Find a psychiatrist in California — covered by insurance
Top psychiatrists in California accepting new patients
Headway brings mental health support to California residents with 954 empowering providers ready to help. With sessions available virtually or in-person and accepted by 70+ insurance plans, many clients save significantly on their mental health care.
I specialize in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions. I have over 19 years of experience in nursing and over a decade of experience in nutrition. I like to look at the whole person and approach ways to improve your symptoms. I am here to support you in your mental health.
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Affordable and quality mental healthcare is essential in today's world. As a trauma specialist, I strive to provide the best assistance possible and work with many problems. I can help with even the most difficult cases.
I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel human—not rushed or impersonal.
I provide a non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and feel understood. My approach integrates thoughtful medication management with psychotherapy when appropriate, always tailored to your individual needs.
Diagnosis can be an important part of understanding your experience, but it’s only one piece of the picture. I look at your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as the life experiences that shape what you’re going through.
I offer collaborative, grounded care to help you move toward a more balanced, integrative, and holistic sense of well-being.
I'm Melody Claiborne, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in Washington and California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, and depression, offering thorough diagnostic evaluations and personalized medication management for adults. I believe in care that sees the whole person — not just a diagnosis. Having witnessed patients go unheard during their most vulnerable moments, I built my practice around genuine advocacy and connection. I work at your pace, in a safe and supportive environment where your concerns are fully heard and your goals guide your treatment.
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About our psychiatrists serving California
- 99%Anxiety
- 99%Depression
- 86%Bipolar disorder
- 86%PTSD
- 86%ADD/ADHD
- 99%Aetna
- 95%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 85%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 59%United Healthcare
- 98%English
- 9%Spanish
- 4%Tagalog
- 4%Igbo
- 3%Hindi
- 89%Online only
- 10%In-person or online
- 72%Woman
- 28%Man
- 90%Nurse Practitioner
- 9%Medical Doctor
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- 96%Individual therapy
- 17%Family therapy
- 7%Child or adolescent therapy
- 6%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Psychiatrist in California
Searching for psychiatrists in California starts with understanding the type of care you’re looking for. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, while therapists focus on talk therapy and behavioral support. Both can be valid entry points, depending on your needs. If you’re looking for support with anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or medication management, look for a psychiatrist whose listed specialties and clinical background match what you want to address. Across California’s urban, suburban, and rural areas, available psychiatrists and areas of focus may vary, so reading profiles can help you narrow the options with more confidence.
Practical fit matters, too. A psychiatrist in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego may offer in-person visits, virtual appointments, or both, and the right format often depends on your schedule, location, and preference. Psychiatric appointments for medication management are usually shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, though some psychiatrists also provide therapy. Some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber as part of their care. As you compare options, check whether the psychiatrist is accepting new patients, has appointment times that fit your calendar, and offers a free phone consultation. Provider bios can also show how they communicate, what session structure may look like, and whether their approach fits your goals.
Psychiatric care in California can be a significant expense without insurance, and using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you find psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients with your plan. You can enter your insurance details to check coverage, see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before booking, and choose between virtual and in-person options when available. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans. You can enter your insurance details on Headway to confirm what coverage is available for your plan and location, then browse providers, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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