Is There A Doctor I Can See For Help With Depression?
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States reported at least one major depressive episode in 2020. Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders, and many treatments are available. If you’re experiencing depression and are ready to find support, you may wonder how to go about connecting with the right mental health professional for you.
What is depression?
The way depression manifests can vary somewhat from person to person. However, common symptoms include apathy, hopelessness, losing interest in previously pleasurable activities, mood swings, irritability, social isolation, changes in sleep, appetite and weight changes, and difficulty concentrating. Clinical depression is another term for major depressive disorder, a diagnosable disorder that’s longer lasting and more severe than feeling sad. In some cases, this mental illness can lead to undesirable behaviors such as alcohol or substance use or self-harm.
How to get diagnosed
If you believe you may be experiencing depression, consult your primary care physician first. They may conduct tests to investigate whether there could be underlying health conditions or other contributing factors to your symptoms. Depression can be a common symptom of several medical conditions. They may also be able to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for additional diagnoses or mental health treatment. For children experiencing the symptoms of depression, family members can start by contacting their pediatrician.
Next step: Choosing a mental health provider
Whether you get a referral from your primary care physician or seek out a mental health professional yourself, there are a few different types of providers you might choose from. These mental health professionals have either a master’s, doctoral, or medical degree and are held to practice standards set by the American Psychiatric Association. When looking for “depression doctors,” below are a few of the most common options. Note that only psychiatrists are doctors.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, from anxiety and depressive disorders to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They may run physical tests, conduct evaluations, and then create a treatment plan accordingly, which may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. Typically, psychiatrists are the only psychology doctors who can prescribe medications for treating depression and other mental health conditions because they have completed medical school as part of their education. A psychiatrist may explain the potential side effects of any medications you are prescribed for depression. Do not start, stop, or change how you are taking medication for depression without consulting your doctor.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Psychologists
Psychologists are not medical doctors, but they are trained to assist individuals with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Their primary approach usually focuses on psychology and uses evidence-based practices to shift thoughts and behavior through talk therapy.
Therapists and counselors
Therapists are not medical doctors. They are also trained to assist individuals with mental health challenges through counseling and talk therapy. While all psychologists are therapists, therapists are only psychologists if they also have a doctoral degree.
What type of help do I need?
Connecting with a therapist or psychologist is a common starting point for people who may be experiencing a major depressive episode and want to seek the help of a mental health professional. Research suggests that talk therapy can be an effective treatment for depression and other conditions, as well as contribute toward preventing relapses, so reaching out to one of these two types of professionals may be a helpful first step. If they believe you would benefit from connecting with a psychiatrist, they may suggest this option or provide a referral, as several medications may help you manage the symptoms of severe depression.
Where to find a doctor for depression
If you have medical insurance that covers mental health, you might start your search for the right mental health provider at your health insurance company. They may be able to provide you with a list of providers that they cover. If you do not have health insurance or mental health services are not covered, community-based organizations in your area may offer financial support or lower-cost resources for those in need. Free mental health clinics may also be available in some areas, and some providers may offer a sliding scale for mental health services.
If you can afford treatment but don’t know where to look, doing an internet search for “therapist near me” can give you a starting point. You can see if the location of a particular provider’s office is convenient for you, learn about their professional background, read reviews from other clients, and contact them to learn more about pricing and availability.
Finding a virtual doctor
Online options are available if you prefer to meet with a mental health provider virtually instead of in person. An online therapy platform like BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed therapist who meets your needs based on a questionnaire about your situation. While BetterHelp does not accept insurance or provide access to medical doctors (only counselors and psychologists), rates for seeing a mental health professional through the platform are typically comparable to most co-pays. Since research suggests that virtual therapy offers similar benefits to traditional, in-person methods, it can be a more available, cost-effective option for depression treatment for those who prefer this format.
What to look for in a provider
Any provider you meet with should hold the appropriate licenses for their particular state, which signifies they’ve completed the necessary training to do their job well. All therapists on a platform like BetterHelp, for example, are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (MFT), clinical social workers (LCSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). If you’re unsure of whether the mental health professional you’re interested in working with holds the proper certifications, it’s your right to ask.
If you prefer either in-person or online sessions, prioritize that. If you would prefer a therapist who is your same gender, is within a certain age range, or has experience with certain types of situations, you’re entitled to prioritize those identities. If you require medications as part of your treatment plan, then you can meet with someone who can prescribe and manage your medicine. You may choose to meet with a few different providers before you find the one that fits you best. The more comfortable you are opening up to your mental health professional, the more likely you may be to receive the treatment and care you deserve.
What to expect in your sessions
The content of a session with a mental health provider may vary somewhat based on their title. For example, a session with a psychiatrist may look different than one with a psychologist. A psychiatrist may inquire about your medical history and ask questions about how you’re feeling and the challenges you face.
A psychologist, therapist, or social worker may focus only on the latter. They may ask you to tell them about yourself, your life, your symptoms, your goals, and what’s been bothering you. Once you’ve been working together for a while, they may also provide you with “homework” occasionally, such as ideas to consider or skills to practice before your next session.
The importance of trust and safety
Building a relationship with a mental health professional is like any other relationship in that it involves trust being built over time. Your provider should be a good listener, non-judgmental, and able to create a space where you are safe and comfortable expressing your feelings. If not, forming trust may be difficult, which can impede the therapeutic process. In these cases, you may continue your search by seeking a different provider.
If you’re nervous about an appointment, discuss these feelings with your therapist. They can try to make you as comfortable as possible so you can get the most out of the appointment and your ongoing treatment process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way, either. A therapy session is your time.
Takeaway
Experiencing symptoms of depression can cause loneliness, but help and resources are available to assist you through this challenge. In addition to reaching out to your support system of friends and family members, you may find it helpful to speak with a licensed therapist, whether in person or online.
How do you call a doctor for depression?
There are several outlets for finding a doctor that can treat depression. If you think you might have depression, you might begin by speaking with your primary care physician (PCP) for an initial diagnosis and to rule out any other potential health conditions that might mimic symptoms of depression.
From there, your PCP might refer you to a psychologist for more specified care. If your healthcare professional determines you might benefit from medication as part of your treatment program, they may refer you to a psychiatrist who can manage and adjust your medications and help you manage side effects as needed, in addition to potentially providing psychotherapy.
With the rise in popularity of online therapy, individuals now have the option to find a doctor directly online without a referral. You might also find a doctor without a referral through your insurance provider.
Should I see a neurologist for depression?
Patients may report any depression symptoms to a neurologist if they are already in their care for a neurological condition; however, neurologists don’t specialize in mental health disorders and typically aren’t trained to provide psychotherapy or other psychiatric treatments. Instead, they may refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist for treatment.
Is it worth going to the doctor for depression?
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, speak with a doctor right away for screening. While depression symptoms manifest differently between people, there are a few signs that might indicate you may benefit from talking to a doctor about depression:
Persistent feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
Loss of interest in activities one previously enjoyed
Changes in appetite
Sleep disruptions
Persistent fatigue and a loss of energy
Diminished motivation
Does a neurologist or psychiatrist treat depression?
Neurologists don’t typically specialize in treating depression. A licensed psychiatrist or psychologist will have the training necessary for diagnosing and treating depression as well as other mental health disorders.
Should I see a neurologist or a psychiatrist?
Although neurologists and psychiatrists are medical professionals trained to understand the brain and how it works, they have different focus areas. Whether you decide to see a neurologist or psychiatrist depends on your specific concerns or symptoms—but some general guidelines can help you determine if a neurologist or psychiatrist is the best choice for you.
Consider seeing a neurologist if:
You have a known neurological condition like migraines, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis.
You have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other past condition that might be impacting your neurological functioning.
You are experiencing physical symptoms like seizures, vision problems, chronic headaches, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the extremities, or trouble with motor skills.
You are experiencing issues with memory or cognitive functioning.
You have vertigo or balance issues.
Consider seeing a psychiatrist if:
You or your family has a history of mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum depression, or anxiety disorders.
You have been referred to a psychiatrist by your primary care physician or another healthcare provider.
You are experiencing mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, delusions, hallucinations, or other psychiatric symptoms.
You are struggling with trauma, grief, relationship issues, stress, or other emotional challenges.
You are struggling with substance use or addiction.
You are thinking about hurting yourself or others.
What kind of doctor is best for anxiety and depression?
The best type of doctor to help patients manage anxiety and depression typically depends on the patient’s needs and circumstances. However, a licensed professional with education and experience working in mental health services is generally the best option. You might see a psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed professional counselor, clinical social worker, or mental health nurse practitioner.
Who is qualified to diagnose depression?
Healthcare professionals with education, training, and licensure are typically qualified to diagnose depression. These providers might include:
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Clinical social workers
Licensed professional counselors
Mental health nurse practitioners
Primary care physicians
Physician assistants
Is depression a disability?
According to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), depression may be considered a disability if it significantly impairs a person’s ability to function in at least one central area of life, like work or caregiving responsibilities.
Is it hard to treat depression?
Many people find relief from depression symptoms with regular therapy and medications (in some cases). However, in some cases, depression symptoms don’t subside or repeatedly return. In this case, you may be living with treatment-resistant depression or, more recently, difficult-to-treat depression (DTD). In such cases, psychiatrists may adjust a patient’s medications and psychotherapeutic treatment program until they find a combination that works better. Often, the client is asked to make lifestyle adjustments such as cutting out drugs or alcohol, exercising regularly, and engaging in a stress-management practice. If these strategies don’t provide relief, additional treatment options are available, such as the following:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is a procedure that involves passing a controlled electrical current through the brain to induce a controlled seizure. It is an effective, evidence-based treatment option for people with severe depression.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a non-invasive procedure that improves symptoms of major depression using magnetic fields that stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The procedure has also been approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines, and smoking cessation.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS): DBS is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted to stimulate specific areas of the brain. While it is most commonly used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, research shows it’s also an effective treatment in some cases of DTD.
Is there a blood test for depression?
Currently, no blood test can definitively detect depression. However, a medical professional may request bloodwork to rule out other conditions that might mimic depression, such as vitamin D deficiency or some thyroid disorders. Still, recent research reveals the possibility of using blood testing to detect potential biomarkers for depression.
Still, research reveals the possibility that blood tests might one day detect potential biomarkers for depression. For example, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that some individuals with depression and bipolar disorder had lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein in the blood associated with memory and learning.
Although studies look promising, the best way to receive a reliable depression diagnosis remains through a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider. There is no single clinical test for depression. Diagnosis often involves a combination of interviews and assessments.
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