I want to make an appointment to see a therapist.. what do i say?
Answers:
I know it feels like a really big deal to you, but so many people suffer from depression. You're by no means alone in this.
Usually there's a county or state run facility that you can go through should you not have medical insurance.
If you do, then find out if they have to be in your network or whether or not you need to be refered by your regular doc (if you have an HMO).
If you have a PPO you can call up a therapist directly to schedule an appointment.
It takes a strong person to reach out and ask for help. And it's very damaging to keep your feelings bottled up, so this is definitely the right decision.
As for what to tell them, just simply say you'd like to see the therapist because of problems with depression.
The only things they'd ask you on the phone would probably be how long have you been depressed, are you on any medications for depression currently, are you or have you been suicidal, and do you have medical insurance that will cover mental health.
About 6 months ago I tried to kill myself 2x in the span of a week. I didn't think a therapist could tell me anything I didn't already know, but I was surprised to find out how much help they can be.
Now I'm on proper meds and only a few sessions were needed really (not to say i won't need a few more in the future). I haven't felt this good in almost a decade.
There's help out there. Don't be afraid to ask for it and don't be ashamed because there are literally millions of people who suffer from depression.
And depending on what events started your depression, you may be suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome.
Be completely honest and very frank when you do talk to your therapist. They can help the most when they're told all the details/info.
when you make the phone call explain briefly that you wish to be seen for depression
You:"Hello Dr, my name is __________________, I would like to get an appointment"
Dr: "OK, how about on ___________, 2007?"
You: "OK"
Dont worry, going to a therapists is not something to be afriad, and it all stays between you and the doc.
When I needed to make my first appointment, I found the place I wanted to go, did a little research on the doctor I wanted to see, and then made the call to the place. The person that makes the appointments didn't ask me what I wanted to be seen for, it's not their job to ask. They just set the appointment and when you actually see the doctor, they will ask you what you are there for. They will probably ask you a lot of questions for the first time visit. They kind of "feel you out" to see where the therapy should go, and then they take it from there telling you how often they'd like you to come in. Trust me, I've been doing this for months and I do feel better seeing a therapist, even though my depression is still something I struggle with every day, it's nice to have that "safe haven" to vent to every week. Don't be scared, do it because you need it, and good luck.
ask him about this video at www.cchr.org. watch the one of pyshs saying they have no valid tests for mental illnesses and no cures. ask him if he has had sex or molested any of his patients.
make the call for a appt. tell them if asked you have some issues that you feel need to be addressed. it seems to me if this past depression have gone away why do you mention it?
most likely its still there and going to discuss this and anything else thats bothering you will be helpful and can uplift
your spirits and have a brighter clear future.
good luck to you and remember the only question asked that is dum is the one you dont ask
Remember you don't need to give whoever answers your life story. A therapist is a doctor for the emotional heart, with that in mind set the appointment like you'd set a doctor's appointment.
Like a doctor's office they might want a little background on what it is you need to speak about, but just like a doctor you can stay vague and still answer their questions.
Example: At a doctor's-
You: "Hi my name is so and so and I'd like to set an appointment. I've never been toyour office before and I do/don't have insurance"
Nurse/receptionist: "What is this concerning?"
You: "A first appointment and a first physical. I am sick/not sick at the moment. These days are best for me. What doyou have open?"
Example: At the Therapist-
You: "Hi my name is so and so and I'd like to set an appointment. I've never been to your office before and I do/don't have insurance" (sometime insurance will cover these kinds of services. If you don't let them know you';ll be paying them directly.)
Nurse/receptionist: "What is this concerning?"
You: "A first session concerning personal depression. I would like to speak with the therapist as soon as possible/ I can wait but I'd like to come in soon. These days are best for me. What do you have open?"
They'll need to know how old you are to make sure you're contacting the correct practice (children see child therapists, teenagers and young adults see young adult therapists, etc.)
but after that it should be a cake walk.
Don't let the jitters keep you from seeking help. If you need to talk, then you need to talk.
Don't worry about all that too much, it's really just paperwork. The real help comes when you're face to face with the therapsit.
Take care.
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