Psychiatrists in 91302
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas - Bonmente , MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff410e19-9dff-4d7e-9695-1c5eee20c86a/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Dr. Matt Markis, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52d2ff6a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Markis is a board-certified Adult and Adolescent Psychiatrist, specializing in Traumatic Brain Injury, Sports-Related Concussions, ADHD, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. His treatment model includes Medication Management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Psychotherapy. Dr. Markis believes that everyone deserves a caring, competent psychiatrist regardless of their struggles, and helping those in difficult times is what led him to pursue a career in psychiatry.
Dr. Markis is a board-certified Adult and Adolescent Psychiatrist, specializing in Traumatic Brain Injury, Sports-Related Concussions, ADHD, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. His treatment model includes Medication Management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Psychotherapy. Dr. Markis believes that everyone deserves a caring, competent psychiatrist regardless of their struggles, and helping those in difficult times is what led him to pursue a career in psychiatry.
![Photo of Ronald D Sager, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d4974bd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Sager studied at UCLA in General Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry where he did research studies in child development and attachment disorders in infancy. He remains an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA. He started his private practice in 1967 in General and Child Psychiatry and after five years returned to the LA Psychoanalytic Institute to receive special training in intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Dr. Sager's practice branched out to inpatient work with adults, children and adolescents.
Dr. Sager studied at UCLA in General Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry where he did research studies in child development and attachment disorders in infancy. He remains an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA. He started his private practice in 1967 in General and Child Psychiatry and after five years returned to the LA Psychoanalytic Institute to receive special training in intensive psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Dr. Sager's practice branched out to inpatient work with adults, children and adolescents.
Nadia is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep disorders.
Nadia is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and helps with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep disorders.
![Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C , Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb575b35-3b04-4cba-ac9a-5d41f9010c6e/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Dr. Christina Ni, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c15602a4-290f-4500-b069-6cb5d4feed2c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Christina Ni is a board-certified psychiatrist. She promotes a multifaceted approach toward achieving optimal health through improving mental and physical health, including diet, exercise, and self-care.
Dr. Christina Ni is a board-certified psychiatrist. She promotes a multifaceted approach toward achieving optimal health through improving mental and physical health, including diet, exercise, and self-care.
![Photo of Kailee Marin, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cac3d96c-269a-4aaf-a24f-3b738caeba8b/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Waqar Zuberi, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49958596-d283-4ff1-8495-19f91f1d3e06/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Sham Singh, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfc5d502-c80d-4067-b78a-4cbbe911463c/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db91d0e7-bf07-4933-b704-fd8c078d602e/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Riz Ahmad, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6b63e2e-bca2-45ee-929f-c0df59eabcdf/1/320x400.jpeg)
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
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![Photo of Mohammad Behrod Alinejad, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a541156-3403-4bc2-b45a-67cd94e07c58/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mohammad Behrod Alinejad
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Behrod is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience helping adults and seniors.
Behrod is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience helping adults and seniors.
![Photo of Catalina Villa, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb1e0ad8-19c1-41dd-bc1c-71e4cbc31016/1/320x400.png)
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Sabira Saifuddin - Family Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56ece014-120e-42f1-b0c5-74149daa0061/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
Psychiatric Treatment & Counseling for the Whole family. We have a Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrist, Nurse Practitioners & Psychotherapists We perform Psychiatric Assessments & Treatment of ADHD in Adults and Children, Anxiety Disorders ( Panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety, OCD ) Depressive Disorders ( Major Depression), Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders Etc. We combine conventional medical treatment with non-medication treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS ) for Severe depression for patients who don't respond well to Medications.
![Photo of Ani Behrouzi - Trauma Recovery Psychiatry Center , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c56d536b-2660-4e89-bcaf-4ae3319e2b17/1/320x400.jpeg)
Trauma Recovery Psychiatry Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302
Welcome to my psychiatry practice focused on trauma recovery, where the journey towards healing begins with empathy and understanding. I specialize in providing tailored care for individuals navigating the enduring impacts of trauma on their well-being. Central to my approach is a profound comprehension of how trauma affects the mind, body, and soul. I acknowledge the diverse ways trauma can manifest, ranging from anxiety and depression to insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, I adopt a holistic treatment strategy that delves into both the symptoms and root causes of distress.
Welcome to my psychiatry practice focused on trauma recovery, where the journey towards healing begins with empathy and understanding. I specialize in providing tailored care for individuals navigating the enduring impacts of trauma on their well-being. Central to my approach is a profound comprehension of how trauma affects the mind, body, and soul. I acknowledge the diverse ways trauma can manifest, ranging from anxiety and depression to insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, I adopt a holistic treatment strategy that delves into both the symptoms and root causes of distress.
![Photo of Jacquelyn Zommick, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/806351c3-70a3-4977-a2b8-819be2b657f8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jacquelyn Zommick
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
Even on a good day, life can be overwhelming. Buzzing phones, work obligations, relationships, family, to-do lists, email overload, expectations and illness. Feeling like you just can’t handle it all? With so many unknowns in life, we can often feel overwhelmed, stressed out, and scared. I believe that every individual has the right to feel seen and heard. I chose to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner after being a patient myself. I made the decision to help others that were struggling with their mental health because of my own personal experience as a patient.
Even on a good day, life can be overwhelming. Buzzing phones, work obligations, relationships, family, to-do lists, email overload, expectations and illness. Feeling like you just can’t handle it all? With so many unknowns in life, we can often feel overwhelmed, stressed out, and scared. I believe that every individual has the right to feel seen and heard. I chose to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner after being a patient myself. I made the decision to help others that were struggling with their mental health because of my own personal experience as a patient.
![Photo of Dr. Mark Chofla - Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c839a4a-ee2b-499f-901d-9f1a7083b61a/2/320x400.png)
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Hidden Hills, CA 91302 (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
![Photo of Kristen Melnyk, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0467450d-931b-4774-9064-64c4b189b3c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who has worked with adults in private practice for 25 years. In therapy we might discuss issues in your relationships or work that are difficult, painful, sensitive, or that you've never discussed with anyone else. The goal is that you rework old narratives and bring these insights into your lived experience outside the therapy relationship.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who has worked with adults in private practice for 25 years. In therapy we might discuss issues in your relationships or work that are difficult, painful, sensitive, or that you've never discussed with anyone else. The goal is that you rework old narratives and bring these insights into your lived experience outside the therapy relationship.
![Photo of Marija Petrovic - Aeonic Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b822021b-4317-4833-9077-887b1e910858/2/320x400.png)
In my experience as a physician and psychiatrist all diseases, whether mental or physical, are a product of ancestral or generational trauma, which we have to resolve in this life. The symptoms and signs of disease tend to be entangled with our Unconscious Mind. We often times end up doing things, we are not aware of as a unresolved coping mechanism of trauma, like our family has done for ages. I am looking for clients who wish to address the deeper psychological conflicts that underlie their disease and who are ready to transform and let go of the past.
In my experience as a physician and psychiatrist all diseases, whether mental or physical, are a product of ancestral or generational trauma, which we have to resolve in this life. The symptoms and signs of disease tend to be entangled with our Unconscious Mind. We often times end up doing things, we are not aware of as a unresolved coping mechanism of trauma, like our family has done for ages. I am looking for clients who wish to address the deeper psychological conflicts that underlie their disease and who are ready to transform and let go of the past.
![Photo of Sahar Douek, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f50bf14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
I am a board certified psychiatrist, with sub-speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. I treat children, adolescents and adults. I have an empathetic and non-judgment approach and am committed to providing the highest quality of care for my patients. I use psychotropic medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In my practice, I empower my patients to improve their coping skills and interpersonal skills in order to achieve their optimal mental health.
See more therapy options for 91302
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 91302
30+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in 91302 who prioritize treating:
97% | Depression |
97% | Anxiety |
91% | Medication Management |
86% | ADHD |
86% | Trauma and PTSD |
86% | Bipolar Disorder |
83% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
18 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
94% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in 91302 see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
60% | Female | |
40% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 91302?
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.