Psychiatrists in Warrenville, IL

Photo of Khyati V Patel, MSN, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Khyati V Patel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555
Khyati Patel is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has experienced working with adults and adolescents. She has exceptional clinical skills in treating both pediatric and adult population. She is specializing in Adhd, Anxiety, Depression, and Ptsd. Khyati, approaches her patient Holistic rather than focusing on their diagnosis. She believes it is important to understand the patient holistically to receive benefits from the treatment. Listening to patients’ concerns is one of her empower skills that she carries with her.
Khyati Patel is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has experienced working with adults and adolescents. She has exceptional clinical skills in treating both pediatric and adult population. She is specializing in Adhd, Anxiety, Depression, and Ptsd. Khyati, approaches her patient Holistic rather than focusing on their diagnosis. She believes it is important to understand the patient holistically to receive benefits from the treatment. Listening to patients’ concerns is one of her empower skills that she carries with her.
(847) 595-5190 View (847) 595-5190
Photo of Sarah Amo-Mensah, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Amo-Mensah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have 7 years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field ranging from child, adolescent, and adult inpatient care as well as mental health crisis stabilization.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have 7 years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field ranging from child, adolescent, and adult inpatient care as well as mental health crisis stabilization.
(331) 260-9737 View (331) 260-9737
Photo of Matthew Barnes (Addiction Treatment), PA-C, Physician Assistant
Matthew Barnes (Addiction Treatment)
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Warrenville, IL 60555
Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol psychiatrist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
Don't settle for a generic drug and alcohol psychiatrist. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
(331) 200-5993 View (331) 200-5993
Photo of Jennifer Gray, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Gray
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555
My approach to treatment is to introduce and guide you down a pathway that you feel is suitable for you and your lifestyle. I use my sessions to learn and understand who you are as a person. It is essential for me to identify your specific concerns and then provide psychiatric treatment that aligns with your goals and values in life. I am passionate about discussing more than medication as treatment as I feel it takes more than medicine to develop a balanced, comfortable lifestyle. I also utilize a collaborative approach with other professionals to ensure that I provide the safest possible care.
My approach to treatment is to introduce and guide you down a pathway that you feel is suitable for you and your lifestyle. I use my sessions to learn and understand who you are as a person. It is essential for me to identify your specific concerns and then provide psychiatric treatment that aligns with your goals and values in life. I am passionate about discussing more than medication as treatment as I feel it takes more than medicine to develop a balanced, comfortable lifestyle. I also utilize a collaborative approach with other professionals to ensure that I provide the safest possible care.
(872) 266-8410 View (872) 266-8410
Photo of Mia Barker, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mia Barker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555
My ideal client is someone who prioritizes their mental well-being and seeks compassionate, comprehensive mental health care. They may be experiencing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or mood disorders, which impact their daily life, relationships, work, or overall sense of fulfillment and happiness.
My ideal client is someone who prioritizes their mental well-being and seeks compassionate, comprehensive mental health care. They may be experiencing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or mood disorders, which impact their daily life, relationships, work, or overall sense of fulfillment and happiness.
(331) 244-1993 View (331) 244-1993
Photo of Karyn Kudrna, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karyn Kudrna
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555  (Online Only)
Immediate openings for telehealth visits. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and other mental health issues. I believe in developing strong therapeutic relationships with the goal of providing personalized care tailored to meet each person's individual needs. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1989 and a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of St. Francis in 2018.
Immediate openings for telehealth visits. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, and other mental health issues. I believe in developing strong therapeutic relationships with the goal of providing personalized care tailored to meet each person's individual needs. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1989 and a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of St. Francis in 2018.
(331) 241-6676 View (331) 241-6676
Photo of Shalu Gugnani (Addiction Treatment), MD, Psychiatrist
Shalu Gugnani (Addiction Treatment)
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Warrenville, IL 60555
Don't settle for a generic psychiatrist for drug and alcohol issues. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
Don't settle for a generic psychiatrist for drug and alcohol issues. You deserve help that actually helps you feel happy again. (And, that's in-network with your insurance).
(708) 401-6391 View (708) 401-6391
Photo of Christopher Lynn, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Christopher Lynn
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Warrenville, IL 60555
I look forward to the prospect of working with you. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric medication management and supportive therapy for adult clients ages 18 and above. I am double board-certified as a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of healthcare experience. I am dedicated to maximizing your health and wellness by integrating traditional healthcare with complementary/alternative therapies in order to prevent/manage chronic illness and promote a healthy lifestyle.
I look forward to the prospect of working with you. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, psychiatric medication management and supportive therapy for adult clients ages 18 and above. I am double board-certified as a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of healthcare experience. I am dedicated to maximizing your health and wellness by integrating traditional healthcare with complementary/alternative therapies in order to prevent/manage chronic illness and promote a healthy lifestyle.
(872) 266-9601 View (872) 266-9601
Photo of Courtney Wiseman, MD, Psychiatrist
Courtney Wiseman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Warrenville, IL 60555
Dr. Courtney Wiseman, Board-Certified Psychiatrist, expertly treats psychiatric disorders for patients over the age of 18. Dr. Wiseman received BA from University of Notre Dame and an MD from Georgetown University. She completed her residency in psychiatry at University of Illinois, Chicago while simultaneously earning an MA in public health at University of Chicago. Following her residency, she moved to Boston to become the attending psychiatrist at Cambridge Hospital.
Dr. Courtney Wiseman, Board-Certified Psychiatrist, expertly treats psychiatric disorders for patients over the age of 18. Dr. Wiseman received BA from University of Notre Dame and an MD from Georgetown University. She completed her residency in psychiatry at University of Illinois, Chicago while simultaneously earning an MA in public health at University of Chicago. Following her residency, she moved to Boston to become the attending psychiatrist at Cambridge Hospital.
(331) 207-9218 View (331) 207-9218
Photo of Arturo Ventura, MSN, RN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Arturo Ventura
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, RN, APRN
Verified Verified
Warrenville, IL 60555  (Online Only)
Art Ventura, MSN, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, has more than 25 years of psychiatric nursing experience. Art completed his nursing school at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, obtained his masters degree at Chamberlain College of Nursing and his postmasters certification in psychiatric nursing at Regis College. Being licensed in both psychiatric and family medicine, Art provides a unique perspective in treating mental health conditions particularly in evaluating and treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, ADHD, insomnia, dementia, OCD and other issues.
Art Ventura, MSN, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, has more than 25 years of psychiatric nursing experience. Art completed his nursing school at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, obtained his masters degree at Chamberlain College of Nursing and his postmasters certification in psychiatric nursing at Regis College. Being licensed in both psychiatric and family medicine, Art provides a unique perspective in treating mental health conditions particularly in evaluating and treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, ADHD, insomnia, dementia, OCD and other issues.
(331) 233-1932 View (331) 233-1932
Photo of Jabeen Ali, MD, Psychiatrist
Jabeen Ali
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555
I strive to provide attentive, compassionate, and holistic Child and Adolescent Psychiatric evaluations and treatment for children, adolescents, and their families. In this ever-changing world, hallmarked by the pandemic and widespread use of technology, my special interests are to support children during difficult adjustments to life events, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. My approach is open, understanding, and collaborative with children, adolescents, and their families to identify the struggles the child is experiencing and to determine various ways we can best support them to feel better so they may live their life more fully.
I strive to provide attentive, compassionate, and holistic Child and Adolescent Psychiatric evaluations and treatment for children, adolescents, and their families. In this ever-changing world, hallmarked by the pandemic and widespread use of technology, my special interests are to support children during difficult adjustments to life events, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. My approach is open, understanding, and collaborative with children, adolescents, and their families to identify the struggles the child is experiencing and to determine various ways we can best support them to feel better so they may live their life more fully.
(331) 215-6867 View (331) 215-6867

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Tamra Williams, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tamra Williams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
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.
(331) 207-9451 View (331) 207-9451
Photo of Dr. Lawrence Abah - Holistic behavioral and TMS therapy , DNP, PMHNP, FNP, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Holistic behavioral and TMS therapy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, FPA
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Dr. Lawrence Abah, DNP, PMHNP treats patients starting from 12 years old. Lawrence is dual board certified in Across the lifespan psychiatry and Family practice. Lawrence believes in using holistic approach to behavioral health and partnering with his clients for the best treatment outcome. He believes in development of good therapeutic alliance with his patients. He prides himself in providing patient focused, high quality and individualized care to his patients. Lawrence has more than 15 years experience in behavioral health, and he understands how difficult it is finding that provider.
Dr. Lawrence Abah, DNP, PMHNP treats patients starting from 12 years old. Lawrence is dual board certified in Across the lifespan psychiatry and Family practice. Lawrence believes in using holistic approach to behavioral health and partnering with his clients for the best treatment outcome. He believes in development of good therapeutic alliance with his patients. He prides himself in providing patient focused, high quality and individualized care to his patients. Lawrence has more than 15 years experience in behavioral health, and he understands how difficult it is finding that provider.
(815) 242-3127 View (815) 242-3127
Photo of Petrit Ndrio - Advanced Behavioral Health Services, MD, Psychiatrist
Advanced Behavioral Health Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
Advanced Behavioral Health Services is guided by the principle of giving people the best possible service. Our mission is to help people enjoy life to the fullest. We are committed to helping people cope with their behavioral and mental health issues so that they are able to live independently and - if possible - take a proactive stance on their own treatment. Advanced Behavioral Health Services puts the welfare of their clients first. Our specialists take time to establish rapport and get to know each client. This way, we are able to determine early on if our professional relationship would lead to progress in the client's quality of life. Each expert at Advanced Behavioral Health Services operates from the perspective that each client is our partner in treatment. After all, it is the client's response to treatment that determines our success or failure.
Advanced Behavioral Health Services is guided by the principle of giving people the best possible service. Our mission is to help people enjoy life to the fullest. We are committed to helping people cope with their behavioral and mental health issues so that they are able to live independently and - if possible - take a proactive stance on their own treatment. Advanced Behavioral Health Services puts the welfare of their clients first. Our specialists take time to establish rapport and get to know each client. This way, we are able to determine early on if our professional relationship would lead to progress in the client's quality of life. Each expert at Advanced Behavioral Health Services operates from the perspective that each client is our partner in treatment. After all, it is the client's response to treatment that determines our success or failure.
(331) 204-1791 View (331) 204-1791
Photo of Devika Patel, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Devika Patel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
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.
(224) 386-3252 View (224) 386-3252
Photo of Faderin Boti, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Faderin Boti
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Hi there, I'm Faderin. Are you frequently anxious or fearful? Do you you suffer from persistent sadness or struggling to find joy? I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and help individuals with mood and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am passionate about helping people manage depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
Hi there, I'm Faderin. Are you frequently anxious or fearful? Do you you suffer from persistent sadness or struggling to find joy? I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and help individuals with mood and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am passionate about helping people manage depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
(872) 331-4435 View (872) 331-4435
Photo of Mitchell Kordzikowski, DNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mitchell Kordzikowski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
My approach to care is open, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I make use of motivational interviewing techniques and dialogue during my sessions mixed with aspects of both solution focused brief therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I strongly believe in a holistic approach to treatment; addressing issues related to clients’ physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs.
My approach to care is open, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I make use of motivational interviewing techniques and dialogue during my sessions mixed with aspects of both solution focused brief therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I strongly believe in a holistic approach to treatment; addressing issues related to clients’ physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs.
(331) 229-3123 x4 View (331) 229-3123 x4
Photo of Lexxie Gramke, PhD, PMHNPBC, AGPCNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Lexxie Gramke
Psychiatric Nurse, PhD, PMHNPBC, AGPCNP
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
My goal is to help all of my patients live their fullest and most fulfilling lives. As a nurse practitioner certified in both psychiatry-mental health and primary care, I use a holistic approach to care, as mental health and physical health are often interconnected.
My goal is to help all of my patients live their fullest and most fulfilling lives. As a nurse practitioner certified in both psychiatry-mental health and primary care, I use a holistic approach to care, as mental health and physical health are often interconnected.
(331) 320-3971 x4 View (331) 320-3971 x4
Photo of Elizabeth Adekoya (Now Accepting New Patients), PMHNP, BC, FPA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Adekoya (Now Accepting New Patients)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC, FPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
Hi there, I'm Elizabeth. Do you suffer from persistent sadness? Are you struggling to find joy in your day to day life? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying, afraid or anxious? Are you in search of a provider that is both compassionate and adequately skilled to help you treat and manage your symptoms? I am a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner and help adult individuals with mood disorders and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am compassionate about helping you manage your depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
Hi there, I'm Elizabeth. Do you suffer from persistent sadness? Are you struggling to find joy in your day to day life? Or do you find yourself constantly worrying, afraid or anxious? Are you in search of a provider that is both compassionate and adequately skilled to help you treat and manage your symptoms? I am a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner and help adult individuals with mood disorders and other mental/psychiatric disorders. I am compassionate about helping you manage your depression, anxiety, ADHD and any other comorbidities.
(872) 252-7686 View (872) 252-7686
Photo of Kimberly Lopez, CNP, APRN, ADHDCCS, CCTP-II, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kimberly Lopez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP, APRN, ADHDCCS, CCTP-II, DNP
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS), Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Certified Complex PTSD and Trauma (CCTP-II). I assess, diagnose, and treat all ages of life; from pediatric to geriatric. Each patient is unique in what their needs are, and will be treated to meet those needs.
I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS), Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Certified Complex PTSD and Trauma (CCTP-II). I assess, diagnose, and treat all ages of life; from pediatric to geriatric. Each patient is unique in what their needs are, and will be treated to meet those needs.
(312) 779-0920 View (312) 779-0920

See more therapy options for Warrenville

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Warrenville, IL

10+

Average cost per session

$150

Psychiatrists in Warrenville, IL who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
64% ADHD
64% Medication Management
55% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
55% Trauma and PTSD
55% Sleep or Insomnia

Average years in practice

2 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

100% Aetna
91% BlueCross and BlueShield
91% Cigna and Evernorth

How Psychiatrists in Warrenville, IL see their clients

82% In Person and Online
18% Online Only

Gender breakdown

80% Female
20% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Warrenville?

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.