Psychiatrists in Grimes, IA
![Photo of Danielle Penton, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db4886d-2e71-46a4-8cc6-c0a89d681aaa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who offers comprehensive psychiatric care and medication management services. She emphasizes the significance of creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment, where individuals can feel welcomed and understood. Danielle's approach involves meeting each person at their own unique stage and collaborating with them to effectively manage symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan. She is currently accepting new patients.
Danielle is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who offers comprehensive psychiatric care and medication management services. She emphasizes the significance of creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment, where individuals can feel welcomed and understood. Danielle's approach involves meeting each person at their own unique stage and collaborating with them to effectively manage symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan. She is currently accepting new patients.
![Photo of Kerri Patton - Luna Mental Health, PLLC , PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d65183f4-b46f-45b9-b786-8db6131d5f89/2/320x400.jpeg)
Luna Mental Health, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grimes, IA 50111
My name is Kerri Patton. I love being a nurse practitioner. I have worked as one for over 17 years. I am dual certified as both a family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have worked in many areas over the course of my career. One theme has been present no matter the setting; all health starts and stops with mental health. My hope is to help patients find as much quality in their life as possible while improving suffering that can come along with mental illness. This is why I opened Luna Mental Health.
My name is Kerri Patton. I love being a nurse practitioner. I have worked as one for over 17 years. I am dual certified as both a family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have worked in many areas over the course of my career. One theme has been present no matter the setting; all health starts and stops with mental health. My hope is to help patients find as much quality in their life as possible while improving suffering that can come along with mental illness. This is why I opened Luna Mental Health.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Shyrl Hoag, ANRP, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e5c3d2c-f631-4573-abf7-c6ba5165ab32/2/320x400.jpeg)
From time to time, our lives take an unexpected turn for the worse. We may suffer from emotional illness, or experience conflict, loss, misfortune. Trauma and chronic disability may affect our loved ones or us. Life adversities may temporarily overwhelm our ability to carry on. We may turn pessimistic, doubtful, and hopeless. Feel demoralized, worried, and anxious. Suffer sadness, distress, and anguish. Become angry and resentful. Feel distrustful and quarrel with others. At such times, we could benefit from treatment, including psychotherapy treatment, including psychotherapy, and prescription medicine.
From time to time, our lives take an unexpected turn for the worse. We may suffer from emotional illness, or experience conflict, loss, misfortune. Trauma and chronic disability may affect our loved ones or us. Life adversities may temporarily overwhelm our ability to carry on. We may turn pessimistic, doubtful, and hopeless. Feel demoralized, worried, and anxious. Suffer sadness, distress, and anguish. Become angry and resentful. Feel distrustful and quarrel with others. At such times, we could benefit from treatment, including psychotherapy treatment, including psychotherapy, and prescription medicine.
![Photo of Walnut Creek Psychiatry - Walnut Creek Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ec6af19-a966-43a1-8fbe-b4583eb039cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Walnut Creek Psychiatry is deeply committed to providing individuals with exceptional psychiatric care. We specialize in your mental well-being by relying on our expertise to provide the highest quality of psychiatric care with an emphasis on individual uniqueness. We treat ages 4 through older adults for illnesses such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others. We provide a safe environment, empathetic listening skills, and diverse services to meet the individual needs of our clients. Medical and therapy services are provided in offices or through telehealth across Iowa.
Walnut Creek Psychiatry is deeply committed to providing individuals with exceptional psychiatric care. We specialize in your mental well-being by relying on our expertise to provide the highest quality of psychiatric care with an emphasis on individual uniqueness. We treat ages 4 through older adults for illnesses such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and others. We provide a safe environment, empathetic listening skills, and diverse services to meet the individual needs of our clients. Medical and therapy services are provided in offices or through telehealth across Iowa.
![Photo of Dr. Ahmar M Butt Psychiatrist M D (Triple Board Certified), MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cb18343-4287-43b7-ae60-55dffc1f5122/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ahmar M Butt Psychiatrist M D (Triple Board Certified)
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Balance TMS, Esketamine, and Psychiatry. Ahmar M. Butt, MD. Board certified in General/Adult Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine. 1517 N Ankeny Blvd Suite E, Ankeny, IA 50023 Tel: 515-446-8486, 515-337-3967. Fax: 800-861-7495 www.balanceteap.com
Balance TMS, Esketamine, and Psychiatry. Ahmar M. Butt, MD. Board certified in General/Adult Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine. 1517 N Ankeny Blvd Suite E, Ankeny, IA 50023 Tel: 515-446-8486, 515-337-3967. Fax: 800-861-7495 www.balanceteap.com
![Photo of Erica Sloan, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e399ffc8-65ab-4a49-9820-54d34b00296e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erica Sloan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
The decision to seek evaluation and medication support for your child is complex and often emotional. I desire to help families understand all options in a supportive, caring environment where both children and their caregivers feel comfortable in asking questions and sharing concerns. In planning for your child's support, I understand that there are many factors to consider, including family dynamics, school performance, peer relationships, behaviors, nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness. I believe collaborating with families to create a well considered plan is imperative for successful outcomes.
The decision to seek evaluation and medication support for your child is complex and often emotional. I desire to help families understand all options in a supportive, caring environment where both children and their caregivers feel comfortable in asking questions and sharing concerns. In planning for your child's support, I understand that there are many factors to consider, including family dynamics, school performance, peer relationships, behaviors, nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness. I believe collaborating with families to create a well considered plan is imperative for successful outcomes.
![Photo of Nadine Smith - Magnolia Psychiatric Services, PLLC, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4be646d0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Magnolia Psychiatric Services, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50315 (Online Only)
Welcome! I am passionate about helping you to achieve optimal functioning in your pursuit to regain emotional and mental well-being. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide high-quality mental health care for adolescents and adults. I conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and collaboratively create individualized treatment plans. I give thorough consideration to the biological, psychological, and social factors impacting your mental health. Please note ALL visits are conducted VIRTUALLY.
Welcome! I am passionate about helping you to achieve optimal functioning in your pursuit to regain emotional and mental well-being. As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I provide high-quality mental health care for adolescents and adults. I conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and collaboratively create individualized treatment plans. I give thorough consideration to the biological, psychological, and social factors impacting your mental health. Please note ALL visits are conducted VIRTUALLY.
![Photo of Steven John Meek, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab4fb3d5-ffce-43bb-9b4b-e56d4524cd94/1/320x400.jpeg)
Steven John Meek
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50310 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have a passion for designing specialized treatment plans tailored to analyzing and caring for the root elements of mental health. My solution-based focus and patient orientated treatment style has attained consistent results. I apply an array of treatment modalities supporting the biological, psychological, and social dynamics of mental health.
I have a passion for designing specialized treatment plans tailored to analyzing and caring for the root elements of mental health. My solution-based focus and patient orientated treatment style has attained consistent results. I apply an array of treatment modalities supporting the biological, psychological, and social dynamics of mental health.
![Photo of Laura L Owens, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/957a2945-f5d7-4619-8d6c-90da3da80486/2/320x400.jpeg)
I sincerely believe that nursing is the most rewarding career that I could have chosen. I believe the importance of exerting a positive influence , providing individualized care, acknowledging each clients unique situation, and providing compassionate high quality care is what each client looks for in a provider.
I sincerely believe that nursing is the most rewarding career that I could have chosen. I believe the importance of exerting a positive influence , providing individualized care, acknowledging each clients unique situation, and providing compassionate high quality care is what each client looks for in a provider.
![Photo of Corey Weaver, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49a74adb-de00-40c0-9ccc-2be14e3ba2ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Corey Weaver
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clive, IA 50325
Corey Weaver is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has worked in healthcare in the Des Moines area for over 20 years, which includes inpatient and outpatient mental health. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University. He went on to earn his Masters of Science in Nursing at Allen College in Waterloo, Iowa. Corey provides patient centered care with individualized treatment plans. Corey’s specialties include depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse. Corey enjoys spending time with family, traveling, sports, and appreciates continual learning.
Corey Weaver is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has worked in healthcare in the Des Moines area for over 20 years, which includes inpatient and outpatient mental health. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University. He went on to earn his Masters of Science in Nursing at Allen College in Waterloo, Iowa. Corey provides patient centered care with individualized treatment plans. Corey’s specialties include depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse. Corey enjoys spending time with family, traveling, sports, and appreciates continual learning.
![Photo of Lacey Cheeseman, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4641e2a-6620-405a-9f1b-0db5fe1a6105/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lacey Cheeseman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
My interests include mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD.
My interests include mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD.
![Photo of Quentin Chambers - Alpha Allied Treatment Center, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e711a9d-28e9-4d58-9740-c3e5fa94b257/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alpha Allied Treatment Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266 (Online Only)
I am an independent, full practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. I have spent the past 18yrs getting to know patients with Bipolar, Anxiety, ADD, Addiction and integrative psychiatry care. I find this group fascinating. I am interested in patients who are vested in their own mental health. If this is you, give me a call. Ask about our non-narcotics opiates withdrawal system, called "The Bridge" device. Almost 90% success rate. We are ready to help you.
I am an independent, full practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. I have spent the past 18yrs getting to know patients with Bipolar, Anxiety, ADD, Addiction and integrative psychiatry care. I find this group fascinating. I am interested in patients who are vested in their own mental health. If this is you, give me a call. Ask about our non-narcotics opiates withdrawal system, called "The Bridge" device. Almost 90% success rate. We are ready to help you.
![Photo of Lisa York, ARNP, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35015f6b-9c01-4ea8-882d-e55cf1e59e73/5/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience. I serve adults experiencing mental health symptoms that are negatively impacting their daily lives. I offer medication management while using a holistic approach along with evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, women’s mental health disorders and more. My therapeutic style is welcoming, warm, nonjudgmental and respectful. I have received additional training from Post Partum Support International.
Hello! I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience. I serve adults experiencing mental health symptoms that are negatively impacting their daily lives. I offer medication management while using a holistic approach along with evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, women’s mental health disorders and more. My therapeutic style is welcoming, warm, nonjudgmental and respectful. I have received additional training from Post Partum Support International.
![Photo of Justin Janss, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a26ba163-c694-4495-a273-541e06106a8d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Justin Janss
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50311
I am dedicated to exploring every possible avenue that contributes to your personal journey towards health and wellness. My approach focuses on viewing and treating each individual holistically, recognizing that healing comes from within. With this understanding, I acknowledge that there are numerous paths to achieving the health and happiness you seek. Within my private practice, we have the flexibility and capacity to thoroughly address all aspects influencing your overall well-being. Mental health is interconnected with physical, spiritual, relational, and energetic well-being.
I am dedicated to exploring every possible avenue that contributes to your personal journey towards health and wellness. My approach focuses on viewing and treating each individual holistically, recognizing that healing comes from within. With this understanding, I acknowledge that there are numerous paths to achieving the health and happiness you seek. Within my private practice, we have the flexibility and capacity to thoroughly address all aspects influencing your overall well-being. Mental health is interconnected with physical, spiritual, relational, and energetic well-being.
![Photo of Nicole Roetman, ARNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/febde8ab-eb9c-4e70-9662-96a71afba46f/1/320x400.png)
Nicole Roetman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARNP, PMHNP-B, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Urbandale, IA 50322
Ms. Roetman is Dual Certified Nurse Practitioner who works with clients along the life span from age 12 yo to 65 yo experiencing mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma, psychotic disorders, and other mental health concerns. Mrs. Roetman graduated from Drake University with her MSN, FNP-BC and the University of IA for her PMHNP-BC. She provides medication management and supportive therapy. Her treatment model emphasis providing a calm and supportive environment in an attempt to humanize the experience of treatment allowing clients to receive the highest quality of care.
Ms. Roetman is Dual Certified Nurse Practitioner who works with clients along the life span from age 12 yo to 65 yo experiencing mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma, psychotic disorders, and other mental health concerns. Mrs. Roetman graduated from Drake University with her MSN, FNP-BC and the University of IA for her PMHNP-BC. She provides medication management and supportive therapy. Her treatment model emphasis providing a calm and supportive environment in an attempt to humanize the experience of treatment allowing clients to receive the highest quality of care.
![Photo of Angie Veenstra, PMHNP, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73772b83-90ad-45fd-9ae2-96c2952034b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angie Veenstra
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50265
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide psychiatric assessment, treatment and medication management for ages 5 and up. My goal is for people to feel comfortable and confident about their treatment plan. This is accomplished with open communication, active listening on my part, and trying to gain an understanding of what is important to you. Together we will come up with a plan of care that may involve medications, but also will look at other options for testing and treatment as needed. I want you to live a life that is meaningful to you.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I provide psychiatric assessment, treatment and medication management for ages 5 and up. My goal is for people to feel comfortable and confident about their treatment plan. This is accomplished with open communication, active listening on my part, and trying to gain an understanding of what is important to you. Together we will come up with a plan of care that may involve medications, but also will look at other options for testing and treatment as needed. I want you to live a life that is meaningful to you.
![Photo of Molly St Clair, ARNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f80af6e9-93a9-4085-a3a3-e520ed77a029/1/320x400.jpeg)
Molly has over a decade of varied nursing experience including medical-surgical, labor and delivery, and women’s health. She works with adults and is passionate about helping individuals living with depression, postpartum mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma.
Molly has over a decade of varied nursing experience including medical-surgical, labor and delivery, and women’s health. She works with adults and is passionate about helping individuals living with depression, postpartum mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma.
![Photo of David Edwin Drake, DO, MTS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44dcdb87-c94d-49f4-b320-d0a9aca80541/3/320x400.jpeg)
Fees are negotiable! As a psychiatrist I have a unique practice where I offer combined talk work (psychotherapy) along with conservative use of medication, where helpful. I work with individuals, couples, and families from a family systems perspective, having trained extensively in Bowen Family Systems Theory. A Colorado native, I live in Des Moines, Iowa and provide televideo psychiatry throughout both Iowa and Colorado. I negotiate fees with my patients. I am able to see folks on Medicare if they sign a waiver that allows me to bill them on a self-pay basis. Call me and let's talk.
Fees are negotiable! As a psychiatrist I have a unique practice where I offer combined talk work (psychotherapy) along with conservative use of medication, where helpful. I work with individuals, couples, and families from a family systems perspective, having trained extensively in Bowen Family Systems Theory. A Colorado native, I live in Des Moines, Iowa and provide televideo psychiatry throughout both Iowa and Colorado. I negotiate fees with my patients. I am able to see folks on Medicare if they sign a waiver that allows me to bill them on a self-pay basis. Call me and let's talk.
![Photo of Dr. Thomas Koithan, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7de60b2e-1a67-4372-8e78-c0a1074b3a2b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Koithan is a leading board-certified psychiatrist practicing in the greater Des Moines area since 1993.
Dr. Koithan is a leading board-certified psychiatrist practicing in the greater Des Moines area since 1993.
![Photo of Rebecca Baker, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be6c7128-4618-4698-a060-cb6718645eb2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Baker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Mental health contributes greatly to the happiness and well-being of an individual. I look forward to working with individuals to help create unique and individualized treatment plans that work for them. I believe the best patient care is obtained through collaboration amongst team members and with the use of the most up-to-date practices and techniques.
Mental health contributes greatly to the happiness and well-being of an individual. I look forward to working with individuals to help create unique and individualized treatment plans that work for them. I believe the best patient care is obtained through collaboration amongst team members and with the use of the most up-to-date practices and techniques.
See more therapy options for Grimes
Nearby Searches for Grimes
See More PsychiatristsHow does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Grimes, IA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Grimes, IA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Dissociative Disorders (DID) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
Average years in practice
18 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Midlands Choice |
100% | Wellmark BCBS |
How Psychiatrists in Grimes, IA see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Grimes?
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.