Psychiatrists in Wright County, IA
There are no results for psychiatrists in Wright County
Check out psychiatrists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Iowa below.Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Travis Brown, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/525f0640-26bc-4995-9c79-c07c380815af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NEW patients, can get new patients in within a week! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
Accepting NEW patients, can get new patients in within a week! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Quentin Chambers, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f618c909-d5db-43ef-9c89-1b0d20f9634f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Quentin Chambers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Hi, if you are dealing with issues from lack of focus, ability to pay attention. If you are dealing with a form of substance abuse or anxiety. I am here to help. I don't just give you medicine. I work with you to determine if you even need medication. Maybe it's certain vitamins that are missing in your system, we will discover and treat it together. If you are looking for someone who will be attentive to your concerns, I am the right provider for you.
Hi, if you are dealing with issues from lack of focus, ability to pay attention. If you are dealing with a form of substance abuse or anxiety. I am here to help. I don't just give you medicine. I work with you to determine if you even need medication. Maybe it's certain vitamins that are missing in your system, we will discover and treat it together. If you are looking for someone who will be attentive to your concerns, I am the right provider for you.
![Photo of Kelly Jo Scheffert, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21d87716-55c0-4b9e-a621-df47c40dd48b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Jo Scheffert
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, IA 50701
I have been working in psychiatry since 2008 in variety settings including inpatient, outpatient, corrections and academia. I am here to help you become the best version of yourself because you deserve it!
I have been working in psychiatry since 2008 in variety settings including inpatient, outpatient, corrections and academia. I am here to help you become the best version of yourself because you deserve it!
![Photo of Sheri DiGiacinto, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b4d6567-0d06-46dd-9d0d-e49cdf420504/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sheri DiGiacinto
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Urbandale, IA 50322
If you are looking for down-to-earth, compassionate, mental health care from someone who actually listens, we may be a good fit! As a Vanderbilt-trained, board certified mental health nurse practitioner, I take a holistic, inclusive approach to mental health. I am a neurodivergent provider and especially enjoy working with neurodivergent folx offering ADHD evaluations, the LGBTQIA+ community, and teens!
If you are looking for down-to-earth, compassionate, mental health care from someone who actually listens, we may be a good fit! As a Vanderbilt-trained, board certified mental health nurse practitioner, I take a holistic, inclusive approach to mental health. I am a neurodivergent provider and especially enjoy working with neurodivergent folx offering ADHD evaluations, the LGBTQIA+ community, and teens!
![Photo of David Kelbaugh, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/278344e3-5833-4f40-bb61-a6bf852a250d/3/320x400.jpeg)
David Kelbaugh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Hello! I am David, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and the creator and owner of Clear Mind Mental Health. My experience is in private practice and acute behavioral health care. I'm passionate about truly listening to you and developing customized treatment plans to address your whole health - mind, body, and spirit. My holistic, personalized approach considers your unique needs and goals, and provides comprehensive mental health care from the comfort of your own home. Presently seeing patients in Washington state and Iowa.
Hello! I am David, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and the creator and owner of Clear Mind Mental Health. My experience is in private practice and acute behavioral health care. I'm passionate about truly listening to you and developing customized treatment plans to address your whole health - mind, body, and spirit. My holistic, personalized approach considers your unique needs and goals, and provides comprehensive mental health care from the comfort of your own home. Presently seeing patients in Washington state and Iowa.
![Photo of Catina Greene, PMHNP, FNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a539fd1-d9f8-4da8-989a-2f9b680f5a72/1/320x400.jpeg)
Catina Greene
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, APRN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50318
Have you been struggling with loneliness, sadness, crying spells, overwhelming thoughts of regret or unsurety, nervousness, irritability, mood changes, sleep issues? Were you told that you have ADHD? Well, now you can be formally tested. I’m here to help you explore your feelings and how your body responds to them. These responses may be related to complex life changes, traumatic events, chemical imbalances, or thought processes. I then incorporate the client's experience with my expertise to provide an individualized plan of care. Care plans will include cultural sensitivities and gender needs.
Have you been struggling with loneliness, sadness, crying spells, overwhelming thoughts of regret or unsurety, nervousness, irritability, mood changes, sleep issues? Were you told that you have ADHD? Well, now you can be formally tested. I’m here to help you explore your feelings and how your body responds to them. These responses may be related to complex life changes, traumatic events, chemical imbalances, or thought processes. I then incorporate the client's experience with my expertise to provide an individualized plan of care. Care plans will include cultural sensitivities and gender needs.
![Photo of Erika Bales, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a375470-fb7a-4b2f-b80d-78cf1f8db2e0/3/320x400.jpeg)
Erika Bales
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
Accepting new patients! Are you feeling overwhelmed? Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. I am here to help guide you towards a more fulfilling life with symptom relief. I believe in fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust and respect. Together, we will create an effective treatment plan tailored to you. I combine evidence-based techniques with a holistic approach, taking into account your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. My goal is to support you in restoring and maintaining a healthier state of mind.
![Photo of Evans K Komen - Cedar Circle Mental Health and wellness, DNP, PMHNP, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6bcb1d3-150b-4c3e-839d-33b96a082d8b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cedar Circle Mental Health and wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, ARNP
Verified Verified
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
I am a 2014 graduate of the University of Iowa. I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years in various capacities. I have practiced as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I currently accept clients 12 years of age and above. I manage a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. I firmly believe in a holistic approach for my clients to achieve optimal mental health.
I am a 2014 graduate of the University of Iowa. I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years in various capacities. I have practiced as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I currently accept clients 12 years of age and above. I manage a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. I firmly believe in a holistic approach for my clients to achieve optimal mental health.
![Photo of Ann Barbaro, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af8b9c57-5ec0-478d-a43c-b9f80ed3c0cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Barbaro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
![Photo of Katie Foltz, DNP, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10017977-0625-4374-a45c-e1943f0265ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults and adolescents for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and ADHD.
I work with adults and adolescents for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and ADHD.
![Photo of Kellie Bement, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16adf60e-6316-4eb1-a54e-3f543f244439/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kellie Bement
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Panic and anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, personality disorders, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, mental health related to chronic illness, and more. My background in family practice facilitates monitoring and caring for mental health issues while considering presence or effects of acute and chronic illness which may be impacting mental health as a whole. Mental health is classically a tough subject for people-creating an environment of trust, comfort, and safety is foremost in care I provide. (As well, is a healthy dose of humor and freedom to be oneself.)
Panic and anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, personality disorders, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, mental health related to chronic illness, and more. My background in family practice facilitates monitoring and caring for mental health issues while considering presence or effects of acute and chronic illness which may be impacting mental health as a whole. Mental health is classically a tough subject for people-creating an environment of trust, comfort, and safety is foremost in care I provide. (As well, is a healthy dose of humor and freedom to be oneself.)
I started my career in healthcare providing respite, residential, and skilled community living care to children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. During this time, I fell in love with the profession of nursing and completed my BSN in 2018 at Mercy College of Health and Sciences. I began my nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and later transitioned to working at a pediatric outpatient clinic. I felt most passionate about working with children and young adults seeking treatment for mental health and chose to pursue my Master of Sciences in Nursing at Briar Cliff University.
I started my career in healthcare providing respite, residential, and skilled community living care to children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. During this time, I fell in love with the profession of nursing and completed my BSN in 2018 at Mercy College of Health and Sciences. I began my nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and later transitioned to working at a pediatric outpatient clinic. I felt most passionate about working with children and young adults seeking treatment for mental health and chose to pursue my Master of Sciences in Nursing at Briar Cliff University.
![Photo of Elizabeth Brake - Bliss Psychiatry, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9bc72d31-5cd1-4021-b5c1-88357b452de6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bliss Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW patients, can get new patients in within a week! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
Accepting NEW patients, can get new patients in within a week! Telemedicine, treating most psychiatric conditions. We also offer personalized ADHD diagnosis and treatment, treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, as well as some addiction and substance abuse! We accept most insurances and have discount self pay options. We offer comprehensive assessments and customized treatment plans, we work hard to improve your quality of life.
![Photo of Katie Rousseau, ARNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2a671d9-24b2-47a2-b343-233ad7e4e874/1/320x400.jpeg)
I worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner for 8 years in urgent care prior to beginning my journey in mental wellness practice. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. Special interests include ADHD, depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
I worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner for 8 years in urgent care prior to beginning my journey in mental wellness practice. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. Special interests include ADHD, depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
![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 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 Crystal Lee-Cook, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7819d095-6fca-41a8-94c1-21f881eb50d9/1/320x400.png)
Crystal Lee Cook, MSN, PMHNP, APRN My approach to mental health care involves patient center care and utilizing evidence-based practice and a collaborative approach involving patient and provider insights. A holistic assessment expands the assessment beyond the purely clinical experience to include factors such as social support, cultural background, spiritual beliefs, and lifestyle factors which facilitates improved outcomes and client empowerment.
Crystal Lee Cook, MSN, PMHNP, APRN My approach to mental health care involves patient center care and utilizing evidence-based practice and a collaborative approach involving patient and provider insights. A holistic assessment expands the assessment beyond the purely clinical experience to include factors such as social support, cultural background, spiritual beliefs, and lifestyle factors which facilitates improved outcomes and client empowerment.
![Photo of Andrew Merande - Baraka Behavioral Health (BBH), LLC, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e28bd1c9-1f89-4bbf-978c-6504a32aa564/3/320x400.jpeg)
Baraka Behavioral Health (BBH), LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
I am board certified psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing psychiatric services includes evaluations, diagnosis, and psychiatric medication management for such conditions as depression, personality disorders, anxiety, bipolar, and attention deficit disorders among others for children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. At BBS, you are guaranteed of a highly skilled and knowledgeable Practitioner, from the confines of your home, virtually, through your smartphone, and or computer. You are at the center, and You matter!
I am board certified psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing psychiatric services includes evaluations, diagnosis, and psychiatric medication management for such conditions as depression, personality disorders, anxiety, bipolar, and attention deficit disorders among others for children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. At BBS, you are guaranteed of a highly skilled and knowledgeable Practitioner, from the confines of your home, virtually, through your smartphone, and or computer. You are at the center, and You matter!
![Photo of Augusta Williams - CoreHealthPsych, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08a12eb1-ca8e-4138-ad1e-3670133417c0/1/320x400.png)
CoreHealthPsych
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Grinnell, IA 50112 (Online Only)
We are a virtual-psychiatric mental health practice. We at CoreHealthPsych believe that everyone in need should have access to quality care. We provide patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live their best lives. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient telehealth and individualized psychiatric care. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment.
We are a virtual-psychiatric mental health practice. We at CoreHealthPsych believe that everyone in need should have access to quality care. We provide patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live their best lives. Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient telehealth and individualized psychiatric care. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment.
![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.
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Wright County, IA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Wright County, IA who prioritize treating:
How Psychiatrists in Wright County, IA see their clients
2% | Online Only | |
1% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Wright County?
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.