Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
![Photo of Kimberley Durr, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64c9ede0-612f-482f-9666-e3a88a123d85/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Kimberley Durr. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience. I specialize in treating mood disorders (i.e. depression and bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia but have experience evaluating and providing medication management in other neurodevelopmental, eating, and substance use disorders. I offer a supportive, compassionate, and gentle approach to patient care and provide evidence-based guidance. I treat each person individually and holistically and will incorporate your life narratives and preferences when developing your treatment plan.
Hello, my name is Kimberley Durr. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience. I specialize in treating mood disorders (i.e. depression and bipolar), anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia but have experience evaluating and providing medication management in other neurodevelopmental, eating, and substance use disorders. I offer a supportive, compassionate, and gentle approach to patient care and provide evidence-based guidance. I treat each person individually and holistically and will incorporate your life narratives and preferences when developing your treatment plan.
![Photo of Paul Pawlowski - Paul Pawlowski MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c4f51bc-5b47-4e7d-881b-0045475a197a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Paul Pawlowski MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90065 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in psychotherapy and medication management services for adults. As a psychiatrist, I am uniquely poised to combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in a manner that resonates with a client’s goals and personal experiences. For some people this involves psychotherapy alone, focused on creating a comfortable space to examine and ameliorate the patterns and behaviors which may be inadvertently furthering one’s dissatisfaction. For other individuals, the complementary use of medications or alternative treatments may be indicated.
I am a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in psychotherapy and medication management services for adults. As a psychiatrist, I am uniquely poised to combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in a manner that resonates with a client’s goals and personal experiences. For some people this involves psychotherapy alone, focused on creating a comfortable space to examine and ameliorate the patterns and behaviors which may be inadvertently furthering one’s dissatisfaction. For other individuals, the complementary use of medications or alternative treatments may be indicated.
![Photo of Holly Ann Olalia, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae367ca1-1f06-4e80-a359-9b48d6853d74/1/320x400.png)
Holly Ann Olalia
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064 (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!
![Photo of Sanaz Niksefat, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2898e46f-391c-49eb-ab3f-04fbd395fd8b/1/320x400.jpeg)
We live in a society that many people suffer from anxiety, hopelessness, impulsivity, sadness, forgetfulness, social isolation and loneliness. As a result of these conditions, they have difficulty performing daily tasks and engaging in activities they enjoy. I learned through experience on how to assist my patients by creating individualized plan of care based on their assessment and mental health screening to initiate appropriate psychotropic medication therapy.
We live in a society that many people suffer from anxiety, hopelessness, impulsivity, sadness, forgetfulness, social isolation and loneliness. As a result of these conditions, they have difficulty performing daily tasks and engaging in activities they enjoy. I learned through experience on how to assist my patients by creating individualized plan of care based on their assessment and mental health screening to initiate appropriate psychotropic medication therapy.
![Photo of Isabella Morton, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f5d21c9-ef61-4d0b-8562-0ca761893521/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist specializing in general adult and addiction psychiatry. I have worked with patients from diverse backgrounds in various settings including inpatient units, emergency rooms, residential treatment programs, county jails, diversion programs and street psychiatry. I am board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
I am a psychiatrist specializing in general adult and addiction psychiatry. I have worked with patients from diverse backgrounds in various settings including inpatient units, emergency rooms, residential treatment programs, county jails, diversion programs and street psychiatry. I am board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
![Photo of Sarah Blue, MD-BC, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/749b67eb-4306-4274-b844-247116c8cab3/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Uju Osagie, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9dbae4c-ec40-45ef-b9bd-11bfdb521d6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Uju Osagie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I am a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner with dual board certification: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate. I have over 23 years of extensive nursing experience in critical care, behavioral health, and addiction.
I am a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner with dual board certification: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate. I have over 23 years of extensive nursing experience in critical care, behavioral health, and addiction.
![Photo of Assal Tavakoli Parsa, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2367e70-7d36-4d1b-baae-e62576de6c4b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, Psychotherapy, Telemedicine, Spravato and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Dr. Angela Goddard, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/437aed1e-eed7-40aa-9919-63ed044d92e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Angela Goddard
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Not accepting new clients
JULY 2024: I am not currently accepting new patients. I help adults of all ages work through their problems, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job loss, bereavement, and coping with illness. I am a psychiatrist that also practices psychotherapy and treatment may consist of talk therapy, medications, or both. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if I am the right person to help you and to answer your questions.
JULY 2024: I am not currently accepting new patients. I help adults of all ages work through their problems, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job loss, bereavement, and coping with illness. I am a psychiatrist that also practices psychotherapy and treatment may consist of talk therapy, medications, or both. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if I am the right person to help you and to answer your questions.
![Photo of James Williams - Mindspace Nursing Inc, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23750169-1fad-44e9-b634-cfb96c4e8194/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mindspace Nursing Inc
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90013 (Online Only)
The ultimate goal for us all is mental wellness. We seek to understand ourselves, to better ourselves and to fulfill our potential. This can be difficult at times when things like depression, intrusive thoughts, and other emotions interfere with our daily lives. The goal for Mindspace is to guide you to the realization that you can handle whatever life throws at you
The ultimate goal for us all is mental wellness. We seek to understand ourselves, to better ourselves and to fulfill our potential. This can be difficult at times when things like depression, intrusive thoughts, and other emotions interfere with our daily lives. The goal for Mindspace is to guide you to the realization that you can handle whatever life throws at you
![Photo of Doryann M. Lebe, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b812bb2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist, analytically trained, who has been practicing in the Los Angeles area for thirty-five years. I am broadly in general psychiatry, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic and humanistic psychology as well as psychopharmacology and geriatric psychiatry. My approach utilizes humanistic, relational, cognitive and psychodynamic techniques that are interactive and unique to each person I treat. My special skills are in treating individuals with relationship and or career conflicts and life transitions.
I am a psychiatrist, analytically trained, who has been practicing in the Los Angeles area for thirty-five years. I am broadly in general psychiatry, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic and humanistic psychology as well as psychopharmacology and geriatric psychiatry. My approach utilizes humanistic, relational, cognitive and psychodynamic techniques that are interactive and unique to each person I treat. My special skills are in treating individuals with relationship and or career conflicts and life transitions.
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![Photo of Janet Osuagwu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26d7478f-beb9-484c-b6fc-b46834febfef/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janet Osuagwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Online Only)
I believe that each individual deserves a life that is fulfilling, enriched, empowered and allow for understanding of self and feelings. You don’t want to continue living in isolation and consumed daily with thoughts of how to face tomorrow hence you making this move. If you feel seeking help and scheduling this appointment today with me for psychiatric medication management is the right move, then you are right. By taking this bold step today, you are ready to take back control of your life and pave a new path for yourself. I am here to help you achieve through.
I believe that each individual deserves a life that is fulfilling, enriched, empowered and allow for understanding of self and feelings. You don’t want to continue living in isolation and consumed daily with thoughts of how to face tomorrow hence you making this move. If you feel seeking help and scheduling this appointment today with me for psychiatric medication management is the right move, then you are right. By taking this bold step today, you are ready to take back control of your life and pave a new path for yourself. I am here to help you achieve through.
![Photo of Michael T Ingram Jr., MS, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/866c8209-1f6c-433e-93a7-2a9759205003/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Ingram is a double board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. He has additional board certification in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (formerly Psychosomatic Medicine), a sub-specialty bridging the gap between mental and physical health.
Dr. Ingram is a double board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. He has additional board certification in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (formerly Psychosomatic Medicine), a sub-specialty bridging the gap between mental and physical health.
![Photo of Benedicta Osuji, DNP, APRN, PHN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9eec3634-b37d-4bf6-b876-096273469a94/1/320x400.jpeg)
Benedicta Osuji
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PHN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90047 (Online Only)
Dr. Benedicta Osuji DNP, APRN, PHN, PMHNP-BC is a passionate and caring provider to her patients, She has been a PMHNP for about Five years with vast experience in psychiatric mental health. I employ evidence-based practices and a holistic approach to provide personalized care for optimal mental health outcomes that enable her patients to return to their baseline functioning. She believes that it is important to consider biological, psychological, and social factors when addressing behavioral health concerns. She is warm and approachable. She has a special interest in patient education, psychiatry, and medication management.
Dr. Benedicta Osuji DNP, APRN, PHN, PMHNP-BC is a passionate and caring provider to her patients, She has been a PMHNP for about Five years with vast experience in psychiatric mental health. I employ evidence-based practices and a holistic approach to provide personalized care for optimal mental health outcomes that enable her patients to return to their baseline functioning. She believes that it is important to consider biological, psychological, and social factors when addressing behavioral health concerns. She is warm and approachable. She has a special interest in patient education, psychiatry, and medication management.
![Photo of Monique Sinclare, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c2b1320-0ec6-43cc-ad98-00eee8f5b231/1/320x400.jpeg)
Monique works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Monique believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Monique works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Monique believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
![Photo of Justin Roberts, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe3359c7-685f-4a09-8ee6-ac02e1938737/2/320x400.jpeg)
Justin Roberts
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
While I am positioned to offer a LGBTQ+ perspective in my practice, I support clients from all backgrounds in reaching their mental health goals through compassionate, patient-centered care. I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, sex-positive counseling, mood disorders, and substance use disorders for adults over 18 years old. I approach all clients with curiosity and an open mind, using psychotherapeutic modalities centered in mindfulness and current evidence-based treatment.
While I am positioned to offer a LGBTQ+ perspective in my practice, I support clients from all backgrounds in reaching their mental health goals through compassionate, patient-centered care. I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, sex-positive counseling, mood disorders, and substance use disorders for adults over 18 years old. I approach all clients with curiosity and an open mind, using psychotherapeutic modalities centered in mindfulness and current evidence-based treatment.
![Photo of Tom Xia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7351b06-f1a3-476b-87c1-1145224e0f32/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tom Xia is a licensed physician with a whole-person approach to mental health. He incorporates a combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other common and complex conditions. His clinical interests include intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, long-term dynamic psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based therapies.
Dr. Tom Xia is a licensed physician with a whole-person approach to mental health. He incorporates a combination of medication management and psychotherapy in treating a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other common and complex conditions. His clinical interests include intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, long-term dynamic psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based therapies.
![Photo of Arthur Roehr, DNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460c35c2-84bb-49d0-b3a4-e54db30b5db3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Arthur Roehr
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Online Only)
I am driven by a deep passion for emotional well-being, I am committed to assisting you through your unique path to healing and growth. My mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to individuals from all walks of life. I place a special emphasis on creating a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free space. My unique approach is centered around the provider-patient relationship. I believe that healing thrives in an environment where you can openly express yourself without fear of judgment or criticism. In this atmosphere of trust and compassion, I specialize in a wide range of therapeutic services.
I am driven by a deep passion for emotional well-being, I am committed to assisting you through your unique path to healing and growth. My mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to individuals from all walks of life. I place a special emphasis on creating a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free space. My unique approach is centered around the provider-patient relationship. I believe that healing thrives in an environment where you can openly express yourself without fear of judgment or criticism. In this atmosphere of trust and compassion, I specialize in a wide range of therapeutic services.
![Photo of Safir Azam Md Telepsychiatry Services, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37319566-a092-4112-8012-abffdd3dae2d/1/320x400.png)
Safir Azam Md Telepsychiatry Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90046 (Online Only)
I am passionate about quickly identifying and implementing strategies to help you notice results soon. I completed 8 years of Psychiatric training including 4 years at Royal London Hospital UK followed by Residency at SUNY Downstate Hospital , New York and a fellowship year at UF Gainesville . I treat most Paychiatric issues and specialize in Moor disorders, ADHD, Anxiety and depressive issues . I provide care in a confidential and caring manner . I formulate a treatment plan that is tailored to the needs and wishes of each patient. I help my patients achieve their goals and aspirations and bring positive changes in their lives .
I am passionate about quickly identifying and implementing strategies to help you notice results soon. I completed 8 years of Psychiatric training including 4 years at Royal London Hospital UK followed by Residency at SUNY Downstate Hospital , New York and a fellowship year at UF Gainesville . I treat most Paychiatric issues and specialize in Moor disorders, ADHD, Anxiety and depressive issues . I provide care in a confidential and caring manner . I formulate a treatment plan that is tailored to the needs and wishes of each patient. I help my patients achieve their goals and aspirations and bring positive changes in their lives .
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA
600+
Average cost per session
$250
Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA who prioritize treating:
94% | Anxiety |
92% | Depression |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
75% | ADHD |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
73% | Medication Management |
71% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
92% | Cigna and Evernorth |
87% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Los Angeles, CA see their clients
53% | Online Only | |
47% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
61% | Female | |
38% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Los Angeles?
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.