from the patient centered model including psychiatric history, medical history, diagnosis, medication management with prescribing, therapy recommendations, and other goal seeking treatment. My main focus is to get patients to their optimal wellness.
I am a Nurse Practitioner specializing in adult mental health. I want to help the patient and their family get an individualized care plan from the patient centered model including psychiatric history, medical history, diagnosis, medication management with prescribing, therapy recommendations, and other goal seeking treatment. My main focus is to get patients to their optimal wellness.
(636) 303-1023 View (636) 303-1023
Photo of Dr. Chenhang Zou, Psychiatrist in Missouri
Dr. Chenhang Zou
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63113
Dr. Zou is welcoming new patients seeking specialized treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric concerns. As a holistic psychiatrist, Dr. Zou draws from a wide-ranging toolbox of treatment options - including psychotherapy, psycho-education and lifestyle adaptations in addition to medication where appropriate. Consequently, patients benefit from a well-integrated approach to care that is both systematic and thorough.
Dr. Zou is welcoming new patients seeking specialized treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric concerns. As a holistic psychiatrist, Dr. Zou draws from a wide-ranging toolbox of treatment options - including psychotherapy, psycho-education and lifestyle adaptations in addition to medication where appropriate. Consequently, patients benefit from a well-integrated approach to care that is both systematic and thorough.
View
Photo of SANA Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in Missouri
SANA Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
(314) 866-7702 View (314) 866-7702
Brighter Days Ahead
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richland, MO 65556  (Online Only)
I take a straight forward approach to treatment. Mental health is complex and requires assessment in several areas such as: biological,psychological, social and developmental aspects of a persons life. Together we will build a therapeutic alliance and if needed add medication management to the treatment for the best results. To do this we must be open and honest with one another and work together on your treatment goals.
I take a straight forward approach to treatment. Mental health is complex and requires assessment in several areas such as: biological,psychological, social and developmental aspects of a persons life. Together we will build a therapeutic alliance and if needed add medication management to the treatment for the best results. To do this we must be open and honest with one another and work together on your treatment goals.
(573) 652-2492 View (573) 652-2492
Photo of Rose Psara, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Rose Psara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, MSN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63123
Immediate openings for new clients in the office, telepsychiatry, or via telephone depending on the client's individual needs in the St. Louis area. General psychiatry practice. Seeing patients for anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and stress. Call 314-567-1958 or email me to set up a new appointment. Hope to see you soon.
Immediate openings for new clients in the office, telepsychiatry, or via telephone depending on the client's individual needs in the St. Louis area. General psychiatry practice. Seeing patients for anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and stress. Call 314-567-1958 or email me to set up a new appointment. Hope to see you soon.
(314) 408-2586 View (314) 408-2586
Photo of Haley Koepp, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Missouri
Haley Koepp
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Dr. Haley Koepp is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2018. She holds a Bachelor's degree in pPychology from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in nursing from Barnes-Jewish Goldfarb School of Nursing. She also holds a Master's degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University and obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Purdue University Global. Dr. Koepp treats acute and chronic mental health disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings and all ages of the lifespan.
Dr. Haley Koepp is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Missouri who has been practicing since 2018. She holds a Bachelor's degree in pPychology from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in nursing from Barnes-Jewish Goldfarb School of Nursing. She also holds a Master's degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University and obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Purdue University Global. Dr. Koepp treats acute and chronic mental health disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings and all ages of the lifespan.
(314) 934-2794 View (314) 934-2794

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Average cost per session

$185

Psychiatrists in Missouri who prioritize treating:

91% Anxiety
90% Depression
81% Bipolar Disorder
78% Medication Management
74% Trauma and PTSD
68% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
57% ADHD

Average years in practice

10 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

86% Cigna and Evernorth
83% UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
79% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in Missouri see their clients

80% In Person and Online
20% Online Only

Gender breakdown

71% Female
29% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Missouri?

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.