do i need to go to a family doc before i can see a Therapist?

Question

i am most likly 100% sure that i have depression. and sites and other questions that i have looked at said to see a doc. first and they will tell you if you have it or not and refure you to someone. but the thing is i have not been to a doc for years and i have moved. so if i did go to a doc they dont know me anyways. so can i just go right to a therapist? and will my insurance cover it if i just go or do i need to see a doc first?

i am 20, i been sleeping alot latly and dont feel like getting out of bed and my mood changes one moment to the next.

Answer 1

Hi:

Speaking as one who has a therapist and is on medication for depression, I offer the following:

1. Go to a general practitioner physician. It doesn't matter if they don't know you well. They can tell the signs and symptoms of depression and other conditions. All you have to do is tell them! You can even try to find a doctor who has a special interest in mental problems. In the Boston area, most general practitioners have a special interest, say in children's medecine or seniors or mental problems. Knowing a little more about mental issues than the average general practitioner might just make them seem easier to talk to. Be honest and accurate about your feelings and behavior. There's alot of science to depression, it's not just something you can decide to get rid of like that, as one of the answers seems to suggest.

The doctor will refer you to a therapist, who will see you for about 50 minutes every week and you'll talk about your feelings of depression and other problems with them. This person will be the most helpful in understanding your problems and your depression. There are different types of therapists, for instance cognitive therapists who are growing in popularity for treating depression. They believe you can do mental exercises that will make your mind think more clearly and will help you find these exercises or will assign them. Then there are the more traditional therapists who will want to know alot about your life history. Either way, they can help you. I have a cognitive therapist but I talk alot about current events in my life and feel comfortable doing so.

The therapist will very likely suggest seeing a psychiatrist, who is also a medical doctor, and can prescribe medication. If the therapist thinks you should see a psychiatrist, ask for a referral to see the one who would be best for you, and one they respect highly who is gentle and has lots of experience.

The psychiatrist is really key. You'll go to see that person and you'll have to repeat your "story" to them. But they'll ask you more focused questions about your moods and how they vary over time, they'll go over the dates and times of how your feelings fluctuated, to see if it's a mood disorder or depression or something else. The psychiatrist is the one who diagnoses you. It's very good to have this done, it's like a checkup for the mind. By looking at what you tell them, they'll figure out the right medication and dosage for you, it might take a few visits.

Your health insurance, if you have mental health benefits, should cover your therapy and psychiatry visits except for a copayment of, say, $20-$30 each time. If you have a drug benefit, depending on whether the drug is still under patent or is generic, your monthly supply could be from $10-$50. Fixing mental health isn't cheap, but it can be affordable and the cost of not fixing it is high in terms of your future. If you take medication, you might have to take it for years, or maybe less, the psychiatrist will evaluate that.

You should find the best therapist and psychiatrist you can, and make sure you understand what they're saying and give them your own specific facts about YOU, so they can treat you the most effectively.

I found the whole process can be nerve-racking at times, but it also feels good. Don't use these people or medicine as a crutch, but as a tool to learn how to function better in your life. I also believe it's good to talk to the professionals, your doctor, therapist, and psychiatrist, and not rely on the internet and sites like this to help with your mental health. I've been through this and am still going through it, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this long note. The other piece of advice I have is, don't diagnose yourself, don't let friends and the general public diagnose and treat you, either. You wouldn't let them operate on you, why would you let them tell you how to deal with your changing moods? People are trying to be helpful, but you need scientific, educated help as well. The greatest help is certainly having a loving family and friends, but the professionals will be able to add something that is well worth the time and money.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I wish that people would give a simple bio when they ask serious questions. If you are twelve, then you need to talk with your parents. If you are an adult, then you need to find a counselor. Depression strikes in many ways. Often just eating properly and exercise will drive those blues away like anything.

We cop out by saying we're depressed sometimes and want a drug or therapy to make us feel better from the outside. In fact, if we are taking care of ourselve, body, mind and spirit, then often the feeling of hopelessness doesn't have room to move in on us.

If you've moved and need a new doctor, then, certainly, go for a check up and just answer the doc's questions. Tell about your concerns. Ask your insurance company if they help with conseling sessions. Take care of yourself!

The first thing, I think, to do is to just get outside for a nice fifteen minute walk that will get your heart rate up and your respiration going. Try this for a few days as you wait to have your doctor appointment. Breathe deeply. Do relaxation exercises (check the net for the Sun Asana and try it.. it's a yoga exercise.. easy and effective)..

good luck!

Answer 3

There are mental health clinics in most areas where you can go & have a screening person that asks you some questions & then refer you to a psychotherapist that you can have sessions with & by doing talk therapy you can get a lot of help. A lot of all the clinics use a sliding fee scale depending on what your income is is what you have to pay per session (approx. 50 minutes). Also for depression there are medications that help, but talk it over with your therapist. The more open you are with your therapist the more help you can get & open to ways to improve your self esteem & better coping skills. I know 'cause I was deeply depressed for most of my 1st 22 years of life. Someone told me about these centers & I looked up one near me & I've gone from quiet desperation to really thriving, but it took a lot of emotional work on my part with the help of a very good therapist & am happy & content for the most part these days. I hope you find someone soon & know that there IS help out there for you!
Take care & hope you can take a risk & find some help that is available for you now!

Answer 4

If you can afford the therapist then go. You do need to see if your insurance covers it and if they do find out who takes it but I don't think you have to talk to your doc first. If you have no insurance, there are places that take people on sliding scales or for free. Each city usually has one, blank blank mental health center. Try that with the name of your city where I wrote blank blank. Also you can call 211 and they can direct you to the nearest therapist and if you needed to speak to someone about your depression they can put you in touch with a therapist, who will call you back with-in an hour and he/she will talk you through this. 211 works for everything and it's free.

Answer 5

Yes, get a referral from your family doctor first that way the doctor will know that you are not just someone seeking attention. A referral lets a therapist know that you have been seen by a competant doctor and in his oppinion you need help from a physician specialized n that field. Otherwise, your chances are o.k. but I personally do not think you will be taken seriosly.

Answer 6

You might only need medication. Any doctor can write a prescription. I have never known therapy to do much good.

Answer 7

depends on ur insurance.
i didnt have to, i could go to a psychologist right off the bat. but i didnt need a psychologist, i needed a psychiatrist, and for me to get to a psychiatrist, i needed a psychologist first.

Answer 8

look at your insurance plan. I have to go to my Dr. and then they send me to a specialist

Answer 9

welcome to the adult world