Hey,

After years and years I've finally fallen hard. I have been thinking for quite some time to seek professional help, but I (in my opinion with good reason) don't trust any 'professionals', doctors etc. Over-prescribing, lack of information, false treatment, and simple human errors have led me a long time ago to the same conclusion as in Vanilla Sky: you have to be your own doctor. So I want to be sure that the psychiatrist I choose is there to help me, and not me being under his/her mercy.

I'm currently living in the UK and I want to see somebody over depression, anxiety and drug abuse, stress, suicidal thoughts. For now I just want a diagnosis. But where should I go? And what should I look out for? Should I go to a psychotherapist or psychiatrist? And do I really have to read into all the schools to decide what kind of professional I want to see? (sounds like religion to me) The NHS is out of the question btw.

Also, what kind of power do they have over me when I go voluntarily? I don't want to suddenly end up in rehab against my will, or forced drugs because of sucidial thoughts.

There is one in my area who costs me £40 an hour. How long does it usually take for an assessment? (So I can calculate the cost) And is that an acceptable price?

I know I'm probably asking a lot already, but these are all important aspects to me and I don't know where else to get an answer from than directly asking it.