Psychiatrists in Rockville, MD

Photo of Sarah Burkey Gibson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Sarah Burkey Gibson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850  (Online Only)
After completing her undergraduate degree in social work and spending over a decade in the intellectual and developmental disability field, Sarah Burkey Gibson earned her master's in nursing at Regis College in the Boston area. Sarah partners with each patient to determine the best course of treatment, providing information on first-line psychiatric medications and all alternatives with a focus on evidence-based practice, safety, and culturally competent care.
After completing her undergraduate degree in social work and spending over a decade in the intellectual and developmental disability field, Sarah Burkey Gibson earned her master's in nursing at Regis College in the Boston area. Sarah partners with each patient to determine the best course of treatment, providing information on first-line psychiatric medications and all alternatives with a focus on evidence-based practice, safety, and culturally competent care.
(301) 273-7098 View (301) 273-7098
Photo of Amoah Asante, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Amoah Asante
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
My ideal client is an adult who is struggling with adult ADHD & depression. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to complete tasks and you may experience a lack of motivation and energy that makes it challenging to engage in these tasks or daily activities. You might find it difficult to get out of bed or take care of basic tasks due to depressive symptoms.
My ideal client is an adult who is struggling with adult ADHD & depression. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to complete tasks and you may experience a lack of motivation and energy that makes it challenging to engage in these tasks or daily activities. You might find it difficult to get out of bed or take care of basic tasks due to depressive symptoms.
(240) 557-8256 View (240) 557-8256
Photo of P. D. Patel, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
P. D. Patel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852  (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatrist and I greatly enjoy helping people of all ages. My special interests include the treatment of: depression, bi-polar and mood disorders, ADHD, Psychotic Disorders, General and Specific anxiety and OCD. I understand that having a child with Autism can be difficult for many reasons, please know that I am able to see and treat children on the spectrum.
I am a board certified Psychiatrist and I greatly enjoy helping people of all ages. My special interests include the treatment of: depression, bi-polar and mood disorders, ADHD, Psychotic Disorders, General and Specific anxiety and OCD. I understand that having a child with Autism can be difficult for many reasons, please know that I am able to see and treat children on the spectrum.
(571) 517-1773 View (571) 517-1773
Photo of Meadows Psychiatry LLC, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Meadows Psychiatry LLC
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850
I am an AOBNP Board Certified Psychiatrist with extensive experience in treating adult and adolescent patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions and who come from diverse backgrounds.
I am an AOBNP Board Certified Psychiatrist with extensive experience in treating adult and adolescent patients with a wide variety of mental health conditions and who come from diverse backgrounds.
(240) 226-1556 View (240) 226-1556
Photo of Mario Pruss, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Mario Pruss
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850
I am a ABPN certified specialist in Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the U.S.A. My experience in practice is lengthy and took place in private practice, county clinics, university settings, hospitals, elementary schools, prisons for the gravely mentally ill, and with ethnically different populations and cultures. I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
I am a ABPN certified specialist in Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the U.S.A. My experience in practice is lengthy and took place in private practice, county clinics, university settings, hospitals, elementary schools, prisons for the gravely mentally ill, and with ethnically different populations and cultures. I am bilingual in English and Spanish.
(240) 384-5647 View (240) 384-5647
Carolyn S Weiss
Psychiatric Nurse, MS, APRN, PMH
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Not accepting new clients
As a therapist, I believe that psychotherapy is an interactive/collaborative process between my client(s) and myself with a focus on creating a trusting, supportive relationship in which my client can develop and grow and work towards the goals that brought them into therapy. To accomplish this, I utilize a range of strategies.
As a therapist, I believe that psychotherapy is an interactive/collaborative process between my client(s) and myself with a focus on creating a trusting, supportive relationship in which my client can develop and grow and work towards the goals that brought them into therapy. To accomplish this, I utilize a range of strategies.
(301) 747-3884 View (301) 747-3884
Photo of Edena Walden, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
(240) 628-7525 View (240) 628-7525
Photo of Melveena Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Melveena Johnson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Melveena has taken pride in her service as a nurse for 28 years. She has served as the Medical Director of a dual diagnosis substance use disorder and mental health outpatient clinic. Early in her career she crafted her skills working in various hospitals in different positions as an acute care nurse. Later she became more specific and developed a love for psychiatry and wound care. After becoming a certified wound care specialist, she started multiple wound care programs with an emphasis on, educating large hospital organizations in the prevention of facility acquired skin break downs.
Melveena has taken pride in her service as a nurse for 28 years. She has served as the Medical Director of a dual diagnosis substance use disorder and mental health outpatient clinic. Early in her career she crafted her skills working in various hospitals in different positions as an acute care nurse. Later she became more specific and developed a love for psychiatry and wound care. After becoming a certified wound care specialist, she started multiple wound care programs with an emphasis on, educating large hospital organizations in the prevention of facility acquired skin break downs.
(301) 381-3484 View (301) 381-3484
Photo of Cedarbrook Psychiatric Clinic, L.L.C., Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Cedarbrook Psychiatric Clinic, L.L.C.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Hei-Jung C. Kim, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist and a Christian psychiatrist who has been caring for patients for over 30 years. She has earned a reputation for successfully helping patients to manage their illnesses and improve their quality of life. She is experienced in dealing with acute, complex cases needing intensive intervention as well as complicated medication management issues. She encourages patients' families to participate in the treatment process when appropriate. She believes each patient is unique, and they and their caregivers deserve to be respected and heard when formulating appropriate treatment plans.
Hei-Jung C. Kim, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist and a Christian psychiatrist who has been caring for patients for over 30 years. She has earned a reputation for successfully helping patients to manage their illnesses and improve their quality of life. She is experienced in dealing with acute, complex cases needing intensive intervention as well as complicated medication management issues. She encourages patients' families to participate in the treatment process when appropriate. She believes each patient is unique, and they and their caregivers deserve to be respected and heard when formulating appropriate treatment plans.
(301) 909-5902 View (301) 909-5902
Photo of Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Dr. Andrea Papa-Molter
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
(240) 443-2144 View (240) 443-2144
Photo of Shama Milon, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Shama Milon
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Dr. Shama Milon is a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and other conditions, including specializing in treating patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. . Central to her philosophy as a physician is to understand the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs of her patients. She strives to provide an empathetic and judgment-free space where her patients and families can feel supported and understood.
Dr. Shama Milon is a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and other conditions, including specializing in treating patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. . Central to her philosophy as a physician is to understand the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs of her patients. She strives to provide an empathetic and judgment-free space where her patients and families can feel supported and understood.
(240) 844-3050 View (240) 844-3050
Photo of Dr. Arif Noorbaksh, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
(240) 226-3168 View (240) 226-3168
Photo of Hawa Fatu-Maria Fofanah, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Hawa Fatu-Maria Fofanah
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, FNP, BC
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852  (Online Only)
Hawa Fofanah is a Board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Her health career started in cardiac step-down care. She worked inpatient settings as a registered nurse caring for people with varying medical challenges. She later became a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and practiced for many years in family medicine, before eventually transitioning to Psychiatric mental health. Her passion for mental health grew out of the growing need for mental health providers. In primary care she got to witness how challenging it was for some of her patients to get even an initial psychiatric evaluation.
Hawa Fofanah is a Board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Her health career started in cardiac step-down care. She worked inpatient settings as a registered nurse caring for people with varying medical challenges. She later became a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and practiced for many years in family medicine, before eventually transitioning to Psychiatric mental health. Her passion for mental health grew out of the growing need for mental health providers. In primary care she got to witness how challenging it was for some of her patients to get even an initial psychiatric evaluation.
(240) 679-5829 View (240) 679-5829
Photo of Dr. Allen Masry, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Dr. Allen Masry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
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.
(240) 433-7238 View (240) 433-7238
Photo of Tara Walker, Psychiatrist in Rockville, MD
Tara Walker
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850  (Online Only)
Dr. Walker provides compassionate, individualized, team-based Psychiatric care that addresses your unique needs as a patient. Treatments offered include medication management and psychotherapy. Dr. Walker coordinates closely with other members of your treatment team to provide the best care possible. Dr. Walker spends​ the time necessary to get to know you as an individual and to thoroughly address your concerns. She is licensed to practice in Maryland and Virginia.
Dr. Walker provides compassionate, individualized, team-based Psychiatric care that addresses your unique needs as a patient. Treatments offered include medication management and psychotherapy. Dr. Walker coordinates closely with other members of your treatment team to provide the best care possible. Dr. Walker spends​ the time necessary to get to know you as an individual and to thoroughly address your concerns. She is licensed to practice in Maryland and Virginia.
(301) 804-6111 View (301) 804-6111
Photo of Bose Ajayi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Bose Ajayi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Bose's experience working at Walter Reed helped her understand more about mental health issues, especially facing the military and their family. This great opportunity increased her desire to pursue a degree in mental health where she graduated from Walden University and aspires to use her degree to make a positive difference in caring for those with mental health care needs. She understands the stigmatization, and challenges that are associated with mental health issues. For these reasons, she provides holistic and patient-centered care where the families are involved when necessary and approved by the patient.
Bose's experience working at Walter Reed helped her understand more about mental health issues, especially facing the military and their family. This great opportunity increased her desire to pursue a degree in mental health where she graduated from Walden University and aspires to use her degree to make a positive difference in caring for those with mental health care needs. She understands the stigmatization, and challenges that are associated with mental health issues. For these reasons, she provides holistic and patient-centered care where the families are involved when necessary and approved by the patient.
(703) 457-9148 View (703) 457-9148
Photo of Joy Okeke, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Joy Okeke
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850
Joy is a compassionate Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that provides evidence-based psychiatric care to my clients. She ensures that her clients feel heard and are apart of their treatment planning, to make sure it is realistic for their personal lifestyles. Joy follows up with clients progress and refer clients to specialists as needed. Joy works with adolescents to older adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
Joy is a compassionate Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that provides evidence-based psychiatric care to my clients. She ensures that her clients feel heard and are apart of their treatment planning, to make sure it is realistic for their personal lifestyles. Joy follows up with clients progress and refer clients to specialists as needed. Joy works with adolescents to older adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
(301) 453-8144 View (301) 453-8144
Photo of Mabel Brossa @ Realms Health Services, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Mabel Brossa @ Realms Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20852  (Online Only)
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I dedicate myself to assisting my patients and their families on their mental health journey. My passion lies in understanding the unique needs of each individual. I make it a priority to listen attentively, allowing us to collaborate in the development of a personalized treatment plan. I specialize in the evaluation and management of various conditions, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, Substance Use Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Sleep Disorders, Disruptive behavior, and Impulse control.
As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I dedicate myself to assisting my patients and their families on their mental health journey. My passion lies in understanding the unique needs of each individual. I make it a priority to listen attentively, allowing us to collaborate in the development of a personalized treatment plan. I specialize in the evaluation and management of various conditions, including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, Substance Use Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Sleep Disorders, Disruptive behavior, and Impulse control.
(301) 719-5874 View (301) 719-5874
Photo of Dr. Vera Okoye, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Rockville, MD
Dr. Vera Okoye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMH-BC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Are you emotionally or mentally drained, can't focus on your daily activities, can't get along with your co-workers, friends, or family members, or embarrassed by your weight? If yes, then you are in good hands with You First Health and Wellness Services (YFHWS) where you are treated with respect and compassion. Your wellbeing is assured by Dr. Vera Okoye who has successfully treated people with mental derangement or emotional dysregulation. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental health, and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 26 years in practice. She is here for you from initial intake to a successful treatment outcome.
Are you emotionally or mentally drained, can't focus on your daily activities, can't get along with your co-workers, friends, or family members, or embarrassed by your weight? If yes, then you are in good hands with You First Health and Wellness Services (YFHWS) where you are treated with respect and compassion. Your wellbeing is assured by Dr. Vera Okoye who has successfully treated people with mental derangement or emotional dysregulation. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental health, and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 26 years in practice. She is here for you from initial intake to a successful treatment outcome.
(301) 781-5430 View (301) 781-5430
Suzanne D Forman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
I am a down to earth physician who enjoys spending time with clients to get to know them as individuals with unique needs. I received my medical degree from the University of Massachusetts. I subsequently completed my psychiatric residency at Georgetown University Medical Center and a fellowship in Child Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I work with children, adolescents and adults and provide psychiatric treatment for Depression , Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, OCD, Autism and ADHD. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, of various backgrounds and the LGBT community.
I am a down to earth physician who enjoys spending time with clients to get to know them as individuals with unique needs. I received my medical degree from the University of Massachusetts. I subsequently completed my psychiatric residency at Georgetown University Medical Center and a fellowship in Child Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I work with children, adolescents and adults and provide psychiatric treatment for Depression , Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, OCD, Autism and ADHD. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, of various backgrounds and the LGBT community.
(301) 720-1425 View (301) 720-1425

How does your Psychiatrist compare?

Number of Psychiatrists in Rockville, MD

90+

Average cost per session

$200

Psychiatrists in Rockville, MD who prioritize treating:

90% Depression
88% Anxiety
69% Medication Management
68% Bipolar Disorder
67% Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
67% Trauma and PTSD
66% ADHD

Average years in practice

9 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

83% Cigna and Evernorth
78% CareFirst
76% Aetna

How Psychiatrists in Rockville, MD see their clients

69% In Person and Online
31% Online Only

Gender breakdown

77% Female
23% Male
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses

How can I find a psychiatrist in Rockville?

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.