[Nero11]

For a year or two, I have been thinking about my mental health. Not only does bipolar run in my family, my personality has become more unhinged. I started becoming jealous easier, feeling more and more empty and bored, and liking and hating people on the cuff to where I go to automatic idealization or rage. Additionally, I had a past memory resurface that makes me question my chidhood. Basically, I'm not sure how to convince my doctor about these things, so I can get referred to see a therapist.

[bioChE]

Does your insurance require a referral? If not, just make an appointment yourself. If so, have you asked your doc for one? I've never heard of anyone being denied a request to see a therapist.

[kecanoe]

I agree with Bio. If you need a referral in order for your insurance to pay, just make an appointment with your doctor and say that you want a referral because you feel down and have a family history of bipolar. If you don't need a formal referral from your doctor, then perhaps you could just call Dr's office and ask if they have anyone they recommend. Clergy can also be a good source of names of therapists that do good work.

[Lost_in_the_woods]

Agree with above stated. If you need a referral or even if you just need your Dr to point you in the right direction so to speak. Just let them know that you are having some issues right now that you feel that you need to speak to a Therapist about. Medical Drs, in my experience at least, are generally very willing to give a referral to behavioural health specialist if you tell them how you are feeling and what is going on..if not for any other reason needed besides the fact that they just don't have the time to listen in the way you want... (sorry if that came off as callous..not intended..just med docs usually are overloaded with patients so they literally don't have the time )

[LifeInProgress]

If you have a good relationship with your primary care doc, just ask for a referral. Depending on your situation you may or may not need to go in with potential treatment options already.

My primary care and my psychiatrist work well together, sharing lab results, etc.

I agree about simply being honest and asking but I differ in that I think the referral should be to a psychiatrist who in turn can refer you to a psychologist best suited to your needs.

[Nero11]

Thank you for the responses. Since my insurance requires a referral, I'll take the advice and just ask for one explaining it to my doctor.

[Cyllya]

It might help to ask for a "therapist" or "counselor" rather than a "psychologist." (That's assuming you want psychotherapy. If you want medical treatment, ask for a psychiatrist.) There are psychologists who do psychotherapy, but they are a lot less common than regular counselors, and they often do other services like IQ tests, neuropsychological assessments, etc.

[MickeyCheeky]

I agree with others.. good luck!