nbr: what kind of therapist

hoochifyd

I posted this on my local board, to hopefully get some feedback on something in my area, but figured you guys might also have general knowledge on the subject

One of DH's family members has asked me to help her do some research for her DH, in trying to find "a professional" to talk to about his possible mood disorder (for her DH to talk to, not her). Has anyone gone through trying to get diagnosed with something psychological, that can give me advice to pass on? Their insurance isn't great, but regardless, I have no idea where you would start for finding that kind of help, since they are not sure what he has. She just knows his behavior is not "normal", and needs advice on how to figure out what the cause is, and how to get him treatment (and coping skills).

Are there general "therapists" that can help figure out what his symptoms point to, or do you just start with a specialist for what you think he has, and then get referred from there?

If you'd like to respond offline, you can email me@carrie.cc  

Sunny1inTucson

I am not an expert at all; I'm just tossing out my thoughts in case someone more educated comes along and then will feel compelled to correct me!

I don't know what kind of mood disorder this person thinks her DH has, but if the treatment for it would include drugs, then he would want to see a psychiatrist who would be able to prescribe something to perhaps try to alter his brain chemistry or whatnot. If the treatment for it is not drug-related, then a psychologist or therapist should suffice.

As you said, he could start out with someone and then once they give their professional opinion or diagnosis, he could always be referred to a more appropriate provider if necessary. Lots of companies have Employee Assistance Programs that include something like 5 free visits a year to a counselor. That might be one place to start if their insurance isn't great or they don't have much money.

newdru03

I'm a psychologist.  I would start w/a psychologist, a clinical psychologist would be the most general place to start.  Sometimes you can find online via your states psychological association a listing of psychologists and what their specific areas of interest are (mood disorders, anxiety, etc).  If insurance will need to be used then I would have them contact their insurance company to see who will be covered and go from there.  Often with insurances you have to start w/community mental health agencies rather than someone in a private practice.  Either way a reputable therapist will refer him to someone else if he is unable to help him, whether that be to another therapist w/in the agency or a therapist in private practice.  Best of luck to your friends.

Impatientgal

I'm a mental health counselor, but also have experience with mood disorders in my family. You can start with a psychologist as pp said, and you can find great referrals at apa.org. If he has previously been diagnosed with a mood disorder, I would look for a psychiatrist. The difference is that psychologists do not prescribe medication, and psychiatrists do. It's harder to find a good psychiatrist than psychologist.

GL!