I took my names from the insurance company list and i had good luck with it. i do think you have to pay for the first visit. and sometimes you may like a doc initially but then after a few visits don't feel likeyour getting anywhere and want to change.

it can be tough especially because part of the process is building trust with your doc. that is true with a "regular" doc too but much moreso with a therapist.

I might recommend you talk to your primary care doctor, tell him what's going on, and see if he has a recommendation. since he knows you he may have someone in mind who may be right for you. not all doctors seem open to mental health care though so if your reg doctor brushes you off don't be discouraged.

You can also look up the local mental health care facility in your area and see if they can get you started.

You will find that there are a LOT of options available and there are LOTS of people who share your symptoms, so don't be afraid to get started.

good luck, as i'm sure others will say, the first step is the hardest, and that is recognizing that there is a problem and seeking treatment. so you are already on the road to a solution.

my depression progressed in the same way, i specifically described it as knowing that in addition to the recent stressors in my life, I felt that there was an underlying chemical thing going on. mine also grew over a period of two years. i think i waited too long to seek real treatment... i had gotten an antidepressant from my regular doc but never followed through with a therapist, by that time i already felt quite hopeless and discouraged.

the website http://psychcentral.com/, or hit "home" at the top left of the page.)

-- The world is what we make of it --
-- Dave
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