Psychiatrists in Norridge, IL
![Photo of Karyn Morgan, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c786c1db-c34a-4be1-a084-57f3f1ef3ae7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karyn Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norridge, IL 60706 (Online Only)
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have worked with patients of all ages and in multiple settings. I have 13 years of nursing experience working in various areas including home health, psychiatric in/outpatient settings, eating disorders, residential, and substance abuse. Based out of a Chicago suburb, I have experience working with multiple diagnosis including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and PTSD. I try to bring a holistic approach to my patient's care and ongoing treatment. I like to set the tone with a safe, honest, open, and non-judgmental environment.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have worked with patients of all ages and in multiple settings. I have 13 years of nursing experience working in various areas including home health, psychiatric in/outpatient settings, eating disorders, residential, and substance abuse. Based out of a Chicago suburb, I have experience working with multiple diagnosis including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance abuse, and PTSD. I try to bring a holistic approach to my patient's care and ongoing treatment. I like to set the tone with a safe, honest, open, and non-judgmental environment.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Allison Sikorsky - At Your Service Psychiatry PLLC, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc5480b-b542-46f6-8ef7-e7cf0b343123/1/320x400.png)
At Your Service Psychiatry PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
To see availability and schedule, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com. Prescription medications are sent to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but it takes months to get in. I established this online telepsychiatry practice with the busy person in mind. We care for people with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, and more. We strive to offer compassionate and convenient psychiatric care.
To see availability and schedule, go to AtYourServicePsychiatry.com. Prescription medications are sent to your local pharmacy after the visit. You finally decided to reach out for help, but it takes months to get in. I established this online telepsychiatry practice with the busy person in mind. We care for people with ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, and more. We strive to offer compassionate and convenient psychiatric care.
![Photo of Sarah Ritter, APRN, (CNP), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c74a6e5-52ff-4a0b-a290-e9d2b67bcf92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Ritter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2015. She has a Master's of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago as well as a Master's of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. Sarah offers thoughtful psychiatric medication management with an emphasis on nutritional interventions whenever they are just as or more effective than pharmaceutical interventions. Additionally, she offers supportive and solution-focused psychotherapy integrated with medication management.
Sarah Ritter is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Illinois who has been practicing since 2015. She has a Master's of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago as well as a Master's of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. Sarah offers thoughtful psychiatric medication management with an emphasis on nutritional interventions whenever they are just as or more effective than pharmaceutical interventions. Additionally, she offers supportive and solution-focused psychotherapy integrated with medication management.
![Photo of Jill M Powers, FNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5543cf34-cf13-467f-960f-478ef35aef4a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jill M Powers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60631
I am accepting new clients. I am dually board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. For the last 16 years as a Nurse Practitioner, I have served the psychiatric community in multiple ways and settings; their primary care needs and their psychiatric needs. I enjoy getting to know the whole patient and understanding their lives to find the best treatment.
I am accepting new clients. I am dually board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. For the last 16 years as a Nurse Practitioner, I have served the psychiatric community in multiple ways and settings; their primary care needs and their psychiatric needs. I enjoy getting to know the whole patient and understanding their lives to find the best treatment.
![Photo of Chiedza Nwakudu, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81389bc8-2858-40af-bb50-64e7097ea197/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am experienced in psychotropic medication management for ages 12 and up. My approach to psychiatric care includes forging a therapeutic and collaborative alliance with each patient.
I am experienced in psychotropic medication management for ages 12 and up. My approach to psychiatric care includes forging a therapeutic and collaborative alliance with each patient.
![Photo of Lateef Kelani Pmhnp, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86050677-9755-4fd0-9ba3-18ba1d4695ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello there, I'm Lateef I am a board-certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I provide psychiatric services to patients of diverse backgrounds with cultural sensitivity. My methods include utilizing a pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic approach in providing beneficial mental health care. I understand that living with a psychiatric illness can be challenging, but a positive outlook on life can be achieved with the right psychiatric care approach, which involves listening to the patient and forming a collaborative plan with patient input.
Hello there, I'm Lateef I am a board-certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I provide psychiatric services to patients of diverse backgrounds with cultural sensitivity. My methods include utilizing a pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic approach in providing beneficial mental health care. I understand that living with a psychiatric illness can be challenging, but a positive outlook on life can be achieved with the right psychiatric care approach, which involves listening to the patient and forming a collaborative plan with patient input.
![Photo of Pooja J Patel, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32b78caa-e132-4c92-aa29-51e8e9f65b87/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pooja J Patel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60631
I have been working in a psychiatric setting for a few years now. I have experienced in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am skilled in providing individual and comprehensive care including prescribing medications and therapeutic approaches. I believe, mental health is just as important as any other medical issue. It plays an important role in the way we deal with daily life stress, how we relate to others, and the decisions we make. I believe in giving the best quality of care that my patient desires. I am friendly and approachable, with my warm nature I am easily get connected with children and adults.
I have been working in a psychiatric setting for a few years now. I have experienced in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am skilled in providing individual and comprehensive care including prescribing medications and therapeutic approaches. I believe, mental health is just as important as any other medical issue. It plays an important role in the way we deal with daily life stress, how we relate to others, and the decisions we make. I believe in giving the best quality of care that my patient desires. I am friendly and approachable, with my warm nature I am easily get connected with children and adults.
![Photo of Tamra Williams, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/630c4096-1e69-499b-9298-fcb60d939e92/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for patients of all ages. My expertise is treating mood, behavioral disorders and other disorders in children and adults. I am passionate about helping my patients obtain stable mental health so that they may live their lives to the fullest. I work with each patient to ensure that they have the proper mental health counseling as well as the proper medication if medication is needed. I also encourage patients to engage in hobbies which will promote mental wellness. Self-care is so important for mental and physical well-being.
As a Nurse Practitioner, I provide care for patients of all ages. My expertise is treating mood, behavioral disorders and other disorders in children and adults. I am passionate about helping my patients obtain stable mental health so that they may live their lives to the fullest. I work with each patient to ensure that they have the proper mental health counseling as well as the proper medication if medication is needed. I also encourage patients to engage in hobbies which will promote mental wellness. Self-care is so important for mental and physical well-being.
![Photo of Charles E Kaegi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c851972-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice for over 30 years. I provide high quality psychiatric care to residents throughout the Chicago metro area for adult out-patient medication evaluation and management.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice for over 30 years. I provide high quality psychiatric care to residents throughout the Chicago metro area for adult out-patient medication evaluation and management.
![Photo of Oladunni Boladale, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52cc6abc-3cef-4e33-8b91-81c0922d72c5/1/320x400.png)
I am a highly motivated, affable, and well informed doctoral practitioner who leverages my prior background as a behavioral nurse to offer outstanding outpatient services to clients with mental health conditions.
I am a highly motivated, affable, and well informed doctoral practitioner who leverages my prior background as a behavioral nurse to offer outstanding outpatient services to clients with mental health conditions.
![Photo of Jacalyn Saracco, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee8372ac-4e84-4ba6-bc28-455d013bce30/1/320x400.png)
Jacalyn Saracco is a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience specializing in Psychiatric Nursing. As a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner, areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Jacalyn treats patients between the ages of 10 through adulthood. Jacalyn has extensive experience working with clients in the outpatient and inpatient settings. In her free time, Jacalyn enjoys reading and spending time with family. Jacalyn has a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.
Jacalyn Saracco is a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience specializing in Psychiatric Nursing. As a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner, areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Jacalyn treats patients between the ages of 10 through adulthood. Jacalyn has extensive experience working with clients in the outpatient and inpatient settings. In her free time, Jacalyn enjoys reading and spending time with family. Jacalyn has a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.
![Photo of Alissa Thompson, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77cbe3f8-418e-469e-8fc8-c987d59882c4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alissa Thompson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60634
Alissa Thompson is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has ten years of experience in caring for individuals who face mental health and developmental conditions within both clinic and hospital settings. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Illinois at Chicago and underwent specialized training in child psychiatry.
Alissa Thompson is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has ten years of experience in caring for individuals who face mental health and developmental conditions within both clinic and hospital settings. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Illinois at Chicago and underwent specialized training in child psychiatry.
![Photo of Maya Ramic, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fab2dca9-45d1-456d-aea7-b73c1bd32a7f/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a general psychiatrist, I provide treatment for patients 18 years of age and older, mostly for conditions of depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation and psychosis. While I am dedicated to providing care to a general psychiatric population, I feel uniquely privileged in providing care to individuals coping with parenting and marital stressors. Each individual is unique with a specific set of life circumstances. I see an individual’s relationship with self as the foundation of all life experiences, and key for healing and moving forward.
As a general psychiatrist, I provide treatment for patients 18 years of age and older, mostly for conditions of depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation and psychosis. While I am dedicated to providing care to a general psychiatric population, I feel uniquely privileged in providing care to individuals coping with parenting and marital stressors. Each individual is unique with a specific set of life circumstances. I see an individual’s relationship with self as the foundation of all life experiences, and key for healing and moving forward.
![Photo of Olukemi Aina, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a149a38-6ce2-4de3-b1ca-d9b60ddd8b29/1/320x400.png)
Olukemi Aina
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60656 (Online Only)
Kemi is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and sleep/insomnia. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Kemi completed her associates degree in Nursing from Elgin Community College in 2016, and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019.
Kemi is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and sleep/insomnia. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Kemi completed her associates degree in Nursing from Elgin Community College in 2016, and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019.
![Photo of Devika Patel, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03838c8f-46b7-40ef-bea2-c0ff7ff38ce5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new patients** I have been providing excellent care for over 4 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 5 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
I am currently accepting new patients** I have been providing excellent care for over 4 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 5 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
![Photo of Danielle Silva, NP , Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f39a743e-6660-4f87-99ee-d33805c83a61/1/320x400.png)
Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. I typically work with patients across the lifespan who are struggling with a variety of mental health conditions.
Hello, I'm Danielle Silva, a licensed and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with four years of experience. I specialize in providing compassionate care and evidence-based therapies to support individuals in managing mental health challenges. I'm dedicated to collaborating with my patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote healing and enhance overall well-being. I typically work with patients across the lifespan who are struggling with a variety of mental health conditions.
![Photo of Beth Dudley, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62212689-f605-4dd3-a0bd-0ddaa293d3a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beth Dudley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60634 (Online Only)
Beth is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on delivering high-quality mental health care. She embraces the use of telehealth to deliver safe, discreet, convenient, patient-centered care supported by evidence. Specializing in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment and management of a variety of mental health disorders, Beth is an empathetic listener who believes that each patient requires unique attention. While all individuals can benefit from psychotherapy and some from psychotropic medication in their therapy plan, Beth can explore all effective treatment options with you.
Beth is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a focus on delivering high-quality mental health care. She embraces the use of telehealth to deliver safe, discreet, convenient, patient-centered care supported by evidence. Specializing in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment and management of a variety of mental health disorders, Beth is an empathetic listener who believes that each patient requires unique attention. While all individuals can benefit from psychotherapy and some from psychotropic medication in their therapy plan, Beth can explore all effective treatment options with you.
![Photo of Devika Patel, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec807b24-4c97-44f0-9671-5b866ba498ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently accepting new patients**** I have been providing excellent care for over 5 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 7 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
I am currently accepting new patients**** I have been providing excellent care for over 5 years with great compassion. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients 7 years and older with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD, Mood disorder, PTSD, Opioid Use Disorder, and other mental health problems. I treat each patient as an individual and work together in developing treatment plans. I spend the time needed with each patient to get to know them and understand the source of their struggles.
![Photo of Noel Tapia, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a43f1ef8-1da2-4b66-b1d5-abbaa96fd5b5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Noel Tapia, PMHNP, is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Illinois, specializing in the treatment of individuals aged 11 and above, with a particular focus on adolescents and teens (15+) and advanced aged adults. In his professional practice, Noel is unwaveringly dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of his clients through personalized and empathetic care. While he is a generalist with a broad skill set, his distinctive emphasis on geriatrics equips him with a deep understanding of the nuanced needs of individuals in this specific demographic.
Noel Tapia, PMHNP, is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Illinois, specializing in the treatment of individuals aged 11 and above, with a particular focus on adolescents and teens (15+) and advanced aged adults. In his professional practice, Noel is unwaveringly dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of his clients through personalized and empathetic care. While he is a generalist with a broad skill set, his distinctive emphasis on geriatrics equips him with a deep understanding of the nuanced needs of individuals in this specific demographic.
![Photo of Marc Sandrolini, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b67a762a-df5f-41c2-bc67-5bf68b35969e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Marc Sandrolini is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1996. Dr. Sandrolini attended medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his residency in adult psychiatry at the University of Illinois Hospital. He then completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Yale University. Dr. Sandrolini understands that effective treatment starts with a conversation. Dr. Sandrolini helps his patients feel heard, accepted, and understood, so that they can feel comfortable sharing difficult details and sensitive concerns.
Dr. Marc Sandrolini is a Psychiatrist in Illinois who has been practicing since 1996. Dr. Sandrolini attended medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago and completed his residency in adult psychiatry at the University of Illinois Hospital. He then completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Yale University. Dr. Sandrolini understands that effective treatment starts with a conversation. Dr. Sandrolini helps his patients feel heard, accepted, and understood, so that they can feel comfortable sharing difficult details and sensitive concerns.
See more therapy options for Norridge
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Norridge, IL
< 10
Psychiatrists in Norridge, IL who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Other |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Suicidal Ideation |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Norridge, IL see their clients
100% | Online Only |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Norridge?
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.