Choosing to see a psychiatrist is a courageous step. If you’re able to admit that you need help, you’re not alone. In the United States, one out of every five people suffers from a mental health problem that calls for professional help. We’ve compiled a list of ten things to keep in mind as you search for the right professional. This may seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry; there are many qualified individuals who can assist you.
How a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist differs from other mental health professionals
Each mental health professional has a different area of expertise, and not all have the same qualifications. It’s important to know the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a therapist before going to see a professional.
Psychiatrist
Dr. Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental illness. Both medication and psychotherapy can be prescribed by them. In reality, many psychiatrists don’t even offer psychotherapy to their patients. The majority of patients choose not to attend the one-hour sessions. These psychotherapy sessions are typically conducted by a psychologist or therapist, and when medication is required, a psychiatrist is consulted.
Psychologist
In order to practice as a clinical psychologist, one must hold a doctorate in psychology in addition to an undergraduate degree (4 to 5 years of college) (4 to 7 years of graduate school). However, while psychologists are qualified to provide psychotherapy, they are unable to administer medication.
Therapist
As part of your psychotherapy, a therapist is a person who is present during the sessions. It is not uncommon for these professionals to go by the titles of psychoanalyst, counselor, or even marriage and family therapists. A therapist must have a bachelor’s degree in their field of study in order to work as a professional.
What are their areas of expertise?
Psychiatrists are well-versed in all facets of mental health, making it possible for them to assist you in any way they can. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, may have a better understanding of more complex mental health issues than psychologists or therapists. As a result, seeing a psychiatrist for both psychotherapy and medication management can be extremely beneficial to you as a patient.
Other specialties include child and adult ADD/ADHD, women’s health, depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder in addition to geriatric psychiatry. You want to find a psychiatrist who specializes in the type of treatment you need.
Are they easy to communicate with?
It’s critical that you and your psychiatrist are able to communicate effectively. The first phone call sets the tone for the rest of the process. The best course of action is to find another therapist if you have called a psychiatrist and have not heard back.
Therapy won’t be as effective if you don’t feel comfortable talking to your psychiatrist. Choose a psychiatrist who you feel comfortable talking to and who can help you better understand your emotions. Unless the psychiatrist is legally obligated to notify the proper authorities, your psychiatrist will not judge you and will keep your information confidential.
Are they in-network or out-of-network with your insurance company, and what are their fees?
Psychiatrists’ fees and insurance acceptance are important considerations when selecting a therapist. If the psychiatrist does not accept your insurance or is an out-of-network practice, you may be responsible for the cost of your sessions. To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure you’re well-informed about the costs involved.
Insurance is no longer accepted by many psychiatrists in private practice, so patients must file their own claims with their insurance companies. A large number of psychiatrists have found that insurance companies haven’t been as efficient in processing claims, leaving the psychiatrist with the bill. The psychiatrist has been relieved of financial responsibility by requiring the patient to submit a claim for reimbursement.
The Approach
Finding out how the psychiatrist communicates with patients and prescribes medication is critical. Find out how frequently you’ll be seeing your psychiatrist.
Psychiatrists’ methods differ, so it’s critical to know what you want before consulting a professional. The only thing some psychiatrists want to know is how well you’re responding to your medications, and that’s about it. As for how your treatment is progressing and how the medication is helping, other people are eager to speak with you (or not).
Some other psychiatrists, on the other hand, take part in the psychotherapy themselves, so there is no need for an intermediary. To avoid squandering valuable time and resources, it’s critical that you ascertain ahead of time what kind of psychiatrist you’ll need.
Do they provide same-day refills and what procedures do they follow when it comes to dealing with prescription medications?
Understanding how the psychiatrist prescribes medications and the policy for requesting refills is critical because you’ll be seeing a psychiatrist for your medication. When it comes to refilling prescriptions, some psychiatrists require just 24 hours’ notice, while others may need up to 5 days. Is there a fee for walk-in refill requests?
Does the psychiatrist offer psychotherapy?
Despite the fact that most psychiatrists do not participate in psychotherapy sessions, there are exceptions. In order to obtain medication, it’s critical to find out if psychotherapy is available and/or required. If you’re looking for a psychiatrist who participates in psychotherapy, you need to know this.
Keep in mind that psychotherapy appointments may be kept apart from initial medication appointments and regular medication checks. There will be a few appointments per month if these sessions are not combined. The psychiatrist should be consulted to see if these appointments can be combined to save both time and money.
Delray Beach Psychiatry; Find a Psychiatrist in Florida
Begin your journey to healing and living the life you deserve with a healthy mindset and skills to obtain them. Contact us today for more information.
