re: Depression/Suicide Support Thread

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question but what's the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and a therapist? Which one(s) can prescribe medication, if needed? Which would be best to go see?

<blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" I'm sorry if this is a stupid question but what's the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist and a therapist? Which one(s) can prescribe medication, if needed? Which would be best to go see?"</blockquote>




A psychiatrist has an MD, a psychologist has a PhD, and a therapist has a whole range of degrees. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications. Psychiatrists don't do therapy. A psychologist and therapist will do therapy. My therapist has her APRN also so she can prescribe meds. The only time I've seen a psychologist is in the hospital. They did the therapy there. Otherwise I've seen therapists. I got really lucky to be seeing a therapist that can prescribe meds.

Quoting HopingforaMiracle:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" I'm sorry if this is a stupid question ... [snip!] ... did the therapy there. Otherwise I've seen therapists. I got really lucky to be seeing a therapist that can prescribe meds."

So who do you think it would be best to see? I can't go to a psychiatrist weekly and have therapy sessions with him/her? I think I'd need that but also the ability for them to be able to prescribe medication if needed.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" So who do you think it would be best to see? I can't go to a psychiatrist weekly and have therapy sessions ... [snip!] ... sessions with him/her? I think I'd need that but also the ability for them to be able to prescribe medication if needed."</blockquote>




I don't believe a psychiatrist (or at least the ones I've seen) will do therapy sessions. I know the standard is to have both and see the psychiatrist once a month for the first six months then have a therapist you see every week

Quoting HopingforaMiracle:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" So who do you think it would be ... [snip!] ... is to have both and see the psychiatrist once a month for the first six months then have a therapist you see every week"

Oh okay. So I should see a psychiatrist first?

<blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" Oh okay. So I should see a psychiatrist first?"</blockquote>




Probably so you can get on medications.

Quoting HopingforaMiracle:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" Oh okay. So I should see a psychiatrist first?"</blockquote> Probably so you can get on medications."

Oh okay. Thanks  

<blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" Oh okay. Thanks  "</blockquote>



Welcome

Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:" So who do you think it would be best to see? I can't go to a psychiatrist weekly and have therapy sessions ... [snip!] ... sessions with him/her? I think I'd need that but also the ability for them to be able to prescribe medication if needed."

Just cutting in here, but psychiatrists do talk therapy as well as prescribe.

Any luck finding someone?

<blockquote><b>Quoting .Colleen.:</b>" Just cutting in here, but psychiatrists do talk therapy as well as prescribe. Any luck finding someone?"</blockquote>




I didn't know that   just in my experience they didn't or refused to just prescribe meds

Quoting HopingforaMiracle:" <blockquote><b>Quoting .Colleen.:</b>" Just cutting in here, but psychiatrists do ... [snip!] ... someone?"</blockquote> I didn't know that   just in my experience they didn't or refused to just prescribe meds"

Oh, I know  

I just didn't want her to limit the doctors she can see.

When I went (bad experience) they did. Maybe it differs by what each doctor prefers to do.

<blockquote><b>Quoting .Colleen.:</b>" Oh, I know   I just didn't want her to limit the doctors she can see. When I went (bad experience) they did. Maybe it differs by what each doctor prefers to do."</blockquote>




Maybe I also live in a small place  

Quoting .Colleen.:" Just cutting in here, but psychiatrists do talk therapy as well as prescribe. Any luck finding someone?"

Nope   A lot of places but none that take my insurance. I really can't afford the sessions either  

Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:" Nope   A lot of places but none that take my insurance. I really can't afford the sessions either  "

Well, thats no good  

Do you have a worker for social services that you can contact?

They cant deny mental health coverage, there has to be a provider for Medicaid clientele  

<blockquote><b>Quoting Sophia's Mommy♥:</b>" Nope   A lot of places but none that take my insurance. I really can't afford the sessions either  "</blockquote>




Awww I'm sorry   is there a community health center or something?