For medication management of complex presentations — treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, complex polypharmacy. You do not need to refer every psychiatric patient; you need one trusted psychiatrist for the cases beyond your scope.

Often faster access than psychiatrists for medication management of moderate complexity. Good fit for patients who need psychiatric medication management but not the level of complexity requiring a psychiatrist.

For depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship and adjustment issues, and any patient who needs more than medication. This should be your most-used referral — medication alone is rarely sufficient for mood or anxiety disorders. Build relationships with 3–5 therapists you trust.

Outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and inpatient options. Know which programs accept your patients' insurance and which have the shortest waitlists. SUD co-occurs with psychiatric illness in a significant portion of your caseload.

Know your local inpatient options before you need them. Which hospital has a psychiatric unit? What's the process for voluntary vs. involuntary admission? Where do you send a patient who needs same-day evaluation?

988 is the national mental health crisis line — patients can call or text. Mobile crisis teams can go to the patient instead of sending them to the ED. Know what's available in your county.