Psychiatrist or Therapist? - Mental Health Message Board

clasact1956 · 07-23-2008, 12:05 PM

My daughter suffers from depression and needs medication. We need somone who can prescribe the meds and also see her on a weekly basis for therapy. What type of doc do you see who can do both. Most therapists ask that you see someone else for the meds. This would be two copays instead of just seeing one doc who does both.

Any advise on this subject?

Sari05 · 07-25-2008, 09:20 PM

Hi Clasact,

You really need to find a Psychiatrist to prescribe medication for your daughter. Psychiatrist's, Nurse Practioner's, and Primary Care Doctor's are the only one's who can prescribe medication for mentally ill people. You should call your Health Insurance and ask them to send you a list of Psychiatrist's who take your insurance, and make a appointment with a Psychiatrist for your daughter. That's what I would do.

I hope that this post is helpful to you.

cinemachick · 07-26-2008, 08:40 PM

I have no idea, because at least where I come from, a psych and a therapist are completely different practitioners. You might just have to ask either if they have ever heard of someone who can do so (I know that you always see it in the movies, but I have never heard anyone going to one of those 'doctors'). Maybe there are those out there, but they probably don't accept insurance.

bob2009 · 07-27-2008, 11:31 AM

I Feel That You Need To First Find Out If The Depression Is From What Source. Is She Depressed From Her School? Friends? Life In General? Or It It A Chemical Inbalance? Big Difference! Meds May Help With One And Therapy With The Other. I Say Therapist First Cause They Are Not Able To Give Meds And They Won't Try To Sedate Her To Make Her Feel Better. Sometimes Just Talking Can Help And The More Serious Type Needs Meds But She Still Needs To Have Reasons Pointed Out To Her Other Than Covering Up The Pain First. Hope That Helps You. Good Luck

frodosfeet · 08-23-2008, 09:04 PM

Therapists and counselors cannot write Rx. Psychiatrists, Family Doctor's, Physician's Assistants and Nurse Practitioners can write Rx. Some psychiatrists see patients for therapy, too; however, these tends to be rare because of the expense (your insurance is not likely to authorize a psychiatrist for therapy and is more likely to authorize a counselor or therapist--it's cheaper for them). Many psychiatrists will refer you to a counselor or therapist for therapy if you insurance does not. If you want your daughter to see a psychiatrist for therapy be prepared -- this can cost several hundred dollars per hour and is not likely to be reimbursed by insurance. If your employer offers EAP benefits consider this as an option, too. You could get several "free" (no out-of-pocket cost to you) sessions from EAP and then continue with that counselor under the managed mental health portion of your medical insurance.