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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cs on November 13, 2000, at 18:03:02
Hi-I am trying to decide if I should see a counselor/therapist, or a psychiatrist (only 1 where I live) or a psychologist who specializes in psychopharmacy. Has anyone had experience with this type of "doctor". Are they able to write prescriptions?
Posted by shar on November 14, 2000, at 10:29:26
In reply to What type of help to get?, posted by cs on November 13, 2000, at 18:03:02
It depends on what kind of help you want and what your "condition" is. The counselor or regular psychologist that only does talk therapy can be helpful by itself (IMHO) for situational depression, going through a rough time, having only one or two issues to work on (ie, no early trauma).
If you want meds, the psychiatrist is a good bet. They can write scripts, but I usually find that they prefer to stick with 15 minute med checks once the client is on track. There are others on this board who get therapy from their shrinks as well.
It's possible a psychologist could write prescriptions. The "p-doc" I see is actually a RN with special certification for psychiatric prescribing. She is supervised by a shrink, who has to sign my Klonopin script because she can't sign for "classified" meds.
Most psychologists cannot write scripts.
My therapist is has an MSW and special certification for family and other therapy. I've seen a lot of therapists and she is as good as or better than the Ph.D. s I've seen. The degrees are a good guideline, but you need to interview your potential counselor and find out what their strategies are, and choose one you feel comfortable with. Most will give a free brief consultation or "meet and greet" session, or an inexpensive one.
Good luck!
Shar> Hi-I am trying to decide if I should see a counselor/therapist, or a psychiatrist (only 1 where I live) or a psychologist who specializes in psychopharmacy. Has anyone had experience with this type of "doctor". Are they able to write prescriptions?
Posted by pullmarine on November 15, 2000, at 0:17:28
In reply to What type of help to get?, posted by cs on November 13, 2000, at 18:03:02
For meds, you'll need a doc, they're the only ones who can write prescriptions. If you can talk about what you're going through, perhaps we can help you find the option that's right for u.
JOHN
Posted by R.Anne on November 15, 2000, at 22:23:44
In reply to What type of help to get?, posted by cs on November 13, 2000, at 18:03:02
Yes, there are some psychologists who can write prescriptions. Look for the American Pyschological Association in your phonebook or a psychological association in your city under psychologists. Ask for a referral to a psychologist who writes prescriptions, too.
This is the end of the thread.
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