Psychologist vs Psychiatrist and Does This Seem Odd?

[URMySunshine77]

A few questions for you ladies and gentlemen.

I am interested in speaking to a counselor or psychologist regarding secondary infertility and some anxiety issues. I left a voicemail with a local counselor, but she never called me back. 

I went on my insurance provider's Web site again, and a psychiatrist's name came up as a mental health provider. I asked her office if she is taking new patients, and the receptionist told me that the doctor decides which patients she accepts. I gave all of my information and my concerns, but I feel like this doctor already rubs me the wrong way. Do other doctors just accept whom they feel like accepting? 

In your opinions, am I wasting my time trying to schedule a psychiatry appointment for what I hope is a counseling session? Does this doctor also rub you the wrong way?

[Deleted]

My guess would be the doc just wants to make sure you are a good fit for her style/training/specialty/etc?

In my (very limited) experience, the doc prescribes the meds and the psychologist/therapist/counselor does the counseling.. but I think there are some psychiatrists that do both.

I think if I were you I would keep looking just in case you don't get a call back from this doc or it ends up being a bad fit.

GL!

[tjr42px]

A doc can accept who they want and for the reasons @rocknrollfriend mentioned. But even so, they have an obligation to refer you to someone that can provide that support if they can't. Some psychiatrists do traditional therapy, but will choose to refer a client to someone else if that person does not require/want medication. The fact they are "choosy" could be seen as a good thing. They won't simply jump to medication if that isn't what you want. Yet, it does seem a little odd to me that it was framed the way you describe. I'm all for full disclosure; to include telling you why this doc is choosy before you even get there. Because maybe you can already make the decision before going to the intake.

Bottom line...if you don't get a good vibe I'd suggest you keep looking. Therapy works. But it's all about the relationship. If you don't feel comfortable you won't get the results you want. You can't make progress if you don't show up (physically or mentally). As was mentioned, attend the intake and feel it out, but don't feel pressured to stay with them if you aren't feeling it, even if they say they will take you on. It's your life, your treatment. You should feel comfortable with it.

[URMySunshine77]

@rocknrollfriend and tjr42px -- thank you so much for your advice. I think that the receptionist was a little inarticulate when describing the doctor's practice of choosing patients. I'm sure that she could have worded it more softly. She was a little unprofessional in other ways, so I will just attribute it to her.

I may contact a counselor who is a little farther away (20 minute bus ride) but seems better suited for my needs. I was really just trying to go a block away from my home because it's easier.

[icequeen]

URMySunshine77, I don't think the psych is being choosy, and I am fairly sure she/he would only deny to treat you for a specific medical reason or insurance/payment conflicts. It does seem like the receptionist was a little off putting, but I wouldn't necessarily let that color your view of the psych and initial appointment. While I agree that going just block from your house would be super convenient, it might be worth looking around a bit more to see if there is any other office that you click with more. Psychs are trained to treat your symptoms pharmaceutically, and rarely have training in therapy techniques. I would choose either a psychologist (PhD), social worker (LSCW), or psychological doctor (Psy D) for therapy purposes.

[URMySunshine77]

Thanks, icequeen! I agree with your advice. I believe that I found a counselor who would be better aligned with my objectives.

[Deleted]

I was going to say I agree with icequeen. I'm glad you found a counselor who is a better fit.

For anyone looking into treatment and unsure if medication is needed - I highly recommend meeting with a counselor first. They are trained to evaluate your level of need and should be able to refer to psychiatrist, if they feel it would be beneficial or if requested by you.