subject: Psychiatry- Choosing The Right Doctor [print this page] When it comes to psychiatry, choosing the right doctor can make the assessment and treatment a more pleasant experience. You need to find someone that fits well with your personality and will be able to meet the needs you have when it comes to treatment. There are several factors to consider when looking for a psychiatrist. Take your time and find the right person to get you back on track to a healthier state of mind.
Patient and Doctor Interactions
You want to find someone that is easy to talk to. Because of the subject matter of discussion, you need to feel comfortable sharing information and being honest. It can be sensitive to talk and discuss mental issues with another person and you want to feel safe and able to trust the other person. Think about setting up an initial appointment to get to know your doctor and find out if you think the two of you will work well together.
Patient and Doctor Views
It may help to find someone that shares your views on treatments. In the field of psychiatry, different doctors may feel differently when it comes to medication and various types of therapy. It may be difficult to assess this type of information up front, so be sure to ask as many questions as needed to determine where you and your doctor can agree. However, remember that the doctor is the professional and it may be necessary to change some of your thoughts on psychiatry as the appointments continue.
Insurance Coverage
For many, the decision may come down to which provider the health insurance will cover. You can get a list of doctors in the field of psychiatry from your health insurance company or you can call a specific doctor to ask about insurance. When calling the insurance company, take notes on exactly what is covered under you plan.
Look for a Specialist
With psychiatry, different doctors may specialize in different field. For example, some doctors may work with patients who have concerns about anxiety or addictions. You may want to look into finding someone who works with a specific age group if this applies. Because they only work with a certain age group, they may have more experience dealing with certain situations or issues. Also, they may be more up to date with the current research and findings because they are focusing on just one portion of the field.
Meeting with a Doctor
If you are meeting with a psychiatric doctor for the first time, be sure to write down a few questions that you have. Bring a pen and piece of paper to keep you focused on the information that you need and to ensure that all of your questions have been answered. A doctor will probably not be able to make a diagnosis at the first meeting, so it may be impossible to let you know how many appointments you will have and exactly what the outcome will be. Remember that it will take time to pinpoint the problem and begin treating it.
by: Andrew Stratton
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