Psychiatrists in Bristol, PA
![Photo of Kimberlee Renee Adams, PMHNP, , CRNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba755519-f993-4c9d-8e2e-50f675ad2bfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberlee Renee Adams
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, , CRNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol, PA 19007
My expertise lies in delivering comprehensive mental health care to individuals across various age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. I am dedicated to addressing a range of conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Mood disorders, and Insomnia.
My expertise lies in delivering comprehensive mental health care to individuals across various age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. I am dedicated to addressing a range of conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Mood disorders, and Insomnia.
![Photo of Brittany D'Aurizio, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bce4ddf9-a700-4490-a8f5-54d3f60be8d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Give yourself a pat on the back. If you are reading this, you are likely on your way to starting, or you are on your way to continuing, the journey to improve your mental health. This takes courage- "the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty" (Merriam-Webster). The key to cognitive wellness is to first recognize, acknowledge, and understand the difficulties that life may throw our way, and how YOU as an individual have responded to such.
Give yourself a pat on the back. If you are reading this, you are likely on your way to starting, or you are on your way to continuing, the journey to improve your mental health. This takes courage- "the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty" (Merriam-Webster). The key to cognitive wellness is to first recognize, acknowledge, and understand the difficulties that life may throw our way, and how YOU as an individual have responded to such.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Nichelle Jones, DNP , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11a184cb-678b-42d4-bb69-5ca79020297a/1/320x400.png)
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
![Photo of Randi Mittleman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/297ada0a-5e7b-46eb-a5dd-8c251b0bddbb/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an adult psychiatrist and psychoanalytic psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience. My patients and I work together to understand the meaning behind their symptoms. Understanding facilitates change in the way they feel, think and relate to the people most important to them. I have worked with a wide age range of patients from college-aged students to older adults. Some of my patients are on medications and some are not. I do not see children under the age of 17.
I am an adult psychiatrist and psychoanalytic psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience. My patients and I work together to understand the meaning behind their symptoms. Understanding facilitates change in the way they feel, think and relate to the people most important to them. I have worked with a wide age range of patients from college-aged students to older adults. Some of my patients are on medications and some are not. I do not see children under the age of 17.
![Photo of Danielle M Trenelli, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75adcbc4-a3c9-4157-b607-c71bb6069f74/1/320x400.png)
Danielle M Trenelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Yardley, PA 19067 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Dani, a Family Nurse Practitioner with certifications in Geriatrics and Counseling. My goal is to ensure that patients have easy and immediate access to healthcare. When requested by my patients, I combine conventional medications with functional and integrative medicine approaches to address concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to find their own motivation for a healthy life. In addition to addressing behavioral health, I am capable of treating a wide range of conditions, both acute (skin and respiratory infections) and chronic (pre-diabetes, diabetes, HTN, and pain)
Hello, I'm Dani, a Family Nurse Practitioner with certifications in Geriatrics and Counseling. My goal is to ensure that patients have easy and immediate access to healthcare. When requested by my patients, I combine conventional medications with functional and integrative medicine approaches to address concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to find their own motivation for a healthy life. In addition to addressing behavioral health, I am capable of treating a wide range of conditions, both acute (skin and respiratory infections) and chronic (pre-diabetes, diabetes, HTN, and pain)
![Photo of Katrina Shchupak, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07898a54-7db4-43d6-bdc7-1cd1d5b4af20/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board certified Psychiatrist with a focus on integrative care. I believe in treating the person as a whole, rather than a cluster of symptoms to simply medicate. It is impossible to truly address emotional needs if attention is not paid to the human complexity behind them. I am also a strong believer in the importance of lifestyle modification as a part of meaningful psychiatric treatment - we cannot simply take a pill and feel better if we are not also addressing a healthy functioning of our bodies. This includes treating vitamin/mineral deficiencies, adjusting dietary stressors, normalizing low hormone levels, etc.
I am a board certified Psychiatrist with a focus on integrative care. I believe in treating the person as a whole, rather than a cluster of symptoms to simply medicate. It is impossible to truly address emotional needs if attention is not paid to the human complexity behind them. I am also a strong believer in the importance of lifestyle modification as a part of meaningful psychiatric treatment - we cannot simply take a pill and feel better if we are not also addressing a healthy functioning of our bodies. This includes treating vitamin/mineral deficiencies, adjusting dietary stressors, normalizing low hormone levels, etc.
![Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13646a7c-a498-4606-8c61-45be4c914983/1/320x400.png)
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Levittown, PA 19056 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
![Photo of Lilian Ogujiofor, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bcbbdc9-1a82-44c2-b66b-3f3eefc56ad9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ogujiofor is a certified registered nurse practitioner with dual board certification in psychiatric mental health and family medicine. She is a highly motivated, team-oriented, and compassionate provider with the goal of providing evidence-based and individualized mental health care for each patient. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from West Chester University in 2016 and obtained her MSN from La Salle University in 2013 as well as Post-Master's in PMHNP in 2021 from Regis College.
Dr. Ogujiofor is a certified registered nurse practitioner with dual board certification in psychiatric mental health and family medicine. She is a highly motivated, team-oriented, and compassionate provider with the goal of providing evidence-based and individualized mental health care for each patient. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from West Chester University in 2016 and obtained her MSN from La Salle University in 2013 as well as Post-Master's in PMHNP in 2021 from Regis College.
![Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92352fd5-ca0d-444d-accd-7baeb0f61094/2/320x400.png)
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
![Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b03f6f00-9401-4093-82da-abd055809fd3/2/320x400.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.
I enjoy working with people in an empathic and understanding way. I try to help sort out psychologic factors and biologic factors in working to understand what someone may be struggling with. Therefore the use of psychotherapy as well as potential medications can help address underlying symptoms.
I enjoy working with people in an empathic and understanding way. I try to help sort out psychologic factors and biologic factors in working to understand what someone may be struggling with. Therefore the use of psychotherapy as well as potential medications can help address underlying symptoms.
![Photo of Ann Nolan, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ed9a51a-9f6f-4d46-9f42-6c0cd9c1fb52/3/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
![Photo of Ann Nolan, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e3e7e58-0afa-4e7d-a3e0-be287f6d1767/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
Accepting NJ & PA insurance. Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Treating a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses. All screening, ADHD and Autism spectrum testing and screening "included in the initial evaluation." Office & Online psychiatric services. Treating children, adolescents, and adults. Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings many years of professional mental health experience to the care of her patients. Her training has prepared her to treat patients across the lifespan -offering consultation, evaluation, and medication management for ages six through seniors.
![Photo of Angel Marie Augustin, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a556a1c-6864-4df5-b418-7f2692614c19/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angel Marie Augustin
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Newtown, PA 18940 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am Dr. Angel Augustin, a board-certified psychiatrist based out of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love! I completed my psychiatric training at the University of Pennsylvania. I have expertise in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, low self-esteem, grief, cultural identity, and struggles with life transitions. I believe in taking a holistic and collaborative approach to creating a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
I am Dr. Angel Augustin, a board-certified psychiatrist based out of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love! I completed my psychiatric training at the University of Pennsylvania. I have expertise in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, low self-esteem, grief, cultural identity, and struggles with life transitions. I believe in taking a holistic and collaborative approach to creating a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
![Photo of Samantha O'Donnell, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75a47461-aed2-431e-88e4-37bd7690bcbc/1/320x400.png)
My name is Samantha O'Donnell. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 7 years of experience treating teens (12+) and adults. Unlike traditional approaches, I focus on the root cause of your struggles. I find and treat the "why" behind your symptoms to help you achieve lasting mental well-being and lead a happier, healthier life. Mental health is unique to each person, and I believe treatments should be tailored to each person as well! Together, we will work to understand your symptoms by exploring biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors.
My name is Samantha O'Donnell. I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 7 years of experience treating teens (12+) and adults. Unlike traditional approaches, I focus on the root cause of your struggles. I find and treat the "why" behind your symptoms to help you achieve lasting mental well-being and lead a happier, healthier life. Mental health is unique to each person, and I believe treatments should be tailored to each person as well! Together, we will work to understand your symptoms by exploring biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors.
![Photo of Dr. Michael Rosen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cc9af90-9883-4ac6-8101-6a9de1549ae6/2/320x400.png)
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
![Photo of Allen Masry - Harmony Bay, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df9308f2-1e5c-4575-834c-e08f872d5eff/1/320x400.png)
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
Harmony Bay is a psychiatry and therapy office that provides primary mental health treatment programs for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. We offer a clean, bright environment with a calming and positive tone. We offer programs and services for both therapy and psychiatry including individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and medication management.
![Photo of Nichelle Jones, DNP , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9bbfb368-ffc0-4df6-8cfb-c7aa2f9af74a/1/320x400.png)
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
My ideal client is dealing with a mental concern that is causing them distress that they are seeking relief from. They are looking for someone who will listen to their concerns and work with them to develop an individualized treatment plan that aligns with their unique goals. They seek a safe, nonjudgmental environment with a trustworthy provider to deliver quality care. Hi, my name is Nichelle and I'm a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I have over 10 years of clinical experience in treating psychiatric disorders and specialize in treating major depression, anxiety disorder, mood disorders, PTSD & ADHD.
Accepting New Clients - Age range 12yrs to Adult. I have been in filed of treating mental health disorders for 20 + years as a psychiatrist. I am passionate about helping my clients achieve more of what they want in their life by providing the best care for their mental health. I provide in person and Telehealth Psychiatric appointments.
Accepting New Clients - Age range 12yrs to Adult. I have been in filed of treating mental health disorders for 20 + years as a psychiatrist. I am passionate about helping my clients achieve more of what they want in their life by providing the best care for their mental health. I provide in person and Telehealth Psychiatric appointments.
![Photo of Stephanie Reesman, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba809075-705d-4631-8899-4814880ae588/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Reesman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Morrisville, PA 19067 (Online Only)
Stephanie Reesman is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) as well as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who practices in Pennsylvania. Stephanie is a graduate of Walden University, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health. Stephanie has been treating the Psychiatric population since 2005 and has worked with adults and children throughout these years. Stephanie is very passionate about providing quality, compassionate care across the lifespan.
Stephanie Reesman is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) as well as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who practices in Pennsylvania. Stephanie is a graduate of Walden University, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health. Stephanie has been treating the Psychiatric population since 2005 and has worked with adults and children throughout these years. Stephanie is very passionate about providing quality, compassionate care across the lifespan.
See more therapy options for Bristol
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Bristol, PA
< 10
Psychiatrists in Bristol, PA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
100% | Medication Management |
50% | Addiction |
50% | Child |
Average years in practice
21 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
50% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Bristol, PA 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 Bristol?
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.