Psychiatrists in Oregon
![Photo of Bethany Jensen, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/808bbf92-7b2b-4088-a113-927cb189ddcb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has experience working in county-based, residential, secure inpatient, and rural psychiatric settings. My clinical approach is egalitarian, collaborating with patients and their loved ones, to thoroughly provide education on mental health options, for patients to make decisions that are subjectively best for their healing, wholeness, and longitudinal health.
I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has experience working in county-based, residential, secure inpatient, and rural psychiatric settings. My clinical approach is egalitarian, collaborating with patients and their loved ones, to thoroughly provide education on mental health options, for patients to make decisions that are subjectively best for their healing, wholeness, and longitudinal health.
![Photo of Marisa Bell, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e61a32c0-ab10-457e-8486-26589dddbeee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marisa Bell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I believe people in early adulthood deserve high-quality and compassionate care tailored for this challenging phase of every person’s life. Your twenties (and thirties) can be awesome. Let’s make it happen for you! I am straightforward in my approach, listen carefully and work at your pace. In treatment I attempt to balance my expertise– the science supporting medication decisions– with your own expertise– your body and mind. At the core, I work with people who are struggling and want to reclaim their lives. If you don’t know what’s going on or how to get better, I’m happy to guide you on your path to finding out.
I believe people in early adulthood deserve high-quality and compassionate care tailored for this challenging phase of every person’s life. Your twenties (and thirties) can be awesome. Let’s make it happen for you! I am straightforward in my approach, listen carefully and work at your pace. In treatment I attempt to balance my expertise– the science supporting medication decisions– with your own expertise– your body and mind. At the core, I work with people who are struggling and want to reclaim their lives. If you don’t know what’s going on or how to get better, I’m happy to guide you on your path to finding out.
![Photo of Jubril Alade Adediran - Sublime behavioral and wellness clinic , DNP, FNP-BC , PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6a02594-5ba5-42d0-b14a-6cb7e0736a00/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sublime behavioral and wellness clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC , PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97301
Dr. Jubril Adediran, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC has more than 20 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings including MED/Surg, LTAC, Behavioral health, and home health care.
Dr. Jubril Adediran, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC has more than 20 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings including MED/Surg, LTAC, Behavioral health, and home health care.
![Photo of Pascale Kidane - VirtualPsychiatricCare.com, PMHNP, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83723c33-168d-42c2-91c5-c81308ac83eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
VirtualPsychiatricCare.com
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Oregon state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurances.
Accepting new patients via telehealth visits in Oregon state for psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We treat anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issue adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones. Our clients are looking to be properly diagnosed and treated using the safest prescribing principles. Make your appointment on our website today. Evening and weekend hours are available. We offer affordable rates-Initial Psychiatric Eval $199, Follow-ups $99. Accepting some insurances.
![Photo of Sandy Karp, NMNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f28b3d72-3590-4c54-85af-f831ef5fdd81/1/320x400.jpeg)
My genuine, warm, and straightforward style allows me to connect with adolescents and adults in developing interventions to improve their quality of life, relationships and experience of joy. I passionately engage in shared decision making with my clients, believing the most effective treatment plans are made collaboratively through open, honest communication grounded in mutual trust and respect.
My genuine, warm, and straightforward style allows me to connect with adolescents and adults in developing interventions to improve their quality of life, relationships and experience of joy. I passionately engage in shared decision making with my clients, believing the most effective treatment plans are made collaboratively through open, honest communication grounded in mutual trust and respect.
![Photo of Synchronous Mental Health (Accepting New Clients), DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8cd90e21-7ce2-4a47-a649-fb817bbc4e80/1/320x400.jpeg)
Synchronous Mental Health (Accepting New Clients)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Corvallis, OR 97330 (Online Only)
Do you feel like you are perpetually fighting with your own brain? Is your mind constantly wandering making it difficult to get through life? Do your friends joke that you have no concept of time and in social settings, you worry that you are talking too much? Are you or someone you care about struggling with depression, anxiety, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? You're not alone, and help is available. Synchronous Mental Health specializes in providing comprehensive care for individuals facing these challenges, empowering them to reclaim their mental well-being and live fulfilling lives.
Do you feel like you are perpetually fighting with your own brain? Is your mind constantly wandering making it difficult to get through life? Do your friends joke that you have no concept of time and in social settings, you worry that you are talking too much? Are you or someone you care about struggling with depression, anxiety, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? You're not alone, and help is available. Synchronous Mental Health specializes in providing comprehensive care for individuals facing these challenges, empowering them to reclaim their mental well-being and live fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Dario LaPoma, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/987ba080-f8cf-49e1-93be-5e8dca0699c2/5/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my profile! I am a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) located in Portland, OR. I offer psychotherapy and medication management to adults of all ages and backgrounds. My practice is relationally focused and inspired by various evidence-based frameworks, including Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have a careful approach to prescribing medications, and I feel strongly that a holistic treatment plan leads to deeper recovery. I strive to meet you where you are, and I honor the life experience that has brought you here.
Welcome to my profile! I am a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) located in Portland, OR. I offer psychotherapy and medication management to adults of all ages and backgrounds. My practice is relationally focused and inspired by various evidence-based frameworks, including Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have a careful approach to prescribing medications, and I feel strongly that a holistic treatment plan leads to deeper recovery. I strive to meet you where you are, and I honor the life experience that has brought you here.
![Photo of Jeanne Johnson, MS, DDS, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41a75f92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to partner with individuals to relieve emotional pain and suffering. We all encounter periods of emotional turmoil in our lives that may lead to feelings of isolation, grief, anxiety and depression. During these times, it is difficult, if not impossible, to find solutions to problems on our own. Along with fostering a safe environment for sharing, I provide psychoanalysis and psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy. I endeavor to empower others to find a greater sense of emotional flexibility, discover new solutions to old problems, invigorate relationships, achieve peace of mind, and experience enduring change.
My goal is to partner with individuals to relieve emotional pain and suffering. We all encounter periods of emotional turmoil in our lives that may lead to feelings of isolation, grief, anxiety and depression. During these times, it is difficult, if not impossible, to find solutions to problems on our own. Along with fostering a safe environment for sharing, I provide psychoanalysis and psychoanalytically informed psychotherapy. I endeavor to empower others to find a greater sense of emotional flexibility, discover new solutions to old problems, invigorate relationships, achieve peace of mind, and experience enduring change.
![Photo of Tyler Dawn Cooper, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/132db836-aa41-4233-b98c-ad435128c517/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tyler Dawn Cooper
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
North Bend, OR 97459 (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone ready to really get to work and heal. They are open minded to medications as well as weaning off medications in a supported and healthy way. They are open-minded to all the many ways that healing happens and they are ready to do things that they have not done before in order to feel better than ever.
My ideal client is someone ready to really get to work and heal. They are open minded to medications as well as weaning off medications in a supported and healthy way. They are open-minded to all the many ways that healing happens and they are ready to do things that they have not done before in order to feel better than ever.
![Photo of Mary Osing Welch - private practice, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e4d8dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I love being a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and am honored to help individuals achieve optimal mental health through collaboration and support. I believe everyone can improve mental health and wellness by building on our strengths, learning coping skills, and addressing social supports and physical health. For some clients psychiatric medications are one of the tools for effective healing along with counseling,health education and lifestyle changes. I am happy to provide medication management alone for those already in counseling.
I love being a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and am honored to help individuals achieve optimal mental health through collaboration and support. I believe everyone can improve mental health and wellness by building on our strengths, learning coping skills, and addressing social supports and physical health. For some clients psychiatric medications are one of the tools for effective healing along with counseling,health education and lifestyle changes. I am happy to provide medication management alone for those already in counseling.
![Photo of Bridget Knight, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64abcde6-70cf-4eb7-9985-0387ef8e4adc/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner located in Bend Oregon. I provide psychiatry assessment, medication management and brief psychotherapy.
I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner located in Bend Oregon. I provide psychiatry assessment, medication management and brief psychotherapy.
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![Photo of Victoria Jensen, PMHNP, BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10c7c8c0-d6ee-4412-90ed-057541fa9768/3/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Jensen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, MSN
Verified Verified
Clackamas, OR 97015
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am accepting new adult patients at this time. Patient safety and the utilization of evidence-based practice are my highest priority. Controlled substances are prescribed sparingly in my practice in an effort to keep you safe. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Please note, I do not write letters for disability, therapy pets, or gender reassignment surgery.
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am accepting new adult patients at this time. Patient safety and the utilization of evidence-based practice are my highest priority. Controlled substances are prescribed sparingly in my practice in an effort to keep you safe. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Please note, I do not write letters for disability, therapy pets, or gender reassignment surgery.
![Photo of Charisa King, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71da1b84-7377-444e-b7c5-7c2380553446/1/320x400.png)
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate and holistic care to individuals navigating the complexities of mental health. With expertise spanning over 13 years in the field, I specialize in addressing challenges related to ADHD, depression, anxiety, substance use issues, and bipolar disorder.
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate and holistic care to individuals navigating the complexities of mental health. With expertise spanning over 13 years in the field, I specialize in addressing challenges related to ADHD, depression, anxiety, substance use issues, and bipolar disorder.
![Photo of Sandra Jane Krussel, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cd6c688-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified psychiatrist and a psychoanalytic psychotherapist offering help to those struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma or relational issues. I find I can help patients by identifying some of the causes of their suffering. We can then work on these issues through therapy, use of medication if necessary, as well as by learning the resources the patient has within and by learning how they can best get support.
I am a board certified psychiatrist and a psychoanalytic psychotherapist offering help to those struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma or relational issues. I find I can help patients by identifying some of the causes of their suffering. We can then work on these issues through therapy, use of medication if necessary, as well as by learning the resources the patient has within and by learning how they can best get support.
Maggie Gareau
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you experiencing distress due to trauma, relationships, fears, internal conflicts, self esteem, or feeling stuck. Some things are just too difficult to go through or examine alone and having compassionate, open and knowlegeable accompaniment can be the key to understanding and growth. I provide psychodynamic therapy to adults.
Are you experiencing distress due to trauma, relationships, fears, internal conflicts, self esteem, or feeling stuck. Some things are just too difficult to go through or examine alone and having compassionate, open and knowlegeable accompaniment can be the key to understanding and growth. I provide psychodynamic therapy to adults.
![Photo of Alexandra Scott, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c86c3e51-fe4e-4b21-9262-aee8d680341a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new patients, and my hours are flexible to accommodate your needs! I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and am passionate about providing each client with quality, compassionate, and comprehensive health services. I believe that an individualized approach is paramount to effective mental health treatment. I partner with each client to address their individual mental health needs and pursue their treatment goals. All treatment decisions will be a collaborative effort between the two of us. This can be done in person AND via virtual visits.
I am currently accepting new patients, and my hours are flexible to accommodate your needs! I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and am passionate about providing each client with quality, compassionate, and comprehensive health services. I believe that an individualized approach is paramount to effective mental health treatment. I partner with each client to address their individual mental health needs and pursue their treatment goals. All treatment decisions will be a collaborative effort between the two of us. This can be done in person AND via virtual visits.
![Photo of Giovanni Pascal Pierre, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db29395a-2fcd-485a-9b38-31d29a205b17/1/320x400.jpeg)
Giovanni Pascal Pierre
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97301 (Online Only)
Hey there! I am Giovanni Pierre, but you can call me Gio. First, thank you for taking this vital step towards better mental well-being. I get it—life is like a roller coaster, and sometimes, it’s the scary one you never wanted to get on. I own a practice called Safe Haven Health. Safe Haven Health is a virtual mental health clinic aiming to increase access to effective and efficient mental healthcare from the comfort of your home. Safe Haven Health specializes in mental health medication management, at-home ketamine treatment for depression and anxiety, ADHD testing and treatment, and more.
Hey there! I am Giovanni Pierre, but you can call me Gio. First, thank you for taking this vital step towards better mental well-being. I get it—life is like a roller coaster, and sometimes, it’s the scary one you never wanted to get on. I own a practice called Safe Haven Health. Safe Haven Health is a virtual mental health clinic aiming to increase access to effective and efficient mental healthcare from the comfort of your home. Safe Haven Health specializes in mental health medication management, at-home ketamine treatment for depression and anxiety, ADHD testing and treatment, and more.
![Photo of Sophia Kuo - Pacific Northwest Health, LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b620d3b4-b72c-4f2a-85c4-6772f365b447/3/320x400.jpeg)
Covid-19 has challenged many basic expectations about how the world functions, and how we live in it. During these complicated and chaotic times, it can be helpful to have a place to explore how all that is happening affects your feelings, relationships, and life course. As a psychiatrist, I am a physician who specializes in psychotherapy and the medicines that support mental health. While I have training and experience in a number of treatment modalities, my primary interest is getting to know you, and understanding your unique experience in the world.
Covid-19 has challenged many basic expectations about how the world functions, and how we live in it. During these complicated and chaotic times, it can be helpful to have a place to explore how all that is happening affects your feelings, relationships, and life course. As a psychiatrist, I am a physician who specializes in psychotherapy and the medicines that support mental health. While I have training and experience in a number of treatment modalities, my primary interest is getting to know you, and understanding your unique experience in the world.
![Photo of Norman Todd Gale, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed0d0d92-953a-4aec-9d31-057f97bfcfeb/6/320x400.jpeg)
Norman Todd Gale
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport, OR 97365
I am a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for children and adolescents. I work together with you to try and figure out what’s bothering you, and whether medication interventions would be the right choice (spoiler alert: they can be, but they’re not always). I am comfortable talking with you about anxiety, depression, anger, mood swings, ADHD, autism, and other concerns you may have.
I am a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for children and adolescents. I work together with you to try and figure out what’s bothering you, and whether medication interventions would be the right choice (spoiler alert: they can be, but they’re not always). I am comfortable talking with you about anxiety, depression, anger, mood swings, ADHD, autism, and other concerns you may have.
![Photo of Susan Mbugua, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f150361-5317-40c8-be44-46dbeaab1878/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Imani Mental Health and Wellness. My name is Susan Mbugua, and I am Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I believe in the importance of personalized mental health treatment that addresses the biological, emotional, environmental, and spiritual aspects of mental health and wellness. My treatment approach is to use a combination of medications, therapy, and education to interrupt acute episodes of illness and to break the cycle of recurrence with a holistic approach that includes medications, supportive therapy, guidance on diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices.
Welcome to Imani Mental Health and Wellness. My name is Susan Mbugua, and I am Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I believe in the importance of personalized mental health treatment that addresses the biological, emotional, environmental, and spiritual aspects of mental health and wellness. My treatment approach is to use a combination of medications, therapy, and education to interrupt acute episodes of illness and to break the cycle of recurrence with a holistic approach that includes medications, supportive therapy, guidance on diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices.
See more therapy options for Oregon
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Oregon who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
93% | Depression |
80% | Medication Management |
74% | ADHD |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
74% | Bipolar Disorder |
64% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
77% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
76% | Aetna |
68% | PacificSource |
How Psychiatrists in Oregon see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
72% | Female | |
27% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Oregon?
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.