Choosing a Therapist (or Psychiatrist)
Choosing the right therapist or psychiatrist is as important as choosing the right medications or treatment for your depression or bipolar disorder. Dr. Serani’s article on How to Choose a Good Therapist at NakedMedicine.com gives these main important lessons:
- Know which type of therapist you’re looking for. Therapists come from different educational backgrounds, and some have religious affiliations (for example, clergy)
- Know where to find roster of therapists
- And the most important – and toughest part – “interview” your therapist.
Dr. Serani listed 10 questions to ask in the interview. Some of these questions may make you feel somewhat uncomfortable, because you don’t want to look confrontational.
What may be helpful is to ask the therapist or psychiatrist if it’s OK if you ask him or her a few questions, so you can better understand who they are, and where they’re coming from. Most therapists and doctors would be happy to oblige. If the therapist or doctor act offended, defensive, or rude, then that’s a warning flag you don’t want to ignore.
The relationship between you and your therapist and/or psychiatrist is critical in your treatment. Therefore, shop around and don’t be afraid to ask tough question – your mental health may be at stake.
fishing from a boat…
All the darkness in the world cannot put out the smallest candle. The darker it is, more brightly shines the candle. instead of complaining about the dark search for your candle. Believe me; It exists…
fishing from a boat
28 Jun 06 at 7:30 pm
I never knew it was possible to interview one’s therapist. A friend of mine has been desperately looking for a therapist but in vain for the last three months. Here’s what she told me. They are too indifferent, impersonal and definitely not straight forward about the dent in your purse. I wonder whether it’s really possible to find one with an affable nature.
I need a therapist
17 Aug 09 at 3:03 am
It really is possible, but you have to be determined to make the effort to interview several – not exactly a task we want to jump onto with gusto when we feel crappy. I’m sorry to hear that your friend has had such bad experiences with the ones she has spoken with…. fortunately there are many therapists out there, which means at least one would be a “good fit” for her…. and for you. A great first-pass test would be to start a phone conversation with “I’m in the process of looking for a therapist, and I’m wondering if I may ask you a few questions.” Those who are willing to at least hear your questions and answer them – pass to the next round versus the ones who are too busy to take your call (give them a chance to call back if they are in the middle of something).
Jane Chin, Ph.D.
11 Sep 09 at 10:12 pm