Psychiatrists in Southborough, MA
![Photo of Josephine Banigo - Victoria Counseling Services, PMNP-BC, ACNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46feca60-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Counseling Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMNP-BC, ACNP-BC
Verified Verified
Southborough, MA 01745
Victoria Counseling Services is an outpatient Adult Psychiatry, established in 2015 following the sudden death of a beloved younger sister, Victoria, who suffered from severe depression and PTSD for most of her adult years. As a patient, expect to be an active participant in your treatment plan.
Victoria Counseling Services is an outpatient Adult Psychiatry, established in 2015 following the sudden death of a beloved younger sister, Victoria, who suffered from severe depression and PTSD for most of her adult years. As a patient, expect to be an active participant in your treatment plan.
![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
Southborough, MA 01772 (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 Jamie Simoneau, NP, PMHCNS, APRN, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/467bb136-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jamie Simoneau
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHCNS, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
Southborough, MA 01745
Please note: visiting our website (https://middlesexpsych.com/new-patient/) and filling out the 2 forms is the fastest way to inquire about setting up an appointment. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 15 years of experience in providing psychopharmacological medication treatment to adults for conditions including: Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Panic Attacks, and PTSD.
Please note: visiting our website (https://middlesexpsych.com/new-patient/) and filling out the 2 forms is the fastest way to inquire about setting up an appointment. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 15 years of experience in providing psychopharmacological medication treatment to adults for conditions including: Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Panic Attacks, and PTSD.
![Photo of Emily S. Knowles, PMHNP, MSN, MA, MAT, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/714e45ae-c87d-4832-a127-6c34552a5e02/3/320x400.jpeg)
Emily S. Knowles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, MA, MAT
Verified Verified
Southborough, MA 01772
As a Yale trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with a Master's Degree in Psychology, and extensive training in both psychiatry and psychology, I will provide holistic, comprehensive, person-centered care. My commitment to you, is to not only treat the most overt symptoms currently showing up, but explore all contributing factors, and root causes, to develop a deeper understanding of how to best meet your goals. From this full-scope of awareness, and global insight, we will collaboratively work to create an integrative care plan that brings meaningful, sustainable, changes that improve your quality of life, and overall wellbeing.
As a Yale trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with a Master's Degree in Psychology, and extensive training in both psychiatry and psychology, I will provide holistic, comprehensive, person-centered care. My commitment to you, is to not only treat the most overt symptoms currently showing up, but explore all contributing factors, and root causes, to develop a deeper understanding of how to best meet your goals. From this full-scope of awareness, and global insight, we will collaboratively work to create an integrative care plan that brings meaningful, sustainable, changes that improve your quality of life, and overall wellbeing.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Alok Kumar, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4797716f-d69d-46e1-bf29-398b8d132247/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kumar is a highly skilled Adult Psychiatrist with extensive training and experience in the field of mental health. Having completed his Psychiatry Residency at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Dr. Kumar is well-versed in providing comprehensive psychiatric care to adults.
Dr. Kumar is a highly skilled Adult Psychiatrist with extensive training and experience in the field of mental health. Having completed his Psychiatry Residency at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, Dr. Kumar is well-versed in providing comprehensive psychiatric care to adults.
![Photo of Grace Mbuya - Mind Healing & Wellness Center, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee04a991-45ed-45d1-9fb1-9a921b406783/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mind Healing & Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Northborough, MA 01532
We are an Outpatient Mental Health clinic offering a patient focused, holistic approach in management of Psychiatric and Substance use treatment. We provide medication management and in-house therapy! You’re wondering if there’s even a chance to reclaim your time, energy, and hope. The answer is a resounding YES! When you find holistic, effective care that takes your whole self into account. I believe that with empathy, evidence based care treatment plan and strategies, you can achieve your most dearly-held goals.
We are an Outpatient Mental Health clinic offering a patient focused, holistic approach in management of Psychiatric and Substance use treatment. We provide medication management and in-house therapy! You’re wondering if there’s even a chance to reclaim your time, energy, and hope. The answer is a resounding YES! When you find holistic, effective care that takes your whole self into account. I believe that with empathy, evidence based care treatment plan and strategies, you can achieve your most dearly-held goals.
![Photo of Claire Wakulyaka, DNP, CNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c87d838c-e0c2-42c8-a9ce-1472b08dadc2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Claire Wakulyaka
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Marlborough, MA 01752
I am accepting new patients. My name is Claire Wakulyaka. I want to help you work through your mental health challenges. The goal is to build a therapeutic relationship that will lead to better outcomes. You can expect a compassionate, empathetic, engaging, and safe environment where you are respected and listened to. The treatment plan may include medication management and/or brief therapy.
I am accepting new patients. My name is Claire Wakulyaka. I want to help you work through your mental health challenges. The goal is to build a therapeutic relationship that will lead to better outcomes. You can expect a compassionate, empathetic, engaging, and safe environment where you are respected and listened to. The treatment plan may include medication management and/or brief therapy.
![Photo of Amanda Sadat, PMHNPBC, APRN, RN, MSN, RYT, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6835a8ce-16ca-42e9-9a5c-3bfc449348d8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Sadat
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, RN, MSN, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westborough, MA 01580 (Online Only)
Having a hard time getting motivated to make life changes? Struggling to find resiliency or a path forward? For over 20 years I have supported individuals during life transitions and to cope with mental health symptoms. Whether it be relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, cultural challenges, chronic health issues, work toxicity or managing daily tasks and obligations we can find a path to healing together. I am always honored to be part of your journey and enjoy curating your treatment to your needs. As a trauma informed, gender affirming and integrative provider, my goal is to support your overall wellness.
Having a hard time getting motivated to make life changes? Struggling to find resiliency or a path forward? For over 20 years I have supported individuals during life transitions and to cope with mental health symptoms. Whether it be relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, cultural challenges, chronic health issues, work toxicity or managing daily tasks and obligations we can find a path to healing together. I am always honored to be part of your journey and enjoy curating your treatment to your needs. As a trauma informed, gender affirming and integrative provider, my goal is to support your overall wellness.
![Photo of Jasmine Velez, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69e7790d-f076-4a68-b481-05192d33529b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jasmine Velez
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Westborough, MA 01581
Waitlist for new clients
Accepting New Patients for Medication Management, experience in treating children and adults summer 2024. Mental health is the foundation of an individual's overall health. We focus on an integrative treatment approach emphasizing making life changes in addition to treatment with medication. To create a well-rounded treatment plan, we work with our clients to develop an understanding of their unique stressors and pressures of everyday life.
Accepting New Patients for Medication Management, experience in treating children and adults summer 2024. Mental health is the foundation of an individual's overall health. We focus on an integrative treatment approach emphasizing making life changes in addition to treatment with medication. To create a well-rounded treatment plan, we work with our clients to develop an understanding of their unique stressors and pressures of everyday life.
![Photo of William Chad Garrett, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c02a4276-923f-436e-9ded-8cce835dc801/3/320x400.jpeg)
William Chad Garrett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Northborough, MA 01532
When you are suffering, you want help now, not one month from now. If symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, or insomnia are negatively affecting your life, follow the link to my website and click the "Request Consultation" button to get started.
When you are suffering, you want help now, not one month from now. If symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, or insomnia are negatively affecting your life, follow the link to my website and click the "Request Consultation" button to get started.
![Photo of Noel Warwick, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04ac07d0-30f7-4bfa-bb8e-301e83d04589/1/320x400.jpeg)
Noel Warwick is a Psychiatrist in Massachusetts who has been practicing since 2016. She obtained her medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Noel is able to provide medication management and treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. She takes a patient-centered approach to prescribing and aim to minimize polypharmacy. Outside of work, Noel enjoys yoga, swimming and camping as well as spending time with her son.
Noel Warwick is a Psychiatrist in Massachusetts who has been practicing since 2016. She obtained her medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Noel is able to provide medication management and treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. She takes a patient-centered approach to prescribing and aim to minimize polypharmacy. Outside of work, Noel enjoys yoga, swimming and camping as well as spending time with her son.
![Photo of Steven Benyas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d6e67bc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and consultations for children (age 5 and up), adolescents, and adults. Weighing the potential risks and benefits of taking a medication is a personal decision. My task is to provide the information and recommendations to help you make a decision with which you are comfortable. I believe medications need to be used thoughtfully, minimally, and as one part of a whole plan that often involves non-pharmacological interventions, such as therapy, mindfulness training, lifestyle changes, and the like. Those interventions are important if one wants to achieve lasting changes, especially if one decides to eventually stop taking a medication.
I provide evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and consultations for children (age 5 and up), adolescents, and adults. Weighing the potential risks and benefits of taking a medication is a personal decision. My task is to provide the information and recommendations to help you make a decision with which you are comfortable. I believe medications need to be used thoughtfully, minimally, and as one part of a whole plan that often involves non-pharmacological interventions, such as therapy, mindfulness training, lifestyle changes, and the like. Those interventions are important if one wants to achieve lasting changes, especially if one decides to eventually stop taking a medication.
![Photo of Stacie Rose, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fe09b38-d64c-461f-9157-dd7d137d7e86/3/320x400.png)
Stacie Rose
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Natick, MA 01760 (Online Only)
Stacie is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, providing diagnostic mental health evaluations, medication, and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of psychosocial and behavioral health concerns. Utilizing an integrative approach, treatment is a collaborative process that may include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle/nutritional modifications, and complementary practices.
Stacie is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, providing diagnostic mental health evaluations, medication, and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of psychosocial and behavioral health concerns. Utilizing an integrative approach, treatment is a collaborative process that may include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle/nutritional modifications, and complementary practices.
![Photo of Beth Harden, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/237d7f3d-b92a-4702-99b6-4223c9b549f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Beth Harden is a Dually Certified Psychiatric and Medical Nurse Practitioner.
Beth Harden is a Dually Certified Psychiatric and Medical Nurse Practitioner.
![Photo of Badu Adjei, DNP, MS, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1315a080-d5b5-4b9d-9ef8-9b9e3843dbeb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! You have taken the right step to seek support today! I provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adolescents, young adults, and adults with much interest in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Behavioral Issues, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Stress, Schizophrenia, and Sleep Issues or Insomnia. I am a Doctorally-prepared, Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in mental health. I am ready to work with you to provide the best treatment tailored to your needs.
Accepting New Patients! You have taken the right step to seek support today! I provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adolescents, young adults, and adults with much interest in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Behavioral Issues, Men's Issues, Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, Stress, Schizophrenia, and Sleep Issues or Insomnia. I am a Doctorally-prepared, Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in mental health. I am ready to work with you to provide the best treatment tailored to your needs.
![Photo of Alex Cutler, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f1aa193-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who is double board certified in Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. I incorporate psycho-dynamic, cognitive behavioral, supportive therapies, and psychopharmacological management and tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. I work with individuals and families to navigate through difficult times and I will provide personalized recommendations to address the difficulties you may be facing. I have a lot of research and clinical work in sleep medicine and can utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help with your sleep difficulties.
I am a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who is double board certified in Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. I incorporate psycho-dynamic, cognitive behavioral, supportive therapies, and psychopharmacological management and tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. I work with individuals and families to navigate through difficult times and I will provide personalized recommendations to address the difficulties you may be facing. I have a lot of research and clinical work in sleep medicine and can utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help with your sleep difficulties.
Copley Healthcare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN , APRN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Milford, MA 01757
At Copley Healthcare, we provide comprehensive care to patients of varied diagnosis, collaborating with a team of experienced professional, and providing complete continuum of care. Having skills in both behavioral and medical field allows us to treat patients with their comprehensive health in mind and achieve better results.
At Copley Healthcare, we provide comprehensive care to patients of varied diagnosis, collaborating with a team of experienced professional, and providing complete continuum of care. Having skills in both behavioral and medical field allows us to treat patients with their comprehensive health in mind and achieve better results.
![Photo of John Boisseau, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c060e9c7-aa1a-48c5-8dc7-05f4b1b2446a/2/320x400.jpeg)
John Boisseau DNP provides comprehensive mental health treatment using a person-centered approach. Education & Certifications: John Boisseau NP received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis College in 2010 and has worked as a nurse practitioner since 2007."
John Boisseau DNP provides comprehensive mental health treatment using a person-centered approach. Education & Certifications: John Boisseau NP received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis College in 2010 and has worked as a nurse practitioner since 2007."
![Photo of Patricia Seely, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/019b7a2a-26e7-4884-b916-7aa0e5f94a43/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Seely
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Westborough, MA 01581 (Online Only)
My primary goal is to help individuals find wholeness through therapy. I am not prescribing in Massachusetts at this time. I work with adults and have experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, individuals in recovery and those struggling with chronic health issues. As a veteran myself working with military active duty, their spouses and veterans is a special interest. I do prescribe in Maine but do not prescribe stimulants or benzodiazepines at this time.
My primary goal is to help individuals find wholeness through therapy. I am not prescribing in Massachusetts at this time. I work with adults and have experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, individuals in recovery and those struggling with chronic health issues. As a veteran myself working with military active duty, their spouses and veterans is a special interest. I do prescribe in Maine but do not prescribe stimulants or benzodiazepines at this time.
![Photo of Raphael M Bibiu - Circle Integrative Psychiatry Group., PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b22af005-7ccf-4ff1-b8dd-194781e8ccf9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Circle Integrative Psychiatry Group.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Framingham, MA 01702
Throughout my many years of experience both as a registered nurse and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have learnt learned to treat my patients with respect and compassion, knowing that their current problems does not define them. My competence and excellence of care stems from working with diverse patients for over 17 years in healthcare. This experience with different populations has given me confidence to face every situation with an inquisitive and open mind as I deliver evidence based and patient specific care.
Throughout my many years of experience both as a registered nurse and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I have learnt learned to treat my patients with respect and compassion, knowing that their current problems does not define them. My competence and excellence of care stems from working with diverse patients for over 17 years in healthcare. This experience with different populations has given me confidence to face every situation with an inquisitive and open mind as I deliver evidence based and patient specific care.
See more therapy options for Southborough
Nearby Searches for Southborough
- Dover
- Framingham
- Hopkinton
- Marlborough
- Milford
- Natick
- Northborough
- Shrewsbury
- Sudbury
- Wayland
- Wellesley
- Westborough
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Southborough, MA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Southborough, MA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
100% | Medication Management |
75% | ADHD |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
75% | Aetna |
75% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Southborough, MA see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Southborough?
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.