[Lika Li]

Hi,

How to know if a psychiatrist is good?

Thanks

[christinasvdp]

This is a hard question to answer to, because it depends on a lot of factors.
But in my experience, I can tell from the beginning if they are REALLY listening to me and that is the first and most important thing.
From there, I guess you can know by how much experiments they are doing and their way of explaining things to you if they know what they are doing.
(I used to have a doctor that had to look in her book every med she gave me and the dosage--bad sign!) It takes someone experienced and able to listen.
Good luck.

[CopperStar]

- Listens to you (shows it by putting what you say into their own words to make sure they understand you, mentions things you've said before, etc)
- Explains things to you
- Does not invalidate you or speak to you in a condescending manner
- Is available to you in the case of an emergency, and lets you know how to reach them in such a case
- Explores alternative ideas, works with you (example: if you feel scared of a medication, suggests another medication of the same type to try first)
- Takes your concerns seriously, such as concerns about side effects, instead of dismissing them
- Is humble and realistic about how it takes time to know for sure what a patient is dealing with diagnosis-wise, and that the first few medication attempts might not be the right choices
- Uses empathy and encouragement when you are having a hard time complying with treatment, not intimidation or shaming

Those are what I have off the top of my head.

[Lika Li]

Thanks, awesome answers!

[vvector0000]

If s/he runs on schedule, they're no good.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I look for a pdoc who will listen to me and take my thoughts and feelings into account. I also want someone who will explain things to me if I don't understand and will take the time to ask me if I *do* understand. I think its also important to be able to contact their office and have someone actually get back in touch with you when need be.

I hope this help. Good luck!!

[jules77]

in my experience a psychiatrist should not let you feel rushed during your appointment. generally they are shorter than therapy appointments, but find out ahead of time how long you have to meet with the doctor.
eye contact is also important with your doctor, because it shows that they are truly listening to you.
if medication is necessary, don't leave the office without finding out side effects, dosing information and general knowledge about the meds - a good psychiatrist will offer that without you having to ask.
a good doctor will provide an environment where you're not stigmatized, where what they're hearing is totally normal. they're trained for this! good luck.

[RamblinClementine]

I'm wondering about this too. For me I think I want to feel like the doctor cares about my outcome. Right now I have one that doesn't care at all! I'm gonna switch from her.

[LonesomeTonight]

For me, the biggest factor is if I feel like they're really listening to me and take my concerns seriously. For example, with my previous p-doc, I mentioned problems with extreme sleepiness in the afternoon on a certain med. She was just like, eh, everyone gets sleepy in the afternoon. She always seemed very distracted, too.

My current p-doc really listens to me and takes any possible concern about side effects seriously. She also took a very detailed (like, a few hours worth!) history from me in the beginning. And she genuinely seems to care about how I'm feeling, like she seemed sad that I was depressed again.

I feel the same about any doctor, really, including my gyno and primary care doctor. I want someone who listens, takes their time with me, and seems to care. And T's, too, of course.

[Terabithia]

Lika Li,
I would also check into his or hers educational background, and then actually look up that school online. Where they studied makes a big difference in their degree of knowledge. Empathy is extremely important, but without the ability to give good medical advice and prescribe the right medications, it's not enough.
Hope that helps a little! Take care.

[Lika Li]

Thanks everyone!