[Touch of gray]

Hi, this is my first attempt at starting a thread, but I can use some advice. I read DocJohn's post in the Psychotherapy forum about How to Choose a Therapist, and I found it to be reassuring (& I need all of that that I can get these day), but I'm wondering if anyone has had decent results from seeing a social worker for their depression? My family doc put in a referral to the behavioral health part of the big doctor group he belongs to, and they fixed me up with a social worker - I see him in two weeks. I have been seeing a counselor through the employee assistance program where I work, and his recommendation was to ask for a referral to a psychiatrist so I could get the meds going better. Anyways... the doc talked me out of going for the psychiatrist and put in the referral. So the lady from the behavioral health place that first called me was going to give me an appointment with a psychologist - but - big mistake on my part here -- I said I'd have to call back after I checked my schedule at work. So when I did call back, I got someone else on the phone & she set up the appoint with this other guy - I looked up his state license & it's as a social worker. I wish I could stand up for myself. Oh well.

So, if anyone has followed along this far, here's what I'm asking: Have you tried getting help from a social worker & was it any good?

[Leed]

I would NOT go to a social worker. I'd go to either a psychiatrist or psychologist. I personally prefer the psychologist as I got more feedback from them. But the psychologist can't give you medications either so if you think you'll need meds, you might better go to the psychiatrist.

You want someone who SPECIALIZES in mental health issues and a social worker doesn't.

Whichever you decide, I wish you the very best. Keep us posted on your progress, ok??? God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee

[shezbut]

Hi Touch of Gray,

I've seen many T's over the past 30+ years...most have been psychologists. I have seen one or two social workers, and they are helpful, but I think that their expertise only goes so far. Even psychologists tend to specialize nowadays: abuse, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, etc. The point is that psychologists choose 5-10 areas to focus their work in T on.

Social workers, however, have less experience with more complex cases. If your case of depression is pretty cut and dry ~ without a long history of abuse, SI, etc. ~ things ought to go well with the social worker. Depression is a very common illness, so a lot is understood by a wide variety of professionals.

Your physical doctor can prescribe any medications to battle the illness physically, while you work on the emotional with the social worker.

I hope that everything goes well for you ~ take care!

[nicoleb2]

I see a licensed independent clinical social worker and she is awesome

[bipolarmedstudent]

I saw a social worker once and had a horrible experience. Not saying all social workers suck. Just my personal experience.

[carla.cdt]

My last therapist was a social worker and was very helpful. But I saw prior to her a psychologist to work on more difficult issues like trauma and SI. I found the social worker help me well with anxiety and depression now that my life was more stable.
I think a psychiatrist would be able to evaluate you and know best of your mental health need and who to go to for help.