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Making the decision or realizing that you needa psychiatristcan seem scary at first. The process of finding one can seem even more daunting. However, with the right resources, finding a psychiatrist can be seamless and stress-free.
Where to find a psychiatrist, how much they cost, and how often you’ll need to see them are all questions you’ll probably be asking yourself. This article provides you with information on finding a psychiatrist to cater to your needs.
Why You Might Need to Find a Psychiatrist
Before finding a psychiatrist, it’s great to think about why you might need one. This places a key role in helping you pick the best psychiatrist for your needs.
For instance, if you have a specificmental health condition, such asbipolar disorder, you might want to consider a psychiatrist who has had more experience treating such disorders.
Here are a few reasons you might need to find a psychiatrist:
Where to Find a Psychiatrist
There are a few places to go when you are looking for a psychiatrist. Here’s a list of some of the most common places to consider.
Through your Healthcare Provider
If you are looking for a psychiatrist, the most reliable first step is to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Your doctor will give you a list of certified and dependable psychiatrists to choose from. After this is done, take some time to conduct your research into each of the names on your list.
Cross-reference each person with a list of things that might be important to you, like age, race, or gender.
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Speak to Family and Friends
While you might be reluctant to tell your family and loved ones that you are looking for a psychiatrist, they could be a great resource to help you find a fantastic one. They can point you in the direction of psychiatrists they have tried or who they’ve come across in their personal lives or at work.
They can also assist you in doing the groundwork involved in looking for a psychiatrist, like researching locations and whether they take your insurance. Your family and friends have your best interest at heart and will do their best to find you a great fit.
Do Some Research Online
The internet has many resources to help you find a great psychiatrist. However, you don’t want to pick the first person you see.
Thedirectory at the American Psychiatric Associationis a good place to start. Or, you could use an online therapy directory, such asAlma, which basically serves as an online phone book for mental health providers. In a directory, you can search for what type of provider you need (including a psychiatrist), any identity preferences (such as gender and ethnicity), and any specialties you require (like a certain mental health condition).
It’s best to do thorough research into each potential psychiatrist you consider. If using a directory, read each provider’s bio to see if they’d seem like a good fit. Many psychiatrists also offer free consultations, especially if you’ve found them through a directory, so you can talk to them before committing.
Consider Medical Journals
You can reach out to them, and even if they’re not a good fit for your needs, they may be able to refer you to someone who is.
Things to Consider When Looking for a Psychiatrist
Picking a good psychiatrist is key to taking care of your mental well-being if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental condition or have been experiencing disruptive symptoms. You don’t need to have been diagnosed with a mental disorder to see a psychiatrist.
Here are some things to consider when you are looking for one:
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Preparing for Your First Appointment
Making a first-time appointment witha psychiatristdoesn’t mean you have to commit them. Consider it a trial run.
Before your first appointment, you should do a few things to prepare yourself:
Your First SessionYour first appointment will typically last around an hour. Your psychiatrist will ask you a series of questions to medically evaluate you. They might also order for a couple of tests to be done. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you are comfortable with them.
Your First Session
Your first appointment will typically last around an hour. Your psychiatrist will ask you a series of questions to medically evaluate you. They might also order for a couple of tests to be done. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you are comfortable with them.
A Word From Verywell
Looking for a psychiatrist is nothing to feel embarrassed about. While the process might seem daunting and frustrating, patience is vital. Take time to find a psychiatrist that’s a good fit for all of your needs. Before committing to one, please make sure all of their credentials check out and they have the proper certifications that qualify them to cater to your needs.
How to Find a Therapist
3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Rochester Medical Center.Top 5 reasons to seek help - mental health & wellness.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Finding the Best Psychiatrist for You. April 8, 2019NHS UK.Psychiatry. July 20, 2018.
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Rochester Medical Center.Top 5 reasons to seek help - mental health & wellness.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Finding the Best Psychiatrist for You. April 8, 2019NHS UK.Psychiatry. July 20, 2018.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Top 5 reasons to seek help - mental health & wellness.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Finding the Best Psychiatrist for You. April 8, 2019NHS UK.Psychiatry. July 20, 2018.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Top 5 reasons to seek help - mental health & wellness.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Finding the Best Psychiatrist for You. April 8, 2019
NHS UK.Psychiatry. July 20, 2018.
Hannah Owens, LMSW
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