[sprawlii]

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!

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.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by sprawlii

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.

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.

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.

[sprawlii]

Thanks for the responses, everyone!