My revelation - time for another evaluation

Well, some very interesting things have come up the last week. SO much so I'm doubting everything. I'm trying to get another evaluation going so I can hopefully get some answers this time.
I might not even be a borderline. hahahahahahahahaha. I never knew.

So I wanted to ask. The last two evals I've had have been by psychiatrists. Only single session evaluations and then I got sent on my way. Therapist and I agree I was definitely misdiagnosed with antisocial (lol).

My insurance will not pay for another psychiatric evaluation, but apparently will pay for a psychological evaluation. I spoke with them, it should only cost me around $50 out of pocket for a full eval, which I was told would happen over several sessions, and include a battery of tests.

I need answers. I need to know what's going on with me. Does anyone have any experiences wtih psychological evaluations? Are they any more or less useful in nailing down a diagnosis? This person is a Dr. of psychology, so I don't doubt this person's capabilities. Just not sure which might be the best route for me to take. My therapist and doctor are still looking for a way for me to see a psychiatrist just in case.

I'm not sure if I should do it or not. Any insight would be appreciated.

what are they offering you? i'm not sure they are equipped to do anything but guide you into what you are because they don't have the ability to hand out a straight dx?

I should have been clear. I am only looking for answers, I don't want any more labels. There is no need to change my medications either.

My therapist and doctor are looking for a way to get me to see a psychiatrist. My doctor wants one, but I don't feel I need it. I just want answers.

I'm not sure if a psychologist can hand out dx's or not. I know I had to see a PhD psychologist for my pre-surgery evaluation last year. So who knows?

The one I had was just one session and a single test. Nothing really special. Just talked about why I wanted surgery, being trans, etc and that was it.
But if I go this route, it will be a bunch of stuff. So I don't know.

blank identity wrote:My insurance will not pay for another psychiatric evaluation, but apparently will pay for a psychological evaluation. I spoke with them, it should only cost me around $50 out of pocket for a full eval, which I was told would happen over several sessions, and include a battery of tests.

I need answers. I need to know what's going on with me. Does anyone have any experiences wtih psychological evaluations? Are they any more or less useful in nailing down a diagnosis? This person is a Dr. of psychology, so I don't doubt this person's capabilities. Just not sure which might be the best route for me to take. My therapist and doctor are still looking for a way for me to see a psychiatrist just in case.

I'm not sure if I should do it or not. Any insight would be appreciated.

The biggest difference is a psychiatrist is an M.D. and a psychologist is not. I personally feel in certain situations (you being one) a psychologist is just as important as a psychiatrist. I don't think I've ever been to a psychiatrist that does any testing so their opinion/diagnosis is somewhat subjective especially when it comes to personality disorders. A psychologist is going to rely more on talking to you, as well as, testing ie. MMPI-II or MCMI and potentially other tests. So with a psychologist you're going to get a psychological profile (assuming they do a battery of tests) which is something you wouldn't get with a psychiatrist.

You should make sure your psychiatrist is provided the notes / testing results from your psychologist.

Thanks cboxpalace!! That's exactly what I wanted to know.

AS cbox stated, psychological testing helps to get a picture of you, what some of your strengths are as well as weaknesses. They do sum up all of these findings to offer a diagnosis oftentimes, though it is important to remember that this diagnosis will be based on how you were presenting during those few sessions. It sounds like what you are looking for is more geared towards psychological testing vs a meeting with a psychiatrist which is geared more towards medication.