[truffles]

My husband is not happy with his Dr. and wants to change. He told me find a new Dr. and he will go. I spent all afternoon trying to get an appointment for him.

Should he see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist first, if I call one they say he should see the other. Why is it so hard to make an appointment. He does see a psychiatrist now to prescribe his medication, which isn't working.

Thanks

if if were me, i'd get a psychologist first. then, i'd work on the Pdoc and tweak the meds.

[Gemstone]

I would get in touch with a psychologist first. The psychologist may be able to refer you to a psychiatrist that they are used to working with.

[bipolar_bear]

I went to a psychologist who then referred me to a psychiatrist who specializes in bipolar. It worked well for me.

[darkeyes]

Has his doctor considered a new med? Has he considered a dosage change? Such need(s) for change may be key to progress. If you haven't spoke to him or her about meds and other options, alternative meds. it may be something you need to do. If this person is not willing to work with you, it may be time to find a new pdoc. A psychologist is alright for talk therapy and helping to hit on the right DX, but a DX should always be confirmed by a psychiatrist, helping to avoid misdiagnosis, and if needed proper meds can be prescribed too, by the pdoc. For many, there is a time when different meds may be needed, when others fail, there are many alternatives to choose from, an experienced pdoc can help with finding what med is best for the client with a certain disorder(s)this can take some time, but I urge everyone, not to give up, some meds take longer than others to work, or some need to be changed, don't get discouraged.
Psychologists are not MD's and cannot prescribe meds., though I have been hearring over the past years, that it may be possible in the future they will be allowed. I personally feel if things aren't working and it has been some time, it just may be time to change pdocs. How long has he been seeing a pdoc? If it has been only a month or less, give it time, and have him explain to the pdoc he feels things are going nowhere and/or anything else that may be troubling him and even you about treatment and lack of progress, etc. We just need to be up front, and open with doctors sometimes, before we run off, if after having a talk, and things seem like they are going nowhere, well, then it is time to say goodbye to the present doc.
I wish you lots of luck, and want you to feel free to come here anytime and talk with us.
Welcome to PC.

Sincerely,
DE