How do I set up an appointment with a psychologist? ?

Question

Hi, I've been sure that I have depression or some kind of social anxiety disorder for years but in recent months I've started to experience more psychotic symptoms such as paranoia and a feeling that the world isn't real and I'm living in a dream world. I need to see someone, is it a psychologist, psychiatrist or someone else? If so, do I just ring up a company and book an appointment or do I need a referral? Also, can I get this on NHS or will I have to pay £100s?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I assume that you are a Brit...in my country (USA) you need a referral from a general practioner or doctor of internal medicine first...I am not sure about the UK,,

Answer 2

First I want to apologize that I do not know what you have to pay (I am in America)

Who you see is up to you.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who prescribes medications. Here they are pretty busy and don't usually engage in therapy.

A psychologist is someone who engages in therapy, making diagnosis', as well as performs testing.

A therapist/counselor is someone who does provide therapy. They also make diagnosis'.

Either a psychologist or therapist can recommend going to a psychiatrist if they feel that medications could help.

To make an appointment, you do just ring up a company, a office, or the therapist directly.

For both therapist and psychologist you will not need referrals. Almost every psychiatrist requires a referral. This will save them time in making a diagnosis to figure out what type of medication you might need.

Everyone can charge differently. When you ring them you can ask what they charge.

Answer 3

You should go to your GP and explain your situation, they will then refer you to the correct mental health specialist which will more than likely be a psychologist and may include psychiatrists, specialist nurses, and occupational therapists.

Good luck, i know it's hard but you're wanting to make the first step to getting better and thats the hardest one of all.

Answer 4

Ask your regular doctor to recommend one, or you could call your local hospital, or just call the psychologist yourself and see.

Good luck to you, I see a psychologist and he has helped me so much that people around me tell me I am like a new and improved me.

Answer 5

Your first step should be to see your GP, who can refer you to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medically qualified, psychologists are not, although some psychologists, known as clinical psychologists, do work in the health service.

There are some non-medically qualified psychotherapists, and your GP or psychiatrist may refer you to one, in which case they are likely to be tried and tested. There are, for example, some non-medically qualified psychoanalysts who work with psychiatrists. The important thing is to go through your GP. That way you can be reasonably sure of getting to someone who knows what he or she is doing, and is not going to make matters worse.

Answer 6

call

Answer 7

the first stop is your GP. explain to them how you're feeling and they should be able to refer you if they feel it is necessary.

however, be prepared for a long wait if they do refer you for anything. ive been waiting 6 months for CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

if you can afford to go private i would, but otherwise yes, you can get full treatment on the NHS.

Answer 8

you should go and see your gp at once. they can refer you to a psychologist and if it is urgent can hurry appointment along.

you could also call nhs direct for advice

Answer 9

you need to go to your GP and he/she will refer you to mental health services in your area.  your GP may also prescribe you some medication in the meantime

you can see a psychologist privately, but they are VERY expensive.  i know one who charges £175 an hour!

Answer 10

If you want this on the NHS or privately you will need  a referral from your Doctor. When you explain what is happening inside your head, he will decide if a Psychiatrist or Psychologist is best for you?

The one problem with the NHS is that there may well be a waiting list to see either of the Professionals. If you pay for your treatment, depending on how long you need to see them for and at what frequency, could cost you a considerable sum of money.

Do you have private health insurance because you may be able to get private treatment through them although most of them cap how much can be spent for the complete course of treatment. You would need to read the small print on the policy? Good Luck.

Answer 11

no u dont need to pay anything, im suffering from severe post natal depression, i've even attempted suicide, i went to see my GP and she prescribed me some anti-depressants, and booked an appointment for me to see a psychologist.

The only way u will have to pay to see a psychologist would be if u go private because they are very expensive. Go and see ur GP and he/she will maybe first to an assessment with u, this involves asking a few questions about how u feel, its all to do with ur mental state, and then ask ur GP to refer u to a psychologist this would be free of charge for u, u dont need to pay a pennie coz it will be through the NHS.

trust me, once ur treatment gets started you see a difference within 4-6 weeks, ive been on medication for just over two months now and ive also been seeing my psychologist and im a totally different person, i NEVER have suicidal thoughts anymore, and im alot more confident in what im doing. so dont worry you will be fine, getting rid of depression permantely takes a good six months it wont just disappear overnight.

takecare hun x