I'm going to be relocating and want to know the best way to find a good GP or psychiatrist for meds?

Question

Currently I'm not taking any medications, but after some careful thought I've decided that I'd like another try with antidepressants. I have anxiety/depressive mood swings. In the past I've taken medications, but with a bad experience probably due to my lifestyle at the time and due to the fact that my psychiatrist saw me for 5 minutes, handed me some 'scripts and said he'll see me again in a few months time. When I came to him with complaints about the medications, he basically told me to stop being depressed because I come from an affluent family background and see a psychologist as he has no time to talk to me.

I understand that GPs and psychiatrists do not do therapy, I was seeing a psychologist as well, but my complaints were about new issues that arose after starting the medications. I even gave 6 weeks for my body to adjust. My problems with the meds only got worse!!

Any methods to finding a good doctor? There are too many bad doctors out there!!

I'm Canadian. Our health care system doesn't work like that! (Doctors visits are covered by tax payers.)

Answer 1

Your health insurance may dictate that you see Drs on their "list"
This should help you get a good start toward narrowing the field.
Often the insurance company will provide - either written materials or online - profiles of each Dr. to help you decide.
If you have specific questions, write them down. Then call 2 or 3 of the Drs on your list. (ask the receptionist or nurse if he has one) to get your questions answered.

Do be aware that anxiety/depression can increase with the added stress of a move.

Answer 2

It sometimes takes a few tries with different medications to find the one that is right for you, especially with anti-depressants. As for finding a new GP or psychiatrist or psychologist, you can always look up medical centres and physicians and therapists in the telephone book or you could ask someone where you plan to live at work or whomever if they know of someone.