I'm starting my PhD in Medical Anthropology, particularly anthropology of psychiatry and psychopathology.. I read A LOT of MH related stuff in various disciplines.. It does make me feel a bit like a hypocrite sometimes.. when I'm trying to criticize biomedical approach yet I am medicated.. But apart form that I find it enlightening.
I find it easier to communicate to mental health professionals, although some of them were quite suspicious at the beginning. But when they realize I'm not after a prescription, they seem to accept that I know a thing or two and we just get to the point.
I don't know how American shrinks would react though.. it's a completely different health care system.

Regarding DSM.. you aware that the rest of the world is very uhm skeptical about the diagnostic validity of the DSMs? Plus, as far as I know, the medicalization in DSM-V is of epic proportions. Read up some anti-psychiatry stuff ma pal =)