Going to a psychiatrist-- scared?!
Question: Going to a psychiatrist-- scared.?
I finally convinced (well, my school finally did) that I need some counseling. So she finally arranged it.
First, what's the difference between a psychiatrist and a counselor.?
And what should I expect when going.? I don't even know when my first.. appointment.?... is and I'm already freaking out over it. Should I cancel.? What's going to happen.? And what happens if they don't like me.?
Does the psychiatrist tell your parents anything that you say.? Do they have to tell them about diagnoses.?
Thank you.Health Question & Answer
First, what's the difference between a psychiatrist and a counselor.?
And what should I expect when going.? I don't even know when my first.. appointment.?... is and I'm already freaking out over it. Should I cancel.? What's going to happen.? And what happens if they don't like me.?
Does the psychiatrist tell your parents anything that you say.? Do they have to tell them about diagnoses.?
Thank you.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
A psychiatrist is an M.D. who went to medical school and specializes in psychiatry.
A counselor is essentially the same thing as a therapist. They do not prescribe medications but only talk to you.
The psychiatrist will not be interested in liking or disliking you because that is not their job. They are trained to objectively assess your symptoms and make a determination as to what sort of problem you are having or what medication might be helpful.
Not sure what the psychiatrist might tell your parents. That depends on if you are a minor or not. Ask the psychiatrist because the laws might vary by state.
It might be helpful for your psychiatrist to talk to your parents about the diagnosis. Generally the parents are going to want to know.Health Question & Answer
A counselor is essentially the same thing as a therapist. They do not prescribe medications but only talk to you.
The psychiatrist will not be interested in liking or disliking you because that is not their job. They are trained to objectively assess your symptoms and make a determination as to what sort of problem you are having or what medication might be helpful.
Not sure what the psychiatrist might tell your parents. That depends on if you are a minor or not. Ask the psychiatrist because the laws might vary by state.
It might be helpful for your psychiatrist to talk to your parents about the diagnosis. Generally the parents are going to want to know.Health Question & Answer
No, everything that is discussed by you and your doctor is kept private, even from parents. It is the law, so don't worry about that.
A psychiatrist has a medical degree and is better at diagnosing and treating severe mental illness and most of them only prescribe medication and do not do therapy. They are way too expensive.
A counselor usually has a masters degree and that's what they do, counsel people and help them solve their problems. They are the cheapest route to go. A social worker is also a good option. A licensed psychologist can be expensive and they are not actually doctors, but they are very good at assessing patients.
Don't be scared. You will feel so much better. God bless.Health Question & Answer
A psychiatrist has a medical degree and is better at diagnosing and treating severe mental illness and most of them only prescribe medication and do not do therapy. They are way too expensive.
A counselor usually has a masters degree and that's what they do, counsel people and help them solve their problems. They are the cheapest route to go. A social worker is also a good option. A licensed psychologist can be expensive and they are not actually doctors, but they are very good at assessing patients.
Don't be scared. You will feel so much better. God bless.Health Question & Answer
Listen, relax! What you say to the doctor is in confidence. I think the diagnose is also, but ask him or her about that to be sure.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself. The great thing is, you'll understand your parents and friends better, too.
A counselor has various amounts of training, but a psychiatrist is a medical doctor first who then continues on to specialize in mental health issues. They can prescribe RX since they are a doctor. (I think they go to college something like 12 years!)
Don't cancel. Don't freak out. You will just sit down and he or she will ask you what's brought you there. Just be honest and open.
They will like you, because they are doing what they love to do -- helping people understand themselves better so they can make good decisions and live happier lives.
I was in therapy once a week for several years. It saved my life. Relax. This is a good thing and you should be happy about the opportunity.
Good luck, dear, and take care.Health Question & Answer
This is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself. The great thing is, you'll understand your parents and friends better, too.
A counselor has various amounts of training, but a psychiatrist is a medical doctor first who then continues on to specialize in mental health issues. They can prescribe RX since they are a doctor. (I think they go to college something like 12 years!)
Don't cancel. Don't freak out. You will just sit down and he or she will ask you what's brought you there. Just be honest and open.
They will like you, because they are doing what they love to do -- helping people understand themselves better so they can make good decisions and live happier lives.
I was in therapy once a week for several years. It saved my life. Relax. This is a good thing and you should be happy about the opportunity.
Good luck, dear, and take care.Health Question & Answer
Ok, please don't cancel first of all. Every place is different, but during my first session, my therapist asked me a lot of questions and took notes. I believe it was something for the insurance. They ask you about your goals for therapy, if you harm yourself, things like that. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication while a counselor is someone you can talk to, usually about adjustment or family issues. A psychologist is a doctor that you can speak to, but he/she can not prescribe medication to you, but can diagnose you. The job of a psychiatrist is to make you feel comfortable so don't worry. Be yourself, and they will like you and not judge you. Depending on your age, a therapist may be able to speak to your parents if they feel you are in immediate danger. I am 17, and I am old enough now that I have to give permission for my therapist to speak to my parents. If your therapist believes your parents should be informed of any situation, he or she will ask your permission first. Health Question & Answer
well the person before already told you the difference. What should you expect.? Just expect to talk, basically being open you know. Like my first appointment they asked me a ton of questions. Like how I have been feeling, what brought you here, things of that nature. It might go over differently. I can understand why you would be nervous cause after all you don't know what to expect. Don't worry about it though, you'll be fine. I don't think that you should cancel though, you have come this far you know. You admitted that you needed to talk to someone and that is the first step. Just be honest. I think that is what I tell everyone and it is the truth. Be honest, be open, say whatever it is that you feel that you need to say. Be committed to going cause that is what is going to help you. It will if you let. Don't worry about them liking you or not, that is really not an issue. They are there to help you not to be your friend. But if you ever feel like the person isn't helping you find someone else you know. Typically they don't tell your parents anything. Everything that you say is confidential. Health Question & Answer
I think your going to a psychologist they are the ones who meet you one on one..a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who noramally perscibes meds..and a counselor doesn't have a phD and they noramall go for more cousoueling than understanding mental health..The first few appts will be to get to know you and how the therapist can help you..and about the diagnoses they actually really don't care so much about the name is more about helping you. They deal with all sorts of people and so they are normal acepting.the frist therapist is not always the one your stay with shop around..how old are you.? if your under 18 they will tell your parent is by law..dont worry they know your gonna be worriedHealth Question & Answer
a psychiatrist is a doctor he went to med school he can prescribe drugs etc and give advice. a counselor basically just listens a shoulder to cry on so to speak. a doctor will diagnose.Health Question & Answer
Don't be scared just don't let them try to push a whole bunch of medication on you. You will be probably be put on some kind of medication, but some psychiatrist get out of hand.Health Question & Answer
A psychiatrist MUST have a medical license, where as a counselor does not.
When you go, they'll ask stuff about what you're into such as music, art, movies, what you think about every now and then, if you like sports, if you are into religion, and what your views on certain things are.
Psychiatrists/Psychologists will talk, ask you questions, answer your questions, and just chat really. If you have problems, they'll listen, give suggestions that are medically backed. If you have ADD or something like that, they can help you either with medicine or just being there as an open and unbiased source. And they'll like you. Psychiatrists are very open minded.
also, the psychiatrist can only tell your parents what you say if you say your are going to hurt yourself, someone else, or depending on the state, if you are having sex in some illegal way (age). If you break some other law i imagine they have to tell the parent.
Diagnosis' i'm pretty sure they tell your parents, but its nothing negative usually. Just "This is whats up, you can do this this or this." and thats about it. Sometimes, you can talk with your parents in your room if you want, or alone with the psychiatrist.
I personally think they're a good resource, and I've had a few. they always give me honest and level-headed answers and opinions.
Don't be nervous, you'll be fine. Go in there and just be yourself and be honest, and everything will be just fine.
Health Question & Answer
When you go, they'll ask stuff about what you're into such as music, art, movies, what you think about every now and then, if you like sports, if you are into religion, and what your views on certain things are.
Psychiatrists/Psychologists will talk, ask you questions, answer your questions, and just chat really. If you have problems, they'll listen, give suggestions that are medically backed. If you have ADD or something like that, they can help you either with medicine or just being there as an open and unbiased source. And they'll like you. Psychiatrists are very open minded.
also, the psychiatrist can only tell your parents what you say if you say your are going to hurt yourself, someone else, or depending on the state, if you are having sex in some illegal way (age). If you break some other law i imagine they have to tell the parent.
Diagnosis' i'm pretty sure they tell your parents, but its nothing negative usually. Just "This is whats up, you can do this this or this." and thats about it. Sometimes, you can talk with your parents in your room if you want, or alone with the psychiatrist.
I personally think they're a good resource, and I've had a few. they always give me honest and level-headed answers and opinions.
Don't be nervous, you'll be fine. Go in there and just be yourself and be honest, and everything will be just fine.
Health Question & Answer