A psychiatrist (sometimes confused with psychologist) is a medical doctor specializing in psychology who diagnoses and treats mental disorders by prescribing drugs and using psychotherapy. If you are concerned about your own behavior, feel out of control, or change your lifestyle in a way that makes you unhappy, it may be a good idea to consult a psychiatrist. Finding the right psychiatrist takes time and patience, but finding the right psychiatrist for you is essential for treatment to be successful.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right Psychiatrist For You
Step 1. Talk to your doctor who usually treats your health problems for a psychiatric referral
Your doctor will be able to assess your condition and provide an official diagnosis. Not all situations require you to get an official diagnosis before seeing a psychiatrist, but your doctor will help identify the specific psychiatric disorder you are facing and suggest possible treatment. Your doctor will also have a good knowledge of the mental health specialists who practice in the area, and know which specialist may be a good fit for you.
- You can talk to other doctors in your area if you don't have a regular doctor or family doctor.
- Ask your doctor if you need to explore a particular psychiatric subspecialty. Mental health is a complex area of treatment, and you may benefit most from seeing a certain type of psychiatrist. An overview of the types of psychiatric therapy can be found here.
Step 2. Find out which family or friends may have referrals
Close friends or family may be familiar with the psychological support resources available in your area and can help in the early stages of seeking help. Moreover, psychiatric problems can be exacerbated by isolation, so it is important that you share your thoughts and feelings with people you trust.
Step 3. Ask for referrals from trusted members of your community
If you don't feel comfortable talking to family or close friends, you can also talk to members of your community. These people can be spiritual counselors, nurses, social workers, mental health practitioners, and so on. In general, you can inquire about psychiatric services available at your local social service foundation, hospital psychiatric division, or mental health association.
Step 4. Find a psychiatrist by accessing online databases
Many psychology associations, nonprofits, and community services can help you find the right psychiatrist. There are many online resources that can help you find the right therapist in your area. You can also visit the website of the Indonesian Psychiatric Association (PDSKJI) here.
Step 5. Consult with your health insurance provider to find out what types of mental health specialists are covered by your insurance plan
Most health insurance policies cover mental health services, but options vary widely. Private insurance may have a list of 'approved' medical practitioners covered by your insurance.
- Find the best option for you. Check the list of psychiatrists and treatment options that are covered by insurance and also recommended by your doctor. Choose the insurance plan that promises the most likely treatment for your individual situation.
- Don't forget to check the conditions that apply, including authorizations, network benefits, contributions to treatment if needed, and contributions to long-term medications that may not be covered.
Step 6. Don't back down if you don't have insurance
There are alternative, inexpensive treatment options for people who don't have insurance but need psychiatric help. In addition, some companies offer inexpensive prescription medications for uninsured patients, along with payment plans to help you cover the cost of your medications.
- When you call or visit the clinic, ask if they have a sliding scale payment option for patients without insurance.
- Look for information at government-funded clinics if they offer a 'pay as you can afford' option.
- Contact the psychology or psychology department at your College/University and ask if they offer cheap or free psychiatric services.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing a Psychiatrist
Step 1. Choose a psychiatrist
Based on your doctor's assessment, diagnosis and referral, select one or more psychiatrists who have the approach or method best suited to your individual situation.
- When choosing a psychiatrist, consider your previous client base, your own comfort level, the location of your practice, and anything else that could affect your therapy.
- Investigate the background of any particular psychiatrist that seems appropriate. Important factors to consider are education and training, area of specialization, and how long he has been in practice. Also be sure to check psychiatrists' licenses such as STR (Surat Tanda Registrasi) and SIP (Surat Tanda Practice) – licensing regulations and practices vary and can differ significantly from one profession to another.
Step 2. Call, email or visit the psychiatrist you wish to see and schedule an appointment
Schedule the first session at a time that is convenient for you. You may be tempted to cancel the appointment at the last minute, but you shouldn't.
Step 3. Ask questions
The first session is your chance to investigate whether the psychiatrist fits your needs and preferences. Asking specific questions about the psychiatrist's background and approach, as well as the nature and duration of possible therapy, is an important way to evaluate whether the therapist is right for you. Questions may include:
- What is the education and professional experience of a psychiatrist?
- Do they have experience dealing with specific psychiatric problems like yours?
- What kind of treatment approach would they apply to your particular problem?
- How often and how long does the psychiatrist estimate treatment for you?
- Is there a way to communicate with a psychiatrist outside of regular visits?
- How much does treatment cost, and does their practice accept your insurance?
Step 4. Make sure you and your psychiatrist agree on the method of treatment and the goals of therapy
Mutual understanding and agreement between you and the therapist is critical to the success of treatment.
Sometimes it takes more than one session to realize that the psychiatrist is not for you. If that happens, ask the psychiatrist to change their approach or provide a referral to another psychiatric specialist who is more suited to your particular needs
Part 3 of 3: Assessing Your Individual Needs
Step 1. Be aware of significant changes in mood, expectations for the future, thoughts and emotions that may signal that you should see a psychiatrist
Different forms of anxiety, depression and mental disorders will affect everyone in different ways, but there are indications to watch out for. Notes: While changes in mood and emotions can indicate that you need psychiatric help, self-diagnosis can provide little progress. The typical symptoms of certain types of mental disorders can also accompany various mental and physical illnesses, so you should always discuss your concerns with your doctor.
- Disproportionate, irrational or excessive fear of daily activities and interactions may lead to one of several anxiety conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder.
- Persistent feelings of unhappiness, worthlessness and guilt, irregular sleep patterns or insomnia, loss of interest in routine activities, suicidal thoughts and other changes in thinking and behavior may be signs of depression.
- Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental disorders may be accompanied by one or more initial symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, loss of energy and feelings of apathy, social withdrawal, suspicious or paranoid thoughts, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, mood swings drastically, and much more.
Step 2. Don't be shy or afraid to seek help
The obvious and subtle stigma surrounding mental disorders persists, and this may discourage you from seeking help. Personal feelings of inadequacy or weakness resulting from mental difficulties may also prevent you from seeing a psychiatrist. It's important that you avoid isolating yourself by talking to family members, close friends, spiritual counselors, or other people you trust.
Step 3. Ask your doctor for an assessment
Visit your health care practitioner (or alternative doctor, if necessary) to discuss your situation, to be assessed professionally, and to obtain a diagnosis. You can also see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other medical practitioner for a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.
Tips
- Get help. If you are struggling with the symptoms of a mental disorder, it can be difficult to motivate and manage yourself to find the right psychiatrist. Friends or family can help you find a psychiatrist, contact your insurance company, and take you to a psychiatrist.
- Prioritize your feelings, comforts, and thoughts when choosing a psychiatrist. While other people's opinions matter, in the end you are the patient.
- Always check for personal references and recommendations and research all possibilities thoroughly.
- Ask a question. The medical health care system is often confusing for patients, especially the mental health care system. If you are confused or worried, you have the right to ask for clarification and understand your health.
- Be patient. You can't start and finish your journey to recovery in one week, and it may take a while to find the right psychiatrist for you. Do not be discouraged!
Warning
- If you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of violence, seek help immediately. Don't wait until you find a psychiatrist, although you should plan to talk to one of them in the near future.
- Always make sure that your psychiatrist is registered and if in doubt, contact the relevant parties such as professional associations / associations, and so on.
