It’s normal to feel a little anxious before your first meeting with a psychiatrist for the first time. After all, you’re about to open up about some of the most personal details of your life. But it’s important to remember that psychiatrists are medical doctors who want to help you. They’ve heard it all before and are not there to judge you. In fact, they’re probably more interested in helping you than you even realize.
To help put your mind at ease, we’ve put together a list of questions you might be afraid to ask a psychiatrist – but shouldn’t be. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your mental health!
66 Questions you can ask a psychiatrist:
- What is your approach to treating mental illness?
- What are your qualifications?
- How much experience do you have in treating mental illness?
- What are the most common treatments for mental illness?
- What are the side effects of the most common treatments for mental illness?
- What are the risks and benefits of the most common treatments for mental illness?
- What are alternative treatments for mental illness?
- What are the risks and benefits of alternative treatments for mental illness?
- What are the most effective treatments for mental illness?
- What are the risks and benefits of the most effective treatments for mental illness?
- What is your experience with treating patients with my diagnosis?
- What are the most common treatments for my diagnosis?
- What are the risks and side effects of the most common treatments?
- What are the risks and side effects of the less common treatments?
- Are there any alternative treatments available?
- What are the long-term outlook and prognosis for patients with my diagnosis?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- What can I do to help myself feel better?
- Are there any support groups or other resources available to me?
- What should I do if I start feeling suicidal?
- What should I do if I start having homicidal thoughts?
- How do you feel about prescribing medication?
- What are your thoughts on electroconvulsive therapy?
- How do you feel about using restraints or seclusion?
- What is your policy on involuntary commitment?
- How often will we need to meet?
- How long will each session be?
- How much will each session cost?
- Will you be able to provide a sliding scale fee or offer any other type of financial assistance?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- What are your thoughts on medication for my condition?
- What lifestyle changes do you recommend for people with my condition?
- How can I tell if my condition is getting better?
- How long will it take for my condition to improve?
- What should I do if I start feeling worse again?
- Will I need to see a psychiatrist forever?
- How often will I need to see you?
- How much will therapy cost?
- What are your office hours?
- Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
- Is your office conveniently located?
- Do you offer telepsychiatry (video therapy)?
- Do you offer any other services, such as medication management or psychological testing?
- Can you provide me with a list of references from other patients with my condition?
- Do you have any brochures or other materials I can take home with me?
- What is your policy on cancellations and rescheduling appointments?
- What is your fee for an initial consultation?
- What is your fee for subsequent visits?
- Do you offer sliding scale fees based on income?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- Do you have experience treating patients with my cultural background/identity?
- Are you comfortable working with patients of all genders and sexual orientations?
- What are your thoughts on medication management vs talk therapy?
- Would you be willing to coordinate care with my other providers (primary care physician, therapist, etc)?
- What are some things I can do at home to help myself feel better?
- Is there anything else I should know about my condition or treatment options?
- What should I expect during our sessions together?
- Is what we discussing confidential?
- How do I know if I need medication?
- Will therapy or medication cure me?
- What are your treatment philosophies?
- What should I do if I’m feeling suicidal?
- What is your training?
- Are you board-certified?
- What is your therapeutic approach?
- What are your policies on confidentiality?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a psychiatrist diagnose mental illness?
A psychiatrist diagnoses mental illness by conducting a clinical interview, ruling out physical causes, and administering standardized diagnostic tests. The psychiatrist also reviews the person’s medical history, family history, and social history.
Diagnostic criteria are used to determine whether someone has a mental illness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a reference book that psychiatrists use to diagnose mental illness. The DSM lists all mental illnesses and their symptoms.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
The main difference between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while psychologists cannot.
Psychiatrists usually have more extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness than psychologists. Psychiatrists have also received specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Psychologists, on the other hand, aren’t physicians and don’t usually prescribe medications. Instead, they specialize in providing counseling and therapy.
Conclusion
These are just a fraction of the questions you might ask your psychiatrist, but they’re definitely some of the most important. If you feel lost, confused, or just need someone to talk to, psychiatrists are there to help you – so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health!
