Psychiatrists in East Troy, WI
![Photo of Laura Heidelmeier, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e90569c7-3263-4d02-acb7-a530f631e7df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Heidelmeier is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Marquette University and her Master's degree in Psychiatric Nursing from Alverno College. Laura works with children and adolescents specializing in care for Eating Disorder, Depression, ADHD, OCD, and Anxiety, as well as adults for Eating Disorders. She helps her clients by listening to their needs in order to provide individualized care.
Laura Heidelmeier is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Marquette University and her Master's degree in Psychiatric Nursing from Alverno College. Laura works with children and adolescents specializing in care for Eating Disorder, Depression, ADHD, OCD, and Anxiety, as well as adults for Eating Disorders. She helps her clients by listening to their needs in order to provide individualized care.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Sarah Wawrzyniak, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b75c4d4-9e80-4b75-bb46-44102397b4d6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Wawrzyniak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Mukwonago, WI 53149 (Online Only)
I have a passion for Healing. From an early age, I was drawn to the intricate tapestry of the human mind. This passion led me to pursue a career in Psychiatry, where I have dedicated myself to understanding and addressing the diverse challenges that individuals face in their mental health journey. I enjoy treating children and adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, trauma, and eating disorders.
I have a passion for Healing. From an early age, I was drawn to the intricate tapestry of the human mind. This passion led me to pursue a career in Psychiatry, where I have dedicated myself to understanding and addressing the diverse challenges that individuals face in their mental health journey. I enjoy treating children and adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, trauma, and eating disorders.
![Photo of Robin Coleman, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d36dcb82-6992-4b25-afba-c0b1f7af0563/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Prescriber, Robin has been providing psychiatric services to clients of Southeast Wisconsin for 30 years. She along with three colleagues obtained the first independent contract for advanced practice nurse prescribers in southeast Wisconsin. She received her Bachelor's degree from Marquette University, her Graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Pharmacology education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is state certified in both therapy and as a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Prescriber, Robin has been providing psychiatric services to clients of Southeast Wisconsin for 30 years. She along with three colleagues obtained the first independent contract for advanced practice nurse prescribers in southeast Wisconsin. She received her Bachelor's degree from Marquette University, her Graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Pharmacology education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is state certified in both therapy and as a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Tatyana Siminak, PMHNP, APNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2447756e-387b-40b8-9c62-1628a9fc3bfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tatyana Siminak is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2022. She graduated from Walden University with Master Degree in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Tatyana is passionate about providing respectful, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and excellent services. She strives to make her clients feel comfortable to share the most vulnerable and intimate details. Tatyana is here to help you in this challenging journey. She sees herself as your partner in recovering from mental health illnesses.
Tatyana Siminak is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 2022. She graduated from Walden University with Master Degree in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Tatyana is passionate about providing respectful, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and excellent services. She strives to make her clients feel comfortable to share the most vulnerable and intimate details. Tatyana is here to help you in this challenging journey. She sees herself as your partner in recovering from mental health illnesses.
![Photo of Volker Nabavi, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95d16513-b577-4629-9f81-41d31755f870/1/320x400.jpeg)
Volker Nabavi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53215 (Online Only)
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
My name is Volker Nabavi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, ADHD, OCD, and Bipolar disorders. I have received training in both medical and nursing fields which enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet their needs. During sessions, I use Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing for a supportive, client-centered, holistic approach.
![Photo of Jillian Rouleau, NP, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cad61b7a-afe6-44ba-9847-539d6c0c0696/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jillian M. Rouleau is a dually board-certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Fresno, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certification from Maryville University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Rouleau draws from over 15 years of diverse experience in healthcare and uses up to date evidence-based research and recommendations to guide her practice.
Dr. Jillian M. Rouleau is a dually board-certified, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Fresno, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certification from Maryville University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Rouleau draws from over 15 years of diverse experience in healthcare and uses up to date evidence-based research and recommendations to guide her practice.
![Photo of Kathy J Russeth, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2db7bc8-1e68-45a9-90ef-e1cf375cf14a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Wanting comprehensive and holistic mental health care? My approach is tailored to understand and address your specific needs and challenges and goes beyond medication management, incorporating depth psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and tangible skills to confront the demands of life today. I focus on treating the whole person, empowering individuals, parents, and families to overcome challenges and achieve growth and well-being. Find out more at centeredpsychiatry.org.
Wanting comprehensive and holistic mental health care? My approach is tailored to understand and address your specific needs and challenges and goes beyond medication management, incorporating depth psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and tangible skills to confront the demands of life today. I focus on treating the whole person, empowering individuals, parents, and families to overcome challenges and achieve growth and well-being. Find out more at centeredpsychiatry.org.
![Photo of Kelly Allen Pickens - Undivided Attention, LLC, APNP, FNP-BC, ADC-C, ADHD, CCSP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed794254-12f1-47e4-81ef-7e50c38142d7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Undivided Attention, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse, APNP, FNP-BC, ADC-C, ADHD, CCSP
Verified Verified
Madison, WI 53719
Kelly Pickens is an ADHD Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who works with adults and older adolescents with ADHD. She has extensive training in the underlying mechanisms of ADHD. Kelly understands the struggles people with ADHD experience, which go way beyond not being able to pay attention. There is a lot of misinformation and negative bias about ADHD among the public, in the media, and even in the clinical setting. People face significant challenges when trying to find a provider/doctor/clinician who fully understands ADHD and can diagnose and effectively treat the disorder with expertise and compassion.
Kelly Pickens is an ADHD Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who works with adults and older adolescents with ADHD. She has extensive training in the underlying mechanisms of ADHD. Kelly understands the struggles people with ADHD experience, which go way beyond not being able to pay attention. There is a lot of misinformation and negative bias about ADHD among the public, in the media, and even in the clinical setting. People face significant challenges when trying to find a provider/doctor/clinician who fully understands ADHD and can diagnose and effectively treat the disorder with expertise and compassion.
![Photo of Nesrin Abu Ata, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9686ced5-2986-4915-b77c-512c32bd2680/3/320x400.jpeg)
We all tend to seek help when what we are doing is no longer working, or we feel stuck , dissatisfied or our life is out of control, or someone we care about says that we should get help. I view these pivotal moments as potential moments of alchemy, if we are willing to be mindful with what is, staying with our experience and working through it. Remaining mindFUL allows the experience to teach us what we are supposed to learn, if we are open to it. I am here to support you as you go through your journey, face your challenges, identify patterns with you that keep you feel stuck so that you can be more free to be your best self.
We all tend to seek help when what we are doing is no longer working, or we feel stuck , dissatisfied or our life is out of control, or someone we care about says that we should get help. I view these pivotal moments as potential moments of alchemy, if we are willing to be mindful with what is, staying with our experience and working through it. Remaining mindFUL allows the experience to teach us what we are supposed to learn, if we are open to it. I am here to support you as you go through your journey, face your challenges, identify patterns with you that keep you feel stuck so that you can be more free to be your best self.
![Photo of Dr. Ronil Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbc093fb-a50f-424f-885f-6722d22dc385/1/320x400.jpeg)
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
Why choose Dr. Ronil Shah? Because his top-notch expertise combines with compassionate, personalized care. Treatment with Dr. Shah is a two-way collaboration. Working together, you will design a mental wellness strategy that’s tailored just for you. His philosophy? Your path to wellness should be as unique as you are, shaped by empathy and expertise, and empowered by evidence-based insights and tools.
![Photo of Cup Of Tea Psychiatry-Rachel Jones, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f58451e9-e584-448b-ba4a-6b94579dda94/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cup Of Tea Psychiatry-Rachel Jones
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Psychiatric appointments don't have to be awkward and impersonal, and they don't all have to be focused solely on medication. At Cup of Tea Psychiatry, I meet you where you are & we use your story and value system to chart a path forward.
Psychiatric appointments don't have to be awkward and impersonal, and they don't all have to be focused solely on medication. At Cup of Tea Psychiatry, I meet you where you are & we use your story and value system to chart a path forward.
![Photo of Allen Rindfleisch, MSN, APNP, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9768e0cd-d20a-499e-8ccf-22bdfa7dbd54/2/320x400.png)
Allen Rindfleisch
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APNP, FNP-BC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Accepting New Patients. Allen is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with several years of clinical experience.
Accepting New Patients. Allen is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with several years of clinical experience.
![Photo of Dr. Larry Sprung, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79d79035-541f-4be1-aa7f-6907a72f65d4/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Sprung’s main objective is to provide the highest level of psychiatric care to all his patients. He creates a safe, non-judgmental space for patients to work through their concerns as opportunities for healing, gaining purpose, and growth in a more meaningful way. Working together with his patients, Dr. Sprung addresses any challenges related to biological, psychological. emotional, social, or relational. He employs a biopsychosocial model, working in close collaboration with therapists and other members of the patient’s treatment team.
Dr. Sprung’s main objective is to provide the highest level of psychiatric care to all his patients. He creates a safe, non-judgmental space for patients to work through their concerns as opportunities for healing, gaining purpose, and growth in a more meaningful way. Working together with his patients, Dr. Sprung addresses any challenges related to biological, psychological. emotional, social, or relational. He employs a biopsychosocial model, working in close collaboration with therapists and other members of the patient’s treatment team.
![Photo of Denise Matel-Anderson, APNP, RN, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45097a5c-53cb-4a35-8647-e427fd42c828/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a compassionate practitioner with a doctorate in nursing and dual certifications as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP). In addition to working as a PMHNP, I was a lecturer and clinical instructor for undergraduate nursing students, published research on a variety of mental health topics, and provided medical care at a psychiatric hospital for adults and children/adolescents. My research focuses on resilience, positive thinking, and resourcefulness in vulnerable populations. In practice, I treat a broad range of mental health concerns for adults.
I am a compassionate practitioner with a doctorate in nursing and dual certifications as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP). In addition to working as a PMHNP, I was a lecturer and clinical instructor for undergraduate nursing students, published research on a variety of mental health topics, and provided medical care at a psychiatric hospital for adults and children/adolescents. My research focuses on resilience, positive thinking, and resourcefulness in vulnerable populations. In practice, I treat a broad range of mental health concerns for adults.
Bronwyn L Dilley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, BSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Middleton, WI 53562
I have been a practicing Nurse Practitioner for 23 years. I have a completed the certification for Master of Psychopharmacology with the Neurological Education Institiute (NEI) and ADHD certified with Evergreen certifications as a clinical services provider. I try to focus on the patient's needs by listening to their concerns. Together we work on the most important struggles the patient is experiencing. I use a holistic approach to treatments, such as diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, with medications and counseling to treat mental issues. I feel that it is most important to listen to my patients.
I have been a practicing Nurse Practitioner for 23 years. I have a completed the certification for Master of Psychopharmacology with the Neurological Education Institiute (NEI) and ADHD certified with Evergreen certifications as a clinical services provider. I try to focus on the patient's needs by listening to their concerns. Together we work on the most important struggles the patient is experiencing. I use a holistic approach to treatments, such as diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, with medications and counseling to treat mental issues. I feel that it is most important to listen to my patients.
![Photo of Hong Yin - New Frontiers TMS LLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96c17719-271c-478a-b5f5-3fe403eb7209/1/320x400.png)
Antidepressants not working? TMS is an FDA approved non-medication based option, covered by insurance. It activates cells in the brain that tend to be under-active in depression and also promotes release of neurotransmitters that help mood. TMS targets the part of the brain specifically involved in mood regulation. TMS also works on a concept called neuroplasticity. Stimulating the left prefrontal cortex can induce the brain into creating new pathways for effective transmission. Dr. Yin offers other evidence based treatments too.
Antidepressants not working? TMS is an FDA approved non-medication based option, covered by insurance. It activates cells in the brain that tend to be under-active in depression and also promotes release of neurotransmitters that help mood. TMS targets the part of the brain specifically involved in mood regulation. TMS also works on a concept called neuroplasticity. Stimulating the left prefrontal cortex can induce the brain into creating new pathways for effective transmission. Dr. Yin offers other evidence based treatments too.
![Photo of Melissa Jackson, APRN (C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d3b5900d-db63-49a3-91de-308070bc7838/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Jackson is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in Wisconsin since 2020. Melissa has a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Carroll College and a Master's of Science in Nursing from Maryville University. She has experience providing care in a variety of settings including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs and outpatient. Melissa believes in developing a therapeutic relationship and including the client in all treatment decisions.
Melissa Jackson is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in Wisconsin since 2020. Melissa has a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Carroll College and a Master's of Science in Nursing from Maryville University. She has experience providing care in a variety of settings including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs and outpatient. Melissa believes in developing a therapeutic relationship and including the client in all treatment decisions.
![Photo of Raymond Kloss, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc9c7045-773b-48ec-8d5c-7a5dbb29485a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Raymond Kloss is a Psychiatrist in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 1992. Raymond treats affective, psychotic, and anxiety disorders in adults. As a specialist in anxiety disorders, he will be working with therapists to help people manage their anxiety to function better in life. Raymond enjoys working with patients to help figure out the best approach and treatment and believes in the combination of medications and therapy. In his free time, Raymond enjoys photography and travel.
Raymond Kloss is a Psychiatrist in Wisconsin who has been practicing since 1992. Raymond treats affective, psychotic, and anxiety disorders in adults. As a specialist in anxiety disorders, he will be working with therapists to help people manage their anxiety to function better in life. Raymond enjoys working with patients to help figure out the best approach and treatment and believes in the combination of medications and therapy. In his free time, Raymond enjoys photography and travel.
![Photo of Murray Kapell - Reworking Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a60854a-d919-4ea3-b120-f9c3de6b4841/1/320x400.jpeg)
In my 20 years of psychiatric practice in hospital, outpatient, community, and municipal settings, I've witnessed and participated in harms perpetrated by a pathology-based, dehumanizing, and disempowering health care system. Reworking Psychiatry is a fully independent practice committed to minimizing, reducing and repairing harms caused by previous treatment, internalized and externalized stigmatization. I aim to provide respectful and reparative care, specializing in 'second opinions' and a reconceptualization of pathology-focused approaches.
In my 20 years of psychiatric practice in hospital, outpatient, community, and municipal settings, I've witnessed and participated in harms perpetrated by a pathology-based, dehumanizing, and disempowering health care system. Reworking Psychiatry is a fully independent practice committed to minimizing, reducing and repairing harms caused by previous treatment, internalized and externalized stigmatization. I aim to provide respectful and reparative care, specializing in 'second opinions' and a reconceptualization of pathology-focused approaches.
See more therapy options for East Troy
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in East Troy, WI
< 10
Psychiatrists in East Troy, WI who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Child |
100% | ADHD |
100% | Eating Disorders |
100% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
100% | Bipolar Disorder |
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in East Troy, WI 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 East Troy?
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.