Every day feels like an insurmountable challenge. You're tough. You can handle it. You can will yourself into feeling better. Then, one day you realize you can't. You know you need help. But where do you go? Who should you see?

There are a number of different types of professionals specifically trained in mental health care:

A psychiatrist is a physician who has been trained to treat psychiatric conditions. As a physician, not only can he diagnose and provide counseling, but he can prescribe medications as well.

A psychologist has earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. This individual has gone through a rigorous four-year graduate program focused on diagnosing mental illness and learning to use a variety of therapeutic techniques. In addition, he has completed a supervised internship, providing patients counseling under the supervision of a highly experienced psychologist. Though he is not able to prescribe medications like a psychiatrist, he will have more years of mental health training than any of the other mental health professionals.

A social worker has a masters degree in social work. In addition to two years of graduate study, the social worker has to complete a supervised internship.

Counseling may also be available at your place of worship. For some people, connecting the spiritual with the emotional can be very therapeutic.

In some states people are allowed to advertise themselves as counselors without any special education or training. Be sure to ask anyone you consider for counseling services about their background.

With so many choices available, where do you start? If you have a primary care physician, begin there. Discuss with him the symptoms you are having. If your doctor feels that medication is needed he may prescribe this for you and recommend
you seek counseling. Or, he may suggest that you start with counseling and see if that helps without medication. Ask him to provide you with a list of suggestions..

Your doctor may decide that it would be more appropriate for you to see a psychiatrist. Ask him for the name of two or three different ones.

If you don't have a primary care doctor, there are several other resources you can utilize. Your local medical or psychiatric society, community mental health center, or medical school can be good resources. After getting recommendations, check with your insurance company to find out which physicians they will pay for you to see. If you do not have health insurance coverage, your community mental health center will generally provide services on a sliding scale.

It is critical that you and your mental health professional are able to connect. Before scheduling an appointment, you will want to have a brief phone conversation with him. Ask him about his training and credentials. Ask him about what types of therapeutic techniques he uses. Does he consider medications to be an essential part of treatment? Does he primarily provide long-term or short-term treatment?

While the answers to these questions are important, the most critical thing for you to learn from the discussion is whether or not you feel comfortable talking to this mental health professional. If you're not sure this is the right match, continue your search.

The first step towards treating your depression is finding someone who is right for you. Finding the right mental health professional is key to making this first step a success.

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Reference:

http://www.healthyminds.org

Learn more about this author, Frances Simon -Educational Channel Steward.
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