Psychologist vs Pshychiatrist

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-17-2004
Psychologist vs Pshychiatrist
1
Wed, 06-30-2004 - 12:02am
I have just discovered this board and am looking for a little advice.

Brief background, I have suffered from low level depression and anxiety for most of my life (I'm 38). I was in therapy with a psychologist for about 3 years 10 years ago but did not find it helpful. It could have been the therapist or perhaps I didn't open up enough, I'm not sure. Now I'm married with 2 small children and facing numerous challenges, including the possible break up of my marriage and find that I am again in the throes of depression. I took the quiz on whether or not to medicate on this board, and think I might benefit from medication to ease my anxiety and help me deal with my depression. However, it is my understanding that a psychologist cannot prescribe meds. Here is my question...should I see a psychiatrist and discuss medication or see a psychologist and attempt to work out my problems through therapy only and see if he/she might recommend meds and possibly refer me to a psychiatrist. To be honest, I would rather not take meds since but also don't want to spend 3 years in therapy again only to come out feeling no better than when I started.

I have appointments with both types of doctors next week but can't decide which one to pursue. Any advice that can be offered would be helpful.

Thank you...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 06-30-2004 - 10:48am
Hi.

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