Psychiatrists in Reynoldsburg, OH
![Photo of Nne Ihemere, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/908eb37b-28f2-4c97-814f-e78946fe2cb4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nne Ihemere
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (Online Only)
Hi my name is Nne, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. I am board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in psychiatry, and a certified Clinical Nurse Leader. I have over fifteen years of healthcare experience as a critical/acute care nurse at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, clinical instructor, and psychiatric mental health service provider.
Hi my name is Nne, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. I am board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in psychiatry, and a certified Clinical Nurse Leader. I have over fifteen years of healthcare experience as a critical/acute care nurse at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, clinical instructor, and psychiatric mental health service provider.
![Photo of Shannon Bucciarelli, MSN, PMHNP, B-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ae4d45d-973b-4fe5-9bf2-4ce50ffe3075/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Bucciarelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, B-C
Verified Verified
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions which may include psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care, and engage in open and honest communication with their provider.
![Photo of Carol Smith, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccfcf6e0-e4a6-49cf-b26a-abe633a994a0/2/320x400.png)
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
Self-discovery and implementation of new habits and skills can be uncomfortable. My ideal client is someone who is ready to be uncomfortable and one who is dedicated to making an investment in their mental health. Having someone who is consistent with their care and transparent about their feelings and symptoms will lead to an efficient resolution of concerns and achieving goals.
![Photo of Fatimah Thiam, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a06490c-a838-4e5f-8b4a-518176de3516/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fatimah Thiam
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (Online Only)
Hello, I am Fatimah, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who have been in practice over the last 8 years, with experience working in inpatient, outpatient and crisis settings. Do you suffer from ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, mood swings, eating disorders, insomnia, trauma/PTSD, personality disorders or substance abuse? I'm here because of you and I care about you. To book your appointment go to https:/centralbehavioralclinic.com/.
Hello, I am Fatimah, a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who have been in practice over the last 8 years, with experience working in inpatient, outpatient and crisis settings. Do you suffer from ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, mood swings, eating disorders, insomnia, trauma/PTSD, personality disorders or substance abuse? I'm here because of you and I care about you. To book your appointment go to https:/centralbehavioralclinic.com/.
![Photo of Gerald Makobong, ARPN, PMHNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33b1042d-f761-4cef-8930-ddcea8b9fd81/2/320x400.png)
Gerald Makobong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ARPN, PMHNP, CNP
Verified Verified
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. I have experience working with adult, adolescent, and geriatric populations in high-acuity inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, I have experience assessing, diagnosing, educating, and treating mental health patients ages 5-99.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. I have experience working with adult, adolescent, and geriatric populations in high-acuity inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, I have experience assessing, diagnosing, educating, and treating mental health patients ages 5-99.
![Photo of Michelle McCarthy, APN, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0de8362-1f42-4694-9b91-0111507b4ffa/2/320x400.png)
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f764413d-dbbb-4a22-a61b-e7dc7eae4145/2/320x400.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.
ALN Psych and Behavioral Health, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
To promote physical and psychological wellbeing by providing quality mental health care to our patients using evidence-based practice.
To promote physical and psychological wellbeing by providing quality mental health care to our patients using evidence-based practice.
![Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d4a84c4b-5b4c-402a-9ada-f6b157825620/1/320x400.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.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d5d444a-3f96-4802-878c-0881179a9f25/1/320x400.png)
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnosis and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both out-patient and in-patient settings.
![Photo of Gerald Makobong, APRN, PMHNP, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74a7cf94-bc4d-4afb-aea5-06a6c5c81995/1/320x400.png)
Gerald Makobong
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, CNP
Verified Verified
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. I have experience working with adult, adolescent, and geriatric populations in high-acuity inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, I have experience assessing, diagnosing, educating, and treating mental health patients ages 5-99.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fully licensed in Ohio. I have experience working with adult, adolescent, and geriatric populations in high-acuity inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, I have experience assessing, diagnosing, educating, and treating mental health patients ages 5-99.
![Photo of Maureen Chinyere Odemena, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/386f28a5-6640-40cc-a188-b77758fb50af/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maureen Chinyere Odemena
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (Online Only)
My name is Maureen Odemena, I am a board certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with a total of 11 years' experience. I treat patients 12 years and older with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, PTSD, and ADHD, amongst other things.
My name is Maureen Odemena, I am a board certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with a total of 11 years' experience. I treat patients 12 years and older with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, PTSD, and ADHD, amongst other things.
![Photo of Laura Schreckengost, NP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/059809f1-f12c-4c3f-a25c-25b546a5387e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura is married with one daughter and three beautiful granddaughters, has a dog, cat, cows, goats, and chickens. Laura enjoys spending time with her family, friends, reading, cooking, and being in nature. Laura is a family nurse practitioner who holds a post master’s certificate in psychiatric nursing. She provides a comprehensive, holistic, and compassionate evaluation and treatment plan. Her scope of practice as a nurse practitioner across the lifespan in both family practice and psychiatric illness, advocating for health promotion.
Laura is married with one daughter and three beautiful granddaughters, has a dog, cat, cows, goats, and chickens. Laura enjoys spending time with her family, friends, reading, cooking, and being in nature. Laura is a family nurse practitioner who holds a post master’s certificate in psychiatric nursing. She provides a comprehensive, holistic, and compassionate evaluation and treatment plan. Her scope of practice as a nurse practitioner across the lifespan in both family practice and psychiatric illness, advocating for health promotion.
![Photo of Khalilah K LaRue - LaRue Psychiatric Services, LLC, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03b6ee99-e840-4a2b-a190-0ffbc9ffdb14/2/320x400.jpeg)
LaRue Psychiatric Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CNP
Verified Verified
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (Online Only)
LaRue Psychiatric Services, LLC was established by Khalilah LaRue, C.N.P. in order to provide premier psychiatric treatment to the residents of Central Ohio in a timely manner. She is able to accommodate most clients into his schedule within one to two weeks, while still providing the highest level of compassionate care. Khalilah LaRue, CNP is able to answer any questions you may have about treatment and recovery and make the whole process a bit less intimidating. Whether you have struggled with life-long mental illness or the changes in your mood are new, we are here to help you on your road to wellness.
LaRue Psychiatric Services, LLC was established by Khalilah LaRue, C.N.P. in order to provide premier psychiatric treatment to the residents of Central Ohio in a timely manner. She is able to accommodate most clients into his schedule within one to two weeks, while still providing the highest level of compassionate care. Khalilah LaRue, CNP is able to answer any questions you may have about treatment and recovery and make the whole process a bit less intimidating. Whether you have struggled with life-long mental illness or the changes in your mood are new, we are here to help you on your road to wellness.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Joshua Ndematebem, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c565c0fe-0828-4908-a161-43fedab2b543/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joshua is a down-to-earth and welcoming psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is skilled in medication management for adolescents and adults with mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar, stress and trauma-related disorders, schizophrenia, and addiction related disorders (non-opioid) and others. He is experienced in outpatient and inpatient treatment modalities
Joshua is a down-to-earth and welcoming psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is skilled in medication management for adolescents and adults with mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar, stress and trauma-related disorders, schizophrenia, and addiction related disorders (non-opioid) and others. He is experienced in outpatient and inpatient treatment modalities
![Photo of Ifeoma Uzoh-Anigbogu - Cornerstone Integrated Healthcare of Ohio , PMHNP, FNP-BC, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41fc479c-00fd-4749-a683-9260c5301f29/1/320x400.png)
Cornerstone Integrated Healthcare of Ohio
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-BC, MSN
Verified Verified
Columbus, OH 43213
Ifeoma Uzoh-Anigbogu is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years experience in mental health, addiction, and family services to diversified patient population. My mission is the desensitization of the stigma to mental health and substance abuse disorder in providing individualized holistic care. Meeting patients where they are and in upholding their dignity.
Ifeoma Uzoh-Anigbogu is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years experience in mental health, addiction, and family services to diversified patient population. My mission is the desensitization of the stigma to mental health and substance abuse disorder in providing individualized holistic care. Meeting patients where they are and in upholding their dignity.
![Photo of Dauntrica Wallstrum, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f92d8b1-96fd-4688-bb14-efe8a61035ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dauntrica Wallstrum is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She received her master's degree from The Ohio State University and dual bachelor's degrees from Ashland University. She has previous history working with mental health in the community setting and working with varying psychiatric diagnoses. She sees children, ages 5 and up, adolescents, and adults. Her focus is on the individual as a whole to help work towards achieving wellness.
Dauntrica Wallstrum is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She received her master's degree from The Ohio State University and dual bachelor's degrees from Ashland University. She has previous history working with mental health in the community setting and working with varying psychiatric diagnoses. She sees children, ages 5 and up, adolescents, and adults. Her focus is on the individual as a whole to help work towards achieving wellness.
![Photo of Jennifer Foresman - Balance Psychiatric Services, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9c1c86f-9dcc-4854-b505-11d44013646e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balance Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Blacklick, OH 43004 (Online Only)
Are you looking for a provider who will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges? At Balance Psychiatric Services, we understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
Are you looking for a provider who will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges? At Balance Psychiatric Services, we understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
![Photo of Kelly LaPointe, NP, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c80d8dd-4df0-4505-9f9c-4eb6e63080c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly LaPointe is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Master's of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from The Ohio State University, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing, and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Ohio University. Kelly has more than 2 decades of nursing experience in the psychiatric field, ranging from child to adult inpatient care to community mental health crisis stabilization as well as many years in medical critical care settings.
Kelly LaPointe is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Ohio who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Master's of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from The Ohio State University, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing, and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Ohio University. Kelly has more than 2 decades of nursing experience in the psychiatric field, ranging from child to adult inpatient care to community mental health crisis stabilization as well as many years in medical critical care settings.
![Photo of Ifeoma Uzoh-Anigbogu, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d20ff5d2-6e13-4f9f-a7dc-91c48fec866f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ifeoma Uzoh-Anigbogu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Columbus, OH 43213
Ifeoma Uzoh-Anigbogu, PMHNP, offers a wide range of services to individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. She provides medication management and individual therapy, helping her patients navigate complex mental health challenges and achieve greater emotional well-being. Ifeoma’s compassionate care and expertise spans a variety of specialties, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. She is particularly passionate about addressing childhood behavior issues and helping individuals manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Ifeoma Uzoh-Anigbogu, PMHNP, offers a wide range of services to individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. She provides medication management and individual therapy, helping her patients navigate complex mental health challenges and achieve greater emotional well-being. Ifeoma’s compassionate care and expertise spans a variety of specialties, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. She is particularly passionate about addressing childhood behavior issues and helping individuals manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
See more therapy options for Reynoldsburg
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Reynoldsburg, OH
10+
Average cost per session
$198
Psychiatrists in Reynoldsburg, OH who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
93% | Anxiety |
86% | ADHD |
79% | Medication Management |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
4 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
86% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Reynoldsburg, OH see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Reynoldsburg?
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.