Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

Question

What type of doctor should I see if I suffer from low self esteem, lack of confidence and depression? It would be my first time going and will it be multiple sessions or can it be treated in a one time visit? How many of you suffered from any of these and how is the success rate? How long did it take? Thanks guys.

Answer 1

I have a degree in psychology (not a psychologist, I want to clarify) and let me suggest that you first try other avenues. Many of our problems we can deal with ourselves if we know what it is we're fighting, and apparently you do.

For starters, have you tried St. John's Wort? It's an herb and the only side effect I know of is that it makes you more sensitive to sunlight. I often use it during the winter months because of my S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder) and it makes a huge difference in my mood. If you have health issues, ask your doctor before trying it. However, it could be a chemical thing upsetting your mood, which can easily lead to self esteem issues.

These symptoms tend to all run together. For your lack of confidence, I suggest going out and doing something you're afraid to do. For instance, I'm social phobic, but I'm also an author and have to promote my books. So, I signed up to do a talk to 8th grade students. It terrified me, but I lived through it. Then I signed up for another one. Each time gets easier and increases my confidence, which then increases my self-esteem, and lessens my depression.

The big key is usually to force yourself to take those steps, and a psychologist will push you to do so. A psychiatrist will hand you drugs that solve nothing. Don't misunderstand, in some cases, they can help you to take those steps, but most of us can do it on our own if we're serious about overcoming it. I am finding all social situations easier the more often I go out and do talks and signings.

Be careful about taking meds. They mask symptoms. They don't cure you.

Answer 2

A (licensed clinical) psychologist (usually a Ph.D.) will provide more counseling and on-going treatment. Most do not have the rights to prescribe medication. They will work with your psychiatrist or PCP to find what meds you need-if any. Also in this realm are L.P.C.s(Licensed Professional Counselor) and L.C.S.W.s.(Licensed Clinical Social Worker-many have private practices).

A psychiatrist (a M.D.or D.O.) CAN prescribe medication, but most (not all)outsource their counseling these days. They will either have a therapist in their group for you to see, or they will refer you offsite for counseling.

Many people see both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Pick one and start there. They will be able to refer you to the other if needed. Your P.C.P. or OB/GYN can refer also. If you are comfortable, talk with others...maybe they've seen someone. Your health insurance can give you names of doctors in your area as well.

I would not expect instant results. Therapy lasts for months and in many cases years. Find a therapist YOU are comfortable with. Success rates tend to be around 75%....you must show up for your appointments regualrly (obviously). Most psychologists will want to see you every week for a month or so, then cut you back to once or twice a month.

PS- "camus..." above is wrong.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

You could also consider a social worker. I know that may sound strange, but many social workers have private counseling practices.

I'd kind of interview a couple of people. Book one session and discuss how they would go about the treatment. Go with the one you feel most confident in.

If you're using insurance, they will most likely direct you to a social worker to keep costs down. The psychiatrist is the most expensive.

If you're goal driven, you might set a goal of 20 visits. That has the effect of forcing you to make the "most" of your time. If you know it's coming to an end, you may work harder than if it seems like you have endless time.

Depression can be treated with counseling alone or with counseling and drugs. Depends on why you're depressed.

Answer 4

I recommend that you first see a psychiatrist for your initial consultation and diagnosis. If the depression is severe he will be able to prescribe you medication, which helps immensely in most cases. You have to take for awhile before you start to see the results but it is well worth the wait just to feel better for a change. Then you could start seeing a psychologist for further counseling and to share your feelings about what is going on in your life and get his/her opinions of what you can do to brighten your days....this does take many sessions and sometimes it is hard to talk to them about what the TRUE underlying problem is so try to be as honest and upfront as you can be from the very beginning so that they can help you. I suffered for many years with depression and took medication, went to counceling etc...and finally I realize that the problem was something that I was in total denial about...once I started to deal with it rationally and with an open mind I finally came out of it and hopefully you will too....good luck to you, I wish you the best.

Answer 5

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication for mental illness. A psychiatrist is a counselor who works through your problems with you. Some people think that you can solve you emotional problems with a pill, but you can't. In any case, it's usually a combination of medication and therapy used to treat an illness. Other than depression, your symptoms are going to require therapy and there is no telling how long it will take. Many people struggle with low-self esteem and a lack of self-confidence. I commend you for seeking treatment.

Answer 6

Hey there,

Okay, from my experience a Psychiatrist will give you meds and will talk to you for about 10 minutes.

A psychologist will assist you and help you with the problems you listed. More like a counselor..

Perhaps you need both right now? It depends on how you feel about this.

You can make the appt. with whomever you feel more comfortable with and get their input and they can make a refferal for you.

The psychiatrist works from a medical model and believes that your problems are brain related (lack of serotonin, etc) The psycholgist may still believe that its brain related but also a lack of coping skills and will work with you.

Talk therapy and medication seems to be the best medicine to people that are really depressed.

Answer 7

A psychology is more likely to help you with the problems you state. The lenght of therapy depends on what you are willing to put into each session. A therapist (psychology) will offer you support and encouragement and provide suggestions. A psychiatrist will send made 5 minutes with you (time enough to right a prescription) and offer no other help. With the problems you state you are having a psychology sounds like you best bet. A prescription is not going to help with those problems.

Answer 8

Either one would be good. You might need medication, in which case you would either need a psychiatrist or a psychologist but have your regular MD prescribe you medications. Remember that any medications you take are meant to *help* with your therapy - they are not long-term solutions, merely support while you are getting help.

They main thing is to find one with a style that you are comfortable with. There are many different types of therapy, and many different styles of treatment. If you don't like what your therapist is doing, or if you don't think they are helping you, it will take that much longer for you to be helped.

Shop around. Ask your doctor for a recommendation, ask people you trust if they have known any good therapists. When you have narrowed down to a few choices, call their office and ask some questions:

-Do you have openings? How soon could you get me in? How long is the wait?

-Are you available for appointments on weekends? Evenings?

-Do you charge for an initial appointment? How much?

-What is your fee? Do you take reduced fee clients?

-How long is a session? 45, 50, 55, 60 minutes?

-Do you file my insurance claims? I have ___ Insurance. Do you belong to my provider network? What is your payment policy regarding insurance co-pay? Can I just pay my co-payment and you wait for the insurance reimbursement?

-Must I pay at the time of service, or can I make partial payments? Do you take credit cards?

-What is your theoretical orientation to doing therapy? Psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, systemic, supportive, humanistic, existential, transpersonal? Ask them to explain the difference. A combination can sometimes be best.

-How long have you been practicing psychotherapy? What is your experience with my kind of problems?

-What's the expected time frame in order to treat my kind of problem? Is it a long term or short term course of treatement? What results could I expect?

-What's your preferred style of doing therapy? Individual? Group? Family? Weekly? Monthly?

-Where do you practice? Private office, hospital, clinic, agency, HMO, group practice?

-Are you available for emergencies by phone? Do you charge for phone calls? Reading emails?

-What is the policy for cancellations, lateness, forgetting or changing appointments?

This link can give you an idea about the different kinds of therapy available: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psychotherapy/MH00009

Remember, admitting you need help is a big first step. You're on your way to a healthier, happier, you. Good luck!

Answer 9

Hang in there, Jenna...you've taken the first, and hardest step. If I were you, your age, I'd ask my General Practitioner or, if you don't have one, my OB/GYN to refer you to whomever he/she thinks is the right man for the job.
You might need both, although, hopefully, one will do. Most Psychiatrists do not COUNSEL - they prescribe. I can't begin to tell you who or what you need or how long it will take. The important thing is you should be so proud of yourself for asking the question.
GOOD LUCK, kiddo - don't expect a "quick-fix" - but the fact that you recognized something was "off" and want to do something about it is HUGE!! You're going to make it - just make sure you follow through by taking the next step.
Be Proud of yourself - I AM (for what THAT's worth :)!!)

Answer 10

You should start with a licensed mental health therapist....LICSW
and if through therapy it is determined that you need medication then the mental health professional you are seeing would recommend a psychiatrist.
When you call around you should ask if anyone specializes in depression. You could see a psychologists but their area is testing for ADHD and related problems but do also do therapy and may be what you are looking for if it involves behavior modification.