Psychiatrists in Montebello, CA

Photo of Rita Onwenna, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rita Onwenna
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Montebello, CA 90640  (Online Only)
Rita Onwenna, DNP is an experienced and a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Rita completed her doctorate degree in nursing practice at Walden University. She received her post doctorate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Bradman University. She obtained her master’s degrees in nursing with emphasis in family medicine and school health services from California State University, Long Beach.
Rita Onwenna, DNP is an experienced and a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Rita completed her doctorate degree in nursing practice at Walden University. She received her post doctorate certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from Bradman University. She obtained her master’s degrees in nursing with emphasis in family medicine and school health services from California State University, Long Beach.
(562) 548-7007 View (562) 548-7007
Photo of Erika Brenda Arias, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Erika Brenda Arias
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Montebello, CA 90640
My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in the field. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I work with patients who struggle with depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine. My approach is supportive, compassion focused, and culturally sensitive while incorporating Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 6 years of experience in the field. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I work with patients who struggle with depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine. My approach is supportive, compassion focused, and culturally sensitive while incorporating Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
(323) 524-9211 View (323) 524-9211

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Pavel Ksendz, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pavel Ksendz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Norwalk, CA 90650  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialized in treating mood, anxiety, cognitive, trauma-related, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I am a strong proponent of the philosophy that health is multifactorial, made up of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual facets. I value taking a collaborative approach with clients to create a thorough, individualized treatment plan that best meets their specific needs and goals. I have a long-held passion for mental healthcare and have worked with individuals of all ages in a variety of settings within psychiatry.
(657) 837-1237 View (657) 837-1237
Photo of Uchenna Okoye, MD , Psychiatrist
Uchenna Okoye
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
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!
(424) 610-9948 View (424) 610-9948
Photo of Sylvia Ogbogu-Nwankwo, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse
Sylvia Ogbogu-Nwankwo
Psychiatric Nurse, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90011  (Online Only)
I am Sylvia Ogbogu-Nwankwo, NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner practicing at Angel Health Care Services PC in Allen, Texas. My licensure extends across Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, California, Washington DC, Florida, and New York. With over 15 years of nursing experience, including roles as a Director of Nursing and a family nurse practitioner, I go beyond addressing the primary care needs of families, encompassing children, teenagers, and adults at all life stages.
I am Sylvia Ogbogu-Nwankwo, NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner practicing at Angel Health Care Services PC in Allen, Texas. My licensure extends across Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, California, Washington DC, Florida, and New York. With over 15 years of nursing experience, including roles as a Director of Nursing and a family nurse practitioner, I go beyond addressing the primary care needs of families, encompassing children, teenagers, and adults at all life stages.
(469) 933-0209 View (469) 933-0209
Photo of Lindsay Merrill - Vista Mental Health, MD, Psychiatrist
Vista Mental Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Dr. Merrill is a Harvard trained psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at UCLA and obtained her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She finished post-graduate training at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program and completed a fellowship in Women's Mental Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital and has a specific interest in working with women suffering from issues related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and menopause. She is trained in advanced psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and managing patients with complex medical conditions.
Dr. Merrill is a Harvard trained psychiatrist who completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at UCLA and obtained her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She finished post-graduate training at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program and completed a fellowship in Women's Mental Health at Brigham and Women's Hospital and has a specific interest in working with women suffering from issues related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and menopause. She is trained in advanced psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and managing patients with complex medical conditions.
(323) 992-0829 View (323) 992-0829
Photo of Jianpeng Wang - Center For Behavior Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist
Center For Behavior Medicine
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Whittier, CA 90605
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
Dr. Wang is a Board Certified Psychiatrist licensed to diagnose and treat common mental health illnesses, including, depression,anxiety,bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. Wang's philosophy of providing medication is to individualize the treatment according to people's diagnosis, symptom profile, treatment history, and other bio-psycho-social factors. Dr. Wang received his medical education at Tianjin Medical University in 1991. He also obtained a doctorate in urology from Tianjin Medical University in 1999. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he completed his four year psychiatry residency training at the University of North Dakota.
(562) 945-5454 View (562) 945-5454
Photo of Raven Cross, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Raven Cross
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
Hello, thanks for visiting! My name is Raven and I have been in the healthcare field for over 15 years. Helping people is my life's passion. To be transparent, holding space for my clients to help heal themselves is a very personal goal of mine. I do require a FREE 15 minute consultation prior to booking an appointment with me to ensure we are a good match for each other.
Hello, thanks for visiting! My name is Raven and I have been in the healthcare field for over 15 years. Helping people is my life's passion. To be transparent, holding space for my clients to help heal themselves is a very personal goal of mine. I do require a FREE 15 minute consultation prior to booking an appointment with me to ensure we are a good match for each other.
(408) 317-1549 View (408) 317-1549
Photo of Dr. Jahanzeb Khan, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Jahanzeb Khan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
Dr. Khan’s ideal clients are individuals and families seeking compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. He specializes in addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral problems, and crisis intervention. His goal is to provide personalized care that helps clients achieve emotional well-being and a better quality of life.
Dr. Khan’s ideal clients are individuals and families seeking compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. He specializes in addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral problems, and crisis intervention. His goal is to provide personalized care that helps clients achieve emotional well-being and a better quality of life.
(626) 727-8507 View (626) 727-8507
Photo of Christopher Hong, DO, Psychiatrist
Christopher Hong
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90013
I am a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I treat patients with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, and other common and complex conditions. I utilize an evidence-based and holistic approach to treatment and aim to individualize each patient's treatment to their specific needs. Please click "My Website" to the right to book a consultation with me. I am excited to meet you!
I am a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I treat patients with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, and other common and complex conditions. I utilize an evidence-based and holistic approach to treatment and aim to individualize each patient's treatment to their specific needs. Please click "My Website" to the right to book a consultation with me. I am excited to meet you!
(323) 970-2850 View (323) 970-2850
Photo of S. E. Specter - S.E. Specter MD PhD, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
S.E. Specter MD PhD
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90050
With clinical academic appointments in the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Specter has experience treating a wide range of mental health/behavioral issues, including mood dysregulation (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, thought disorders (psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder), and relationship or work difficulties. He's a former Professor of Nutrition and most recent Medical Director for the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hosp. Adult Eating Disorders Program -- work with eating behavior/body image issues is a practice specialty. For more information, go to www.psychiatry-nutrition.com.
With clinical academic appointments in the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Specter has experience treating a wide range of mental health/behavioral issues, including mood dysregulation (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety, thought disorders (psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder), and relationship or work difficulties. He's a former Professor of Nutrition and most recent Medical Director for the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hosp. Adult Eating Disorders Program -- work with eating behavior/body image issues is a practice specialty. For more information, go to www.psychiatry-nutrition.com.
(310) 707-1867 View (310) 707-1867
Medcom Psychiatry & Mental Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellflower, CA 90706
Medcom Psychiatry & Mental Health Services (MPMHS) is an outpatient integrative psychiatry practice that utilizes a holistic, patient-focused approach to health and wellness. It aims to rebalance mental, emotional, functional, spiritual, social, and community functioning through medication management, psychotherapy, and other mental health services.
Medcom Psychiatry & Mental Health Services (MPMHS) is an outpatient integrative psychiatry practice that utilizes a holistic, patient-focused approach to health and wellness. It aims to rebalance mental, emotional, functional, spiritual, social, and community functioning through medication management, psychotherapy, and other mental health services.
(310) 361-9788 View (310) 361-9788
Photo of Michael Kang, MD, Psychiatrist
Michael Kang
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Through a thorough understanding of the patient in the beginning, present, along with future hopes, treatment goals and targets can be identified. With my patients I will mainly focus on medication management and psychotherapy. I am comfortable treating a broad spectrum of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD. I am board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I received my B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut.
Through a thorough understanding of the patient in the beginning, present, along with future hopes, treatment goals and targets can be identified. With my patients I will mainly focus on medication management and psychotherapy. I am comfortable treating a broad spectrum of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and OCD. I am board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I received my B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Connecticut.
(323) 417-7885 View (323) 417-7885
Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist
Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90017  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
(424) 346-6311 View (424) 346-6311
Photo of Jasmine Sawhne, MD, MBA, Psychiatrist
Jasmine Sawhne
Psychiatrist, MD, MBA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90004  (Online Only)
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your psychological state affects every aspect of your life, including your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Your psychological state affects every aspect of your life, including your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
(323) 991-7595 View (323) 991-7595
Photo of Cynthia Aniemeka, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cynthia Aniemeka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90013  (Online Only)
I am a good nurse practitioner because I am passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care to my patients. I am also a skilled and knowledgeable clinician with a deep understanding of the latest medical advances. I am committed to staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in order to provide my patients with the best possible care
I am a good nurse practitioner because I am passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care to my patients. I am also a skilled and knowledgeable clinician with a deep understanding of the latest medical advances. I am committed to staying up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in order to provide my patients with the best possible care
(323) 863-8575 View (323) 863-8575
Photo of Jamie Sanders, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jamie Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Jamie. I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner which means generally people see me for medication evaluations and management to improve their mental health. My role is not limited to prescribing and I am a strong believer in the benefit of psychotherapy. My approach is very patient-centered and I am creative in integrating a variety of approaches, utilizing both medication and psychotherapeutic modalities, in my work with patients. My approach to medication management is founded in neurochemistry and neurobiology, tailored to each individual and their symptoms.
Hi, my name is Jamie. I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner which means generally people see me for medication evaluations and management to improve their mental health. My role is not limited to prescribing and I am a strong believer in the benefit of psychotherapy. My approach is very patient-centered and I am creative in integrating a variety of approaches, utilizing both medication and psychotherapeutic modalities, in my work with patients. My approach to medication management is founded in neurochemistry and neurobiology, tailored to each individual and their symptoms.
(858) 533-0894 View (858) 533-0894
Photo of Dr. Jen Sweet, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Jen Sweet
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90001  (Online Only)
I offer mental healthcare for women and their loved ones, encompassing a more holistic, and I believe, warmer approach to emotional health treatment. I aim to provide specialized and comprehensive treatment for challenges specific to your different life stages. I offer inclusive and truly quality care with the ultimate goal of helping you overcome emotional hurdles that you face, in any phase of your life.
I offer mental healthcare for women and their loved ones, encompassing a more holistic, and I believe, warmer approach to emotional health treatment. I aim to provide specialized and comprehensive treatment for challenges specific to your different life stages. I offer inclusive and truly quality care with the ultimate goal of helping you overcome emotional hurdles that you face, in any phase of your life.
(925) 248-4512 View (925) 248-4512
Photo of Jonathan Allotey, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jonathan Allotey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
Are you struggling to balance your mental and physical health and in need of a more comprehensive approach? No problem! I provide Telemedicine (Online Psychiatry) Services, so that you can conveniently be seen from your home for psychiatry appointments and medication management without the need to travel! I provide the same psychiatry services as an in-person office visit and I can also address other aspects that encompass your complete wellness. My aim is to help you to thrive at your best! You can easily self-schedule a Telepsychiatry video appointment now at: www.pwpsychiatry.com/CA
(562) 837-0376 View (562) 837-0376
Photo of Negar Haghighimehmandari, MD, Psychiatrist
Negar Haghighimehmandari
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
Dr. Negar H. Mehmandari is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2022. Dr. Mehmandari differentiates her approach to patient care by dedicating time to truly listen and understand them as individuals, considering their needs and concerns as a whole rather than just focusing on specific symptoms In her spare time, Dr. Mehmandari enjoys reading and traveling.
Dr. Negar H. Mehmandari is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2022. Dr. Mehmandari differentiates her approach to patient care by dedicating time to truly listen and understand them as individuals, considering their needs and concerns as a whole rather than just focusing on specific symptoms In her spare time, Dr. Mehmandari enjoys reading and traveling.
(323) 826-5644 View (323) 826-5644

See more therapy options for Montebello

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Montebello, CA

< 10

Psychiatrists in Montebello, CA who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Bipolar Disorder
50% Addiction
50% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
50% Other

Average years in practice

8 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
100% BlueCross and BlueShield
100% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Montebello, CA see their clients

50% In Person and Online
50% Online Only

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Montebello?

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.