In the previous article I wrote, "I Am Tired Of Hearing 'You Need Help'" I touched on the struggle of getting started with therapy, which is generally where you start when it comes time to get the help you need. This article is over Step 2.
But before we proceed, a question I have received before is what is the difference between counselors, therapist, and psychologist.
Psychologist: They have specific training based on clinical psychological research into the human behavior. Also, they must continue their education regularly to stay educated about current issues and topics to maintain licensure. They receive the highest level of education and training.
Therapist: Can include a number of disciplines, such as a marriage counselor, social worker, or life coaches, with different approaches.In many states, the term therapist is a protected term that can only be used by those who have licensure with their state board.
Counselor: Can include both the licensed Counselor (who can also hold the title therapist) and a variety of other occupations from diverse backgrounds such as life coaches or those with little or no training at all. In fact, the term counselor is the equivalent of advisor and could encompass such diverse groups as clergy and other spiritual advisors and even financial advisors. Lacks certification, extensive training, and education.
There, now you're educated.
Typically after you see one of these professions above they may refer you to look into starting medication. The proper way to do this is to see a psychiatrist. Which could be good or bad depending on how you view that, but in order to see a psychiatrist you typically have to have a referral.
Now a psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in the treatment of mental disorders.
Things now to keep in mind when finding a psychiatrist
1. Might have to make a pit stop.
Now in order to get that referral, you may have to go to your primary care doctor first. Your primary care doctor is educated in mental health but not to the extent of a psychiatrist. So this step may seem annoying or pointless but sometimes you just have to. And who knows maybe the medicines they have you try might work! But after a few trials, your doctor may then give you the referral you need.
2. Insurance just doesn't know
It may be difficult because depending on what your insurance is because when you search on your insurance's site for a psychiatrist, all of the listings may not actually, if any at all, are for an actual psychiatrist. For example, my insurance had neurologist listed. And no they are not the same thing.
3. Would you walk 500 miles?
If you can't find an actual psychiatrist on your insurance portal you may have to google search. Don't be surprised when you search for a psychiatrist the lack of them that pull up within a 100-mile radius depending on where you live. I personally have to drive an hour and a half just to see mine. For the two that actually pulled up where I live, one wasn't accepting new patients and the other received upwards of 20 referrals a day so it was luck of the draw if you were chosen. You would think there is more but actually, there is a NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE of psychiatrist.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Well, you may have to wait that long in order to get a new patient appointment. Not really 10 years but don't expect to get in to see the doctor that same week or let alone that same month. I have been told before it could take 3-4 months to get in. Luckily I only had to wait about a month or two, but still, it stinks having to wait even LONGER just to get in to see the psychiatrist.
5. Now comes the finale
Congrats you have made it! You have gotten that appointment and you have just had your new patient visit (which should last anywhere from 45- an hour long) and they have prescribed you some medicine. Be patient the first one may not work. But you are in safe hands and there is hope that you will find something to take to make you feel like yourself for maybe could be the first time.
You may be asking why you would go through all this effort. Or why is it so complicated to get help.... well I don't know why it is so complicated. Personally, I think it should be easier. It's not wise to stress out mental health patients and it sucks. But the pay off for getting through it is amazing. To finally feel like you have control of your own mind... to be able to think and not question if it is you or your illness.
Have a good support system to help keep you accountable to follow through on getting help. But again, for those of you who don't have mental health issues, please notice that it's not always us who keeps us from getting help. There are many factors in play.
Stay strong!
