Choosing Depression Doctors – Your mind is like a muscle. When seeking the right therapist or doctor, find someone who will adequately treat your depression and can get you into better shape.
A good therapist or doctor for depression is a lot like a masseuse. They recognize the current state of the patient and help guide him or her gently through the recovery process, without giving them more than they can handle. Treatment for depression can include both prescription medications and psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy.
Mental Health Professionals are Many and Credentials Vary:
Psychiatrists – These are medical doctors (MDs) who are trained in mental health treatment and diagnosis and are allowed to prescribe medication. The type of services they provide will vary, some only offer medication management while others will do both talk therapy, and manage medications.
Licensed Therapists – These professionals are trained in mental health treatment and offer talk therapy:
- PhD, doctorate level education, referred to as clinical psychologists
- Masters Level Education
- MFCC (marriage, family, and child counselor)
- LMFC (Licensed Marriage Family Counselor)
- LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
The above professionals aid the depressed person in focusing on emotions, behaviors, and things that contribute to depression and help them work through any issues they might have in order to recover. With the exception of specially licensed PhD’s in some states, these types of therapists cannot prescribe medication. Many people use both a psychiatrist, who manages medication and a licensed therapist for psychotherapy.
How Do You Find The Right Professional For Depression Treatment?
They should have the proper training and credentials, you should feel comfortable with them, they should create a safe place for you to discuss your most personal thoughts and issues, and you should feel that they are helping to guide you in the proper direction.
Criteria For Finding The Right Therapist or Psychiatrist:
- Ensure you feel a good connection
- Ask them about their approach to treatment
- Find someone who will collaborate with you
- Find someone who can provide the services you need
- Find someone that you trust, and that is supportive to your plight
- Find someone who will give you clear guidelines for treatment
- Find someone who listens to your concerns and answers your questions
Often, when exploring personal issues and personal development is the goal, the best therapists are those who talk less than the patient does.
You’ll want to check with your insurance company before you make a decision. Find out if your doctor or licensed therapist is covered under your insurance plan. If you have to pay out of pocket for your depression treatment, it can be very expensive.
Don’t settle for just any therapist if you feel that you are not a good match, go see another provider.
