how do i choose a therapist or psychiatrist?

Question

i work in the mental health field and think its time for me to get some help with some of the issues that ive been dealing with. instead of trial runs with therapists i would like to have someone recommend a doctor for me but dont know how to go about asking without letting the doctors that i work for know that it is for me. (i just dont want them to know...personal vs. work) there are like a million different names of doctors on my insurance website but i want to find someone who suits my needs...any ideas of how i can go about this?

Answer 1

Worked 30 years in the field Know what you mean about separating work from private.

In a casual converstation with a professional at work you could ask questions, stating a neighbor is asking who does not want to come to where you work. What do you think of Dr. XXXX? Heard she is very good but never met her. That kind of thing.

I would suggest you contact the local medical society and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist; they will give you a list of at least three.

Years ago after major surgery the doctor put me on a mood elevator and I took the chance, because I trusted him, and asked the Psychiatrist what he thought of the meds, etc. NO one ever found out because he had strong ethics.

Otherwise, it is a trial and error to find the right match to your personality and needs. I would start with a licensed psychologist who, if needed, would refer you to a psychiatrist for medication intervention. Personally I am not in favor of licensed social workers providing me counseling.

Answer 2

Here is an excellent monograph (addresses the issue of impaired professionals in psychology/colleague assistance) that may be useful to you as you navigate this potentially sticky situation:

http://www.apa.org/practice/acca_monograph.pdf

My best advice to you is to get used to driving. If you refer clients or have clients referred to you locally, you don't want potential dual relationships interfering with your business relationships.

Your best bet is to find someone who has personally been IN therapy (NOT a client) with the professional you're considering, to get a first hand perspective. Barring that, your only other real option is just to take potluck (e.g., allow your insurance company to give you a few names and numbers, and start "shopping").

Risking openly requesting a referral from a colleague may net you some severe and long-lasting consequences. As hypocritical and unfair as this is, mental health professionals are often severely biased against impaired colleagues with whom they regularly interact.

Best of luck,
~M~

Answer 3

You could talk to your family doctor and make them write a letter for you to the person that can solve your case better for you.

Answer 4

you could ask some people you know if they know any good therapists.

or you could alway say that "my friend is looking for one and she asked me since i work in the mental health field...."

Answer 5

What are your needs. Maybe I can help. Ah, seriously. E-mail me and we can go from there. On a serious note.

Answer 6

meet your best friends and your relatives and tell them about your problem.