Psychiatrists in Brimfield, MA
![Photo of Samantha Sacerdote, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54b31050-b7c5-4247-855e-1130b3e7cdd6/1/320x400.png)
Samantha Sacerdote
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brimfield, MA 01010 (Online Only)
Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) equipped with a Bachelors in Communications, seamlessly blending clinical proficiency with effective interpersonal skills.
Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) equipped with a Bachelors in Communications, seamlessly blending clinical proficiency with effective interpersonal skills.
![Photo of Nicole Buri, MSN, PMH-NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73aad9fd-1fc4-4428-88fd-f1d06a09dc24/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Buri
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMH-NP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brimfield, MA 01010 (Online Only)
Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Nicole and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Nicole and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
![Photo of Sarah Dowd, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f03dac77-0bec-4bac-9ed7-234b2f473f14/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Dowd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brimfield, MA 01010
July/August 2024 Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Sarah and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
July/August 2024 Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Sarah and I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
![Photo of Geena Novinsky, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d76a521-fbbc-4c4c-bbc3-95f28b630f01/1/320x400.png)
Geena Novinsky
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brimfield, MA 01010 (Online Only)
July/August 2024 Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Geena and I am a double board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
July/August 2024 Update for Hometown Mental Health Services, PLLC- We Are Accepting New Clients With Immediate Openings! My name is Geena and I am a double board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. We provide outpatient psychiatric medication management for clients 18 years and older in Massachusetts via Telehealth. We would love the opportunity to work with you! At Hometown MHS we treat each patient case using a kind and down to earth approach. We truly believe that developing a therapeutic connection between patient and provider is an essential part of mental health treatment.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Shaina LaBonte - Bloom Mental Health and Wellness, APRN, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e539182f-0fb5-4ecf-ac20-777616c2a6d5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bloom Mental Health and Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palmer, MA 01069 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients for Medication Management via Tele-health. At Bloom Mental Health and Wellness, our goal is to cultivate happy, healthy lives. I am a board certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is committed to guide and assist your growth through evidence informed and patient centered care. My goal is to help you during this journey of growth and transformation so you can reach and sustain a happy and fulfilling life.
Accepting New Patients for Medication Management via Tele-health. At Bloom Mental Health and Wellness, our goal is to cultivate happy, healthy lives. I am a board certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is committed to guide and assist your growth through evidence informed and patient centered care. My goal is to help you during this journey of growth and transformation so you can reach and sustain a happy and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Audra Beliveau - Cherry Tree Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d9850a1-a6e5-43d5-bb61-f46c4c7a07ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are now accepting clients in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We specialize in providing medication management to all adults with various diagnoses. We have completed extra training specifically for treating PMDD, pre and post natal depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Each client will receive a comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment plan, and 24/7 on call availability. Our mission is to provide quality care in a supportive and judgement free environment.
We are now accepting clients in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We specialize in providing medication management to all adults with various diagnoses. We have completed extra training specifically for treating PMDD, pre and post natal depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Each client will receive a comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment plan, and 24/7 on call availability. Our mission is to provide quality care in a supportive and judgement free environment.
![Photo of Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63ac17aa-cd99-4b6f-8132-e31858fee2c7/2/320x400.png)
Dominique Sanders
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Sturbridge, MA 01566 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Do you find yourself feeling on edge with anxiety, stress, and worried sick no matter what you do? Anxiety leaves us feeling panicked, exhausted and disconnected. You’re someone who deeply wants to feel peace, relaxed, and safe but still find yourself feeling out of control and heart racing. You want to feel calm and have no idea how to get there. You are ready to feel like yourself again, grounded with no fear or panic. You are ready to feel at ease in public and embrace connection at work and in your relationships. Most of all, you are ready to be free from the burden of anxiety, causing depression- I want to help you get there.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Suzanne Femino, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3389a3db-db21-49c2-86b8-aab9774a5461/1/320x400.jpeg)
It is important for each person to feel a connection with a provider. My hope is to individualize care, treat each person with respect, and enhance a sense of wellbeing. Although I work with different ages, I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults. I offer medication management and psychotherapy in Marblehead, MA and Glastonbury CT.
It is important for each person to feel a connection with a provider. My hope is to individualize care, treat each person with respect, and enhance a sense of wellbeing. Although I work with different ages, I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults. I offer medication management and psychotherapy in Marblehead, MA and Glastonbury CT.
![Photo of Alissa Fodor, RN, APRN, MPHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/967badab-80f7-423c-9b17-1bbc4de628fd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I want to help my clients find an ultimate and healthy approach to their mental wellbeing. My choice of treatment plan is consistent with my client's commitment. Psychiatric symptoms such as Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Depression, Bipolar disorder, ext. can be triggered and exacerbated by many things such as: endocrine issues, insufficient self-care, lack of exercise, poor diet and more. Armed with an understanding of holistic approach along with Psychiatric Medicine, I diagnose and create medication management plans for each of my patients and help address other issues by consulting with appropriate professionals.
I want to help my clients find an ultimate and healthy approach to their mental wellbeing. My choice of treatment plan is consistent with my client's commitment. Psychiatric symptoms such as Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Depression, Bipolar disorder, ext. can be triggered and exacerbated by many things such as: endocrine issues, insufficient self-care, lack of exercise, poor diet and more. Armed with an understanding of holistic approach along with Psychiatric Medicine, I diagnose and create medication management plans for each of my patients and help address other issues by consulting with appropriate professionals.
![Photo of Dr. Swaminathan Thangaraj, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f821ca7f-45a5-4434-bc98-af32766b5f91/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Swaminathan Thangaraj is a double-board certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist in Boston. He is currently an assistant professor at Drexel College of Medicine. Dr. Thangaraj also worked at McLean Hospital/Harvard University and Sheppard Pratt establishing various inpatient units. He is one of the few doctors who treats patients of all ages from toddler, adolescence to adulthood.
Dr. Swaminathan Thangaraj is a double-board certified adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist in Boston. He is currently an assistant professor at Drexel College of Medicine. Dr. Thangaraj also worked at McLean Hospital/Harvard University and Sheppard Pratt establishing various inpatient units. He is one of the few doctors who treats patients of all ages from toddler, adolescence to adulthood.
![Photo of James Gregory Bouras - James G. Bouras, PMHNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ee38cfb-f32a-4f5d-9a89-206fc619e505/2/320x400.jpeg)
James G. Bouras, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beverly, MA 01915
I primarily do medication management, but with up to 30 minute follow up appointments to avoid the rush feeling.
I primarily do medication management, but with up to 30 minute follow up appointments to avoid the rush feeling.
![Photo of Joseph F. Toomey, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ca2ba5e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
With over three decades’ experience in academic and corporate environments, my current work as a Psychiatric DNP has evolved from observing the challenges and successes of colleagues and students and their relationship to emotional HEALTH and the ability to FOCUS on daily and long-term goals. As a result of my Yale, Duke, and MGH psychiatric training, I’ve honed my observations into effective working theories about the biopsychosocial factors that influence peoples’ vitality and well-being. If you're currently struggling with academic, professional or emotional obstacles, I believe I can help.
With over three decades’ experience in academic and corporate environments, my current work as a Psychiatric DNP has evolved from observing the challenges and successes of colleagues and students and their relationship to emotional HEALTH and the ability to FOCUS on daily and long-term goals. As a result of my Yale, Duke, and MGH psychiatric training, I’ve honed my observations into effective working theories about the biopsychosocial factors that influence peoples’ vitality and well-being. If you're currently struggling with academic, professional or emotional obstacles, I believe I can help.
![Photo of Joshua Hatcher-Mullins, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c789df23-3563-48ec-baa4-ed62870e1dce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joshua Hatcher-Mullins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02111 (Online Only)
Joshua believes in caring for the whole person holistically. He strives to understand current mental health concerns as well as various stressors and past traumas. He provides a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment for clients. He works collaboratively with clients to create a plan, overcome stuck points, and reach treatment goals utilizing both therapeutic techniques and medication. Joshua's education consists of some of the highest rated programs in the country - Cornell, Duke University, and GSU, as well as an Emory Residency program. Most insurances accepted, generally with very low or NO copay - verified before first visit!
Joshua believes in caring for the whole person holistically. He strives to understand current mental health concerns as well as various stressors and past traumas. He provides a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment for clients. He works collaboratively with clients to create a plan, overcome stuck points, and reach treatment goals utilizing both therapeutic techniques and medication. Joshua's education consists of some of the highest rated programs in the country - Cornell, Duke University, and GSU, as well as an Emory Residency program. Most insurances accepted, generally with very low or NO copay - verified before first visit!
![Photo of Alice Frawley, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d778f66a-13d9-47f3-ab49-eb7fdf8c90d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meet Alice, a compassionate and highly qualified Physician Assistant with a profound focus on mental health support. Alice's journey in healthcare began at Saint Francis University, where she honed her skills and passion for patient care. As an NCCPA certified professional, she is dedicated to working collaboratively with her patients, providing them with the healing and support they need throughout life's various journeys. Alice's primary goal is to promote not only physical but also mental well-being in her patients.
Meet Alice, a compassionate and highly qualified Physician Assistant with a profound focus on mental health support. Alice's journey in healthcare began at Saint Francis University, where she honed her skills and passion for patient care. As an NCCPA certified professional, she is dedicated to working collaboratively with her patients, providing them with the healing and support they need throughout life's various journeys. Alice's primary goal is to promote not only physical but also mental well-being in her patients.
![Photo of Dr. Jimmy Pacombe - Day To Day Psychiatric Care & Wellness PLLC, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/875fcd90-01ff-4c5a-bffd-1c36deab6dc0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Day To Day Psychiatric Care & Wellness PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Stoughton, MA 02072
Dr. Jimmy Pacombe is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He graduated from Regis College with his Doctoral in Nursing Practice. His goal is to alleviate your suffering and simplify your life through natural empathy, compassion, intuition, and the negotiation of appropriate treatments.
Dr. Jimmy Pacombe is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He graduated from Regis College with his Doctoral in Nursing Practice. His goal is to alleviate your suffering and simplify your life through natural empathy, compassion, intuition, and the negotiation of appropriate treatments.
![Photo of Kristen Brown, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67acc340-76ff-4902-9e99-00da8a4c6d75/1/320x400.jpeg)
My journey is driven by a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need. I specialize in medication management and promoting wellness, providing care tailored to each individual's unique needs. My approach is rooted in the belief that effective care is built on collaboration and mutual respect. I prioritize developing strong, trusting relationships with my patients, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and involved.
My journey is driven by a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need. I specialize in medication management and promoting wellness, providing care tailored to each individual's unique needs. My approach is rooted in the belief that effective care is built on collaboration and mutual respect. I prioritize developing strong, trusting relationships with my patients, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and involved.
![Photo of Hala Moustafa, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef1dffd9-1a7a-45f5-ad5e-e906b40a814d/2/320x400.jpeg)
When you are living with a mental or emotional health issue, it can be difficult to participate in daily activities or to enjoy life. Basic needs like eating, sleeping, or spending time with family or friends can feel like a huge burden.
When you are living with a mental or emotional health issue, it can be difficult to participate in daily activities or to enjoy life. Basic needs like eating, sleeping, or spending time with family or friends can feel like a huge burden.
![Photo of Rachel E Paquette Resendes - Advanced Vital Being Health & Wellness, DNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2753ed5a-2ba7-45be-9a95-8cd6e907a207/1/320x400.png)
Advanced Vital Being Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, ANP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Fall River, MA 02720
Advanced Vital Being Health & Wellness is prepared to help anyone struggling to maintain a healthy weight due to their metabolism or emotional eating habits. We strive to create personalized weight management plans that are effective for weight loss and long-term maintenance.
Advanced Vital Being Health & Wellness is prepared to help anyone struggling to maintain a healthy weight due to their metabolism or emotional eating habits. We strive to create personalized weight management plans that are effective for weight loss and long-term maintenance.
![Photo of Savina Nicole (Nikki) Setze, MSN, PMHNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5269ec7e-5f09-432a-b45a-8e87a0461b6a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Savina Nicole (Nikki) Setze
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, RN
Verified Verified
Westborough, MA 01581 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients for medication management! To request an appointment, please send me an email or visit my website and click "Contact" at the top of the page: https:/snspmhnp.clientsecure.me/
Accepting new patients for medication management! To request an appointment, please send me an email or visit my website and click "Contact" at the top of the page: https:/snspmhnp.clientsecure.me/
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fca86171-e039-4d7c-8e56-bc74cb0edbfb/2/320x400.png)
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
See more therapy options for Brimfield
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Brimfield, MA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Brimfield, MA who prioritize treating:
Average years in practice
6 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Brimfield, MA see their clients
75% | Online Only | |
25% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Brimfield?
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.