Psychiatrists in New York, NY
![Photo of Michael Colin, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed109cb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Michael Colin is a board-certified, licensed adult psychiatrist in private clinical practice in Chelsea Manhattan at London Terrace Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City with a focus on addiction psychiatry and the psychoanalytic fellowship at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Colin received his Doctor of Medicine degree at Sackler School of Medicine. He graduated from Boston University majoring in psychology and biology as well as a post-baccalaureate program at Columbia University.
Dr. Michael Colin is a board-certified, licensed adult psychiatrist in private clinical practice in Chelsea Manhattan at London Terrace Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City with a focus on addiction psychiatry and the psychoanalytic fellowship at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Colin received his Doctor of Medicine degree at Sackler School of Medicine. He graduated from Boston University majoring in psychology and biology as well as a post-baccalaureate program at Columbia University.
![Photo of Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11fe9b4c-1547-4473-88e7-f74143b85738/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Shawn Faust
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10065 (Online Only)
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
Dr. Shawn Faust, DNP, PMHNP-BC is a distinguished Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings a unique and patient-centric approach to the field of mental health. His philosophy centers around the belief that individuals are experts in their own experiences, and collaboration between the patient and their mental health provider is essential for effective and personalized treatment. He believes that informed patients are better equipped to navigate their unique mental health challenges. Thus, treatment with Dr. Faust often involves teaching patients about their diagnosis and discussing the pros and cons of various treatment options.
![Photo of Susan Kim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8af48379-6c77-464d-82dc-a822b79d0fdb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Susan Kim is a board certified psychiatrist who was born and raised in Queens, NY. She has spent much of her time in the North East and is currently residing in New Jersey with her spouse and dog, Luna. Dr. Kim began her medical training at Temple University in Philadelphia, completed her psychiatric residency at Stony Brook University Hospital where she was chief resident for her final year.
Dr. Susan Kim is a board certified psychiatrist who was born and raised in Queens, NY. She has spent much of her time in the North East and is currently residing in New Jersey with her spouse and dog, Luna. Dr. Kim began her medical training at Temple University in Philadelphia, completed her psychiatric residency at Stony Brook University Hospital where she was chief resident for her final year.
![Photo of Sameer Khan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5734d8b8-db2d-4311-aff0-376030b4bd4b/3/320x400.jpeg)
The goal of our work together will be to enable you to achieve your full potential. I have an interest in exploring conflicts related to work, love, family, and the past. I work with clients to help them gain a deeper understanding into their feelings, motivations, and how past relationships map onto present day ones. Emphasis is placed on identifying repeating patterns and self-sabotage.
The goal of our work together will be to enable you to achieve your full potential. I have an interest in exploring conflicts related to work, love, family, and the past. I work with clients to help them gain a deeper understanding into their feelings, motivations, and how past relationships map onto present day ones. Emphasis is placed on identifying repeating patterns and self-sabotage.
![Photo of Mayumi Okuda Benavides, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba95241f-010b-4439-8d45-08a9f2bb88d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mayumi Okuda Benavides
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10168 (Online Only)
I want to congratulate you on taking the first steps towards self-improvement. You’ve tried everything: therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, but are still struggling. I understand that making that first appointment can often be one of the biggest hurdles. As your psychiatrist, I will work closely with you every step of the way to determine the best treatment that is tailored specifically to your personal needs.
I want to congratulate you on taking the first steps towards self-improvement. You’ve tried everything: therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, but are still struggling. I understand that making that first appointment can often be one of the biggest hurdles. As your psychiatrist, I will work closely with you every step of the way to determine the best treatment that is tailored specifically to your personal needs.
![Photo of Magdalena Spariosu, FAPA, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12c2f19f-3e6a-4a3a-be63-ea67da2a19a7/2/320x400.png)
Hello and welcome to my page! As a Brain Injury Medicine Psychiatrist, I am passionate about helping high-achieving individuals who are facing the challenges of medical and neurological co-morbidities, particularly those who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), whether recently or in the past. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care and guidance to patients recovering from TBI, who may be dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, memory deficits and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as they work towards reclaiming their sense of self and achieving their optimal well-being once again.
Hello and welcome to my page! As a Brain Injury Medicine Psychiatrist, I am passionate about helping high-achieving individuals who are facing the challenges of medical and neurological co-morbidities, particularly those who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), whether recently or in the past. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care and guidance to patients recovering from TBI, who may be dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, memory deficits and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as they work towards reclaiming their sense of self and achieving their optimal well-being once again.
![Photo of Douglas John Van Der Heide, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cdc6e08-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/8/320x400.jpeg)
Most patients seeking treatment feel that despite their best efforts, inside they feel helpless, confused and demoralized. Dynamic psychotherapy and its "big brother" psychoanalysis are treatments designed to repair self-esteem and restore a full capacity for living. I see patients frequently, usually twice a week and it is out of our work together that hidden self-knowledge emerges and a renewed optimism about life's possibilities arises. Please visit my web site: www.drvanderheide.com or call me to discuss how I might help you.
Most patients seeking treatment feel that despite their best efforts, inside they feel helpless, confused and demoralized. Dynamic psychotherapy and its "big brother" psychoanalysis are treatments designed to repair self-esteem and restore a full capacity for living. I see patients frequently, usually twice a week and it is out of our work together that hidden self-knowledge emerges and a renewed optimism about life's possibilities arises. Please visit my web site: www.drvanderheide.com or call me to discuss how I might help you.
![Photo of Chrissie Brewer, BA, BSN, MSN , PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30ed3a8d-19c6-436b-aef9-8e787ac55c29/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chrissie Brewer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BA, BSN, MSN , PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10017
I am an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and am able to serve clients across the lifespan. I have an especial passion for working with children, teens, and young adults (up to age 26, with some flexibility). My treatment approach respects the client as a whole and takes into consideration their familial, psychosocial, interpersonal, and medical background when formulating treatment recommendations. I may prescribe clients psychotropic medication, but I also place emphasis on other domains of wellbeing, like nutrition, exercise, interpersonal and familial relationships, and psychotherapy.
I am an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and am able to serve clients across the lifespan. I have an especial passion for working with children, teens, and young adults (up to age 26, with some flexibility). My treatment approach respects the client as a whole and takes into consideration their familial, psychosocial, interpersonal, and medical background when formulating treatment recommendations. I may prescribe clients psychotropic medication, but I also place emphasis on other domains of wellbeing, like nutrition, exercise, interpersonal and familial relationships, and psychotherapy.
![Photo of Veronica O’Meally-Tully, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8678cffd-04dd-486b-8fbe-23056ef1d3bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Veronica O’Meally-Tully
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10165
Does your daily life suffer because of your mental health issues? You can’t seem to get a grip on your anxiety or depression? Are you looking for a compassionate ally in your mental health journey? You yearn for understanding and unwavering support, but don’t know where to turn? If you are struggling to navigate life's challenges, Veronica is dedicated to creating a safe space for you to work through these challenges.
Does your daily life suffer because of your mental health issues? You can’t seem to get a grip on your anxiety or depression? Are you looking for a compassionate ally in your mental health journey? You yearn for understanding and unwavering support, but don’t know where to turn? If you are struggling to navigate life's challenges, Veronica is dedicated to creating a safe space for you to work through these challenges.
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with an office conveniently located at Union Square. I offer comprehensive treatment for adolescents and adults who struggle with all kinds of emotional, relationship, and self-esteem problems. I work with patients to help them gain an understanding of behaviors that may be causing problems, an understanding which ultimately can lead to change.
I am a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with an office conveniently located at Union Square. I offer comprehensive treatment for adolescents and adults who struggle with all kinds of emotional, relationship, and self-esteem problems. I work with patients to help them gain an understanding of behaviors that may be causing problems, an understanding which ultimately can lead to change.
![Photo of Ifeoma Ukachukwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78184368-2a10-4373-bfd9-f4cd8c55aa88/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and a board certification in psychiatric-mental health. My passion for mental health care and commitment to advancing my knowledge have positioned me at the forefront of psychiatric nursing. With a rich educational background and extensive clinical experience, I provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health challenges.
I am a highly skilled and dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and a board certification in psychiatric-mental health. My passion for mental health care and commitment to advancing my knowledge have positioned me at the forefront of psychiatric nursing. With a rich educational background and extensive clinical experience, I provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health challenges.
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![Photo of Eric Yarbrough, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4756c124-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I started my training by completing medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. For the first three years of my career I worked at St. Luke's Hospital both as Associate Training Director and as a general outpatient psychiatrist for patients, including those living with serious mental illness.
I started my training by completing medical school at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. For the first three years of my career I worked at St. Luke's Hospital both as Associate Training Director and as a general outpatient psychiatrist for patients, including those living with serious mental illness.
![Photo of Chloe Weiner, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd10b80c-2fa3-466c-b41d-9db251cfd3c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello there! My name is Chloe Weiner and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I trained at Columbia University where I obtained my doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing practice. I have a wide variety of clinical experience ranging from inpatient to outpatient settings with individuals across the lifespan working through a variety of mental health symptoms. At its core, my work is always trauma-informed and I strive to create a safe, collaborative, and therapeutic environment that empowers those I have the opportunity to work with.
Hello there! My name is Chloe Weiner and I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I trained at Columbia University where I obtained my doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing practice. I have a wide variety of clinical experience ranging from inpatient to outpatient settings with individuals across the lifespan working through a variety of mental health symptoms. At its core, my work is always trauma-informed and I strive to create a safe, collaborative, and therapeutic environment that empowers those I have the opportunity to work with.
![Photo of Linda Suarez, AANP, FNP, ANCC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2be7f70c-e1aa-4d5f-b9a6-c9e321c3e3bc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Suarez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, AANP, FNP, ANCC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10017 (Online Only)
I believe unaddressed mental health disturbances can negatively impact a person's life. I want to work with you, from a medication and counseling perspective, to help you realize your full potential. I became a mental health professional so that I could help others live a productive and fulfilled life.
I believe unaddressed mental health disturbances can negatively impact a person's life. I want to work with you, from a medication and counseling perspective, to help you realize your full potential. I became a mental health professional so that I could help others live a productive and fulfilled life.
![Photo of Maureen Laffey, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8b3578d-c50a-464a-816b-91778107fda8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen Laffey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10031 (Online Only)
Maureen has over 25 years of experience in health care. She is a graduate of Niagara University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then a master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Hunter College. She has worked as a consultant for those experiencing adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, conflict, relationship issues, and others. Her professional skills include critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and communication. Maureen will collaborate with you, and if needed, she will present and prescribe a medication regimen that can benefit you towards moving forward and succeeding.
Maureen has over 25 years of experience in health care. She is a graduate of Niagara University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then a master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Hunter College. She has worked as a consultant for those experiencing adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, conflict, relationship issues, and others. Her professional skills include critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and communication. Maureen will collaborate with you, and if needed, she will present and prescribe a medication regimen that can benefit you towards moving forward and succeeding.
![Photo of Yeqi Chen, PNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0bd94b4-b301-4d74-b90d-809bb5d3e940/1/320x400.jpeg)
Yeqi is a listener, mentor, and partner in patient's recovery journey. She gets to know every patient by listening to their history, what they are at currently, and what their goals are. Throughout the treatment course, Yeqi provides extensive psychoeducation, discusses different treatment options, and eventually reaches a plan of action that is individualized, feasible, and efficacious for each patient. Getting a prescription is never the end of the story. Yeqi strives to achieve sustainable treatment goal by empowering patients to become engaged partners in their care.
Yeqi is a listener, mentor, and partner in patient's recovery journey. She gets to know every patient by listening to their history, what they are at currently, and what their goals are. Throughout the treatment course, Yeqi provides extensive psychoeducation, discusses different treatment options, and eventually reaches a plan of action that is individualized, feasible, and efficacious for each patient. Getting a prescription is never the end of the story. Yeqi strives to achieve sustainable treatment goal by empowering patients to become engaged partners in their care.
![Photo of Shuo (Sally) He, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f59a6b8f-29f3-4405-894a-b418fc4986b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and addictions medicine. She is passionate about providing quality and accessible mental health care while considering each patient’s concerns, values, and life circumstances. She received a Medical Doctor's degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center and completed her psychiatry residency at George Washington University Hospital in DC. Prior to medical school, she completed a Master of Public Health from Yale School of Public Health.
Dr. He is board-certified in adult psychiatry and addictions medicine. She is passionate about providing quality and accessible mental health care while considering each patient’s concerns, values, and life circumstances. She received a Medical Doctor's degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center and completed her psychiatry residency at George Washington University Hospital in DC. Prior to medical school, she completed a Master of Public Health from Yale School of Public Health.
![Photo of Brian Doyle, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22db37bd-c72c-4e83-b8bb-011fcd09ba2f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brian Doyle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016 (Online Only)
Brian is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who has experience working in various mental health settings. Brian incorporate a holistic approach to treatment that focuses on lifestyle changes, supportive therapy, and medication management. He believes that a strong therapeutic relationship with clients helps them grow and achieve optimal health.
Brian is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who has experience working in various mental health settings. Brian incorporate a holistic approach to treatment that focuses on lifestyle changes, supportive therapy, and medication management. He believes that a strong therapeutic relationship with clients helps them grow and achieve optimal health.
![Photo of Tolu Olupona, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2408c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I provide psychopharmacology and psychotherapy with an integrative treatment approach when I work with my patients. I have extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. I am committed to my patient's overall well being and concerned with helping them lead their best lives. I provide treatment for psychiatric disorders including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, ADHD and adjustment difficulties.
I provide psychopharmacology and psychotherapy with an integrative treatment approach when I work with my patients. I have extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. I am committed to my patient's overall well being and concerned with helping them lead their best lives. I provide treatment for psychiatric disorders including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, ADHD and adjustment difficulties.
![Photo of Anita Vijayakumar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a9dba55-18d9-4fed-a31e-8599069a84fb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anita Vijayakumar is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her medical training at the University of Illinois and and completed psychiatry residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she was the Chief Resident. She has been practicing for over 7 years and has a wide range of experience in depression, anxiety, and various life transitions. Dr. Vijayakumar's approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. She uses a measurement based approach so patients can see the progress they make.
Anita Vijayakumar is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her medical training at the University of Illinois and and completed psychiatry residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she was the Chief Resident. She has been practicing for over 7 years and has a wide range of experience in depression, anxiety, and various life transitions. Dr. Vijayakumar's approach is holistic, collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered. She uses a measurement based approach so patients can see the progress they make.
See more therapy options for New York
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in New York, NY
1,000+
Average cost per session
$300
Psychiatrists in New York, NY who prioritize treating:
95% | Anxiety |
94% | Depression |
82% | Medication Management |
70% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Bipolar Disorder |
69% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
91% | Aetna |
84% | Cigna and Evernorth |
81% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in New York, NY see their clients
53% | In Person and Online | |
47% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
63% | Female | |
36% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in New York?
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.