Hello cremedelacreme: Personally I don't feel like there is enough information here to really say much. Ideally it would be best for you to see a psychiatrist. I don't know where you live, or how things are done there, but I've never known of a pdoc who sees patients every week. Generally it has been every 2 to 3 months, in my experience.

As for whether or not to trust this other provider, it really depends on the person's experience & qualifications. But then, to some extent, this would be true with a pdoc as well. There's always an element of uncertainty involved in these types of situations.

You mentioned your brother-in-law is a psychologist & that he said not to take the med your PCP suggested. Did he give a reason? Perhaps one option here would be for your brother-in-law to attend an appointment with you & your PCP. Then the 3 of you can come to some mutual agreement as to the best course of action for you. Otherwise you're just stuck in the middle, surrounded by conflicting pieces of advice.