The psychiatrist (sometimes confused with the psychologist) is a doctor who specializes in psychiatry who diagnoses and treats mental disorders by prescribing drugs and using psychotherapy. If you have concerns about your behavior, are feeling out of control, or are changing your life patterns in ways that make you unhappy, it may be helpful to consult one. Finding what works for you takes time and patience, but it is essential for the treatment to be successful.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Psychiatrist
Step 1. Talk to your primary care physician for a psychiatric consultation
They will be able to assess your condition and possibly make a diagnosis. You won't always be able to get it without a visit from a psychiatrist, but your doctor will help you identify the specific mental problems you are facing and will be able to suggest treatments. Additionally, he will have a good understanding of the mental health specialists operating in the area and also an idea of which ones might work for you.
- You could also talk to other doctors if you don't have a family doctor.
- Check with him if you need to consider a particular specialization in psychiatry. Mental health is a complex field and you could benefit from consulting a psychiatrist who specializes in a particular discipline. An overview of the different types of psychiatric therapy can be found here.
Step 2. Look for relatives and friends who can give you advice
The people closest to you may be knowledgeable about the professionals working in your area and can help you during the initial stages. Also, mental disorders can be aggravated by loneliness and therefore it is important to share thoughts and emotions with people you trust.
Step 3. Ask a trusted member of your community for advice
If you have trouble talking to family or close friends, you may want to talk to other members of your community as well. This can be a spiritual guide, a nurse, a social worker, some mental health worker, or someone else you trust. More generally, inquire about mental health services available at social care centers, hospital or district operating units, or associations.
Step 4. Search the online databases for psychiatrists
Several associations or non-profit institutions working in mental health and municipal social welfare services can help you find the right one. There are many online resources for choosing the professional you need. You can find an example regarding Canada and the United States at this address.
Step 5. Check which professionals are affiliated with the NHS or are available through your health insurance
Most mental health disorders fall under the LEA (Essential Levels of Care), but there may be constraints related to choosing a particular professional or timing for waiting list problems. Private insurance companies may have an 'approved list' of doctors you can turn to with your policy.
- Find the best options for you. Check the list of psychiatrists and treatments covered by the national health service or insurance and recommended by the doctor. Choose the programs that promise the most suitable solutions based on your personal situation.
- Also check for any clauses including authorizations, benefits through networks, contributions or tickets for assistance, if needed, and for long-term treatments that may not be covered by your health service or insurance.
Step 6. Don't be discouraged if you don't have coverage
There are several options for alternative, lower-cost treatments for people seeking psychiatric help in the event that all or part of health coverage is missing. Additionally, some companies offer low-cost drug prescriptions and payment plans to help cover patient costs.
- When you call or visit a clinic, ask if there are reduced payments for services without coverage.
- Find out at institutions that have an agreement with the national health service or that benefit from government grants if there is a pay what you can option.
- Call the university's psychiatry or psychology department and ask if there are low-cost or possibly free services as part of scientific research programs.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing a Psychiatrist
Step 1. Choose a psychiatrist
Taking into account your GP's assessment, diagnosis and advice given to you, choose one or more specialists whose approach and methods are best suited to your personal situation.
- When choosing a psychiatrist, consider the type of clients who come to him, if you feel comfortable, the location of the doctor's office, and anything else that might be relevant to therapy.
- Do thorough research on certain psychiatrists who seem suitable. Education and training, areas of specialization and the number of years of practice are important. Also, be sure to check for any diplomas and certifications and any rules of conduct and practices that can differ significantly from region to region.
Step 2. Call, email or visit the psychiatrists you would like to meet and schedule a visit
Choose the moment that works for you. You may feel tempted to cancel your appointment at the last minute, but avoid doing so.
Step 3. Ask questions
The first visit is important to understand if the psychiatrist meets your needs and preferences. It is therefore essential to ask for specific information regarding training, professional experience and approach, as well as the nature and duration of any treatment. Here are some examples:
- What is the educational and professional experience?
- What experience do you have in treating specific mental disorders?
- What is the approach for treating your particular problem?
- How many times and for how long will the psychiatrist visit you?
- Are there ways to communicate with him between visits?
- What is the cost of the treatment that will ultimately be borne by you?
Step 4. Make sure you and the specialist agree on treatment methods and therapy goals
Mutual understanding and agreement between you is vital for successful treatment.
Sometimes it takes more than one session to realize that a psychiatrist is not right for you. If this happens, ask to change your approach or be referred to a colleague who can better meet your needs
Part 3 of 3: Assessing Your Personal Needs
Step 1. Pay attention to changes
Mood, attitude, thoughts and emotions can undergo major changes and signal the need to contact a specialist. Different forms of anxiety, depression, and mental illness manifest themselves differently in individuals, but there are some telltale signs that you need to know about. Take note: While changes in mood and emotions may indicate that you need psychiatric help, self-diagnosis risks being truly random. Symptoms typical of a certain mental disorder are common to several diseases, and as a result, you should always discuss your concerns with a doctor.
- The disproportionate, irrational, or prostrating fear of coping with daily activities and related relationships could indicate one of many anxiety-related conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social phobia.
- Continuous feelings of unhappiness, worthlessness and guilt, irregular sleep or insomnia, loss of interest in normal activities, suicidal thoughts and other changes in the way you think and behave can be symptoms of depression.
- Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses may be accompanied by one or more initial symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, lack of energy and apathy, giving up on social life, continual suspicion or chronic delirium especially persecutory, changes in the way you eat and sleep, major mood swings and more.
Step 2. Don't feel ashamed or afraid to ask for help
The overt and disguised stigmas about mental illness still exist and can dissuade you from seeking help. Personal feelings of inadequacy or weakness due to mental problems can also prevent you from going to the psychiatrist. It is important to avoid isolating yourself by talking to a relative, close friend, spiritual counselor, or someone you trust.
Step 3. Get evaluated by your doctor
Visit your family doctor (or another doctor if needed) to discuss your situation, be professionally evaluated, and get a diagnosis. Additionally, you may want to meet with a psychologist, psychiatrist, health and social care worker, or family relations expert for a diagnosis.
Advice
- Seek help. If you are struggling with the symptoms of a mental disorder, it may be difficult to be motivated and organized to find the right psychiatrist on your own. Friends and relatives can help you find doctors, contact the insurance company, and take you to the psychiatrist.
- Prioritize your feelings, comfort and thoughts when choosing a psychiatrist. As important as the opinions of others are, ultimately you are the patient.
- Always check references and recommendations and thoroughly evaluate all possibilities.
- Ask questions. Health care systems are often a source of confusion for patients and those related to mental health even more so. If you are confused or worried, you have the right to ask for clarification and to have all the information you need about your problems and rights.
- Be patient. You cannot start and finish a healing process in a week; Also, finding a suitable psychiatrist who is available may take a long time. Don't be discouraged!
Warnings
- If you have thoughts of suicide or violence, seek help immediately without waiting to find a psychiatrist, but plan to speak to a specialist as soon as possible.
- Always check that the psychiatrist is registered in the professional register and, in case of doubt, contact the medical association.
