You can also speak to other doctors in your area if you do not have a primary care physician or family doctor. Ask your doctor if you should look into a certain subspecialty of psychiatry. Mental health is a complex field of care, and you might benefit from seeing a specific kind of psychiatrist. An overview of the different types of psychiatric therapy can be found here.
Find the your best options. Look at the list of psychiatrists and treatment options that are both covered by your insurance and recommended by your doctor. Choose the plans that promise the most feasible treatment for your individual situation. Also check any terms imposed, including authorizations, network benefits, contributions towards care if required, and contributions towards long-term medications that may not be covered.
When you call or visit a clinic, ask whether there is a sliding scale payment option for uninsured patients. Inquire at a government-funded clinic whether they offer a pay-what-you-can option. Call your local college/university psychiatry or psychology department and ask whether they offer low-cost or free psychiatric services. [4] X Research source
When choosing a psychiatrist, consider their previous client base, your own comfort level, office location, and anything that might factor into your therapy. Do background research on specific psychiatrists who appear suitable. Important factors to consider are education and training, areas of specialization, and number of years in practice. Additionally, make sure to check into a potential psychiatrist’s license - licensing rules and practices are diverse and can differ significantly from community to community. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
What is the psychiatrist’s educational and professional experience? What experience do they have in treating your specific type of psychological issue(s)? What is their treatment approach to your specific issue(s)? Are there other treatment options that they might recommend?[7] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020. How often and for how long does the psychiatrist expect to see you? Are there ways to communicate with the psychiatrist in between regular visits? What is the cost of treatment, and does their practice accept your insurance?[8] X Research source
One of the biggest factors in choosing a therapist should be finding someone you have a good rapport with. When you talk to your therapist, you need to be comfortable being completely open and honest with them. If that’s not the case, you may need to find someone else. [10] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020. Sometimes you need more than one session to realize that a psychiatrist is not right for you. If that happens, ask your psychiatrist either to change their approach or provide you with a referral for another specialist better suited to your particular needs.
Disproportionate, irrational, or overwhelming fear of everyday activities and interactions may point toward one of several anxiety conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. [12] X Research source Persistent feelings of unhappiness, worthlessness and guilt, irregular sleeping patterns or insomnia, loss of interest in regular activities, suicidal thoughts and other changes in thinking and behavior may be signs of depression. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses may be accompanied by one or more initial symptoms, including difficulty with concentration, loss of energy and feelings of apathy, withdrawal from social circles, suspicious or paranoid thoughts, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, major mood swings, and more.
Disproportionate, irrational, or overwhelming fear of everyday activities and interactions may point toward one of several anxiety conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. [12] X Research source Persistent feelings of unhappiness, worthlessness and guilt, irregular sleeping patterns or insomnia, loss of interest in regular activities, suicidal thoughts and other changes in thinking and behavior may be signs of depression. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses may be accompanied by one or more initial symptoms, including difficulty with concentration, loss of energy and feelings of apathy, withdrawal from social circles, suspicious or paranoid thoughts, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, major mood swings, and more.
During an assessment, you’ll be asked a lot of questions about your medical and mental health history. These questions might seem personal, but they’re an important part of helping you find the right diagnosis. [16] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.
