Need help deciding on a type of therapist?!


Question: Id like to go to a therapist/psychiatrist that I can see on a weekly or every other week basis to be able to talk for an hour or so but also be able to prescribe me medicine depending upon my issues (ie: depression and anxiety).. i know there are different types of clinicians out there but I am not 100% sure which one I should look for. Can someone help or point me to the 'type' of doctor/specialist I should be looking for..


Answers: Id like to go to a therapist/psychiatrist that I can see on a weekly or every other week basis to be able to talk for an hour or so but also be able to prescribe me medicine depending upon my issues (ie: depression and anxiety).. i know there are different types of clinicians out there but I am not 100% sure which one I should look for. Can someone help or point me to the 'type' of doctor/specialist I should be looking for..

This is only for information purposes. There are the following specialists:

A psychiatrist: is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who has had advanced studies & practice in mental illnesses. The people they treat are called "patients". A psychiatrist is licensed to prescribe medications as part of the treatment.

A psychologist: usually has a master's degree or a Ph.D. in psychology, and works as a counselor to people with psychological problems. The people they treat are called "clients". Psychologist cannot prescribe medications.

Both the psychiatrist and the psychologist are sometimes loosely referred to as therapists. Both specialist work in teems & the psychologist is the true therapist.

For your first visit you could either see a Physician in General Medicine (MD) or a Psychologist. If the Physician observes that a psychologist is required he will refer you to one.

The psychologist will talk to you and ask many questions which of course is in your best interest to answer correctly. He will take the necessary psychological tests, will evaluate you & build your medical history.

With this medical history you will be referred to a Psychiatrist. The evaluating psychologist will be with you during the interview. The psychiatrist will make sure that your medical history is correct and will prescribe the necessary medicines which you are to take under the direct supervision by the psychologist.

After this first stage and while adjusting to your medicines you will need to see the psychologist each 7/10 days. Once you have adjusted and require therapy you will need to visit the psychologist each 15/20 days unless you feel like going earlier.

This will much depend on what your psychological problem is. If a severe Mental Health issue is present then the psychiatrist will directly treat you. If it is not a severe Mental Health issue then you will be treated by the psychologist under constant evaluation and prescription only by the psychiatrist.

A physiatrist (fizz ee at' trist) is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists treat a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. They see patients in all age groups and treat problems that touch upon all the major systems in the body. These specialists focus on restoring function to people. ( This is not what you need according to your post.

A phyciatrist: Is a Physician or MD who has received some training in Psychological issues, the basic studies are in Human Medicine = Physician = MD.

It will be up to you to choose the specialist you prefer, but a psychiatrist will not assist you unless duly evaluated as stated above.

Regards & good luck.

Look for someone who deals in mental health. This is the type of shrink I go to.

see a phyciatrist, then ask him/her about a person for the meds. there is usually one working at the same place. i see a phyciatrist and a doctor all in one trip.


good luck && best wishes!

You will need 2: a Psychiatrist who will prescribe your medication & check on how you are doing - side effects, etc.

Your Therapist who can be a Psychologist or Social Worker will work with you on your issues in counseling.

Hope this helps.

First you go see the Psychiatrist. This is a MD and they would be the one to prescribe you the appropriate medication. Then, by their direction, they would be the ones to set you up with a therapist (usually an hour visit). It would be determined by the three of you on how often you need to come in for treatment. You would then periodically meet with the psychiatrist for a "med check". It is usually a 20 minute check to see how you are doing on the medication if any was prescribed.

Hope that this sheds some light.





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