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Posted 6/5/2012 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'm plan on seeing a Therapist.  I reviewed my health plan website and I have four choices which are:  (1) Masters Level Clinician (2) Psychologist (3) Nurse Masters Level (4) Psychiatrist.

Any recommendations on which one I should select.  I became depressed in January.  I'm a Senior so I'm grateful it developed late in life.  I'm completely new to therapy so I would appreciate any advise.   Thank You.

Posted 6/5/2012 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael,

I didn't realize we had so many choices. I usually just take what I get. I have a psychiatrist and a psychologist too. I see my psychologist often and the psychiatrist keeps track of me through her. He prescribes my meds, though she can prescribe some of them. I would start out with any counselor that you can get. Do you have insurance? But then I would go from there, let them access your information and they can decide if you need to see a psychiatrist or not. OFten your pcp can prescribe medications, but it is nice to have a psychiatrist if you can afford one.

Actually you are getting depression early in life. Some people don't get it until they are in their 20's and 30's or even later. But the sooner you address it the better. I would try and find a counselor soon to see if you need therapy and medication.

I hope that you have a good day today. Keep posting and know that we understand and that we care...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 6/5/2012 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Karen, many thanks for your response. I have excellent insurance and can easily afford both a Therapist and Psychiatrist. Although I have four choices, I'm leaning toward a psychologist. The psychologist (male) is just a short walk from my apartment. What I know about this person is he specializes in adult/geriatric (I'm 72 years old). I'll just take a chance and hope for the best. I would prefer a recommendation but don't know anyone in therapy. When I contact this person hopefully he will give me some background information. Again, thanks.
Posted 6/5/2012 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
You are welcome Michael,

I hope that you like your new therapist. Best wishes with this. Keep posting. The forum has been a little slow lately, but it will pick up.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 6/5/2012 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael and welcome :)
I would have gone with the psychologist too. They can't prescribe meds for you (your regular doctor can do that if needed) but it sounds like maybe you just need someone to talk to in order to work some things out.
I hope you keep posting here, there are some really nice people here and a lot of great resources.
Posted 6/7/2012 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
I will give a different perspective. I had the choice too, and was not influenced by financial issues. I decided to see a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist because I did not want to have to see two people, and I knew it was at least possible that medication would be a part of my recovery -- which only an MD can prescribe. This has worked well for me. I know some psychiatrists do medical management only, and leave therapy for others -- but mine does both. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.
Posted 6/9/2012 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Many thanks for the replies. The reason I didn't select a psychiatrist is that the ones where I live don't do therapy but rather prescribe and monitor medication. I would also like to avoid medication although I wouldn't rule it out. I made an appointment with a Psycologist who shares an office with a Psychiatrist. I have a choice of four Psychologist and randomly selected one. I became depressed in January and I know what caused it. I've been foolish waiting this long to see a therapist especially since I have an excellent health plan (small copay). Seeing a therapist is all very new and I really don't know what to expect. Kaely, yes, I desperately need someone that I can talk to. I know absolutely nothing about this Psychologist so I'm hoping for the best. Again, thanks everyone.
Posted 6/9/2012 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Basically you will just talk. They will ask you questions to get an idea as to where your mind is at. It is rather comfortable to have somebody objective to talk to. It really helps. I am proud of you for taking this step.

Best wishes...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 6/11/2012 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
Ivanhabia,

I have removed your sig out of three posts because it is a form of advertisement, please remove it out of your signature. Thank you...

Hugs, Karen
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