Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC
![Photo of Elizabeth Shaffer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/2f5d356c-48ed-4fa6-a3d4-8ddb48ec4ff9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Shaffer, MD, is an accomplished psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She earned her M.D. degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Appalachian State University where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Shaffer's passion for working with children and families developed during her involvement in a pre-K Head Start Program in Rural North Carolina. She completed her General Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University.
Elizabeth Shaffer, MD, is an accomplished psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She earned her M.D. degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Appalachian State University where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Shaffer's passion for working with children and families developed during her involvement in a pre-K Head Start Program in Rural North Carolina. She completed her General Psychiatry Residency and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University.
![Photo of Meredith Barrett, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/bf019ece-247b-4c81-9135-a91c130506a4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you find yourself struggling to get by each day? Do you feel like you keep hitting a wall? Or that no matter what you do, you cannot climb your way out of the hole? To struggle is to be human, but it is possible to find balance. It is possible to find contentment and joy. It is possible to discover release, to experience freedom from mental anguish. Unrelieved mental and emotional hurdles make our worlds small, and tend to propel us further and further into isolation. I am here to listen, and to help you achieve mental wellness by giving you the tools you need to regain control of your life.
Do you find yourself struggling to get by each day? Do you feel like you keep hitting a wall? Or that no matter what you do, you cannot climb your way out of the hole? To struggle is to be human, but it is possible to find balance. It is possible to find contentment and joy. It is possible to discover release, to experience freedom from mental anguish. Unrelieved mental and emotional hurdles make our worlds small, and tend to propel us further and further into isolation. I am here to listen, and to help you achieve mental wellness by giving you the tools you need to regain control of your life.
![Photo of Matt Bader - AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0bef55-a010-4e0c-8cdc-93aa87e3acea/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bader is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with subspecialty training in addiction psychiatry. Given his specialty training, he has a great deal of experience treating a wide range of addictions including alcohol, opiates, marijuana, cocaine, & prescription medications just to name a few. He strives to treat the client as a whole individual rather than focusing on one side of the addiction versus mood coin.
Dr. Bader is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with subspecialty training in addiction psychiatry. Given his specialty training, he has a great deal of experience treating a wide range of addictions including alcohol, opiates, marijuana, cocaine, & prescription medications just to name a few. He strives to treat the client as a whole individual rather than focusing on one side of the addiction versus mood coin.
![Photo of Krista Alexander, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/20056fcb-ec24-410f-9fed-c3724586a457/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Krista Alexander is a board-certified psychiatrist who loves equipping her fellow human beings to feel and function better. She studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency at Duke University. She has worked in both private practice and integrated primary care/behavioral health care settings. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Krista offers medication management and supportive psychotherapy for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues.
Dr. Krista Alexander is a board-certified psychiatrist who loves equipping her fellow human beings to feel and function better. She studied medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed her residency at Duke University. She has worked in both private practice and integrated primary care/behavioral health care settings. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Krista offers medication management and supportive psychotherapy for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other mental health issues.
![Photo of Zev Joel Zingher, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/8fa1a5cb-8dba-41f9-a355-890128eba9e9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I am a double board certified general and child/adolescent psychiatrist. My approach to patient care equally values therapy and medication management. I strive to understand patients as more than a list of psychiatric symptoms — instead, I see patients as complex individuals, who are trying their best given their personal life histories and unique neurobiology. I truly work to be wholistic and listen to my patients.
Hello and welcome! I am a double board certified general and child/adolescent psychiatrist. My approach to patient care equally values therapy and medication management. I strive to understand patients as more than a list of psychiatric symptoms — instead, I see patients as complex individuals, who are trying their best given their personal life histories and unique neurobiology. I truly work to be wholistic and listen to my patients.
![Photo of Monica Fuller, PMHNP, MSN-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/5c8df104-9913-45cc-b23f-675e295a169f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Monica Fuller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27603 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW patients from anywhere in North Carolina via telehealth. All inquiries answered same day or within 24 hours. Did you just move to NC and need a new provider? I offer psychiatric evaluations and specialize in medication management treating adults with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder . Please call or send an email to show interest or leave a voicemail message or text. Insurances accepted are Aetna, Cigna, Optum, United Health Care, UMR, BCBS insurance. NO Medicare or NO Medicaid plans accepted at this time.
Accepting NEW patients from anywhere in North Carolina via telehealth. All inquiries answered same day or within 24 hours. Did you just move to NC and need a new provider? I offer psychiatric evaluations and specialize in medication management treating adults with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder . Please call or send an email to show interest or leave a voicemail message or text. Insurances accepted are Aetna, Cigna, Optum, United Health Care, UMR, BCBS insurance. NO Medicare or NO Medicaid plans accepted at this time.
![Photo of Callie Barnes, PA-C, MPAS, Physician Assistant](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/57367b05-bf62-4308-a9bc-43b032b5c214/1/320x400.jpeg)
Callie Barnes, PA-C, a North Carolina native, is an experienced Physician Assistant with a demonstrated history of patient-focused care working in the hospital and outpatient care settings. Her practice history includes Hospitalist Medicine, Medical Intensive Care, Neuroscience Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, and Psychiatry.
Callie Barnes, PA-C, a North Carolina native, is an experienced Physician Assistant with a demonstrated history of patient-focused care working in the hospital and outpatient care settings. Her practice history includes Hospitalist Medicine, Medical Intensive Care, Neuroscience Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, and Psychiatry.
![Photo of Alyssa Williams George, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/dfca4b3c-f089-4acd-a9fe-4ecaa419c43a/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychiatrist in private practice at Raleigh Psychiatric Associates since 2015. Treatments offered include both medications and psychotherapy. I treat adult men and women with depression, anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety and panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. My sub-specialty is women's reproductive mental health. This includes women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or postpartum, as well as women struggling with infertility, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or menopause-related mood and anxiety problems.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice at Raleigh Psychiatric Associates since 2015. Treatments offered include both medications and psychotherapy. I treat adult men and women with depression, anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety and panic disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. My sub-specialty is women's reproductive mental health. This includes women who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or postpartum, as well as women struggling with infertility, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or menopause-related mood and anxiety problems.
![Photo of Tiirini Hill, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/08d89f89-750f-4840-9900-7dc77f29d5f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiirini Hill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27603
Are you a mother who can't seem to understand why you are having some of the intrusive thoughts you are having? Are you a worrier and constantly checking if you locked the doors , turned off the stove , etc. ? Do you feel like everyone else around you has it together and you're barely making it and struggle to tend to your own basic needs? Well guess what ? You're not alone. 1 in 5 moms will experience some type of perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorder. Black women are more likely to experience these disorders also known as PMADS and less likely to receive treatment.The best way to contact me is sending an email.
Are you a mother who can't seem to understand why you are having some of the intrusive thoughts you are having? Are you a worrier and constantly checking if you locked the doors , turned off the stove , etc. ? Do you feel like everyone else around you has it together and you're barely making it and struggle to tend to your own basic needs? Well guess what ? You're not alone. 1 in 5 moms will experience some type of perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorder. Black women are more likely to experience these disorders also known as PMADS and less likely to receive treatment.The best way to contact me is sending an email.
![Photo of Timothy O'Connor, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/b6e78421-dda9-4be7-ab32-57682ff737be/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients for October! Dr. Tim O’Connor is a board certified adult psychiatrist. Dr. O’Connor completed his medical education & psychiatric residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his particular clinical interest in mental health issues impacting university students, he has experience working with patients with a wide variety of mental health concerns. His background in education instilled an appreciation of the tremendous capacity for growth inherent in every person. He was drawn to the practice of psychiatry as a way of helping individuals recognize & actualize this potential.
Accepting New Patients for October! Dr. Tim O’Connor is a board certified adult psychiatrist. Dr. O’Connor completed his medical education & psychiatric residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his particular clinical interest in mental health issues impacting university students, he has experience working with patients with a wide variety of mental health concerns. His background in education instilled an appreciation of the tremendous capacity for growth inherent in every person. He was drawn to the practice of psychiatry as a way of helping individuals recognize & actualize this potential.
![Photo of Michele Kerbow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/24b40189-e489-44b4-a3fd-8fafe3eb345b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Michele Kerbow is a board certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. She completed her undergraduate training at Clemson University before continuing to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC. From there, she completed her General Psychiatry Internship and General Adult Psychiatry Residency through the University of Virginia in Roanoke. Though she has a wide array of experience in psychiatric care and psychological assessment, Dr. Kerbow has a particular interest in the treatment of Veterans' issues and trauma.
Dr. Michele Kerbow is a board certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. She completed her undergraduate training at Clemson University before continuing to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC. From there, she completed her General Psychiatry Internship and General Adult Psychiatry Residency through the University of Virginia in Roanoke. Though she has a wide array of experience in psychiatric care and psychological assessment, Dr. Kerbow has a particular interest in the treatment of Veterans' issues and trauma.
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![Photo of William Russell Cannon, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/260bc9e3-860a-48c8-9ee8-ff97eb4003b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
In my psychotherapy practice, my goal is to create a collaborative environment to understand the patterns in our behavior and relationships that hold us back from our potential towards meaning and fulfillment in our lives. There isn't always an answer to our problems/suffering but I do think we can examine our relationship to our struggles in order to make the choices that are most in accordance with our deepest values.
In my psychotherapy practice, my goal is to create a collaborative environment to understand the patterns in our behavior and relationships that hold us back from our potential towards meaning and fulfillment in our lives. There isn't always an answer to our problems/suffering but I do think we can examine our relationship to our struggles in order to make the choices that are most in accordance with our deepest values.
![Photo of Peter Buonaccorsi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8f06dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and care are best undertaken with humility and humor in all parties. Though the human condition often feels impossible and suffering unbearable, Psychiatry can offer help with these complex and vexing issues. I promise to do my best to communicate clearly and to listen diligently to your concerns and problems. Working with parents and their children is a special privilege for me. I enjoy helping people meet the tasks of becoming a parent and learning to parent their child. I have found that these challenges are among the most difficult that most people ever encounter.
Psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and care are best undertaken with humility and humor in all parties. Though the human condition often feels impossible and suffering unbearable, Psychiatry can offer help with these complex and vexing issues. I promise to do my best to communicate clearly and to listen diligently to your concerns and problems. Working with parents and their children is a special privilege for me. I enjoy helping people meet the tasks of becoming a parent and learning to parent their child. I have found that these challenges are among the most difficult that most people ever encounter.
![Photo of Michele Schaefer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/88862622-ffec-4131-8bcc-40eb0518780b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Schaefer is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been practicing for over 16 years. Dr. Schaefer's practice focuses on medication management, offered in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Most follow up visits are 30 minutes, and if additional therapy is needed, a therapist may be brought into the care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Schaefer is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been practicing for over 16 years. Dr. Schaefer's practice focuses on medication management, offered in conjunction with supportive therapy and elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Most follow up visits are 30 minutes, and if additional therapy is needed, a therapist may be brought into the care team to provide the best outcome.
![Photo of Amanda McGill, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/c8b10da5-bf33-44eb-b630-d50eda7365b2/1/320x400.png)
Amanda McGill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27612 (Online Only)
I have enjoyed 25 years of psychiatric nursing experience, providing compassionate care to individuals in North Carolina with mood and anxiety disorders, to name a few. Reaching out for help should be easy. That is why I offer virtual visits. Let's meet where you are most comfortable. I focus on your unique circumstance and address and tailor solutions specific to you. Solutions may include genetic testing, psychiatric medications, evidence-based natural supplements, weight loss, and other interventions depending on your needs.
I have enjoyed 25 years of psychiatric nursing experience, providing compassionate care to individuals in North Carolina with mood and anxiety disorders, to name a few. Reaching out for help should be easy. That is why I offer virtual visits. Let's meet where you are most comfortable. I focus on your unique circumstance and address and tailor solutions specific to you. Solutions may include genetic testing, psychiatric medications, evidence-based natural supplements, weight loss, and other interventions depending on your needs.
WE CARE...... a holistic approach for treatment to create mental and emotional freedom for you and your family.
WE CARE...... a holistic approach for treatment to create mental and emotional freedom for you and your family.
![Photo of Siera Kirkland, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/dc234503-4b4b-47e3-b477-4cfab65f5a71/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Siera Kirkland is an adult general psychiatrist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Kirkland focuses on collaborative and evidence-based care. She believes it is imperative to form a therapeutic relationship with each individual and work together as a team to formulate the best treatment plan. Her passion is to educate, empower and support. She specializes in medication management and brief psychotherapy.
Dr. Siera Kirkland is an adult general psychiatrist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Kirkland focuses on collaborative and evidence-based care. She believes it is imperative to form a therapeutic relationship with each individual and work together as a team to formulate the best treatment plan. Her passion is to educate, empower and support. She specializes in medication management and brief psychotherapy.
![Photo of Lucy Magda, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/8f26ac0d-967a-4b6f-83b9-73cb91077d08/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lucy Magda ("Dr. Lucy") is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, born and raised on the eastern shore of Maryland. She began her registered nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she worked to stabilize the most critically ill patients. It is there that her interest in mental health flourished as she witnessed first-hand how essential mental health is for the overall wellbeing of her patients. She realized that there is no health without mental health.
Dr. Lucy Magda ("Dr. Lucy") is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, born and raised on the eastern shore of Maryland. She began her registered nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she worked to stabilize the most critically ill patients. It is there that her interest in mental health flourished as she witnessed first-hand how essential mental health is for the overall wellbeing of her patients. She realized that there is no health without mental health.
![Photo of Andrea Green Boyer - Boyer Psychiatry, PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/c7730d05-819a-4803-8198-08d9043b30c9/1/320x400.png)
Andrea G. Boyer, M.D. is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, who has a passion for providing the best outpatient care. Her clinical areas of interest include anxiety disorders (including OCD), mood disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders, and eating disorders, among others.
Andrea G. Boyer, M.D. is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, who has a passion for providing the best outpatient care. Her clinical areas of interest include anxiety disorders (including OCD), mood disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders, and eating disorders, among others.
![Photo of Victoria Payne - Psychiatric Associates of NC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/c3788ad2-f327-4e22-a364-9200a01304ef/1/320x400.png)
Immediate availability for private therapy & medication management. Seeing adults & children ages 15+. LGBTQ+ welcoming. Spanish-speaking psychiatrist and therapist available. Appointments may be in office in Raleigh or virtually across North Carolina! Evening and weekend hours offered by some providers at request. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Immediate availability for private therapy & medication management. Seeing adults & children ages 15+. LGBTQ+ welcoming. Spanish-speaking psychiatrist and therapist available. Appointments may be in office in Raleigh or virtually across North Carolina! Evening and weekend hours offered by some providers at request. Most insurance plans are accepted.
See more therapy options for Raleigh
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC
100+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC who prioritize treating:
95% | Depression |
95% | Anxiety |
83% | ADHD |
79% | Bipolar Disorder |
79% | Medication Management |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
82% | Aetna |
82% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
79% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Psychiatrists in Raleigh, NC see their clients
69% | In Person and Online | |
31% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Raleigh?
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.