Psychiatrists in New York, NY
![Photo of Stephen Geisler, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ec0449f-8c21-4977-86ff-217fbae0f6c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen H. Geisler, MD, is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. He completed a fellowship in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Zucker Hillside Hospital of Northwell Health after finishing his residency training there. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Geisler had been at the Zucker Hillside Hospital for over 35 years. Besides being a staff psychiatrist in the Adult Outpatient Department there, he assumed the role of Associate Director and later the Clinical Director of the Adult Ambulatory Psychiatry Service.
Stephen H. Geisler, MD, is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. He completed a fellowship in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Zucker Hillside Hospital of Northwell Health after finishing his residency training there. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Geisler had been at the Zucker Hillside Hospital for over 35 years. Besides being a staff psychiatrist in the Adult Outpatient Department there, he assumed the role of Associate Director and later the Clinical Director of the Adult Ambulatory Psychiatry Service.
![Photo of Sanjay Patel, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3da655e8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified adult and child psychiatrist, and I'm also board certified in integrative and holistic medicine. I treat anxiety, attention, and mood difficulties, including adult and child ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, and depression. When necessary, I recommend medication, with the lowest effective doses. I recommend traditional and natural treatments along with practical suggestions about communication, lifestyle, and stress management. I am on faculty at NYU School of Medicine.
I am a board certified adult and child psychiatrist, and I'm also board certified in integrative and holistic medicine. I treat anxiety, attention, and mood difficulties, including adult and child ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, and depression. When necessary, I recommend medication, with the lowest effective doses. I recommend traditional and natural treatments along with practical suggestions about communication, lifestyle, and stress management. I am on faculty at NYU School of Medicine.
![Photo of Doreen Zarfati, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2625e85d-0f5a-411c-8c21-1163f87e4567/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am double board certified psychiatrist specializing in numerous psychiatric disorders as well as addiction disorders. I completed training at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia and a specialty in Addiction at Beth Israel Hospital. For many years I was the Associate Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Department at Kings County Hospital and later became the Director of Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. I have lectured about the many forms of addiction at conferences and participated in Grand Rounds for hospitals, discussing addiction and eating disorders.I am on the medical faculty at SUNY Downstate Hospital providing guidance, teaching and mentoring for psychiatric residents.
I am double board certified psychiatrist specializing in numerous psychiatric disorders as well as addiction disorders. I completed training at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia and a specialty in Addiction at Beth Israel Hospital. For many years I was the Associate Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Department at Kings County Hospital and later became the Director of Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. I have lectured about the many forms of addiction at conferences and participated in Grand Rounds for hospitals, discussing addiction and eating disorders.I am on the medical faculty at SUNY Downstate Hospital providing guidance, teaching and mentoring for psychiatric residents.
![Photo of Edmund Azeriah Griffin - Edmund Griffin MD PhD, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47cac5cf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University. I specialize in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and ADHD disorders --particularly when associated with compulsive behaviors such as drug, alcohol or sex addiction. While I use diagnosis as a guidepost for evidenced-based recommendations, I believe strongly that diagnosis should not define you, or the work that we do together. I want to understand you as a person, your values, and your goals, so that we can develop an treatment that helps you to go beyond symptom management, to obtain your optimal sense of well-being and performance.
I am an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University. I specialize in the treatment of mood, anxiety, and ADHD disorders --particularly when associated with compulsive behaviors such as drug, alcohol or sex addiction. While I use diagnosis as a guidepost for evidenced-based recommendations, I believe strongly that diagnosis should not define you, or the work that we do together. I want to understand you as a person, your values, and your goals, so that we can develop an treatment that helps you to go beyond symptom management, to obtain your optimal sense of well-being and performance.
![Photo of Boris Fligelman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0a3fb8e-70f8-4377-b277-772630d28727/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am committed to helping people work towards relief from emotional difficulties and towards reaching their best potentials. To do so, I focus on learning about you as an individual rather than focusing on one or two symptoms in isolation. In every encounter, my goal is to understand where you are coming from by listening carefully and without assigning "good" or "bad" labels. When that understanding is gained, I find the most appropriate and helpful tools to help, whether it's therapy, medications or both.
I am committed to helping people work towards relief from emotional difficulties and towards reaching their best potentials. To do so, I focus on learning about you as an individual rather than focusing on one or two symptoms in isolation. In every encounter, my goal is to understand where you are coming from by listening carefully and without assigning "good" or "bad" labels. When that understanding is gained, I find the most appropriate and helpful tools to help, whether it's therapy, medications or both.
![Photo of Josefina Sta Romana, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43e1d08a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
It's unrealistic for me to say I can instantly and magically make all your troubles disappear ,so I won't promise you that. But I promise to do my best to help you. I am a board-certified telepsychiatrist with 22 years of clinical experience seeing adults from all walks of life. I completed my psychiatric residency at Brown University in Providence, RI where I learned the art and science of psychiatry. I provide psychotherapy and medication management online . I only prescribe psychotropic medications when medically necessary. I have a 100% multi-state telepsychiatry practice.
It's unrealistic for me to say I can instantly and magically make all your troubles disappear ,so I won't promise you that. But I promise to do my best to help you. I am a board-certified telepsychiatrist with 22 years of clinical experience seeing adults from all walks of life. I completed my psychiatric residency at Brown University in Providence, RI where I learned the art and science of psychiatry. I provide psychotherapy and medication management online . I only prescribe psychotropic medications when medically necessary. I have a 100% multi-state telepsychiatry practice.
![Photo of Leila M. Vaezazizi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f878aeff-4e3c-48f4-ab46-bcd0d3e5fb50/2/320x400.png)
Welcome! I am a psychiatrist with a specialty training in addiction, and my goal is to help you address the psychological problems and habits that are getting in the way of living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I also have expertise in mood and anxiety disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder.
Welcome! I am a psychiatrist with a specialty training in addiction, and my goal is to help you address the psychological problems and habits that are getting in the way of living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I also have expertise in mood and anxiety disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder.
![Photo of David M Sherman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c393c64-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am now seeing people virtually and in person. I provide psychotherapy with the option of medication and other integrative treatments for anxiety, depression, and stress related to relationships, work, and other life challenges. My patients experience me as warm, open, collaborative, humble, and very accessible. As my patient, I would help you identify treatment goals, and then work with you to achieve these goals by together making sense of your feelings and helping you realize new freedom in your life. For patients who are already in therapy, I also provide adjunctive medication treatment.
I am now seeing people virtually and in person. I provide psychotherapy with the option of medication and other integrative treatments for anxiety, depression, and stress related to relationships, work, and other life challenges. My patients experience me as warm, open, collaborative, humble, and very accessible. As my patient, I would help you identify treatment goals, and then work with you to achieve these goals by together making sense of your feelings and helping you realize new freedom in your life. For patients who are already in therapy, I also provide adjunctive medication treatment.
![Photo of Michael Underriner, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc122a10-4cfc-4d9a-93f8-86bf76174b03/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Underriner is a board certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at New York University. His approach to treatment is holistic, taking into account the entire person, and emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic bond to help people reduce suffering and achieve their goals. He works with people struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Dr. Underriner has maintained an interest in teaching and remains connected to the psychiatry department at NYU. He has supervised and taught junior residents and medical students.
Dr. Underriner is a board certified Staff Psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He completed his residency at New York University. His approach to treatment is holistic, taking into account the entire person, and emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic bond to help people reduce suffering and achieve their goals. He works with people struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Dr. Underriner has maintained an interest in teaching and remains connected to the psychiatry department at NYU. He has supervised and taught junior residents and medical students.
![Photo of Rona Bernadette - Modern Integrative Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18198ae9-f3f9-4412-a8af-d785af673a22/2/320x400.jpeg)
MANY INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Modern Integrative Psychiatry is a comprehensive psychiatric practice that offers a scientifically based psychopharmacologic treatment approach to the management of mental illness. Our approach is innovative and integrative, and we address the multifaceted and complex biochemical, as well as psychosocial issues that contribute to modern- day psychiatric symptoms.
MANY INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED Modern Integrative Psychiatry is a comprehensive psychiatric practice that offers a scientifically based psychopharmacologic treatment approach to the management of mental illness. Our approach is innovative and integrative, and we address the multifaceted and complex biochemical, as well as psychosocial issues that contribute to modern- day psychiatric symptoms.
![Photo of Thomas Spina, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcd89618-36fe-46f0-825a-f3f53a96560c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Thomas Spina is an adult psychiatrist beginning his practice at Talkiatry after completing his psychiatry residency at the Eastern Long Island branch of Stony Brook University where he treated a diverse patient population. Dr. Spina received his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in Queens where he studied Philosophy. Initially interested in a career in law, Dr. Spina decided to change gears and pursue a career in medicine after watching a relative struggle with her diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus.
Dr. Thomas Spina is an adult psychiatrist beginning his practice at Talkiatry after completing his psychiatry residency at the Eastern Long Island branch of Stony Brook University where he treated a diverse patient population. Dr. Spina received his undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in Queens where he studied Philosophy. Initially interested in a career in law, Dr. Spina decided to change gears and pursue a career in medicine after watching a relative struggle with her diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus.
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![Photo of Jarred C Zucker, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dffca5d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Congratulations on your decision to seek help! You've just taken the first step toward bettering your life. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, challenges in attention and focus, difficulties with your career, relationship, or self-esteem, I will work with you to find a treatment plan that is right for you. I offer a safe, supportive and private environment where you have the space to work through barriers that make it difficult to move forward. I focus on customizing treatment for each client, including psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication after careful consideration.
Congratulations on your decision to seek help! You've just taken the first step toward bettering your life. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, challenges in attention and focus, difficulties with your career, relationship, or self-esteem, I will work with you to find a treatment plan that is right for you. I offer a safe, supportive and private environment where you have the space to work through barriers that make it difficult to move forward. I focus on customizing treatment for each client, including psychotherapy alone or in combination with medication after careful consideration.
![Photo of Cristina Profumo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0bcac022-2bed-4519-826c-e9ab87b7d798/3/320x400.png)
I am a board certified psychiatrist. I was trained at NYU and I provide treatment to adults using psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I use a variety of treatment modalities combining medications, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic treatment. I have experience working with people who have bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, substance and alcohol abuse, and adult attention deficit disorder. In addition I co lead a group aimed at helping people talking about death and become comfortable with the subject. It is my belief that in doing so we can live a fuller life! Not currently available because of Covid.
I am a board certified psychiatrist. I was trained at NYU and I provide treatment to adults using psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I use a variety of treatment modalities combining medications, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic treatment. I have experience working with people who have bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, substance and alcohol abuse, and adult attention deficit disorder. In addition I co lead a group aimed at helping people talking about death and become comfortable with the subject. It is my belief that in doing so we can live a fuller life! Not currently available because of Covid.
![Photo of Lindsey Carey Wright, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57fbe765-b80a-4e17-bf45-1e58bf385e72/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Carey Wright
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10025
My patients come to me searching for a mental health provider who is well-rounded, experienced, thorough, and attentive to their life’s story. While I work as a generalist, I have extensive experience treating patients and families who have been coping with chronic stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, pain or other difficult to control physical symptoms associated with medical illness. I also have experience working with individuals and families who are dealing with advanced illness and want to find a psychiatric provider who "get's it."
My patients come to me searching for a mental health provider who is well-rounded, experienced, thorough, and attentive to their life’s story. While I work as a generalist, I have extensive experience treating patients and families who have been coping with chronic stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, pain or other difficult to control physical symptoms associated with medical illness. I also have experience working with individuals and families who are dealing with advanced illness and want to find a psychiatric provider who "get's it."
![Photo of Anne Rohs, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe7b8f80-47f8-4a54-9489-0002d2bca982/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Anne Rohs is board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry and has been in practice for over ten years. She has an extensive background working in hospital settings treating critically ill patients, which has helped hone her skills in caring for individuals with complex psychiatric illnesses complicated by medical conditions. Dr. Rohs’ approach is to provide a consistent, empathic, nonjudgmental space to develop and attain shared treatment goals.
Dr. Anne Rohs is board certified in both adult and geriatric psychiatry and has been in practice for over ten years. She has an extensive background working in hospital settings treating critically ill patients, which has helped hone her skills in caring for individuals with complex psychiatric illnesses complicated by medical conditions. Dr. Rohs’ approach is to provide a consistent, empathic, nonjudgmental space to develop and attain shared treatment goals.
![Photo of Meredith Conry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c95638a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I draw upon my nursing/medical background to holistically assess your biological, psychological, social, as well as spiritual health. In collaboration with you, I develop a treatment plan that uses either/both medications and psychotherapy to achieve and maintain health. I use frameworks in therapy that include cognitive-behavioral, existential and interpersonal theories to meet your needs. .
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I draw upon my nursing/medical background to holistically assess your biological, psychological, social, as well as spiritual health. In collaboration with you, I develop a treatment plan that uses either/both medications and psychotherapy to achieve and maintain health. I use frameworks in therapy that include cognitive-behavioral, existential and interpersonal theories to meet your needs. .
![Photo of Jane Eisen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9356143-cb56-4621-ab32-d4d46aa131ea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jane Eisen comes to Talkiatry from her previous position at McLean Hospital in Boston, where she was Clinical Director of the Depression and Anxiety Division. Clinically, she has experience working with people with significant mood and anxiety difficulties. Dr. Eisen's practice focuses on using an integrated approach to the understanding and treatment of individuals' psychosocial stresses and psychiatric symptoms. She frequently suggests including a family member or friend in at least one session to get a comprehensive sense of each person's strengths and challenges.
Dr. Jane Eisen comes to Talkiatry from her previous position at McLean Hospital in Boston, where she was Clinical Director of the Depression and Anxiety Division. Clinically, she has experience working with people with significant mood and anxiety difficulties. Dr. Eisen's practice focuses on using an integrated approach to the understanding and treatment of individuals' psychosocial stresses and psychiatric symptoms. She frequently suggests including a family member or friend in at least one session to get a comprehensive sense of each person's strengths and challenges.
I help adults who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and/or depression. I look forward to learning about your unique challenges and concerns. Using my clinical experience and a careful consideration of treatment options we will collaborate to find a way through your current difficulties.
I help adults who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and/or depression. I look forward to learning about your unique challenges and concerns. Using my clinical experience and a careful consideration of treatment options we will collaborate to find a way through your current difficulties.
![Photo of Gundu Anupama Reddy, MD, MBBS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b513c26-5b6f-44a5-9db1-0239c113e6cc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gundu Anupama Reddy
Psychiatrist, MD, MBBS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10080 (Online Only)
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist , with a special interest in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance. I have also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy , family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Finding a psychiatrist can be a challenge , and it is important that you are listened to , your thoughts and ideas addressed, and through history and evaluation is utilized to ensure quality care. Whatever your reasons for seeking a psychiatrist ,with dedication and perseverance most people have the potential to feel better and achieve symptom relief. Please view my website and blog at gaba.healthcare
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist , with a special interest in integrative psychiatry and treatment resistance. I have also trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy , family and marital therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Finding a psychiatrist can be a challenge , and it is important that you are listened to , your thoughts and ideas addressed, and through history and evaluation is utilized to ensure quality care. Whatever your reasons for seeking a psychiatrist ,with dedication and perseverance most people have the potential to feel better and achieve symptom relief. Please view my website and blog at gaba.healthcare
![Photo of Moein Foroughi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1151c085-c6a3-41ab-b575-ba0352beca51/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with advanced training in psychotherapy providing a wide range of psychiatric services, including consultation, psychotherapy, and medication management when appropriate.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with advanced training in psychotherapy providing a wide range of psychiatric services, including consultation, psychotherapy, and medication management when appropriate.
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.