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What type of therapist?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 3/24/2009 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
So I've never seen any type of specialist for anxiety therapy but how do you know which one to go to? Counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist? My insurance lists a bunch of providers but I'm not sure whether I should go to a psych or just try counseling? I'd like to try CBT or biofeedback. I've tried moodgym but I think I need a face to face.
Posted 3/24/2009 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
I went in with my insurance and they set me up with a screening psychiatrist first who then set me up with a psychologist. Not how sure how all insurance companies work, but thats what mine did.
Posted 3/24/2009 2:23 PM (GMT 0)

I have have been to psychologists that were recommended by my PCP as I used to have my PCP order my meds but  after my serious break in 2005 he sent me to a psychiatrist. He gave up on me, LOL  turn

My psychiatrist recommeded a therapist in her clinic but I saw her for 3 months and realized we were just visiting...............so I quit her.  My daughter talked to my inusrance company and I found a good therapist and saw her for 6 months but she did not have one method of  therapy.  She used a combination of different styles.

My psychiatrist does not do therapy only the meds........... it is a shame that you cannot have just one person for all. 

I hope you find what your looking for and do talk to your insuance company.......great advice from Nanners.

Kitt

Posted 3/24/2009 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
I'm assuming since you have never seen anyone that you are not on any medications? If this is the case, then I think any therapist/psychologist who specializes with anxiety would work great - just don't be shy about asking what types of treatments they use (do they use cbt? provide relaxation exercises? etc.)

When I switched doctors recently, I specifically looked for a psychiatrist who specialized in CBT. I searched the available doctors on the internet and also chatted with a few over the phone. I personally wanted one person - an MD who could help my medication adjustments and a therapist who dealt with anxiety using alternative methods like breathing, relaxation, CBT. I finally found one who fit the bill. It definitely took some legwork on my part, but I have been thrilled with him. He has the medical background to deal with the traditional medication side and the therapist background to introduce CBT - sends me home with worksheets, different CD's, etc.

Good luck!
Posted 3/24/2009 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Dixi: I have a therapist who practices CBT also....and I am finding it very helpful. She was not the first therapist I saw when I started looking, but when I found myself dissatisfied with the person I was assigned to (it's at a free clinic), I asked to see someone else. Thank goodness I did. I also went for some hypnosis, and although it's not considered mainstream in many areas, it did help me to overcome some painful issues, as well as curb some of my obsessive and repetitive behaviours. I still have work to do.....I'm guessing that I'll be 'managing' these things for a long time....but it was definitely a worthwhile and helpful experience. I hope you are able to find someone who's a good match for you.....and don't be afraid to keep looking if it doesn't feel right or beneficial. I wish you the very best.
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