3 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Evaluating your PSYCHIATRIST and optimizing your treatment plan.

You have to see a psychiatrist.

Feeling vulnerable or intimidated? Confused or concerned? Stressed? Stigmatized?
Are you one of the few requiring psychiatric intervention? No.

The US census of 2004 estimates 57.7 million people, age 18 and up, suffer from a mental disorder. Statistics reveal numbers, not people. Your experience is personal.

A brain dysfunction feels different from a body illness. Feelings determine our perceptions.
Our perceptions affect our experiences. Treat your mind with compassion. Be okay with who you are right now.

A few basic tips provide an outline to frame your experience. Arrive prepared.

Before your first visit reduce stress levels.

A psychiatric patient is a nervous patient.
Is someone driving you? Do they know where the office is?
Make a trial run to the doctor's office before your appointment.
Choose your parking place.
Find your doctor's office.
Locate the bathrooms.

Your first visit the waiting room

Is the room pleasant?
Roomy enough for some privacy?
Do the other patients waiting, scare or offend you in any way?
Are there magazines or newspapers to read?
Do you feel safe?

The receptionist -

Do you feel welcomed?
Do you like him/her?
Are you treated with dignity?
Can you understand them?
Tell your doctor if staff affects you negatively.

Appointment time -

Is the doctor timely? Most psychiatrists are. There are specific time allotments for your visit. Expect your initial visit to last an hour or so. Follow-up appointments are set for ten or fifteen minute sessions. Your doctor will have you out of his office right on schedule.

Initial contact -

Can you pronounce your doctor's name? Can your doctor pronounce yours?
Familiarity of names is essential for this relationship.Learn to greet each other with confidence.

Your treatment plan is a relationship between you and your doctor.
Build your treatment from a solid foundation.

Did the doctor come out to the waiting room and escort you to his office? - or did the receptionist tell you the doctor was ready and you walked alone to the doctor's office?

Which style suits you?

The inner sanctum of your psychiatrist's office -

Most psychiatrists' offices have large impressive desks, several chairs placed in various spots and attractive pictures. There are no couches as in the movies. Diplomas dot the walls. The psychiatrist furnishes the room to assure you of his competence.

Does it work? Initial perception,do you like the room?
Is the overall ambiance soothing?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for finding a good psychiatrist?
We want to hear your view. Write now!