Psychiatrists in Hazlehurst, GA
![Photo of Jason Wilcox, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89db0337-b203-40c0-ba91-a2ac4d37b773/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jason Wilcox
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Hazlehurst, GA 31539 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Master's from Walden University and have been practicing for one year. I look forward to helping those who have mental health problems become mentally healthy.
Hello! I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Master's from Walden University and have been practicing for one year. I look forward to helping those who have mental health problems become mentally healthy.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Korinne Edwards, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f389e2c-4aad-4bf4-9354-e65cefaf54ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Korinne Edwards
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Macon, GA 31210 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm a board-certified, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Masters and Doctorate from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City and have been practicing for the last 5 years. I help teens and adults struggling with mental health concerns become the best version of themselves with the use of medication and psychoeducation. I hope to see you soon!
Hello! I'm a board-certified, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in Georgia. I received my Masters and Doctorate from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City and have been practicing for the last 5 years. I help teens and adults struggling with mental health concerns become the best version of themselves with the use of medication and psychoeducation. I hope to see you soon!
![Photo of Tuvia Breuer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22ab1dd0-09e3-4eac-9be5-23fa02d07ecb/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Breuer is a Doctor of Osteopathy. He is up to date with the latest research and has the ability to put patients at ease. Dr. Breuer has 6 children. He enjoys jogging, planting flowers, and is a fan of the NY Mets.
Dr. Breuer is a Doctor of Osteopathy. He is up to date with the latest research and has the ability to put patients at ease. Dr. Breuer has 6 children. He enjoys jogging, planting flowers, and is a fan of the NY Mets.
![Photo of Gregory Claxton, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa6e0954-f209-4967-ab49-ec7c652d124b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gregory Claxton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Milledgeville, GA 31061 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety? Moodiness? Restlessness? Feeling down? Can't focus? I'd love to work with you to see if we can find solutions together. My main goal is to help YOU decide a mental health treatment that will be safe and most effective for you. My role is not to simply prescribe medication. My role is to be your collaborator and resource for information about medication options and prescribe them as appropriate!
Are you struggling with anxiety? Moodiness? Restlessness? Feeling down? Can't focus? I'd love to work with you to see if we can find solutions together. My main goal is to help YOU decide a mental health treatment that will be safe and most effective for you. My role is not to simply prescribe medication. My role is to be your collaborator and resource for information about medication options and prescribe them as appropriate!
![Photo of Ronald Sites, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d32e11db-4b7e-4add-855c-c25c054b45ea/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Sites is a Board Certified Psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and adult attention deficit disorder. He utilizes both medication and brief supportive psychotherapy. Education and Certifications Originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Dr. Sites not only attended Furman University but he also completed medical school and his Psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Sites is a Board Certified Psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and adult attention deficit disorder. He utilizes both medication and brief supportive psychotherapy. Education and Certifications Originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Dr. Sites not only attended Furman University but he also completed medical school and his Psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.
![Photo of Kasara Helou, PA-C, CAQ-Psy, MPH, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1c28346-8393-4c08-940f-e91996e1cc4c/2/320x400.png)
Kasara provides effective evidence-based medication management and brief therapeutic counseling for adults, adolescents and children. She treats a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, ADHD and autism. She coordinates care by working closely with psycho-therapists, counselors, and other health care providers. She has a strong background working with children and adolescents alongside Dr. Julie Jensen, but also has a longstanding history caring for adults, the elderly and underserved.
Kasara provides effective evidence-based medication management and brief therapeutic counseling for adults, adolescents and children. She treats a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, ADHD and autism. She coordinates care by working closely with psycho-therapists, counselors, and other health care providers. She has a strong background working with children and adolescents alongside Dr. Julie Jensen, but also has a longstanding history caring for adults, the elderly and underserved.
![Photo of Evelyn Booker, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d362acb-186d-496c-9d65-0e1fb637e7f6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Evelyn Booker is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of psychiatric-mental experience. Evelyn is accepting new patients all over Georgia via telehealth visits for comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Evelyn treats anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or any other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones.
Evelyn Booker is a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of psychiatric-mental experience. Evelyn is accepting new patients all over Georgia via telehealth visits for comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Evelyn treats anyone suffering with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or any other mental health issue that is adversely affecting optimal functioning at work, deterring their best social self, or preventing being fully present for loved ones.
![Photo of David Sogbamu, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6f436f8-8645-4e8f-865e-0003d56b6d8a/1/320x400.jpeg)
David Sogbamu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Milledgeville, GA 31061
Mr. David Sogbamu, MSN, APRN, PMHNP–BC, stands at the forefront of psychiatric and mental health care, bringing a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to his practice. As a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on the entire lifespan, David has dedicated his career to the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.
Mr. David Sogbamu, MSN, APRN, PMHNP–BC, stands at the forefront of psychiatric and mental health care, bringing a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to his practice. As a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on the entire lifespan, David has dedicated his career to the comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.
![Photo of Pamela Mokoko - Dr. Pamela Mokoko, LLC, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c515ce1-3c03-4f20-b99e-1890ebda115f/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Pamela Mokoko, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Savannah, GA 31419
I am a board certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of various mental health disorder across life span, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, substance abuse, oppositional defiant disorder and antisocial personality. Collaborating with other clinicians , I also provide Individual, Couples and Family psychotherapy. My approach is Patient Centered and Comprehensive. I will take the time to get to know you and understand your specific concerns and goals. Using motivational interview, together we will work to address your goals so that you can have a more fulfilling relationships and life experiences.
I am a board certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of various mental health disorder across life span, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, substance abuse, oppositional defiant disorder and antisocial personality. Collaborating with other clinicians , I also provide Individual, Couples and Family psychotherapy. My approach is Patient Centered and Comprehensive. I will take the time to get to know you and understand your specific concerns and goals. Using motivational interview, together we will work to address your goals so that you can have a more fulfilling relationships and life experiences.
![Photo of Dr. Diana Jubilee Awuah, DNP, PMNP-BC, FNP-C, CME, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b3fce7b-b33f-49dd-8c19-ac2664f5eff9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Diana Jubilee Awuah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMNP-BC, FNP-C, CME
Verified Verified
Macon, GA 31210 (Online Only)
Hi there, I'm Dr. Diana Jubilee Awuah. I am the founder of Jubilee Healthcare Providers LLC. I have over 11 years of combined experience as a healthcare provider. Do you feel pulled in many directions and unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Are you feeling lost? I help men, women, and children who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and other mental health problems to finally get a breakthrough so they can reclaim their joy, restore their confidence, and improve their overall health. Together, we can identify what is not working and get you back to balance.
Hi there, I'm Dr. Diana Jubilee Awuah. I am the founder of Jubilee Healthcare Providers LLC. I have over 11 years of combined experience as a healthcare provider. Do you feel pulled in many directions and unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work, and health? Are you feeling lost? I help men, women, and children who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, and other mental health problems to finally get a breakthrough so they can reclaim their joy, restore their confidence, and improve their overall health. Together, we can identify what is not working and get you back to balance.
![Photo of Kourtney Gibson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbdcc1ed-5b07-4e2b-b27c-ec987443b3e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kourtney was born and raised in Pierce County, GA but has called the Golden Isles her home since 2015. She received her Master of Science from Walden University. She has worked in a variety of both inpatient and outpatient settings for over 10 years. Kourtney treats mental health from a complete, holistic, and individualized perspective, offering both psychotherapy and psychiatric services throughout your visit. At this time Kourtney does NOT prescribe any psychostimulants such as Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.
Kourtney was born and raised in Pierce County, GA but has called the Golden Isles her home since 2015. She received her Master of Science from Walden University. She has worked in a variety of both inpatient and outpatient settings for over 10 years. Kourtney treats mental health from a complete, holistic, and individualized perspective, offering both psychotherapy and psychiatric services throughout your visit. At this time Kourtney does NOT prescribe any psychostimulants such as Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.
![Photo of Dr. Chinwe Ibiam, DNP, AGACNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/746529dd-fa3e-42e6-a182-9d7c12f73a40/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Chinwe Ibiam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, AGACNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Savannah, GA 31401 (Online Only)
I am a compassionate, dual certified, doctorate degree prepared psychiatric provider with great people skills. Specializes in mental health, and adult gerontology. I see patients with mental health needs across the age span from ages 6 to over 100 years. I see patients from the state of Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Washington State.
I am a compassionate, dual certified, doctorate degree prepared psychiatric provider with great people skills. Specializes in mental health, and adult gerontology. I see patients with mental health needs across the age span from ages 6 to over 100 years. I see patients from the state of Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Washington State.
![Photo of Patrick Notini - Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry , MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f19a7f4-6595-42f2-9567-fc2d6b3b8a9e/1/320x400.png)
The decision to start medication for your mental health is a big step to creating the life you deserve. Dr. Notini is specialized in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and PTSD. Dr. Notini has experience serving veterans and active duty military individuals as well.
The decision to start medication for your mental health is a big step to creating the life you deserve. Dr. Notini is specialized in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and PTSD. Dr. Notini has experience serving veterans and active duty military individuals as well.
![Photo of Shikira Woods, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39b34451-728d-4821-9076-1518d98609fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! My name is Shikira. I’m a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree in nursing practice. I’m originally from Ohio. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, sports, travel, community service activities, and my beloved fur babies. My experience is in medical/surgical nursing, brief counseling, and adult/child/adolescent mental health care. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment settings throughout my 10+ years in healthcare.
Hi! My name is Shikira. I’m a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree in nursing practice. I’m originally from Ohio. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, sports, travel, community service activities, and my beloved fur babies. My experience is in medical/surgical nursing, brief counseling, and adult/child/adolescent mental health care. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment settings throughout my 10+ years in healthcare.
![Photo of Alivia McMahan, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bcaa6ef-2ec3-4378-8250-f2a7af71d224/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alivia McMahan is a Psychiatric Physician Assistant in Georgia who has been practicing since 2020. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology at Georgia Southern University and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at South University in Savannah, Georgia. She is a member of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Assistants. Alivia specializes in treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions and is passionate about helping patients to feel their best and improve their quality of life.
Alivia McMahan is a Psychiatric Physician Assistant in Georgia who has been practicing since 2020. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology at Georgia Southern University and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at South University in Savannah, Georgia. She is a member of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Assistants. Alivia specializes in treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions and is passionate about helping patients to feel their best and improve their quality of life.
![Photo of Mitzi Tyre, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9074b00-8ba8-4c5c-9683-739135163ff3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mitzi Tyre
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Savannah, GA 31406 (Online Only)
Mitzi was born and raised in South Georgia. She attended Valdosta State and Georgia Southern University, having received a bachelor and masters degree in nursing and also achieving certification through American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has worked locally in the specialty of mental health and substance abuse both in outpatient and inpatient settings for the last 13 years now. Mitzi is well versed in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, bipolar disorder, addiction as well as other mental health related disorders.
Mitzi was born and raised in South Georgia. She attended Valdosta State and Georgia Southern University, having received a bachelor and masters degree in nursing and also achieving certification through American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has worked locally in the specialty of mental health and substance abuse both in outpatient and inpatient settings for the last 13 years now. Mitzi is well versed in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, bipolar disorder, addiction as well as other mental health related disorders.
![Photo of Caroline DeRosa, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14347e8b-07e6-470f-ac39-000fc0d9f3c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline DeRosa, PMHNP Caroline DeRosa is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Georgia who started practicing in 2015. She has a BA in Psychology from Sewanee: University of the South, an MSN from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, and an M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University Peabody College. Caroline believes in working collaboratively with her patients in developing and implementing their unique treatment plans.
Caroline DeRosa, PMHNP Caroline DeRosa is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Georgia who started practicing in 2015. She has a BA in Psychology from Sewanee: University of the South, an MSN from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, and an M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University Peabody College. Caroline believes in working collaboratively with her patients in developing and implementing their unique treatment plans.
![Photo of Whitney Krawczyk, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1da09ce7-1617-4224-a1af-30a5c356e47d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Whitney works with adolescents, adults, and geriatrics to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. She has 7 years of nursing experience in hospital and outpatient settings, working with patients from various backgrounds with chronic medical and mental health conditions. She develops clear concise treatment plans through a patient-centered approach, utilizing medications, lifestyle changes, and supportive psychotherapy as needed.
Whitney works with adolescents, adults, and geriatrics to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. She has 7 years of nursing experience in hospital and outpatient settings, working with patients from various backgrounds with chronic medical and mental health conditions. She develops clear concise treatment plans through a patient-centered approach, utilizing medications, lifestyle changes, and supportive psychotherapy as needed.
![Photo of Cassandra Gilliam - A New You Psychiatric Care LLC, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12ce18f3-773f-43b7-81ee-00b115d0a618/2/320x400.jpeg)
A New You Psychiatric Care LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Macon, GA 31206 (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in anxiety and panic disorders, mood disorders and trauma. If you are feeling tearful, irritable or having issues with attention and focus, allow me to help you determine a course of treatment that can help you feel more like yourself. I will use a combination of assessment, evaluation and talk therapy to ascertain any underlying mental health alterations to develop a diagnosis and care plan to promote positive behavioral changes. As a mental health advocate my goal is to ensure that each client receives individualized, and patient centered care.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in anxiety and panic disorders, mood disorders and trauma. If you are feeling tearful, irritable or having issues with attention and focus, allow me to help you determine a course of treatment that can help you feel more like yourself. I will use a combination of assessment, evaluation and talk therapy to ascertain any underlying mental health alterations to develop a diagnosis and care plan to promote positive behavioral changes. As a mental health advocate my goal is to ensure that each client receives individualized, and patient centered care.
My mission is to provide flexible and quality mental health care for those in need. I am available to see patients in office and through a HIPAA safe Telehealth platform. My ultimate goal is to meet patients where they are and prepare a treatment plan that best meets their needs. At Lake Country Behavioral Health I am committed to building a therapeutic client-provider relationship and utilize evidence-based practice to establish an individualized treatment plan.
My mission is to provide flexible and quality mental health care for those in need. I am available to see patients in office and through a HIPAA safe Telehealth platform. My ultimate goal is to meet patients where they are and prepare a treatment plan that best meets their needs. At Lake Country Behavioral Health I am committed to building a therapeutic client-provider relationship and utilize evidence-based practice to establish an individualized treatment plan.
See more therapy options for Hazlehurst
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Hazlehurst, GA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Hazlehurst, GA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Geriatric and Seniors |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
1 Year
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
100% | Other |
100% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Hazlehurst, GA see their clients
100% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Hazlehurst?
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.