Find a psychiatrist in California — covered by insurance

Start by identifying what kind of care you're looking for — whether that's medication management, help with a specific condition like anxiety or depression, or a combination of therapy and prescribing. On Headway, you can browse psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners across California, read detailed bios about their approach and specialties, and book a session directly. Many providers offer a free phone consultation so you can see if it's a good fit before committing.

Your out-of-pocket cost for a psychiatry session depends on your insurance plan and the type of visit. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see an estimated session cost before you book. Many patients pay as low as $0 per visit when using in-network coverage. You won't be charged until after your session.

Most insurance plans include some level of coverage for mental health care, including psychiatry. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans. You can enter your insurance details on Headway to confirm whether your specific plan is accepted and see your estimated costs upfront.

Many psychiatrists on Headway offer virtual appointments in addition to in-person sessions. Most insurance plans cover virtual visits with a psychiatrist. When you enter your insurance details on Headway, you can confirm whether virtual sessions are covered under your plan.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and in some cases provide talk therapy. A therapist provides talk therapy and may hold titles such as licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor. On Headway, you can find both psychiatrists and therapists. If you're unsure which type of provider is right for you, a psychiatrist may be a good starting point if you think medication could be part of your care.

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans in California allow you to self-refer to a psychiatrist, while others may require a referral from a primary care physician. Check your plan details or contact your insurance company to confirm. On Headway, you can enter your insurance information to help determine your coverage and book directly with a provider.