Do you need to actually have a mental disorder to see a psychologist?

Question

I have been thinking about seeing a psychologist, but I am pretty sure I don't have a diagnosible problem. I am just very prone to get easily angered or sad, on an almost daily basis. But it dosen't affect any important aspects of life like work, eating/ sleeping/ self-care, or my relationships with others. Would a psychologist be able to help me if I don't have an actual condition? Is there a better person to contact for my situation?

Answer 1

No, you don't need to actually have a mental disorder to see a psychologist.

(Some answers, BTW are full of it; it's simply not true that all psychologists will declare you to be bi-polar or some other serious psychiatric condition.)

You have something on your mind of an emotional nature that you'd like to understand and come to grips with.

Although it isn't destroying your life, it's less than optimal and is somewhat worrisome to you.

That what them folks is there for.

They're also there for people with, say, phobias, and other "mental disorders" but what you describe is also what they do.

I say, go for it.

Do beware of what I consider to be the biggest potential danger: the rent-a-friend types. If you find one of those, drop them and find another.

Answer 2

Every single person on earth has some sort of diagnosable psychological disorder. You say that you get angered or sad easily almost daily; that itself is a psychological condition. However, if it does NOT interrupt you daily quality of living, then it's not a problem.

But I do not think that being upset or sad on a daily basis is not interfering with your quality of living. Something in your life is causing a disturbance in your emotions. It is not healthy to be on an emotional roller coaster everyday.

Certainly you don't have to be on the brink of a disaster before you seek counseling. People often seek counseling to help with minor everyday problems. It's a healthy process to talk about problems of all kinds, and no one has a problem free life.

If you feel the need to talk, then seek a licensed professional counselor or a psychologist. Even if you feel that your life is good, chances are it can stand some form of improvement.

I hoped this has help you, and I wish you lots of luck,

Paramedic/Psych Major in SC

Answer 3

Yes you can. It is like seeing your family doctor about some concerns before these concerns turn into a real problem. It is the same with mental health. He or she can help you deal with the small issues before they get big.

One word about insurance though. If you have medical insurance that covers this, the psychologist will have to give you a diagnosis in order to bill insurance. It will be a general diagnosis. Medical doctors have to do the same thing. If you go to an MD with pain in your foot and he or she cannot find anything wrong, your diganosis will be foot pain. This is the same for a psychologist.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

it sounds like you maybe could do with seeing a regular sort of counsellor rather than a psychologist, just so you can get things off your chest to a compassionate listener, in case it all builds up inside and it comes to the point where these feelings do affect you to the point where you really do need to see a mental health proffesional. (by the way, im not saying that this will definatley happen, far from it).

Answer 5

Traditional Western practice (both medical or mental) is aimed at curing conditions, not making normal individuals improve, up to their peak performance.
If your condition does not affect important tasks there is probably little that a regular psychologist can do to help you improve.

All you probably need is a workshop in anger management, or even group therapy for anger management (there are many around). As for sadness, I would look for a lively church in your area and talk to their pastoral counselors. Or to a good priest/Rabbi, depending on your faith inclination.
God is the source of all happiness, maybe you need more of HIM in your life (just a thought, forgive me if you are already there and have a good working relationship with Him).
God bless you.

Answer 6

Well, hello:

Every-ones old Uncle Buck (not the weird one) here to bring you good news.

YOU ARE VERY HEALTHY TO WONDER!

Years have come and gone for people who never thought they had any 'problem' only to discover guilt, anger (which you mentioned), and anxiety had encroached their lives and left them less fulfilled than they had wanted to be.

If I were you, I'd attend a same sex counseling group to begin with. Involve yourself in others needs and you'll frequently find your own answers.

Ever notice that a 'shrink' asks, 'what do you think about that?' in TV shows? Because that is what they do. We answer our own questions which is what you already accomplished when you asked, 'should I go'.

Go in peace, but run and don't walk. Others will be the better for it, and you will be a winner in life!

Answer 7

You can see the psychologist if you want to, even if you don not have a mental disorder. The only thing the psychologist cannot do is write the prescription, only a psychiatrist can do that.

Answer 8

Yes, you can see one. If you file insurance you will have to be given a diagnosis, but a common diagnosis for people in your situation is 309.28 (adjustment disorder). It is the most "benign" diagnosis you can get. People in your situation see psychologists everyday! Good luck!

Answer 9

You don't actually need to go to the psychologhist if you don't have a mental disorder. From your account, I'd suggest you see a counsellor instead. They are the first port of call for people in your situation, who do not have a mental disorder but have emotional issues, even though they are leading good lives.

So I suggest you go to a counsellor.

Answer 10

No. Sometimes you need a perspective from someone who doesn't really know you or just to work some things out.