I just recently talked to my mother and she agreed that seeing a professional might be beneficial for me. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on what to look for in a psychologist or psychiatrist and what to avoid.
I was also wondering if I would have to go to someone who specializes in adolescents since I'm a teenager or is it more of a preference?
You dont have to go with anyone inparticular, but it may be benefitial to speak with one more closely trained for your ages group and particular issues. I hope its useful for you and remember were always here to chat to you x
“The consequences of today are determined by the actions of the past. To change your future, alter your decisions today.”
I think if anything you should look for someone who specializes and has experience in whatever issues you're concerned about (SI, anxiety, PTSD, abuse, etc.). You really can't know if a person is right for you until you have a session with them, so don't be afraid to try more than one professional. And don't just take other people's recommendations, although they can be a good starting point. Some people like one style of profession, but you might really not like that style.
I think a big point is are you looking for therapy or are you looking for medication and a diagnosis.
If therapy you are best of looking for a psychologist if medication a psychiatrist.
There are lots of different therapies around so it may be worth looking at what sounds right for you. E.g. psychoanalysis looks back at your childhood and works through traumas that resulted, whereas CBT would look more at what is going on in your current life and trying to resolve the problematic behaviours.
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
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It depends where you live. If you're in the UK, then you first need to see your GP. They will refer you to a psychiatrist, but you get who you're given basically. It depends on your postcode and what services there are in your area.
If you see your psychiatrist and don't agree with them, or don't get on with them, you can request a second opinion or to change, but that might involve travelling to the next town in order to see one.
Psychiatrists primarily diagnose and prescribe medication. You see them on average once every three months, more if you need it.
But if you want therapy, to talk to someone, then you might be referred to a psychologist or have a CPN from the community psychiatric team.
I don't know how it works in other countries.
Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back, everything is different…
you once called your brain a hard drive, well say hello to the virus.
Hey... When I was seeing a psych, I went to my primary care physician (my family doctor) and she referred me to somebody. I was also going just to make my parents happy and in hopes that they would back off a bit.
I think that would be a good start though. Maybe go to your family doctor and explain the situation and ask them if they can maybe refer you to somebody and go from there?
I wanted to thank everyone who has posted, because I realized I hadn't done so yet. So thank you. =)
I don't have a family doctor but we might make an appointment for a check-up and see if the doctor has any suggestions while we're there. It's been a few years anyway since I've been to a doctor's office. Since I don't trust easily this process is very nerve-wracking. I'll keep any and all tips in mind.
do some research and make sure that you are getting the type of treatment that fits what you're dealing with. for example... DBT is great therapy for some things, but does pretty much nothing for OCD. and while ERP (a subset of CBT) works fantastically for OCD... it probably won't be very helpful to someone with bipolar...
that said, don't diagnose yourself! you'll probably just freak yourself out. wait for a doctor to make a diagnosis...
i guess... just be educated about things. you don't want to waste time or money on therapies that are ineffective for you
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The magical part: They NEVER run out, so borrow some any time you want.
Apparently this post was not actually required and I do not understand insurance as well as I thought I did. They'll send my dad a list of names and we choose one that takes our insurance if there is any. My father gave answered questions so they could make the list but they were the wrong answers. I was not honest with my parents. I don't trust them. But I won't dig myself out of this hole. I already know the company will send us a list of people who are apart of it all. Or that it won't work out with insurance and I'll be left behind. Eripite me. The attempts on my life can't always fail. I'm not that lucky. I was forewarned. By a whisper right before I fell asleep. No more, it said. I had just pulled the covers over my head and forced myself asleep. No kore what? No more luck.
Yeah I live in the US. You do have to use one that uses your insurance, but you can choose off the type. They ask questions but I think they usually just send a list of all the practitioners in your area that your insurance covers. I'm sure they are not going to send you a list with people trying to hurt you, but if you need reassurance, you could look them up online to see reviews/see that they really are the list that that insurance takes. I would definitely recommend figuring out what it is you want and finding out what they specialize in, as if you just pick a name off the list and don't know what type of help you want, then you are going to have a much higher chance of not getting good care. Think about whether you want medication help, therapy or both, and also think about what symptoms you want to stop and what you want to talk about in therapy. Knowing that ahead of time will help you choose a better therapist and doctor and will get them on the right track to treating you faster. It sounds like you are struggling though, so I think it's good you are seeking help.
Stereotypes are the epitome of human laziness.
- me
