Referral needed for psychologist?

Question

I'm looking to get some more help from a psychologist. I've told my doctor about my social anxiety a while ago and he gave me a number to a psychiatrist, who I see once a month and who prescribes me the medication. I see him about once a month. To see a psychologist (someone I can talk to and hopefully do some behavioral therapy), do I need a referral? Who should I talk to about that, my general family doctor or my psychiatrist? I could use some help in this next step.

Also, a related question. What's a typical psychiatrist appointment like? For me, it lasts like 10-15 minutes. I talk about how I'm feeling with the medication, we both decide if it should be increased/decreased or stay the same and then if I have any questions. My last meeting was only 10 minutes. I don't know if this is normal or what I should be expecting from him.

Answer 1

You can ask your psychiatrist if he/she knows someone who can do counseling with you.  They should work with someone and if you like your shrink, you should like the counselor too.  And yes, that's what a typical appointment is like with a psychiatrist.  My fiance goes to his guy for 15 mins, talks about meds, and it costs 200 bucks!!! Wow, I should be a doctor.