
Dr. David Wait, MD
Rather than focus primarily on illness or problems, my approach is to first evaluate patients comprehensively, then utilize what's learned from this to treat and empower them to make and then practice choices that lead to improved health and well-being, using an integrative model that recognizes that mental, physical, social, and spiritual health are one.
I am American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. A skilled psychopharmacologist and psychotherapist, I have over 30 years' experience successfully helping people overcome a diverse range of emotional, psychiatric, and addiction challenges.
I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and am a graduate of Augustana College. I obtained my MD at the USD School of Medicine. My residency was at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, where I was trained in both psychotherapy and biological management of psychiatric challenges. Following residency training, I continued to work with UAMS and the State of Arkansas in research and program development, focusing on implementing and then teaching novel strengths-focused care for people with severe mental illness for the first 12 years of my career. Later, I moved with my wife and three children to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and have since been in clinical practice and leadership roles in inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth psychiatric care settings.
Find a psychiatrist in Idaho
Talkiatry psychiatrists are licensed in Idaho and see Idaho residents by secure video, so you can start care from home instead of driving to the nearest available appointment. Because care is online, you are not limited to the psychiatrists who happen to practice in your town. Most patients are matched and seen in days, not months.
How online psychiatry works in Idaho
You start with a free online assessment that asks about your location, your concerns, and your history. From your answers, you are matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Idaho, which means you can be seen from anywhere in the state without driving to an appointment.
Your first visit lasts 60 minutes, giving you time to explain your symptoms, ask questions, and work with your psychiatrist on a plan that fits your life. Follow-up visits are usually about 30 minutes, so you can check in on how treatment is going and adjust it as needed. Every visit happens online, on a schedule that works for you.
What a psychiatrist in Idaho can help with
Talkiatry psychiatrists treat a wide range of mental health conditions and take time to understand what you are experiencing before recommending a plan. Common reasons people in Idaho reach out include:
- Anxiety, including ongoing worry, panic, and social anxiety
- Depression, including low mood, loss of interest, and fatigue
- ADHD, including trouble focusing, restlessness, and disorganization
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, so they can evaluate you, make a diagnosis, and prescribe and manage medication when it fits your needs. Medication is one possible part of a plan, not the automatic result of a visit. Depending on what you need and what is available, therapy may also be part of your care.
Does insurance cover a psychiatrist in Idaho?
Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and your coverage is verified during the free assessment before you schedule a visit. That way you know where you stand before your first appointment. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan, so it is worth confirming the details with your insurer.
Getting mental health care in Idaho
Much of Idaho is short on psychiatric providers, which affects how quickly people can be seen. Idaho has 65 designated mental health professional shortage areas covering about 1.27 million people, and only about 30.4% of the need for psychiatric care is being met. Federal data estimates that about 49 more practitioners would be needed to lift those shortage designations (KFF).
Online care helps close that gap. Video visits connect you with a psychiatrist licensed in Idaho no matter where in the state you live, so your options are not limited to the providers who happen to practice nearby.
Start with a free assessment
Take the free online assessment, get matched with a psychiatrist licensed in Idaho, and schedule your first video visit. You can be seen from home, often within days.
Can I see a psychiatrist online in Idaho?

Yes. Talkiatry psychiatrists are licensed in Idaho and see patients by secure video, so you can meet with a psychiatrist from home anywhere in the state.
Do I need to live in Idaho to be seen?

Your psychiatrist must be licensed in the state where you are located during your visit. To see an Idaho-licensed psychiatrist through Talkiatry, you need to be physically in Idaho for your appointments.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist in Idaho?

No referral is needed. You can start on your own by taking the free online assessment, which matches you with a psychiatrist licensed in Idaho based on your needs.
Does insurance cover online psychiatry in Idaho?

Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers. Your coverage is checked during the free assessment before you schedule, and your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan, so confirm the details with your insurer.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication online in Idaho?

Yes, a psychiatrist can prescribe and manage medication when it is clinically appropriate and legally permitted. A prescription is never guaranteed; your psychiatrist decides what fits your diagnosis and needs.
How soon can I be seen?

Many patients are matched and have a first visit within days rather than months, though exact timing depends on your availability and the match.