[all4themusic]

does anyone know how many visits you have to with a therapist before they can give you a subscription for medication? will they do it on the first visit?

[Defective]

Its very likely they will give it on the first visit if they feel you need a med. Every pdoc ive seen has given me meds on the first visit or said i didnt need them or another visit. If you are seeing one person for meds and therapy i dont know what the usual method is there.

[Slippers]

Well, make sure you are seeing someone who can prescribe. For instance, you can start with your primary care doc. Or you can see a psychiatrist (in some states certain kinds of nurses can prescribe). Both will typically write scripts at your first visit and will want to see you again for follow ups.

Most psychiatrists these days don't do much therapy. So if you need therapy, you may wind up seeing 2 people - one for meds, and one for talking. That's pretty typical.

I don't know your situation, but in most cases I'd suggest starting with therapy. Find a psychologist and talk. See if he/she also think you need meds, then go from there.

Slippers

[ECHOES]

If you want a prescription, a psychiatrist is who you would want to see; they are medical doctors and specialize in medications.

A therapist generally provides therapy only, as they may not be qualified to write prescriptions since they are usually not medical doctors.

[sunrise]

Ditto what ECHOES said.

all4themusic, I read in another thread you are having difficulty finding a therapist. I'm wondering now if you said therapist but what you meant was psychiatrist? If so, that might explain why you are having trouble finding one. In some areas, psychiatrists often have waiting lists or you have to wait months to get an appointment. If that is the case, I recommend going to your family doctor for meds to get you started, while you wait "in line" to get an appointment with a pdoc.

[Simcha]

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all4themusic said:
does anyone know how many visits you have to with a therapist before they can give you a subscription for medication? will they do it on the first visit?

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all4themusic-

The others here have already said it, but therapists are generally speaking, clinical psychologists. Psychologists only have prescription privileges in two states.

As any medical doctor can prescribe a psychiatric medication, I would suggest that you see your general practitioner if you are having a hard time making an appointment with a psychiatrist.

If indicated, they can and will prescribe a medication on the first visit.