Psychiatrists in 21210
![Photo of Stephen Condouris, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29ec811e-cd2b-4204-b3c7-a92703ad6896/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen Condouris
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21210 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You are making a great decision to seek help today. My ideal client is someone struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, who has decided they want to regain control of their life.
You are making a great decision to seek help today. My ideal client is someone struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, who has decided they want to regain control of their life.
![Photo of Moses M Karogi - Valley Psychiatry and Wellness Clinic, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f20c02e7-d1e0-49c7-b12e-0965b895313b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Valley Psychiatry and Wellness Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210
We are a modern mental health clinic rethinking how mental health works for everyone. We believe it should be easy for everyone to access care and experience real growth. Valley Psychiatry makes it simple for people to pay for psychiatry sessions using insurance or cash at an affordable rate.
We are a modern mental health clinic rethinking how mental health works for everyone. We believe it should be easy for everyone to access care and experience real growth. Valley Psychiatry makes it simple for people to pay for psychiatry sessions using insurance or cash at an affordable rate.
![Photo of Tywanna Hamilton, PFNP-DC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b39278e-59b4-4ccd-94bf-fd699f2c3b1f/1/320x400.png)
Tywanna Hamilton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PFNP-DC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210 (Online Only)
Tywanna Hamilton is a dual-certified Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner (PFNP-DC) who has over 9 years of experience treating a range of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and PTSD. In this role, she performs comprehensive assessments offering patients an opportunity to discuss current symptoms and concerns about their mental health. Tywanna provides patients and their families with education about disease processes, working with teens, adults, and seniors. She is here to educate, treat, celebrate, encourage and assist her clients in growing into the person they have always desired.
Tywanna Hamilton is a dual-certified Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner (PFNP-DC) who has over 9 years of experience treating a range of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and PTSD. In this role, she performs comprehensive assessments offering patients an opportunity to discuss current symptoms and concerns about their mental health. Tywanna provides patients and their families with education about disease processes, working with teens, adults, and seniors. She is here to educate, treat, celebrate, encourage and assist her clients in growing into the person they have always desired.
![Photo of David Censits, MD, MAPP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fdcf4cb-5e50-4eda-9215-034ca87fc68c/1/320x400.jpeg)
David Censits is a Psychiatrist in Maryland who has been practicing since 2006. He earned his Master in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, graduated Medical School from Jefferson Medical College/Sydney Kimmel Medical College, and completed his Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Sleep Disorders Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
David Censits is a Psychiatrist in Maryland who has been practicing since 2006. He earned his Master in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, graduated Medical School from Jefferson Medical College/Sydney Kimmel Medical College, and completed his Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Sleep Disorders Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
![Photo of Cameron Williams, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33e9acdc-b33c-43a7-a68f-5963136793a8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many people struggle with persistently low moods or high anxieties. Such problems can go on for decades and lead to less-than-ideal coping mechanisms. Often such troubles affect important relationships and life goals, which furthers the suffering of the individual. Along the way, people acquire diagnoses like depression, generalized anxiety, addictive disorders, personality disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, etc. They may also collect prescription medications that are supposed to help, yet provide inadequate relief. My aim is to provide a custom-built, integrative and cohesive treatment for individuals.
Many people struggle with persistently low moods or high anxieties. Such problems can go on for decades and lead to less-than-ideal coping mechanisms. Often such troubles affect important relationships and life goals, which furthers the suffering of the individual. Along the way, people acquire diagnoses like depression, generalized anxiety, addictive disorders, personality disorders, trauma disorders, eating disorders, etc. They may also collect prescription medications that are supposed to help, yet provide inadequate relief. My aim is to provide a custom-built, integrative and cohesive treatment for individuals.
![Photo of Nicole Leistikow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d14f34bf-fc51-4290-9cbc-b959bb0a5edd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in treating and protecting women’s mental health throughout the reproductive life cycle with both medications and psychotherapy. I help women make the best decisions for themselves and their families by giving evidence-based recommendations informed by research. As a therapist who can also prescribe medications, I am in a unique position to monitor symptoms and help you make a decision about when they can be helped with therapy, sleep, exercise, communication, and other modalities and when the volume is simply too high for these first line treatments to be effective.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in treating and protecting women’s mental health throughout the reproductive life cycle with both medications and psychotherapy. I help women make the best decisions for themselves and their families by giving evidence-based recommendations informed by research. As a therapist who can also prescribe medications, I am in a unique position to monitor symptoms and help you make a decision about when they can be helped with therapy, sleep, exercise, communication, and other modalities and when the volume is simply too high for these first line treatments to be effective.
![Photo of Ayesha Macon - Insight Integrative Mental Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f17bdf6-bf31-43bb-83f8-c029fd9e9a72/2/320x400.png)
Insight Integrative Mental Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210
Waitlist for new clients
Are you looking for a holistic approach to your mental health? Are you seeking medications and/or natural approaches for you or your child? Are you struggling with mood, anxiety, focus, or general wellbeing? Ayesha is certified in integrative psychiatry though the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and approaches achieving optimal mental health from a model of whole self wellness. She believe that addressing lifestyle, diet, and physical and psychiatric symptoms together allows for deeper healing. She is certified in Ketamine assisted psychotherapy and utilizes this for breaking through habitual thought patterns that keep you stuck.
Are you looking for a holistic approach to your mental health? Are you seeking medications and/or natural approaches for you or your child? Are you struggling with mood, anxiety, focus, or general wellbeing? Ayesha is certified in integrative psychiatry though the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and approaches achieving optimal mental health from a model of whole self wellness. She believe that addressing lifestyle, diet, and physical and psychiatric symptoms together allows for deeper healing. She is certified in Ketamine assisted psychotherapy and utilizes this for breaking through habitual thought patterns that keep you stuck.
![Photo of Natalie Beaty, MD, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48353379-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Johns Hopkins trained Psychiatrist in Baltimore, MD who focuses on careful evaluation and treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and attention deficient disorders. I do evaluation, management and planning for mental health treatment during pregnancy, as well as for changes experienced in perimenopause and menopause. Ages 14+ are welcome.
I am an Johns Hopkins trained Psychiatrist in Baltimore, MD who focuses on careful evaluation and treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and attention deficient disorders. I do evaluation, management and planning for mental health treatment during pregnancy, as well as for changes experienced in perimenopause and menopause. Ages 14+ are welcome.
It has been a privilege to work with my patients and help them discover more about themselves than they had been aware of before. This has usually resulted in significant symptom reduction and improved relationships with those who are important in their lives. Freud discovered the unconscious and its power to control our lives without us being aware of it. By helping people achieve a better understanding of these impulses in themselves, they can work with them, and use them to achieve their goals rather than being caught in endless self-destructive ways.
It has been a privilege to work with my patients and help them discover more about themselves than they had been aware of before. This has usually resulted in significant symptom reduction and improved relationships with those who are important in their lives. Freud discovered the unconscious and its power to control our lives without us being aware of it. By helping people achieve a better understanding of these impulses in themselves, they can work with them, and use them to achieve their goals rather than being caught in endless self-destructive ways.
![Photo of Marilyn Lydia Martin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ba2a754-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst I feel privileged to work with people on their journey to discoverying how they can live more fulfilling lives. I practice psychiatry, psychoanalysis and psychopharmacology, and find that when people seek me out they are coping to the best of their current abilities. Therapy and or medication, with courage and hard work and an empathic clinician by their side may give them the opportunity to make new and healthier choices in their lives.
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst I feel privileged to work with people on their journey to discoverying how they can live more fulfilling lives. I practice psychiatry, psychoanalysis and psychopharmacology, and find that when people seek me out they are coping to the best of their current abilities. Therapy and or medication, with courage and hard work and an empathic clinician by their side may give them the opportunity to make new and healthier choices in their lives.
![Photo of Desmond M. Kaplan, MD, FAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44b68087-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is my speciality, though I see individuals of all ages. Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability is something I am nationally recognized for. I have recently entered private practice in Pikesville, MD.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is my speciality, though I see individuals of all ages. Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability is something I am nationally recognized for. I have recently entered private practice in Pikesville, MD.
![Photo of Sharon Praissman Fisher - Nurtured Well, LLC, MS, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0fc2984-29d7-4bfc-830a-7fd4bf677505/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nurtured Well, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21210
Welcome, we specialize in helping women adjust to all stages of their adult life: from college to pregnancy (or infertility) through postpartum, motherhood, and menopause. We also love working with women who do not desire children. Many of our clients identify as members of the LGBTQ community. Our care is personalized and non-judgmental. We work with you to create a unique treatment plan that changes with your needs and priorities. Our rates are all inclusive. We never charge extra for phone calls or refills.
Welcome, we specialize in helping women adjust to all stages of their adult life: from college to pregnancy (or infertility) through postpartum, motherhood, and menopause. We also love working with women who do not desire children. Many of our clients identify as members of the LGBTQ community. Our care is personalized and non-judgmental. We work with you to create a unique treatment plan that changes with your needs and priorities. Our rates are all inclusive. We never charge extra for phone calls or refills.
![Photo of Vonetta Davis, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27ffd5a9-ff65-4f49-9658-f5916daeff5a/1/320x400.png)
Vonetta Davis
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210
Not accepting new clients
Vonetta is a Baltimore-native, graduated with a BS in Nursing from Coppin State University and an MS in Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Adult-focused from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Her early career was spent working at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, MD, as lead/charge nurse before advancing to the nurse management role of the co-occurring (addictions) disorders unit. Since completing education as a psychiatric NP in 2013, Vonetta has worked in outpatient settings, including at the esteemed Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center in Towson, MD.
Vonetta is a Baltimore-native, graduated with a BS in Nursing from Coppin State University and an MS in Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Adult-focused from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Her early career was spent working at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Towson, MD, as lead/charge nurse before advancing to the nurse management role of the co-occurring (addictions) disorders unit. Since completing education as a psychiatric NP in 2013, Vonetta has worked in outpatient settings, including at the esteemed Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center in Towson, MD.
![Photo of Anthony Massey - Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness , LSCW, MD, CRNP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f88b4139-83b0-4ec8-afcc-291f5c53a475/5/320x400.jpeg)
Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness
Psychiatrist, LSCW, MD, CRNP
Verified Verified
Roland Park, MD 21210
Mental Health Care – For Everyone. At Gladstone Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. We use an individualized approach to help clients get their lives back on track. Our treatment approach is more than just medicine. Our psychiatrists work with you to provide evidence-based treatments, unique to your lifestyle and challenges. We believe in a holistic view of medicine and provide personalized care to each patient, while making it affordable, inclusive and easy to access.
Mental Health Care – For Everyone. At Gladstone Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. We use an individualized approach to help clients get their lives back on track. Our treatment approach is more than just medicine. Our psychiatrists work with you to provide evidence-based treatments, unique to your lifestyle and challenges. We believe in a holistic view of medicine and provide personalized care to each patient, while making it affordable, inclusive and easy to access.
![Photo of Christiana Akinboye - Transformation Healthcare INC, CRNP, PMH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbcafe2b-73e5-48e3-b61e-517a7472f2e8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Transformation Healthcare INC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMH
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21210
Hello, I am Bola Osunkiyesi a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am culturally diverse and competent in providing mental health services across the health wellness-illness continuum and lifespan: adolescent, adult, and the geriatric population in the community. I love to read my bible, pray, and encouraging others. During my free time, I love to stay indoors with my family, and prepare traditional meals
Hello, I am Bola Osunkiyesi a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am culturally diverse and competent in providing mental health services across the health wellness-illness continuum and lifespan: adolescent, adult, and the geriatric population in the community. I love to read my bible, pray, and encouraging others. During my free time, I love to stay indoors with my family, and prepare traditional meals
![Photo of Thinh Nguyen - Living Deliberately, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ecbe2956-71a8-42b2-a9e1-c7e39c5bc693/1/320x400.jpeg)
Living Deliberately, LLC is dedicated to client-focused and client-forward treatment. Our Nurse practitioners provide medication management with an eye towards holistic health practices. We work on creating stability in a warm and professional environment. In addition to medication management we also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for medicationaly resistant depression, anxiety and OCD.
Living Deliberately, LLC is dedicated to client-focused and client-forward treatment. Our Nurse practitioners provide medication management with an eye towards holistic health practices. We work on creating stability in a warm and professional environment. In addition to medication management we also offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for medicationaly resistant depression, anxiety and OCD.
![Photo of Tiffany Barnes, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3aa532b-5c9c-4600-a2d4-71519dbe00fe/1/320x400.png)
Hello, my name is Tiffany. I am a Board - Certified Psychiatric nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of health care experience and is nationally certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Been working with Children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan. Very dedicated and compassionate practitioner who is committed to providing exceptional health to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Hello, my name is Tiffany. I am a Board - Certified Psychiatric nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of health care experience and is nationally certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Been working with Children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan. Very dedicated and compassionate practitioner who is committed to providing exceptional health to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
![Photo of Coleen Schrepher, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0a4c8df-ff5e-4297-930e-1389b8ad6860/1/320x400.png)
Dr Coleen has over 16 years of clinical experience evaluating the pediatric population. Prior to becoming a physician, she worked as a physical therapist treating infants and children in varying critical care and rehabilitation settings. After completing her medical degree at Drexel College of Medicine, she attended Mt. Sinai, NYC and the University of Maryland for her residency and fellowship training.
Dr Coleen has over 16 years of clinical experience evaluating the pediatric population. Prior to becoming a physician, she worked as a physical therapist treating infants and children in varying critical care and rehabilitation settings. After completing her medical degree at Drexel College of Medicine, she attended Mt. Sinai, NYC and the University of Maryland for her residency and fellowship training.
![Photo of Sara Jeurling, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2d5f9fa-e5b6-4c91-a90f-1ad5f900e4d2/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Jeurling earned her medical degree from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine and completed her residency training in psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System. She completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System and stayed there after graduation as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Jeurling subsequently worked at the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt treating both adult and child and adolescent patients with Eating Disorders.
Dr. Jeurling earned her medical degree from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine and completed her residency training in psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System. She completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Health System and stayed there after graduation as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Jeurling subsequently worked at the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt treating both adult and child and adolescent patients with Eating Disorders.
![Photo of Desmond Marc Kaplan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d0ff897-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist and Neuropsychiatrist who treats all ages with a wide variety of problems particularly depression & anxiety. I have over 20 years experience utilizing medication and therapy and get great satisfaction from helping people feel better as quickly as possible. I am on the part time faculties at Johns Hopkins & University of Maryland. I am caring, non-judgmental and confidential. I unfortunately do not take any insurance but will provide statements to submit to your insurance company. I welcome the opportunity to help you or your loved one.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist and Neuropsychiatrist who treats all ages with a wide variety of problems particularly depression & anxiety. I have over 20 years experience utilizing medication and therapy and get great satisfaction from helping people feel better as quickly as possible. I am on the part time faculties at Johns Hopkins & University of Maryland. I am caring, non-judgmental and confidential. I unfortunately do not take any insurance but will provide statements to submit to your insurance company. I welcome the opportunity to help you or your loved one.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 21210
20+
Average cost per session
$199
Psychiatrists in 21210 who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
97% | Depression |
83% | Bipolar Disorder |
72% | ADHD |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Medication Management |
62% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
89% | CareFirst |
72% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in 21210 see their clients
94% | In Person and Online | |
6% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
64% | Female | |
36% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 21210?
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.