Posted 5/12/2011 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
I am trying to switch therapists and I was recommended two people: one is a MSW and the other a Ph.D. I'm not sure which one to go to or how to choose. I have anxiety and depression, but I also feel like I have other conditions that have not been diagnosed. My therapist and psychiatrist never told me what I have, even when I ask. I get very general answers about having anxiety tendencies and some depressive symptoms. I have brought up several times to my therapist that I have frequent manic periods and that I think I may be bipolar. I also have classic OCD symptoms (I sort through my trash 3 times before throwing it out--always 3, count thing, etc). He doesn't think I have bipolar or OCD, but I think he's wrong.
That being said, I want someone who will properly tell me what I have and guide me to get help for it. My current therapy is nonstop talk that is not getting anywhere. I'm at the same place I was over 3 years ago. I feel like I need CBT therapy, Both the MSW and Ph.D. said that they do it. Would one be better than another based on education? Is a Ph.D. more qualified to diagnose and handle the mental disorders I have than a MSW? I just want to get proper help because I'm at my wits end and can barely function.