Psychologist or Psychiatrist? (or LCSW?)

[MorningBroken]

Ok, I've been diagnosed in the past with Anxiety and secondary Depression. The psychologist who examined me for SSI determined I had a Affective Mood Disorder. I've been reading here and other sources, but I cant make heads or tales outta what to do, so figgured I'd just throw it out to you wonderful people and find out what the consensus was, or any opinions ya'll have. I've never been to any type of "organized therapy" before, and part of my anxiety revolves around social gatherings.

So, here's the question, what person would be the best for me to at least begin my journey back to mental health with..... a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a Liscensed Clinical Social Worker?

I understand its a process, that the first one, or two, or more you try, might not be a good fit, and that you have to feel comfortable with the person to open up and get the best treatment. But for someone who has no idea where to start.... what would be the best general direction to start looking in?

All thoughts are greatly appreciated.

God Bless Us, Everyone!!!!

Dawn

[Chemar]

Dawn

from our experience psychiatrists nowadays only write prescriptions so one would be needed if you require meds

psychologists provide therapy, which IMO is usually the best place to start.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from a CBT trained psychologist is one of the things that was most helpful for my son

here is some info on CBT for you
http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm


btw have you been to our sister site PsychCentral (http://psychcentral.com/)yet? Lots of great info and a very active set of forums too

hoping all works out for you
Cheri

[Vowel Lady]

From my experience, some psychiatrists also offer therapy. Sometimes, people will only see their psychiatrists for medication or some sort of combination of both. In other words, they will see their psychiatrist regularly, but not weekly.

Psychologists, offer the traditional therapy, usually weekly. Here a therapeutic relationship and goals are establishsed.

I had a very positive experience with a LCSW, who was more "results oriented," or direction oriented than my experience with a psychologist.

In retrospect, I do believe I was fortunate to have both experiences.

Generally speaking, I think a psychologist is your best bet. However, a well trained LCSW or mental health counselor (LMHC) can be very helpful.

[michael178]

I vote for the psychiatrist, they are trained medical doctors qualified to treat medical problems, most of the psychologists around here are educational psychologists, trained to give tests and interpret the test results, the LCSW are social workers, and not trained to do much, except hold your hand.

[MorningBroken]

Thankyou all for your replies. I've taken notes and bookmarked sites where appropriate.

God Bless each and everyone of us!!!

Dawn

[daniella]

I have seen all kinds and been ip many times. Anyhow what I encourgae you to do is call around and ask ?'s based on your needs and what you are looking for. In my past I usually saw a psych and a therapist seperate. What was great was when they worked together or at least would chat on the phone so everyone was on the same page. Some psychs do therapy but I feel most are better at giving meds then on the guiding you and helping you with coping mechanisms. If when you call around can find out if that person deals a lot with your issues it can make the path easier for you to get well. Often though they wll say they see patients with for ex what you have but it may be one or two only. Good luck and give it time cause the first few apts are hard to know.

[susanmiller]

Michael is actually misinformed. LCSWs have their Masters and have taken 2 licensing exams and completed over 2,000 hours of supervised face-to-face contact with clients before receiving their LCSW. Experienced, professional and helpful in matters requiring therapeutic intervention. And yes, the worst that could happen is you may feel that you have someone on your side (holding your hand). Most people feel that is a good thing...



I vote for the psychiatrist, they are trained medical doctors qualified to treat medical problems, most of the psychologists around here are educational psychologists, trained to give tests and interpret the test results, the LCSW are social workers, and not trained to do much, except hold your hand.

[bluenurse]

I vote for a psychiatrist. Mine monitors my AD and dose changes, but also does therapy.
He stays in contact with my medical docs, and has really been a great help to me. My visit frequency is dependant on how I am doing.

I have seen a psychologist, many years ago, but that was for more of a social problem. I thought he was very helpful for that issue. But for depression and anxiety I would feel more comfortable with a psychiatrist.

[prettynpinkk]

Ok, I've been diagnosed in the past with Anxiety and secondary Depression. The psychologist who examined me for SSI determined I had a Affective Mood Disorder. I've been reading here and other sources, but I cant make heads or tales outta what to do, so figgured I'd just throw it out to you wonderful people and find out what the consensus was, or any opinions ya'll have. I've never been to any type of "organized therapy" before, and part of my anxiety revolves around social gatherings.

So, here's the question, what person would be the best for me to at least begin my journey back to mental health with..... a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a Liscensed Clinical Social Worker?

I understand its a process, that the first one, or two, or more you try, might not be a good fit, and that you have to feel comfortable with the person to open up and get the best treatment. But for someone who has no idea where to start.... what would be the best general direction to start looking in?

All thoughts are greatly appreciated.

God Bless Us, Everyone!!!!

Dawn



Hi, there

Really i think excercising, keeping processed food outof your diet, goingot get checked to see what your alligic to, alot ofpeople will not haave psyical syptoms that show this, yogo class, hypnotherapy is great, definatley having a support system like here, councelling, one friend. Why does evryone want to alway start off with medication to solve the problem.

[GladysD]

I don't feel that everyone is choosing a pill to make things go away....

With that said, you said you were dx'd with an affective mood disorder. Probably you'd be best served with a psychiatrist, just in case you need meds, plus they are also there to give you talk therapy.