How do I get medication for social anxiety?

Question

How do I get medication for social anxiety?

Answer 1

Unless your clinical then its not that serious for you to be on disability

Answer 2

The first thing you need is to get a formal diagnosis and have a medical evaluation to clear you of any potential contraindications to social anxiety medication.  The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional like a clinical social worker, psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, etc.  The medication can be prescribed by a physician (M.D. or D.O. degree) and in many states by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.  Some primary care providers will feel comfortable making the diagnosis and prescribing the medications while others may not, it depends on each individual's preference and level of comfort and experience with the disorder.  Some doctors may be willing to prescribe the medication as long as the diagnosis is made by a mental health professional, even if that counselor does not have prescriptive authority.  A psychiatrist (M.D./D.O.) or psychiatric nurse practitioner will have special training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses and psychological disorders and will be able to make a prescription.  You may need a referral in order to get your insurance to pay, or for a specialist to even agree to see you.

Your first step should be to go to your doctor or primary health care provider.  If you do not have one you might be able to get in at a walk in clinic; these clinics usually do not prescribe long-term medication like antidepressants and anxiolytics but they may be willing to write you a referral or give you some advice.  They may even write an initial  Rx and help you get established with a primary care provider.

In general, the most effective treatment for psychological conditions is a combination of medication and therapy/counseling.  Finding a counselor and a prescriber who you are comfortable with is a step in the right direction.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Talk to your doctor or a psychiatrist about your symptoms and they will decide if you need medication and which you should take.