How do I find a good psychiatrist?

Question

I've never been to one, but I need one now. I don't know anyone that knows one. I hate the idea of just guessing which one is right from looking through the phone book! Help please, and serious answers only please.

Answer 1

If you have a regular physician you see and trust, he/she may be able to recommend one.

Answer 2

How do you know you need a psychiatrist? Do you have a mental disease that requires medication? If not, but just want to discuss your life issues, go to a counselor for talk therapy. It is much cheaper and you'd be getting (most likely) better help. I say this because I have found psychiatrists to be rather weird birds in general. Besides, if you need talk therapy, you don't want someone who will put you on meds, totally unnessary. Only someone who is suicidial or has a mental disease needs meds in my opinion.

To find a good counselor, you can ask for a interview session where you talk to them for say 15 minutes to see if you are a good match. Look for a person that is compassionate, a good listener, helpful with suggestions and willing to work with you. You can also call your local state mental health organization and ask for their list of licensed counselors.

Answer 3

See if you know someone who is seeing one or seeing a psychologist. I went through a traumatic experience & went to a phychologist who recommended me to a psychiatrist. I saw both for about a year.

Answer 4

A good psychiatrist is very hard find like any other doctor, sorry it is true. Just tray if you don't like - change to another.

Answer 5

Firstly have a talk to your GP, you may not need to see a psychiatrist....always a good place to start ....

Answer 6

call the # on tha back of your insurance card to find out where to go and what your insurance covers.