Meeting a new psychiatrist is a little bit like going on a blind date. You don’t know anything about this person, except that maybe someone you trust referred you to them. Thankfully, unlike most blind dates, meeting a psychiatrist is the start of a healthy and healing relationship to get you to a better mental state.
Here are nine excellent questions for you to ask your new psychiatrist to get to know them better, and the reasons for each question:
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What are your therapy techniques and specialties?
Just like most medical doctors, most psychiatric professionals have an area of expertise that they focus on practicing. Discovering their strengths in psychiatry may help you to determine whether this is the right psychiatrist for you. Discussing this with them can also be helpful for you in understanding their ways of connecting with patients; it can also give you a good feel for whether you have chemistry with each other when relating thoughts and feelings.
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Do you have a typical method or medication for treatment?
Psychiatrists may have a linear way of determining whether a mental illness is present in a patient. Some prefer to take more natural, holistic routes of treatment, and others may recommend medications.
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How do you handle emergencies, such as on weekends or holidays?
Psychiatrists know that mental breakdowns in their patients can happen anywhere and at any time. For this reason, they will usually have a method or plan for patients to follow if they have an issue on a day when the psychiatrist may not be available. Some psychiatrists give their patients a contact number or email address in case they need to talk outside of sessions. Ask your psychiatrist whether they offer this sort of thing to their patients.
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Is it difficult to book a session?
If your psychiatrist has an odd schedule that makes it difficult for you to schedule a visit, or they have a lot of clients, or they take a lot of vacation, then that could affect the effectiveness and swiftness of your treatment. Be sure to ask them about their schedule and how a session can be booked easily.
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How long are your sessions?
A typical session is anywhere between 45 and 90 minutes long. Depending on the type of therapist you see and what your goal is, this may be even longer. Make sure you’re clear on this for your own scheduling purposes.
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What is the cost of a session?
Does your psychiatrist accept your type of insurance? If they do, you may have a small copayment. If not, you’ll definitely want to know how much each session costs, since you’ll be paying out-of-pocket.
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What is your education and experience in therapy and counseling?
Some patients are skeptical of the motives and abilities of their psychiatrist, especially if it’s their first time. Knowing their credentials and qualifications can often assure patients to trust their mental health with their new counselor.
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How is my confidentiality assured?
Many times, in a psychiatric session, people divulge some rather deep confessions – and they want to be assured that the information stays between them and their professional. If confidentiality is a concern for you, ask how they conserve your information.
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Specific questions for you.
Remember that you and your case may be unique. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about your own needs or concerns, such as religion, past psychoanalysis experiences, medications, etc.
Psychiatrist in Southbury, Connecticut
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health and pain management, contact Psy-Visions. We offer comprehensive, responsive care tailored to your individual
needs.
As an experienced psychiatrist, Dr. Mark Stracks provides customized treatment that addresses the underlying physical and emotional issues causing your symptoms. Call (203) 405-
1745 today and get the supportive care you need to help you resume control of your life. You can also use our online appointment request form to request a consultation with Dr. Stracks.
