Is There A Doctor I Can See For Help With Depression?
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States reported at least one major depressive episode in 2020. It’s one of the most common mental health disorders. Effective treatment is available, however. If you’re experiencing depression and are ready to find support, here are a few things you should know about connecting with the right mental health professional for you.
What is depression?
The way depression manifests can vary somewhat from person to person, but some common symptoms include apathy, hopelessness, losing interest in previously pleasurable activities, mood swings, irritability, social isolation, changes in sleep, appetite, weight, or an inability to concentrate. Remember, clinical depression is a diagnosable disorder that’s generally longer lasting and more severe than simply feeling sad. In some cases, this mental illness can lead to undesirable behaviors such as alcohol or substance use or even self-harm.
How to get diagnosed
Next step: Choosing a mental health provider
Whether you get a referral from your primary care physician or seek out a mental health professional yourself, there are a few different types of providers you might choose from. These mental health professionals have either a master’s or doctoral degree and are held to practice standards set by the American Psychiatric Association. When it comes to “depression doctors,” here are a few of the most common options.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, from anxiety and depressive disorders to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They may run physical tests, conduct evaluations, and then create a treatment plan accordingly, which may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. Typically, psychiatrists are the only psychology doctors who can prescribe medications for treating depression and other mental health conditions. This is because they have completed medical school as part of their education. A psychiatrist may explain the potential side effects of any medications you are prescribed for depression.
- Psychologists are not medical doctors, but they are trained to assist individuals with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. Their primary approach is usually to focus on psychology and using evidence-based practices to shift thoughts and behavior through talk therapy.
- Therapists are not medical doctors, and are also trained in assisting individuals with mental health challenges through counseling and talk therapy. While all psychologists are therapists, therapists are only psychologists if they also have a doctoral degree.
What type of help do I need?
Connecting with a therapist or psychologist is a common starting point for people who may be experiencing a major depressive episode and want to seek the help of a mental health professional. Research suggests that talk therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and other conditions, as well as contribute toward preventing relapses, so reaching out to one of these two types of professionals is generally a good first step. If they believe you would benefit from connecting with a psychiatrist, they may suggest this and even provide a referral, as there are several medications that may help manage the symptoms of severe depression.
Where to find a doctor for depression
If you have medical insurance and it covers mental health, you might start your search for the right mental health provider at your health insurance company. They may be able to provide you with a list of providers that they cover. If you do not have health insurance or mental health services are not covered, community-based organizations in your area may offer financial support or lower-cost resources for those in need. Free mental health clinics may also be available in some areas, and some providers may offer a sliding scale for mental health services.
If you can afford treatment but simply don’t know where to look, doing an internet search for “therapist near me” can give you a starting point. You can see if the location of a particular provider’s office is convenient for you, learn about their professional background, read reviews from other clients, and then contact them to learn more about pricing and availability.
Finding a virtual doctor
If you prefer to meet with a mental health provider virtually instead of in person, there are options available for this too. An online therapy platform like BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed therapist who meets your needs based on a questionnaire about your situation. While BetterHelp does not accept insurance, rates for seeing a mental health professional through the platform are typically comparable to most co-pays. Since research suggests that virtual therapy offers similar benefits to traditional, in-person methods, it can be a more available, cost-effective option for depression treatment for those who prefer this format.
What to look for in a provider
Any provider you meet with should hold the appropriate licenses for their particular state, which signifies to patients like you that they’ve completed the necessary training to do their job well. All therapists on a platform like BetterHelp, for example, are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (MFT), clinical social workers (LCSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). If you’re unsure of whether the mental health professional you’re interested in working with holds the proper certifications, it’s your right to ask.
It’s also important to choose both mental health professionals and a format you feel comfortable with. If you prefer either in-person or online sessions, prioritize that. If you would prefer a therapist who is your same gender, is within a certain age range, or has experience with certain types of situations, you’re entitled to prioritize those things. If you require medications as part of your treatment plan, then you can meet with someone who can prescribe and manage your medicine. You may even meet with a few different providers before you find the one that fits you best. The more comfortable you feel opening up to your mental health professional, the more likely you may be to receive the treatment and care you deserve.
What to expect in your sessions
The content of a session with a mental health provider may vary somewhat based on their title. A session with a psychiatrist may look different than one with a psychologist, for example. A psychiatrist may inquire about your medical history and ask you questions about how you’re feeling and the challenges you may be facing.
A psychologist, therapist, or social worker will likely focus only on the latter. They may ask you to tell them about yourself, your life, your symptoms, your goals, and what’s been bothering you. Once you’ve been working together a while, they may also provide you with “homework” from time to time: things to think about or practice in your life before your next session.
The importance of trust and safety
Building a relationship with a mental health professional is like any other relationship in that it involves trust being built over time. Your provider should be a good listener and should be non-judgmental, and able to create a space where you feel safe and comfortable expressing your feelings. If not, it can be difficult for trust to form which can impede the therapeutic process. In a case like these, it’s in your best interest to continue your search by seeking a different provider.
If you’re nervous going into an appointment, you can talk about this with your therapist. They’ll likely try and make you as comfortable as possible so you can get the most out of the appointment and your ongoing treatment process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way, either. A therapy session is your time, and it should suit your needs.
Takeaway
How do you call a doctor for depression?
There are several outlets for finding a doctor that can treat depression. If you think you might have depression, a good place to begin may be to speak with your primary care physician (PCP) for an initial diagnosis and to rule out any other potential health conditions that might mimic symptoms of depression.
From there, your PCP might refer you to a psychologist for more specified care. If your healthcare professional determines you might need medication as part of your treatment program, they may refer you to a psychiatrist who can manage and adjust your medications and help you manage side effects as needed, in addition to providing psychotherapy.
With the rise in popularity of online therapy, individuals now have the option to find a doctor directly online without a referral. You might also find a doctor without a referral through your insurance provider.
Should I see a neurologist for depression?
Patients should report any depression symptoms to a neurologist if they are already in their care for a neurological condition; however, neurologists don’t specialize in mental health disorders and typically aren’t trained to provide psychotherapy or other psychiatric treatments. They will most likely refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist for treatment.
Is it worth going to the doctor for depression?
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, they should speak with a doctor right away for screening. While depression symptoms manifest differently between people, there are a few signs that might indicate it’s time to talk with a doctor about depression:
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities one previously enjoyed
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disruptions
- Persistent fatigue, loss of energy
- Diminished motivation
Does a neurologist or psychiatrist treat depression?
Neurologists don’t typically specialize in treating depression. A licensed psychiatrist or psychologist will have the training necessary for diagnosing and treating depression as well as other mental health disorders.
Should I see a neurologist or a psychiatrist?
Although neurologists and psychiatrists are both medical professionals trained to understand the brain and how it works, they have different areas of focus. Whether you decide to see a neurologist or psychiatrist depends on your specific concerns or symptoms—but there are some general guidelines that can help you determine if a neurologist or psychiatrist is the best choice for you.
You should consider seeing a neurologist if:
- You have a known neurological condition like migraines, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis.
- You have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other past condition that might be impacting your neurological functioning.
- You are experiencing physical symptoms like seizures, vision problems, chronic headaches, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, or trouble with motor skills.
- You are experiencing issues with memory or cognitive functioning.
- You have vertigo or balance issues.
You should consider seeing a psychiatrist if:
- You or your family has a history of mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum depression, or anxiety disorders.
- You have been referred to a psychiatrist by your primary care physician or another healthcare provider.
- You are experiencing mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, delusions, hallucinations, or other psychiatric symptoms.
- You are struggling with trauma, grief, relationship issues, stress, or other emotional challenges.
- You are struggling with substance use or addiction.
- You are thinking about hurting yourself or others.
What kind of doctor is best for anxiety and depression?
The best type of doctor to help patients manage anxiety and depression typically depends on the patient’s needs and circumstances. However, a licensed professional with education and experience working in mental health services is generally the best option. This might include seeing a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed professional counselor, clinical social worker, or mental health nurse practitioner.
Who is qualified to diagnose depression?
Healthcare professionals with education, training, and licensure are typically qualified to diagnose depression. These might include:
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Clinical social workers
- Licensed professional counselors
- Mental health nurse practitioners
- Primary care physicians
- Physician assistants
Is depression a disability?
According to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), depression may be considered a disability if it significantly impairs a person’s ability to function in at least one central area of life, like work or caregiving responsibilities.
Is it hard to treat depression?
Many people find relief from depression symptoms with regular therapy and medications (in some cases). However, in some cases, depression symptoms don’t subside or repeatedly return. This is called treatment-resistant depression or, more recently, difficult-to-treat depression (DTD). In such cases, psychiatrists will typically adjust a patient’s medications and psychotherapeutic treatment program until they find a combination that works better. Often, the patient will need to make lifestyle adjustments such as cutting out drugs or alcohol, exercising regularly, and engaging in a stress-management practice. If these strategies don’t provide relief, additional treatment options are available, such as:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
ECT is a procedure that involves passing a controlled electrical current through the brain to induce a controlled seizure. It is an effective, evidence-based treatment option for people with severe depression.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that improves symptoms of major depression using magnetic fields that stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The procedure has also been approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines, and smoking cessation.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
DBS is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted to stimulate specific areas of the brain. While it is most commonly used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, research shows it’s also an effective treatment in some cases of DTD.
- Ketamine therapy
Ketamine is commonly used in medical settings for pain management; however, it has gained attention in recent years for its potential as a fast and effective treatment for DTD.
- Psilocybin
Although the research is incomplete and it isn’t yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—recent studies suggest that psilocybin, a hallucinogenic chemical derived from a type of mushroom, might one day be an effective alternative treatment option for depressive disorders.
Is there a blood test for depression?
Currently, there is no blood test that can definitively detect depression; however, a medical professional may request bloodwork to rule out other conditions that might mimic depression, such as vitamin D deficiency or some thyroid disorders. Still, recent research reveals the possibility of using blood testing to detect potential biomarkers for depression. For example, a 2021
Still, research reveals the possibility that blood tests might one day detect potential biomarkers for depression. For example, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that some individuals with depression and bipolar disorder had lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein in the blood associated with memory and learning.
Although studies look promising, the best way to receive a reliable depression diagnosis remains through a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. There is no single clinical test for depression. Diagnosis usually requires a combination of interviews and assessments.
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