Psychiatrists in Independence Charter Township, MI
![Photo of David Harris, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6d1ccc8a-7aae-4f0b-9735-756b9c5ad172/1/320x400.jpeg)
With over 30 years of experience and named Psychiatrist/Physician of the Year for 2023 by NAMI Michigan, Dr. David K. Harris is an exceptional Psychiatrist. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and has expertise in treating a variety of disorders. For more than 30 years, New Oakland Family Centers has been Michigan’s most dedicated providers of quality, compassionate, innovative mental health care and services. Today, more than 30,000 people across our state receive more than 600,000 points of service from New Oakland every year...from the Detroit area to Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids,
With over 30 years of experience and named Psychiatrist/Physician of the Year for 2023 by NAMI Michigan, Dr. David K. Harris is an exceptional Psychiatrist. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and has expertise in treating a variety of disorders. For more than 30 years, New Oakland Family Centers has been Michigan’s most dedicated providers of quality, compassionate, innovative mental health care and services. Today, more than 30,000 people across our state receive more than 600,000 points of service from New Oakland every year...from the Detroit area to Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids,
![Photo of Emily Alberta - New Oakland Family Centers, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed0fbf44-9a38-466a-a8c0-6033472798dd/1/320x400.jpeg)
New Oakland Family Centers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Independence Charter Township, MI 48346
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Bruce L Roth, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ddac046-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Roth has over 25 years of experience as a board certified adult and child psychiatrist. He is also an adult psychoanalyst affiliated with the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and a Qualified Medical Evaluator in psychiatry for injured workers in the State of California. At CPS we have psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurse practitioner professionals providing the highest quality of mental health care to our clients. At CPS we offer a range of treatment from symptom focused counseling and medications to deeper psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis.
Dr. Roth has over 25 years of experience as a board certified adult and child psychiatrist. He is also an adult psychoanalyst affiliated with the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and a Qualified Medical Evaluator in psychiatry for injured workers in the State of California. At CPS we have psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurse practitioner professionals providing the highest quality of mental health care to our clients. At CPS we offer a range of treatment from symptom focused counseling and medications to deeper psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis.
![Photo of Raji George, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c9b25965-3514-46ca-9cde-046b1db321cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Raji George is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She hold a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan and is and is board certified through American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She originally obtained her Bachelor of science degree in Nursing(BSN) from India. She has the training and experience in diagnosing and, treating patients across the life span for all primary care and mental health conditions(anxiety, depression, PTSD/ trauma, ADHD, Bipolar disorder).
Raji George is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She hold a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan and is and is board certified through American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She originally obtained her Bachelor of science degree in Nursing(BSN) from India. She has the training and experience in diagnosing and, treating patients across the life span for all primary care and mental health conditions(anxiety, depression, PTSD/ trauma, ADHD, Bipolar disorder).
![Photo of Nicole Nichols, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d16c443d-cacb-4b0d-9c47-a5a661f73597/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Nichols, PMHNP Nicole Nichols is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who started practicing as a Mental Health Nurse in 2013 and as a PMNHP in 2023. Nicole believes every person is unique and has their own needs and pathway to mental health wellness. Her practice is evidence-based, holistic, and person-centered. She blends the scientific process, current evidence, national standards, compassion, empathy, and a friendly and bright communication style.
Nicole Nichols, PMHNP Nicole Nichols is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who started practicing as a Mental Health Nurse in 2013 and as a PMNHP in 2023. Nicole believes every person is unique and has their own needs and pathway to mental health wellness. Her practice is evidence-based, holistic, and person-centered. She blends the scientific process, current evidence, national standards, compassion, empathy, and a friendly and bright communication style.
![Photo of Neil Talon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b068bdd-3812-4add-9b7c-071d30e8fa1f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Neil S. Talon, MD Dr. Neil S. Talon is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 1981. He earned his BA at the University of Michigan, went to Columbia University Medical School, and completed his Psychiatric Residency at Cornell. Dr. Talon is experienced in general adult psychiatry and has practiced in office- and hospital-based settings. He has many years of experience treating people with bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adult ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders of adults to geriatrics.
Dr. Neil S. Talon, MD Dr. Neil S. Talon is a Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 1981. He earned his BA at the University of Michigan, went to Columbia University Medical School, and completed his Psychiatric Residency at Cornell. Dr. Talon is experienced in general adult psychiatry and has practiced in office- and hospital-based settings. He has many years of experience treating people with bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, adult ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders of adults to geriatrics.
![Photo of Jillian Price, MSN, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c717466-1658-4059-9772-af2bfa5d6675/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Healing Mental Health our mission is to provide high-quality mental health medication management to our community, city, county, and beyond. We envision a future where mental health is an important part of overall health, and mental care is an integral part of all health care.
At Healing Mental Health our mission is to provide high-quality mental health medication management to our community, city, county, and beyond. We envision a future where mental health is an important part of overall health, and mental care is an integral part of all health care.
![Photo of Lacretia Fisher, MSN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ad5ae08-a81a-4947-aed3-8400c610876f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lacretia Fisher
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
West Bloomfield, MI 48324 (Online Only)
Lacretia Fisher is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2015 after completing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Wayne State University in 2015. She began her mental health nursing career in 2010 after completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Oakland University. She also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wayne State University in 2002.
Lacretia Fisher is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2015 after completing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Wayne State University in 2015. She began her mental health nursing career in 2010 after completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Oakland University. She also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wayne State University in 2002.
![Photo of Curtis Leipold, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63be0599-b6c5-42fc-b59d-4d7bf2c72885/1/320x400.jpeg)
Curtis Leipold is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse over 15 years of experience in healthcare. Curtis obtained his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Purdue University and is a recent graduate from Wayne State University where he obtained his master's degree in nursing specializing in psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, bipolar, childhood behavioral issues, and panic disorders. Curtis treats patient between the ages of 10 and 75. Curtis has experience managing psychiatric medications for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Curtis uses a holistic approach to treat clients.
Curtis Leipold is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse over 15 years of experience in healthcare. Curtis obtained his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Purdue University and is a recent graduate from Wayne State University where he obtained his master's degree in nursing specializing in psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, bipolar, childhood behavioral issues, and panic disorders. Curtis treats patient between the ages of 10 and 75. Curtis has experience managing psychiatric medications for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Curtis uses a holistic approach to treat clients.
![Photo of Iyantta S. Howell, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ab3d147-9113-48bd-8e29-33ec4608b510/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Iyantta S. Howell is a double board-certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2008. She obtained her bachelor's degree from The University of Michigan and obtained her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. She went on to complete her Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship training at The University of Pennsylvania's Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Howell has experience working in a variety of clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient settings, prisons, residential treatment facilities, and partial hospital programs.
Dr. Iyantta S. Howell is a double board-certified Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist in Michigan who has been practicing since 2008. She obtained her bachelor's degree from The University of Michigan and obtained her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. She went on to complete her Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship training at The University of Pennsylvania's Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Howell has experience working in a variety of clinical environments, including inpatient and outpatient settings, prisons, residential treatment facilities, and partial hospital programs.
James Allen Walla
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
I have a great passion for psychiatry and have been practicing nursing for 15 years. I obtained my graduate psychiatric specialty at Wayne State University and am eager to provide compassionate, evidence based psychiatric care.
I have a great passion for psychiatry and have been practicing nursing for 15 years. I obtained my graduate psychiatric specialty at Wayne State University and am eager to provide compassionate, evidence based psychiatric care.
![Photo of Dan Dean, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4861a56b-326e-4d59-8c10-34a72a98a38a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dan Dean is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2007. Dan believes mental health requires a holistic approach, taking into consideration mind, body, spirit, and cultural preferences. Dan identifies individual goals and values, promotes growth, and helps improve quality of life. Outside of work, Dan enjoys animals, nature, walking, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Dan Dean is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2007. Dan believes mental health requires a holistic approach, taking into consideration mind, body, spirit, and cultural preferences. Dan identifies individual goals and values, promotes growth, and helps improve quality of life. Outside of work, Dan enjoys animals, nature, walking, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
![Photo of Hassan Almaat - Advanced Psychiatric Services, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42ec787c-8461-4d6a-9a92-52c1ff2e18e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Advanced Psychiatric Services where patient's care comes first. We believe the treatment in mental health should be a collaboration between the professional and the patient based on trust and honesty. We provide services for wide variety of mental health issues. We believe our patients time is equally valuable to ours, so we try hard to eliminate waiting, and use the time to discuss their issues, goals, and to provide the needed management, education, and support.
Welcome to Advanced Psychiatric Services where patient's care comes first. We believe the treatment in mental health should be a collaboration between the professional and the patient based on trust and honesty. We provide services for wide variety of mental health issues. We believe our patients time is equally valuable to ours, so we try hard to eliminate waiting, and use the time to discuss their issues, goals, and to provide the needed management, education, and support.
![Photo of Suzanne Lugger, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65dadc4f-38ae-4475-baf0-c25c2ced4682/2/320x400.jpeg)
Suzanne Lugger is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2005. Suzanne can help a client work towards identified goals to be the best version of themselves. Life is a journey; there is always a way to move forward. She looks forward to supporting clients through the process of growth to an improved quality of life. When not working, Suzanne enjoys gardening, running, sunshine, camping, travel, and spending time with family.
Suzanne Lugger is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Michigan who has been practicing since 2005. Suzanne can help a client work towards identified goals to be the best version of themselves. Life is a journey; there is always a way to move forward. She looks forward to supporting clients through the process of growth to an improved quality of life. When not working, Suzanne enjoys gardening, running, sunshine, camping, travel, and spending time with family.
![Photo of Dr. Jimmy Metellus - Fulfilled Care Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13b6183d-d8bd-470b-8b75-e105f901f412/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Fulfilled Care Psychiatry, I, Dr. Jimmy Metellus, am a compassionate psychiatrist providing a supportive space for individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, and life transitions. I specialize in evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique needs, guiding you on a transformative journey towards emotional stability, improved relationships, resilience, self-discovery, and functional daily living. My role is to empower you, ensuring mental health isn't a barrier but a catalyst for growth. Together, we navigate complexities, work towards your goals, fostering lasting positive change.
At Fulfilled Care Psychiatry, I, Dr. Jimmy Metellus, am a compassionate psychiatrist providing a supportive space for individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, and life transitions. I specialize in evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique needs, guiding you on a transformative journey towards emotional stability, improved relationships, resilience, self-discovery, and functional daily living. My role is to empower you, ensuring mental health isn't a barrier but a catalyst for growth. Together, we navigate complexities, work towards your goals, fostering lasting positive change.
![Photo of Christie Flamini, MSN, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f22f5a76-2df8-41e5-b71c-8b5c4034ae85/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christie Flamini
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN
Verified Verified
West Bloomfield, MI 48324
Each person is as unique as a fingerprint which is why a one-sized approach doesn't work. I believe it is important to identify your personal concerns and goals for treatment, so that we may create an effective plan to achieve them. I believe mental wellness requires a holistic and individualized approach for success. This may include psychotherapy, diet, exercise, stress management, and/or medication. A combination of these usually produces the best results.
Each person is as unique as a fingerprint which is why a one-sized approach doesn't work. I believe it is important to identify your personal concerns and goals for treatment, so that we may create an effective plan to achieve them. I believe mental wellness requires a holistic and individualized approach for success. This may include psychotherapy, diet, exercise, stress management, and/or medication. A combination of these usually produces the best results.
![Photo of John Mrachina, MSN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62b77351-974b-4dca-a7d3-3bdaccd3900f/1/320x400.png)
John Mrachina
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C
Verified Verified
Waterford, MI 48327
At Healing Mental Health our mission is to provide high-quality mental health medication management to our community, city, county, and beyond. We envision a future where mental health is an important part of overall health, and mental care is an integral part of all health care.
At Healing Mental Health our mission is to provide high-quality mental health medication management to our community, city, county, and beyond. We envision a future where mental health is an important part of overall health, and mental care is an integral part of all health care.
![Photo of Malini Shenava, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1644891d-bbce-4183-8e69-9a96b5592dfe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Malini works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Malini believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Malini works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Malini believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
![Photo of Bruce Hamby - Forum Health, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5060df42-8f25-4f69-afcc-924ec150e2f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ketamine Therapy allows you to work through subconscious, repressed feelings that underlie unproductive behavior patterns, poor mental and emotional functioning, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. This treatment is ideal for anyone who wishes to experience lasting, full mind and body healing for treatment-resistant mood disorders, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Ketamine Therapy allows you to work through subconscious, repressed feelings that underlie unproductive behavior patterns, poor mental and emotional functioning, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. This treatment is ideal for anyone who wishes to experience lasting, full mind and body healing for treatment-resistant mood disorders, PTSD, and chronic pain.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Renee Harris, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4095e984-8bd2-4d63-b2d0-8d68056446ec/3/320x400.jpeg)
I was born in Michigan and have resided here for most of my life. I attended Wayne State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and obtained my medical degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine. I completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, OH followed by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship also at the Medical College of Ohio. I especially love working with children, adolescents, and their families. I am also a wife, mother, daughter, and sister.
I was born in Michigan and have resided here for most of my life. I attended Wayne State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and obtained my medical degree from the Wayne State University School of Medicine. I completed an Adult Psychiatry Residency at Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, OH followed by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship also at the Medical College of Ohio. I especially love working with children, adolescents, and their families. I am also a wife, mother, daughter, and sister.
See more therapy options for Independence Charter Township
Nearby Searches for Independence Charter Township
- Birmingham
- Bloomfield
- Bloomfield Hills
- Clarkston
- Farmington
- Farmington Hills
- Hartland
- Lake Orion
- Rochester Hills
- Troy
- Waterford
- West Bloomfield
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Independence Charter Township, MI
< 10
Psychiatrists in Independence Charter Township, MI who prioritize treating:
50% | Depression |
50% | Anxiety |
50% | Addiction |
50% | Child |
50% | ADHD |
50% | Chronic Pain |
50% | Domestic Abuse |
Average years in practice
32 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Independence Charter Township, MI see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Independence Charter Township?
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.