I love my psychiatrist! I think the most important is to find someone who you are comfortable with and who talks/thinks at the same level as you.

On first meeting... I knew I liked my pdoc because we were talking the same language... meaning I didn't have to say a lot for him to "get" what I was trying to say. It's like meeting someone who you immediately able to converse with.

Granted pdoc & I had misunderstandings and micommunications but it was because there was a 3rd person involved (secretary, therapist). Mainly because with depression I was also very critical of everything and everyone, including myself so... nothing anyone can do will make me happy.

But once I spent time on the phone with him... I always came out feeling confident and grounded about our relationship.

He also spent a lot of time outside his office (unpaid) to review my materials and worrying about me. He called when he thought I was going to off myself. He and I have argued 2x and it didn't ruin our relationship.

He always extend my office visits from 20 to 30 minutes and we'd chatted more than just meds/side effects. He gave me information that I'd never thought of looking, referred me to useful books and made me do homework. He's very considerate, insightful and knowledgeable. He has a great memory and can recall things at the snap of his fingers. I just adore him!

So... good luck and I really hope you find someone that suits your personality and needs. I was lucky to find it at my first try.