Off to the shrink!?

Question

I am 15 year old and am going to see a psychologist about depression for the first time. What should I expect? What will he ask me?

If you have ever been to one (especially during your teen years) tell me about your first visit.

Answer 1

i wish i had gone in my teens. i didn't go until i was about 38. the q's will be similar.he'll most likely talk to you alone then with your parents.they'll want to know what your feeling, when you feel it. they'll try to figure if there has been a trauma that has made you feel depressed. they will probably ask if you've had suicidal thoughts too.he may ask about your relationships with your parents, siblings and friends. it's really not a big deal. be honest. that's the only way the doc can help. if he feels you could benefit from meds, he needs to know the truth so you get the right ones. the wrong meds won't help and can sometimes make things worse. if you do need them you'll be referred to a psychiatrist for them. just relax and be honest. you'll be fine. good luck. dede

Answer 2

The last time I was at a psychologist was when I was 9. It's not like in the movies where you sit in a chair and tell your life's story (at least at that time). It was regarding my parents' divorce and she asked if I ever felt caught in the middle of arguments or if I felt it was my fault, etc, etc. For depression(and because you're a teen and can function), I'd imagine it'd be more of you speaking about anything in your life bothering you and the like. Good luck!

Oh, and, ignore that first comment. He's babbling bull about stuff he doesn't know about ; )

Answer 3

I visited a doctor in my teens and mine was mostly because of boys. But in the teen years your body goes through such a major change and most teens can't just make a nice transition because it is just too much so don't think your alone . A lot of things are going on in your life and your going to most likely be just fine. You can expect a calm setting w/ a qualified psycholgist who will listen to you and offer strategies to help you cope. He will probably ask you what your home & school life are like and such. Good luck!

Answer 4

I was in group therapy as a 15 year old. It was a great experience. We each had a turn talking about an issue and the therapist helped us focus on each individual case. It was a great experience hearing about others suggestions to our issues.

I was also medicated when I was a teen. It helped a lot too.

Answer 5

For starters, ignor the first comment, he's posted crap information for everything he's answered.

I'm in the same boat as you hun, i'm 18 and going to a shrink for the first time soon because of the emotional abuse, sexual assult and i'm borderline ED-NOS.

From what i've heard they'll ask youa bunch of quetsions until you're comfortable with them.

We'll get through it, good luck with your first time, hope all goes well

Answer 6

ive been going to therapy for two years now since i was 13 for the same thing. on my first visit my parents had to go with me and she asked them what they thought was going on and why i felt this way. then they left the room and she just asked me questions about myself and my childhood and my feelings.
theres really nothing to be afraid of. you can pretty much talk about whatever you want. he is just there to listen and give you advice. if you want to talk about something then he will listen. the first session is usually just so that they can get to know you and understand whats going on in your life so that they can come up with some ways for you to handle everything.

good luck.

Answer 7

i've been in therapy since i was 3. to cut to the chase you are there to work through and solve your own problems. they are just an impartial confidant. someone you dont have to worry about telling secrets or being judgemental. your depression has a root. identify it.