When you mention mental health services, the first provider that usually comes to mind is a Psychiatrist (Pdocs for us in the know, "shrinks" for those over 60). My experience with this profession is decidedly mixed.
First things first, get the traditional image of a psychiatrist out of your head. There are no couches or notepads or ink blots or even a cigar, for that matter. On your first visit, they make it very clear that they are primarily Pharmacologists. Their specialty is medication, not therapy. I have often heard complaints from other patients that psychiatrists are only interested in pushing pills. I admit I said the same thing when I first started on this journey. I have since realized, at least from my experience, that they are supposed to do that. Complaining about a psychiatrist always prescribing pills is like complaining about a dentist who only cares about your teeth. Psychiatrists are what they are.
If you’re looking for therapy, not medication, you must see a therapist. A psychiatric appointment does not typically allow for deep discussion. I saw one Pdoc who started our first session by saying, “I only have 15 minutes, so don’t go into too much detail.” She wanted the current problem with no backstory, pronto. I spoke as quickly as possible and brought up my mom’s Alzheimer’s. The Pdoc stopped me right there and pointed out that we had already discussed this at a previous appointment. She said it as if I had missed the obvious that talking about an issue once would make it magically disappear. I learned to shut up at my appointments and just talk about the effects and side effects of the wondrous drugs she had prescribed. The Pdoc was much happier that way.
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