Finding a new psychiatrist

I've been seeing the same psychiatrist for 12 years and I really feel like I can trust him. Unfortunately he has decided that its time to retire. I don't really know where to go from here. He has given me a few names of people he would recommend but I'm not sure what questions to ask.

for me it was important that they left me on the same meds I was currently taking and not want to change things around. I didn't want somebody messing around with what worked. I hate change. take care.

I have the same problem, it stinks!
I would make a list of what you like in your psychiatrist. Do you like the way he guides you, is he tough, is he quiet, etc. Once you have that list, convert it into a series of questions, like an interview. I would then call them and see if you can set an interview session, 15-30 minutes. As the prospective doctor your questions and see how they react. You can also throw in an off the wall question like "if you were an animal what would you be?" It's always interesting how people react to unexpected questions. The answer really doesn't matter, it is how they respond verbally and non verbally to your question.

Also I agree with Kalaopi (?), if you are happy with your treatment regiment make sure you find someone who will not change it just because they can.

Good luck!

I am looking for a new pdoc too. I will ask them the following questions. Do you take my health insurance? How many years have you been in practice? Do you specialize in BP? Do you see BP as a spectrum mood disorder? Do you medicate for the symptoms, or for the disease (diagnosis)? How quickly can I see you if the need arises? How long are your sessions? Are you willing to aggressively pursue a working medication regime for me?

I think these questions are some of the most important to me. I hope this will give you some ideas of your own.