How can you deal with a psychiatrist....

How can you deal with a psychiatrist that doesn't even know you? My psychiatrist just asks me how my depression and moods are, and then we talk about politics usually (which gets me upset because he's a firm believer in Obama when I'm not, but that's beside the point). He has never really got to know me in the almost two years I've had him. I'd think it would at least go similar to a counselor, where he tries to get to know me and such, and get used to me. Maybe not every time, but at first at least. He's so old that he has to have a girl in there to help him out. And it's so hard to understand him, I can't quite put my finger on his accent though. There's only one other doctor there, and I don't really want to even try him, he just kinda rubs me the wrong way. I guess I can just hope and pray that my psychiatrist dies soon. (Kidding). He's gotta be in his 80s at least, though. What should I do?

How often do you meet with him? Does he prescribe you medication? That's all most psychiatrists do. It's easier to talk with a psychologist.

A psychiatrist is just there to assess your mood, check to make sure that it's not changing a lot, prescribe medication if it's needed... they don't do talk therapy anymore, even though I did have a pdoc that did both for 12+ yrs with me. I rarely see my pdoc these days.. no need to right now.

Psychoanalysis is done by psychiatrists, isn't it? That's pretty intense talk therapy 3-5 times a week. Generally the patients do 90% of the talking. Probably so the shrink can nap! lol.

I've noticed most psychiatrists tend to just prescribe medication. None seem to really get to know you, which is odd considering they're the ones diagnosing and giving meds. (I think therapists should diagnose as they know you better.) But it's not uncommon to have your experience. Have you thought of changing doctors in the off chance you get one that does get to know you?

I have no idea how they expect to effectively treat people that way. The only way to get a psychiatrist to know you well is to go the psychotherapy route. And that is expensive.

As a therapist with over 15 years experience in the field I would like to say I'm shocked. The sad truth is that this seems to be the norm in mental health these days. Very little actual treatment takes place. Providers just find ways to pass the time so they can get their 50 min. hour of billing completed so they can file the red HCFA 1500 and collect a paycheck.

Start interviewing new providers. You are hiring someone for a J-O-B. You may need to "interview" several before finding one worthy of being hired. Make no mistake. HIRING a provider is what you are doing. Someone is paying them for the time they spend with you. Make them earn their pay. If they want to talk about politics they should go to a political rally or a bar.

Best of luck,

Robert Heath Meeks, LCSW, NBCCH
htmeeks@indco.net

Psychiatrists typically have more training in medication that psychotherapy. Don't confine yourself to any one specialty under the umbrella of behavioral health. There are great psychotherapists who are LCSW's (Licensed Certified Social Workers), LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists), LPC's (Licensed Professional Counselors), and yes even PhD Psychologists.

A patient died and went to heaven. St. Peter was touring him around the mental health section of heaven. He showed him the area where Social Worker Psychotherapists provide therapy, the area where the LMFT's counsel with their patients, and the office areas for LPC's. Passing down a long corridor the patient spoke up, a bit too loud, to ask where they were now. St. Peter shushed him saying, "Keep your voice down. This is the place we keep all the Psychologists. They think they're the only ones up here."

The point: Any psychotherapist, regardless of the letters caboosed to their name, having graduated from an accredited institution and holding a valid license to practice, should be able to provide competent, successful treatment.

Robert Heath Meeks, LCSW, NBCCH
htmeeks@indco.net