Psychiatrists in Pewaukee, WI
![Photo of Christina Fuchs, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2464809f-21db-4f73-b691-65f8f704374d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Fuchs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Accepting new patients! I am an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who can diagnose and treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, bipolar, mood disorders, schizophrenia, addiction, sleep disorders, migraines and more across Wisconsin. I also offer telehealth appointments for your convenience!
Accepting new patients! I am an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who can diagnose and treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, bipolar, mood disorders, schizophrenia, addiction, sleep disorders, migraines and more across Wisconsin. I also offer telehealth appointments for your convenience!
![Photo of Ann Barbaro, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e196c65-ab88-4a50-a1b2-ee73e01db305/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
![Photo of Bobbi Jo Durst, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ef733a4-0393-4126-b2cf-ec41eef4e12a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bobbi Jo Durst
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Accepting new patients! My personal goal is to create and provide positive changes in soceity by being an exceptional mental health role model. I use a collaborative approach and current evidence based practice to focus on prevention, treatment and education to promote health and wellness for my patients.
Accepting new patients! My personal goal is to create and provide positive changes in soceity by being an exceptional mental health role model. I use a collaborative approach and current evidence based practice to focus on prevention, treatment and education to promote health and wellness for my patients.
![Photo of Ann Barbaro, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af8b9c57-5ec0-478d-a43c-b9f80ed3c0cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Barbaro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pewaukee, WI 53072 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
![Photo of Chelsea Schwartz, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6903d66-1383-4052-ac04-e4155f7a9b9d/1/320x400.jpeg)
We offer the array of psychiatric services and the convenience of telehealth!
We offer the array of psychiatric services and the convenience of telehealth!
![Photo of Ann Barbaro, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f944769-55f3-4e20-a8c8-99019f5b4580/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Barbaro
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pewaukee, WI 53072 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
Accepting New Patients! I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree.
![Photo of Nicole Bartelt, MSN, APNP, ANP-BC, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfb382b6-2ef9-4c59-a487-00d4984a756d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Bartelt
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APNP, ANP-BC, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Accepting new patients. Nicole focuses on developing trust and therapeutic relationships with the patients and families she works with. She has a strong passion for treating patients holistically. She is dedicated to reducing stigma regarding mental health and helping patients achieve their goals and live full lives. Prior to specializing in mental health, Nicole has practiced as a nurse practitioner in acute care setting for past 8 years.
Accepting new patients. Nicole focuses on developing trust and therapeutic relationships with the patients and families she works with. She has a strong passion for treating patients holistically. She is dedicated to reducing stigma regarding mental health and helping patients achieve their goals and live full lives. Prior to specializing in mental health, Nicole has practiced as a nurse practitioner in acute care setting for past 8 years.
![Photo of Carmen Kosicek - Visionary Psychiatry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9356083a-d8fd-41bd-b612-cc32399ab790/1/320x400.jpeg)
Visionary Psychiatry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Depressed? Did you know that there are new treatment options offering relief from depression in 2 weeks?!?! No, not SSRI's. No, not SNRI's. YES.... covered by insurance and no, not a huge out of pocket spend! Finally, there IS help & hope for YOU! ADHD challenged? ADHD focused care assessed with Neurocognitive Testing & current, once a day treatments! Psychiatric Medication Management offered online throughout Oregon. In-person visits in Tigard, Oregon. Currently accepting new patients! Reach out today at www.visionarypsych.com
Depressed? Did you know that there are new treatment options offering relief from depression in 2 weeks?!?! No, not SSRI's. No, not SNRI's. YES.... covered by insurance and no, not a huge out of pocket spend! Finally, there IS help & hope for YOU! ADHD challenged? ADHD focused care assessed with Neurocognitive Testing & current, once a day treatments! Psychiatric Medication Management offered online throughout Oregon. In-person visits in Tigard, Oregon. Currently accepting new patients! Reach out today at www.visionarypsych.com
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Joline Michelle Brotzman, MS, PMHNP, APNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2c0bc54-ef99-4a98-b6bf-8b0cc3e89d98/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joline Michelle Brotzman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MS, PMHNP, APNP
Verified Verified
Waukesha, WI 53186 (Online Only)
“I believe in developing relationships with patients to understand their health needs and goals and work collaboratively with each of them to develop a plan to achieve their optimal state of mental health.” I have a passion for working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. I offer MAT services and suboxone therapy.
“I believe in developing relationships with patients to understand their health needs and goals and work collaboratively with each of them to develop a plan to achieve their optimal state of mental health.” I have a passion for working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. I offer MAT services and suboxone therapy.
![Photo of Therese Jaeckle - Psych Med Management, LLC, APNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99e10168-34b5-4004-82be-64d203ff8989/1/320x400.jpeg)
We are a small group of Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers specializing in psychiatry and family practice. As psychiatric nurse practitioners, we provide psychiatric assessment, consultation, and treatment. We have specialized expertise in the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan. Our primary goal is to provide our clients with an individualized psychiatric assessment, medication management and follow up care.
We are a small group of Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers specializing in psychiatry and family practice. As psychiatric nurse practitioners, we provide psychiatric assessment, consultation, and treatment. We have specialized expertise in the treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan. Our primary goal is to provide our clients with an individualized psychiatric assessment, medication management and follow up care.
![Photo of Jennifer Ha, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b6b354e-1181-4602-8494-9193a66a7219/2/320x400.jpeg)
Able to see new patients soon! Less than a month! If you are struggling with depressed mood, anxiety, trauma, or other mood symptoms - those are areas of specialty of mine! Maybe there was a major event or loss in your life, transitions, stress. There is hope - you deserve to be happy. I like to work with individuals who like to use a comprehensive treatment plan involving lifestyle changes and medication if indicated. Let's identify goals and different approaches to get closer to feelings of fulfillment. You deserve to be surrounded by support and good people.
Able to see new patients soon! Less than a month! If you are struggling with depressed mood, anxiety, trauma, or other mood symptoms - those are areas of specialty of mine! Maybe there was a major event or loss in your life, transitions, stress. There is hope - you deserve to be happy. I like to work with individuals who like to use a comprehensive treatment plan involving lifestyle changes and medication if indicated. Let's identify goals and different approaches to get closer to feelings of fulfillment. You deserve to be surrounded by support and good people.
![Photo of Rachel Glick, APNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b1c095a-1a7f-4bf0-9645-dd74b2f2eb29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients for med management. Rachel is a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric/mental health with current availability and is accepted by major insurance providers. Her passion for your pursuit of better mental health is evident in every interaction. She is dedicated to creating a therapeutic and safe environment with an ongoing commitment to providing the best care possible. Her practice is centered around the individual and takes a holistic and personalized approach to your care
Accepting new patients for med management. Rachel is a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric/mental health with current availability and is accepted by major insurance providers. Her passion for your pursuit of better mental health is evident in every interaction. She is dedicated to creating a therapeutic and safe environment with an ongoing commitment to providing the best care possible. Her practice is centered around the individual and takes a holistic and personalized approach to your care
![Photo of Kang Yang, DNP , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0a73c29-7de2-49b4-aee1-a79a19edf60b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kang Yang
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
I provide psychiatric assessment and medication management to adolescents and adults. I am passionate about helping clients navigate through life's challenges and finding solutions to achieve their goals. I believe in creating a safe space with compassion, utmost respect, and non-judgement. I strive to ensure that my clients feel comfortable and supported in their healing process through collaboration and partnership with them. It is a privilege for me to help my clients develop treatment plans that create meaningful change, lead them to a more fulfilling life, and finding their voice along with peace.
I provide psychiatric assessment and medication management to adolescents and adults. I am passionate about helping clients navigate through life's challenges and finding solutions to achieve their goals. I believe in creating a safe space with compassion, utmost respect, and non-judgement. I strive to ensure that my clients feel comfortable and supported in their healing process through collaboration and partnership with them. It is a privilege for me to help my clients develop treatment plans that create meaningful change, lead them to a more fulfilling life, and finding their voice along with peace.
![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.
![Photo of Jerrica Brianne Vaughan, MSN, CPNP, PMHS, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5a0ed3c-a000-48ea-bc36-f207fc93b030/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jerrica Brianne Vaughan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CPNP, PMHS
Verified Verified
Waukesha, WI 53186
I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a Mental Health Specialty certification. I offer psychological evaluations and provide medication management services for the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc. I treat children and adolescents ages 4 through 21.
I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a Mental Health Specialty certification. I offer psychological evaluations and provide medication management services for the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc. I treat children and adolescents ages 4 through 21.
![Photo of Daniel Noll, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac263152-7831-4d0c-9be7-4c3b2c0301a2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Noll is a board-certified counselor and psychiatric nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health-Brookfield location. He treats adults who are dealing with a variety of mental health"? struggles including mood and anxiety spectrum disorders. In addition to outpatient psychiatry he worked at Rogers Behavioral Health from 2014-2022 servicing inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Prior to 2014, he worked at Bayview Behavioral Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Dr. Noll is a board-certified counselor and psychiatric nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health-Brookfield location. He treats adults who are dealing with a variety of mental health"? struggles including mood and anxiety spectrum disorders. In addition to outpatient psychiatry he worked at Rogers Behavioral Health from 2014-2022 servicing inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Prior to 2014, he worked at Bayview Behavioral Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas.
![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
10 Endorsed
Brookfield, WI 53045 (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 Lauri Lowenbraun, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a773dd5a-e46c-4715-8c66-ddcfbc71a50e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lauri Lowenbraun is a board certified adult psychiatrist who has been treating patients in the Milwaukee area for over twenty years. Following her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she served as Chief Resident, she settled locally to provide care for the psychiatric needs in her community. Dr. Lowenbraun enjoys treating a full range of psychiatric conditions in adults 18 years and older. Her primary focus, however, includes the treatment of all mood and anxiety disorders. She further values the supportive therapeutic alliance she establishes with her patients.
Dr. Lauri Lowenbraun is a board certified adult psychiatrist who has been treating patients in the Milwaukee area for over twenty years. Following her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she served as Chief Resident, she settled locally to provide care for the psychiatric needs in her community. Dr. Lowenbraun enjoys treating a full range of psychiatric conditions in adults 18 years and older. Her primary focus, however, includes the treatment of all mood and anxiety disorders. She further values the supportive therapeutic alliance she establishes with her patients.
![Photo of Carolyn Davidson, RN, BSN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcf25d12-b678-4d60-bb97-b69fd4fdb483/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn’s strength is her ability to build a strong rapport with her patients. Effective communication with patients is a priority, and she takes the time with each patient, she ensures all questions and concerns are addressed. She personally strives to make all patients feel respected, welcomed, and valued while treating symptoms and meeting treatment goals.
Carolyn’s strength is her ability to build a strong rapport with her patients. Effective communication with patients is a priority, and she takes the time with each patient, she ensures all questions and concerns are addressed. She personally strives to make all patients feel respected, welcomed, and valued while treating symptoms and meeting treatment goals.
![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.
See more therapy options for Pewaukee
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Pewaukee, WI
< 10
Psychiatrists in Pewaukee, WI who prioritize treating:
88% | Depression |
88% | ADHD |
88% | Medication Management |
50% | Bipolar Disorder |
50% | Sleep or Insomnia |
38% | Anxiety |
38% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
3 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
100% | Optum |
How Psychiatrists in Pewaukee, WI see their clients
75% | In Person and Online | |
25% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
100% | Female |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Pewaukee?
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.