Psychiatrists in Owasso, OK
![Photo of Ilona Willyard, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d2f36f4-a236-4439-bddd-4b8ac14d4b53/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ilona Willyard
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Owasso, OK 74055
I am here to help. I believe in the importance of the healthcare provider and patient working together as partners to develop a plan of care that is best. I also strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for every client and am a LGBTQ+ affirming provider.
I am here to help. I believe in the importance of the healthcare provider and patient working together as partners to develop a plan of care that is best. I also strives to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for every client and am a LGBTQ+ affirming provider.
![Photo of Teresa Green, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01c91140-9398-4673-8727-bbed72d6bfb5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling? I want to help you, so please reach out today. Mental health problems can make life difficult, and I am here for you. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, addiction, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, and grief.
Struggling? I want to help you, so please reach out today. Mental health problems can make life difficult, and I am here for you. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, addiction, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, and grief.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Heath Mueller, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5517fc7-f42d-4d3d-b348-63543e73eee0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Heath Mueller is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed both her Bachelor of Science degree and her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Oklahoma. Following completion of her medical training, she completed four years of training in general psychiatry at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. While in residency she gained additional experience in psychiatric crisis management while moonlighting at the Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health.
Dr. Heath Mueller is board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She completed both her Bachelor of Science degree and her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Oklahoma. Following completion of her medical training, she completed four years of training in general psychiatry at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. While in residency she gained additional experience in psychiatric crisis management while moonlighting at the Tulsa Center for Behavioral Health.
![Photo of Andrew Carter, PA-C, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a06a86a-1261-4a77-8454-2775b414d7fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Carter is a physician assistant, practicing in psychiatry since 2009. He graduated from Missouri State University with a Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Andrew believes in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and assisting a person to find the best treatment option(s) for the situation. Andrew's main role is to treat with medications, though he understands there are nonpharmacological approaches to explore as well. His main areas of focus include depression, insomnia and various types of anxiety, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Andrew Carter is a physician assistant, practicing in psychiatry since 2009. He graduated from Missouri State University with a Master's of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Andrew believes in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and assisting a person to find the best treatment option(s) for the situation. Andrew's main role is to treat with medications, though he understands there are nonpharmacological approaches to explore as well. His main areas of focus include depression, insomnia and various types of anxiety, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
![Photo of Janefrances Ologolo, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3a385fc-5ce3-44ed-a84f-f16df4a7eba9/1/320x400.png)
Jane Ologolo is a Nurse Practitioner in Oklahoma. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Langston University-Tulsa Campus, a FNP-Masters from Maryville University, and a PMHNP-Post-Masters from Maryville University. Jane believes in individualized treatment plans, as every person is unique in their way. She firmly believes in fairness, compassion, and respect in dealing with her patients. In her spare time, Jane enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.
Jane Ologolo is a Nurse Practitioner in Oklahoma. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Langston University-Tulsa Campus, a FNP-Masters from Maryville University, and a PMHNP-Post-Masters from Maryville University. Jane believes in individualized treatment plans, as every person is unique in their way. She firmly believes in fairness, compassion, and respect in dealing with her patients. In her spare time, Jane enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.
![Photo of Rebecca Cline, APRN-C, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca850e85-5e43-46d6-b434-dd94686a3c27/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Cline is a dual board-certified Nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2011. She graduated from Graceland University in Independence, Missouri with a post master's degree in Family Nurse Practitioner. She later extended her scope of practice after attending The University of Cincinnati, in Cincinnati, Ohio with a post master's certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Rebecca believes in a collaborative, interdisciplinary care approach for the best practice outcomes for her patients.
Rebecca Cline is a dual board-certified Nurse practitioner who has been practicing since 2011. She graduated from Graceland University in Independence, Missouri with a post master's degree in Family Nurse Practitioner. She later extended her scope of practice after attending The University of Cincinnati, in Cincinnati, Ohio with a post master's certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Rebecca believes in a collaborative, interdisciplinary care approach for the best practice outcomes for her patients.
![Photo of Channel Johnson, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89f19dd8-62a2-4637-a119-22dbc0a4db34/1/320x400.jpeg)
Channel Johnson is a Nurse Practitioner in Oklahoma who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Tulsa, a Master's of Science of Nursing, Specialty Family Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University, and a Master of Science of Nursing, Specialty, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Channel strives to provide personalized care and focus on each individual's needs. To each individual client, she strives to provide compassionate care.
Channel Johnson is a Nurse Practitioner in Oklahoma who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Tulsa, a Master's of Science of Nursing, Specialty Family Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University, and a Master of Science of Nursing, Specialty, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Channel strives to provide personalized care and focus on each individual's needs. To each individual client, she strives to provide compassionate care.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Jack Wade Lethermon, DNP, APRN , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/639e8c5b-002e-4aae-ad9c-d3b4b67cf9ed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jack Wade Lethermon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN , PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Claremore, OK 74017
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner holding a doctorate in Psychiatric Mental Health. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. I have a partnership with Megen Rhine Consulting therapy group that is in-house and ready to assist with all your therapy needs. I believe in building synergistic relationships with my patients. I recognize the significance of involving individuals in their care, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership over their mental health journey.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner holding a doctorate in Psychiatric Mental Health. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. I have a partnership with Megen Rhine Consulting therapy group that is in-house and ready to assist with all your therapy needs. I believe in building synergistic relationships with my patients. I recognize the significance of involving individuals in their care, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership over their mental health journey.
![Photo of Rachel Dalthorp, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfd10726-7af0-4d7a-9039-5c7f52c3fe41/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rachel Dalthorp received her medical degree from the University Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine. Following medical school she completed a four year psychiatric residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center where she focused on developing expertise in the assessment and treatment of mood disorders related to the female reproductive cycle. Dr. Dalthorp completed specialized training in the treatment of female sexual disorders and the use of psychedelic medications to treat depression.
Dr. Rachel Dalthorp received her medical degree from the University Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine. Following medical school she completed a four year psychiatric residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center where she focused on developing expertise in the assessment and treatment of mood disorders related to the female reproductive cycle. Dr. Dalthorp completed specialized training in the treatment of female sexual disorders and the use of psychedelic medications to treat depression.
![Photo of Melanie Barrett, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55c072f7-f8b5-41cd-b94e-b5335e1f989b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Melanie Barrett received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine following undergraduate studies in Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, where she served as Chief Resident. She maintains board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Barrett specializes in interventional treatments including Zulresso (brexanolone) for postpartum depression as well as Spravato (esketamine) and ketamine IV therapy for treatment resistant depression.
Dr. Melanie Barrett received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine following undergraduate studies in Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She completed her psychiatry residency at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, where she served as Chief Resident. She maintains board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Barrett specializes in interventional treatments including Zulresso (brexanolone) for postpartum depression as well as Spravato (esketamine) and ketamine IV therapy for treatment resistant depression.
![Photo of Katarina Norman, APRN, CNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f32cdb59-5380-4108-8731-1e05fe1e799e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide psychiatric med management and brief psychotherapy to clients with multiple psychiatric conditions. My specialty areas include bipolar disorder, substance abuse, patient's experiencing homelessness, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and LGBTQIA+. I have a suboxone program for patients seeking addiction medicine. I am accepting new patients, however, due to maternity leave I am scheduling out into August 2024.
I provide psychiatric med management and brief psychotherapy to clients with multiple psychiatric conditions. My specialty areas include bipolar disorder, substance abuse, patient's experiencing homelessness, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and LGBTQIA+. I have a suboxone program for patients seeking addiction medicine. I am accepting new patients, however, due to maternity leave I am scheduling out into August 2024.
![Photo of Branden Carr, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fc46e7a-f47a-411e-a819-550202731e67/1/320x400.jpeg)
Branden Carr, DO Branden Carr is a Psychiatrist in Oklahoma. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at Oklahoma State University and is currently working towards his final year of residency and plan to graduate in 2023. He has been able to practice psychiatry in a wide range of environments including inpatient, outpatient, addiction, consults, and more. Branden’s goal is to obtain an excellent understanding of a client’s emotional health and to set realistic expectations that they can work towards together.
Branden Carr, DO Branden Carr is a Psychiatrist in Oklahoma. He completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at Oklahoma State University and is currently working towards his final year of residency and plan to graduate in 2023. He has been able to practice psychiatry in a wide range of environments including inpatient, outpatient, addiction, consults, and more. Branden’s goal is to obtain an excellent understanding of a client’s emotional health and to set realistic expectations that they can work towards together.
![Photo of Bracie Haworth, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7bb734-aebb-42c4-861b-66c210a98489/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bracie Haworth
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
Broken Arrow, OK 74012 (Online Only)
I'm Bracie, a Dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I've spent many years working in inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. I've developed a strong interest in mental health, and my goal is to offer high-quality, compassionate mental health and primary care services to people of all age groups.
I'm Bracie, a Dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I've spent many years working in inpatient and outpatient clinical settings. I've developed a strong interest in mental health, and my goal is to offer high-quality, compassionate mental health and primary care services to people of all age groups.
![Photo of Jeffrey Owen, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa7ee4f6-6691-4bce-9358-ab5e4a102ebf/1/320x400.png)
Jeffrey Owen is a Psychiatrist in Oklahoma with more than four years of academic experience. He has a Bachelor Dual degree from the University of Oklahoma, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Oklahoma State University CHS, and completed his Psychiatry Residency at Ozark Center sponsored by KCU. After residency, he served as Clinical Associate Professor at Ozark Center and Clinical Assistant Professor at OU Department of Psychiatry. Jeffrey believes in empowering people in his community with evidence-based medicine to optimize their mental well-being.
Jeffrey Owen is a Psychiatrist in Oklahoma with more than four years of academic experience. He has a Bachelor Dual degree from the University of Oklahoma, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Oklahoma State University CHS, and completed his Psychiatry Residency at Ozark Center sponsored by KCU. After residency, he served as Clinical Associate Professor at Ozark Center and Clinical Assistant Professor at OU Department of Psychiatry. Jeffrey believes in empowering people in his community with evidence-based medicine to optimize their mental well-being.
![Photo of Judy Wagga, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/454171a1-19e3-47d0-b71a-e2eb0cc01f58/1/320x400.jpeg)
Judy Wagga is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has over nine years of experience in psychiatric nursing including behavioral health, rehabilitation, addiction, jail nursing and community hospital settings. She is currently working with children, youth and adults to manage, prescribe medications and support patients and their families. Judy has excellent communication skills, is a detail oriented, personable professional.
Judy Wagga is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She has over nine years of experience in psychiatric nursing including behavioral health, rehabilitation, addiction, jail nursing and community hospital settings. She is currently working with children, youth and adults to manage, prescribe medications and support patients and their families. Judy has excellent communication skills, is a detail oriented, personable professional.
![Photo of Sarah Aafedt, PA, Physician Assistant](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d77112f-7ad5-46c8-94af-b6bcc4277d26/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah is a Physician Assistant in the Tulsa area and has over nineteen years of experience in the field of psychiatry. She was born and raised in Kansas where she first started working in health care and developed a love of helping other people with their medical needs. She attended Friends University in Wichita, Kansas where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Psychology in 2001. She graduated from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
Sarah is a Physician Assistant in the Tulsa area and has over nineteen years of experience in the field of psychiatry. She was born and raised in Kansas where she first started working in health care and developed a love of helping other people with their medical needs. She attended Friends University in Wichita, Kansas where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Psychology in 2001. She graduated from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
![Photo of Tabatha June Truelove, PMHNP, APRN, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af0d95b2-1632-496c-ada5-636eda8f2da8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tabatha June Truelove
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
Muskogee, OK 74401
I am a board-certified, psychiatric nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents and adults. I love to help patients reach their goals and become the best versions of themselves. I believe in a supportive environment for each of my patients. I enjoy hearing out my patients needs and offering a individual treatment plan that best supports each of my patients.
I am a board-certified, psychiatric nurse practitioner. I specialize in the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents and adults. I love to help patients reach their goals and become the best versions of themselves. I believe in a supportive environment for each of my patients. I enjoy hearing out my patients needs and offering a individual treatment plan that best supports each of my patients.
![Photo of Brenda G James - Psychiatry & More, LLC , DNP, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a328034-7324-476a-9cc2-b97ac4a558b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatry & More, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Shawnee, OK 74801
Psychiatry & More provides comprehensive mental health treatment plans for patients ages 6and older. Staff includes a mixture of psychiatrists, mental health certified nurse practitioners, psychologists and licensed therapists. Psychiatry & More can also provide Suboxone treatment.
Psychiatry & More provides comprehensive mental health treatment plans for patients ages 6and older. Staff includes a mixture of psychiatrists, mental health certified nurse practitioners, psychologists and licensed therapists. Psychiatry & More can also provide Suboxone treatment.
![Photo of Kara Lynn Alger, APRN, PMHNP, DNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f01ae31c-2ed2-42cb-b553-0b3a876fba8c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kara, our esteemed Nurse Practitioner at Mind Rejuvenation, is ANCC Board Certified and holds a Doctorate of Nursing from Oklahoma City University. She brings over a decade of specialized experience to our team. Her firsthand knowledge from bodybuilding and CrossFit over the years has shaped her insight into the body’s capabilities and recovery processes, enriching her approach to patient care. She's skilled in managing ADHD trauma, providing psychiatric evaluations, and overseeing medication management, ensuring tailored care for each patient. On weekends, she dedicates her time to Laureate in-patient care.
Kara, our esteemed Nurse Practitioner at Mind Rejuvenation, is ANCC Board Certified and holds a Doctorate of Nursing from Oklahoma City University. She brings over a decade of specialized experience to our team. Her firsthand knowledge from bodybuilding and CrossFit over the years has shaped her insight into the body’s capabilities and recovery processes, enriching her approach to patient care. She's skilled in managing ADHD trauma, providing psychiatric evaluations, and overseeing medication management, ensuring tailored care for each patient. On weekends, she dedicates her time to Laureate in-patient care.
![Photo of Jessica Collett, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, SANE-A, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d017832-f317-4d2b-b0da-b86332e9086e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Collett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNPBC, SANE-A
Verified Verified
Shawnee, OK 74801
All community members who are seeking inclusive, patient-centered care are welcome at our clinics.
All community members who are seeking inclusive, patient-centered care are welcome at our clinics.
See more therapy options for Owasso
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Owasso, OK
< 10
Psychiatrists in Owasso, OK who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Transgender |
100% | Sleep or Insomnia |
100% | Oppositional Defiance (ODD) |
Average years in practice
21 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Medicare |
100% | TRICARE |
How Psychiatrists in Owasso, OK see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Owasso?
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.