How to Seek Help from a Doctor

Hello,

I am unsure how to seek assistance from a doctor without sounding like just a complaining or whiny individual. I know the word Depression can be used carelessly, and I would like to know how I can present myself to a doctor so they will take me seriously. I do not think I can overcome this on my own, and feel it is time to seek treatment again although it did not help me in the past. I did see a therapist for a couple of my teenage years, but with the assistance of my mother.
Instead of going through a primary care doctor, I would like to skip that step and go straight to a therapist. I do not feel I need a primary care doctor to suggest seeking treatment to me as I am already aware.
Can it be as simple as, "I believe I need to see a therapist?".
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

Hello & Welcome, Summer1991.

Without using the word "depression," you could simply describe your specific symptoms to a doctor. The doctor may want to run blood tests to rule out possibilities other than depression (e.g. hypothyroidism, anemia, etc.). You should be able to be honest about your past treatment and the fact it did not help you.

Depending on your insurance/health system, you may be able to go directly to a therapist without a referral from a primary care physician. You would have to talk to the system to find out.

Thank you for the helpful information, Rohag.

Before I used my counseling services at school I went directly to my insurances website and looked up a list of therapists that my insurance covered, they usually have one. You can also search for therapists in your area and the sites with listings will usually list which insurances each therapist takes. I'm pretty sure you can do this without getting a referral but I'd check just in case. If it's possible then pick a therapist you like and call them up to ask if they can do a consultation for you

Thank you very much, atomicc!