Home Menu

Menu


Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old Aug 24, 2016, 04:03 PM
sprawlii sprawlii is offline
New Member
 
Member Since: Oct 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 9
Hi there, I've started to consider making my first appointment. I have a lot of questions though as far as finding a doctor. Firstly, I understand there are differences with counsellors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists and I'm not too sure where to look. I'm looking for answers, a diagnosis, or something. I also understand I can always schedule a few meetings with different doctors to find a match, but that leads me to my next issue which is actually finding someone to go to. I live in a smaller area where the Google search brings up only a few names, none of which are accompanied by reviews or a website. I feel like I'm shooting in the dark here. Has anyone had similar issues finding someone, and are there any resources you might have for me? Thanks for reading!
Hugs from:
avlady

advertisement
  #2  
Old Aug 24, 2016, 05:40 PM
Anonymous37904
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I'd see what your insurance covers and I'd go interview 3-4 psychiatrists. Or, if you know someone in the medical field - ask them. My general doctor steered me to an excellent psychiatrist and he recommends therapists. I'd personally start with a psychiatrist being you mentioned diagnosis - underlying medical mental health condition. Good luck.
Hugs from:
avlady
  #3  
Old Aug 24, 2016, 07:33 PM
amandalouise's Avatar
amandalouise amandalouise is offline
Wise Elder
 
Member Since: Mar 2009
Location: 8CS / NYS / USA
Posts: 9,171
Quote:
Originally Posted by sprawlii View Post
Hi there, I've started to consider making my first appointment. I have a lot of questions though as far as finding a doctor. Firstly, I understand there are differences with counsellors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists and I'm not too sure where to look. I'm looking for answers, a diagnosis, or something. I also understand I can always schedule a few meetings with different doctors to find a match, but that leads me to my next issue which is actually finding someone to go to. I live in a smaller area where the Google search brings up only a few names, none of which are accompanied by reviews or a website. I feel like I'm shooting in the dark here. Has anyone had similar issues finding someone, and are there any resources you might have for me? Thanks for reading!
here in the USA the health care system has changed. we now have a federal law that all american's must have health insurance. they get this insurance either through the federal website healthcare.gov or by contacting health private health insurance companies in your area, or by contacting your department of human services (some places call this social services, short version its the same place you apply for welfare, food stamps and medicaid health insurance)

once you are signed up with health insurance you receive a members booklet that tells you what treatment providers (doctors, dentists, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other treatment specialists) that are covered by your insurance plan. many states with medicaid and medicare programs are automatically registering people with the treatment providers rather than the in insured person choosing their own treatment providers. you can find out if you already have been assigned a medical doctor, dentist and mental health treatment providers by contacting the insurance company.

if you do not have health insurance many department of human services are now handing out lists of area health insurance companies of you dont qualify for medicaid or medicare.

if anyone is a minor under 18 they will need to talk with their parents as most are already covered by the parents insurance plans of have medicaid insurance already set up for their minor children.

also many places now have low income scales where how much a person who does not have insurance yet or is still pending pays according to their income.

many churches supply mental health therapy sessions regardless of ones religion and only ask for a donation if you can afford it.

and other community agencies like salvation army, good will and st vincent du paul also may be able to help depending upon how their programs are set up in your location.
  #4  
Old Aug 26, 2016, 09:13 AM
justafriend306
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
This is so foreign to me as here we have publicly funded health care. While one can obtain private (user pay) therapy, psychiatric care is generally covered.

That being said, I have a few ideas for you...

See your family doctor. He/she may have a working relationship with some psychiatrists and might be able to make suggestions or referrals based on knowledge they already have of your situation and who might be the most likely to have a positive working relationship with you.

Seek out some advice from your local Mental Health Care association. They will have a list of those psychiatrists taking new patients and again may be able to point you to ones who may be most suitable.

Find out if your employer has an EAP (employee assistance plan). These are very common these days. They provide a free and confidential service that can assist you with just such your query. They can put you in touch with 2-3 psychiatrists that your insurance plan best cover. In most cases, the EAP will also cover the cost of consulting with these professionals.
Hugs from:
avlady
  #5  
Old Aug 26, 2016, 07:20 PM
Anonymous37872
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
If you haven't tried it yet, psychologytoday.com can have some helpful resources, including a therapist/psychiatrist search feature. You can widen the location area for more options.
Hugs from:
avlady
  #6  
Old Aug 28, 2016, 11:46 PM
sprawlii sprawlii is offline
New Member
 
Member Since: Oct 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 9
Thanks for the responses, everyone!
Reply
Views: 500

attentionThis is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:43 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.




 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.