Find a psychiatrist in California — covered by insurance
Top psychiatrists in California accepting new patients
Headway brings mental health support to California residents with 952 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.
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I am a triple board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry, family, and women's health, so have experience caring for a diverse client population. I've worked several years in each specialty and settled in psychiatry, where my passion lies. I specialize in the medication management of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and more. Because of my training in women's health, I am uniquely qualified in the psychiatric care of women during pregnancy and postpartum.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns. As a military spouse, I also understand the unique challenges that military members and their families often face.
Whether you’re seeking support for the first time or looking for a provider who truly listens, my goal is to help you feel better, function more effectively, and move forward with confidence.
Hello! I am a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive international clinical, research, and academic experience.
I completed my psychiatry residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, following a Clinical Neuroscience of Mood Disorders Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Earlier in my career, I practiced as a psychiatrist in Istanbul, Turkey, after completing my medical degree at Ankara University School of Medicine.
I’m Dr. Marc Smith, a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other complex challenges. I completed my medical training at Columbia University and my residency at the University of Southern California (USC). At my practice, I provide comprehensive psychiatric medication management and innovative treatment options tailored to those who have not found success with traditional approaches.
Lena is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She has experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric disorders including Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, Sleeping Disorders, and Substance Abuse. She is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and specializes in LGBTQ+ mental health care. She also specializes in IV therapy including Ketamine infusions, vitamins, and NAD+ infusions.
I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions across psychiatric settings. Clients often describe me as calm, approachable, and easy to talk to. I strive to create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable, respected, and supported throughout treatment.
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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