We are well aware that seeking help regarding your mental health is a difficult decision for anyone. The first and foremost step for getting treatment is to seek help from a psychiatrist. However, if you're not familiar with psychiatry or how a psychiatrist operates, let us give an introduction.
Who are Psychiatrists?
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who diagnose conditions related to mental health. They prescribe appropriate medication or other treatment in order to ease the symptoms like sleeping problems, psychosis or anxiety.
Often counseling goes hand in hand with these treatments and, in some cases, psychiatric procedures like psychotherapy are used for treating patients. If the situation merits it, the psychiatrist can also recommend psychologists and counselors to aid in one's health. Thus, it is important to choose the right provider where you feel comfortable and secure.
This brings us to our original question; how will one know which psychiatrist to choose? What qualities or qualifications are we looking for?
Here are things you should consider when choosing a psychiatrist.
Make A List of Referrals
It is best to keep your options open. The first step is to make a list of potential psychiatrists by consulting your primary care doctor or healthcare clinic. Recommendations from family and friends may be an addition to the list. Research is essential in order to provide yourself with the best healthcare.
A psychiatrist's credentials are either MDs or DOs. There are many types of psychiatric practices and subspecialties in the profession, so choose a psychiatrist in Dubai in accordance with your needs. While most psychiatrists usually work at hospitals and residential facilities, some may have a private practice or work with providers at regular medical practices. As the list narrows down, you can always call and make an appointment with the psychiatrist's office to get a feel of your surroundings and see how the psychiatrist works.
Research The Psychiatrist's Credentials
Sometimes, doctors have a lot of initials before their names which can be confusing. Therefore, identifying the correct board certification is crucial. Here are some important medical health accreditations of psychiatrists that you should know:
- LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- MD — Doctor of Medicine (physician psychiatrist)
- LMFT — Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- NCC — National Certified Counselor
- LCDC — Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
- LPC — Licensed Professional Counselor
- LMHC — Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- PsyD — Doctor of Psychology
- PhD — Doctor of Philosophy
The credentials are proof that the practitioner has the skills, experience and necessary training to provide healthcare in the field of psychiatry.
When it comes to selecting a doctor who specializes in treating children, they should be board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry. For older people, like an aging parent or perhaps grandparents, there is a subspecialty known as geriatric psychiatry that deals with these types of cases.
It also helps in confirming whether the psychiatrist had any history of malpractice or disciplinary action.
How Much Experience Does the Psychiatrist Have?
Dealing with mental health issues is difficult and if you want help, choosing an experienced psychiatrist would be the best choice. The more knowledge and experience one has with issues like these, the more adept they are at handling them and treating you, with a guarantee of better results. It is best to meet the doctor before starting any procedures. Ask them about their experience and how many patients, similar to yourself, they have treated in the past. If you need a particular procedure or treatment, ask them how many of those they have performed and double-check it with your own research.
Consider their Gender
It is important that one feels comfortable with their psychiatrist's gender as patients often need to discuss confidential information. In regard to mental health, your own gender is also a factor, especially if you want to discuss procedures like gender transition.
Telehealth Capabilities
In the age where COVID is a reality, it is essential to look for a doctor who knows how to diagnose and treat patients using telehealth. This system includes a two-way video, emails and calls. It does not replace the in-person visit but does reduce its numbers.
How Well Do They Communicate?
Communication is the key. It is of utmost importance, particularly during therapy, as these things can take months or years. In order to get better, a relationship of mutual trust, along with a safe and secure environment is essential. So, before selecting the therapist, ensure that you're comfortable in communicating with them. If you can't properly convey to them what you're going through, then there's no use hiring them.
