This might be for you if you notice
- Your psychiatrist retired, moved or closed their practice
- Your psychiatrist is no longer in your insurance network
- Appointments have become hard to get when you need them
- You want a psychiatrist who is a better fit for you
- You moved to Pennsylvania and need to continue your care
Changing psychiatrists is common
People change psychiatrists for all kinds of ordinary reasons: a retirement, a move, an insurance change, or a sense that the relationship is not working. NIMH notes that you may need to talk to a few providers to find someone you are comfortable with. Looking for a better fit is a reasonable, healthy step.
The goal of switching is to keep your care steady while it changes hands. A little planning makes the handoff smoother for you and for the new psychiatrist.
Steps that make the switch smoother
- Keep taking your medicines as prescribedNIMH says people should not stop taking a prescribed medication, even if they feel better, without the help of a health care provider. Please do not stop or change a medicine on your own while you look for a new psychiatrist.
- Talk with your current prescriberIf you can, tell your current psychiatrist you are moving your care. Ask whether they can send your records to the new psychiatrist, and ask whether they can provide enough of your current prescription to cover the gap. That decision is theirs to make.
- Request your recordsUnder HIPAA, you have the right to see and get copies of your health information. A provider may also send records to another provider for treatment or with your permission. Ask for recent visit notes, your diagnosis, your medication history and any test results.
- Make a medication listWrite down every medicine and supplement you take, with doses, plus medicines you tried before and how they went. NIMH suggests bringing a list like this to any mental health visit.
- Book your first visitUse our booking page and say you are switching psychiatrists. Tell us roughly how much medication you have on hand, so we understand your timing.
Your records and your rights
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains that your doctor normally has up to 30 days to provide a copy of your health information, and often provides it sooner. You cannot be denied access because you have not paid a medical bill, although a reasonable fee for copies may apply.
HHS also notes one exception that matters in mental health care: you do not have the right to access a provider's psychotherapy notes, which are kept separate from your medical record. Your diagnosis, medication history and visit records are a different matter. Request records early, because a new psychiatrist can do more with them in hand.
What the new psychiatrist will review
Your first visit with our psychiatrist is a full psychiatric evaluation, even if you have been in treatment for years. The psychiatrist reviews your history, symptoms, past and current medicines, how well they have worked, any side effects and your records.
Whether to continue a prescription, adjust it or try something else is the new psychiatrist's decision after evaluating you, made with you. Your records and your own experience help inform that decision. After that, ongoing care continues through medication management, and with your permission the psychiatrist can coordinate with a therapist on our team.
Some medicines have extra federal rules. As of October 2026, a temporary rule published in the Federal Register allows DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe certain controlled medicines by audio-video telemedicine without a prior in-person evaluation, if set conditions are met, through December 31, 2026. Rules may change after that date. Whether any medicine is right for you is always the psychiatrist's call.
Continuing your care with us
Our psychiatrist, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, is accepting new patients and referrals for care by secure video. You must be physically located in Pennsylvania during each visit. Our online psychiatry in Pennsylvania page has more about how it works.
Coverage for psychiatric visits depends on your plan and can differ from therapy coverage, so ask us to verify your benefits first. Our insurance and fees page lists the plans the practice works with.
If you run low on medication and feel unwell, or you are in crisis, do not wait for a new appointment. Call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.
Therapists for switching psychiatrists
Tell us what you are looking for in your free consultation and we will match you with a therapist whose background fits. Meet our team
Questions people ask
Does insurance cover visits with a new psychiatrist?
It depends on your plan. Coverage for psychiatric visits can be different from coverage for therapy, even with the same insurer. If you are switching because your old psychiatrist left your network, ask us to verify your benefits before your first visit. Our insurance and fees page lists the plans the practice works with.
How do online visits with your psychiatrist work?
You meet by secure video from a phone, tablet or computer, from a private place where you can talk freely. You must be physically located in Pennsylvania during each visit. Have your medication list, your questions and any records you received ready, so the psychiatrist can get a full picture of your care so far.
Will the new psychiatrist keep me on my current medication?
We cannot promise that in advance. The psychiatrist decides after evaluating you, and the decision is made with you, using your records and your experience of what has and has not worked. Either way, keep taking your medicines as prescribed until you have talked with a prescriber.
What if I am about to run out of medication?
Ask your current prescriber whether they can provide enough to cover the gap until your new appointment; that decision is theirs. If they are no longer available, you can ask your primary care provider whether they can help. Tell us your timing when you book. Do not stop a medicine suddenly on your own.
Do I need my old records before my first visit?
Records are very helpful, but you can book while you wait for them. Under HIPAA you have the right to get copies of your health information, and your old provider can send them to a new provider with your permission. Bring what you have, including a list of every medicine you have taken.
Do I need a referral to switch?
You do not need a referral to contact us. Some insurance plans have their own rules about specialist visits, so ask your plan directly. If your therapist, doctor or former psychiatrist is referring you, they are welcome to reach out too. Our page for referring providers explains how that works.
Sources
- HHS.gov: Get it. Check it. Use it. (Your Right to Access Your Health Information)
- HHS.gov: Your Medical Records
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Health Medications
- National Institute of Mental Health: Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health
- Federal Register: Fourth Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Published by Locascio Wellness. Last updated October 9, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Anthony Locascio, PsyD, LPC. This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.