5 Important Things to Ask Your Mental Health Specialist

The truth is; most individuals don’t ask questions regarding their illness, disorder, or emotional stage, although such action is encouraged. It’s particularly useful to ask certain questions when you’re just looking for a professional who will help you get better. To make things easier for you, this article will present five important questions you should ask a mental health specialist to determine whether she or he is the one for you. Plus, if you already have your provider, asking these questions is still a useful way to find out whether you made a right choice. Let’s start!

1. How much experience you have in treating my disorder?
In case you already know what’s your disease or general state you should ask a specialist about the experience he or she might have regarding your problem. Some therapists and psychiatrists are like general practitioners. On the other hand, others specialize in some specific areas such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia. Some specialists specialize in working with addicts, and so on.

Professionals with more experience in particular area e.g. depression are more attuned to the way patients experience their disorder or mental health issue, and they’re better equipped to sort through your history and ask questions that will enable them to help you successfully.

2. How did you make a diagnosis for my problem?
If you don’t know your diagnosis and turn to mental health specialist just because you (or your family) think it’s time to get professional help to get better, it’s always useful to ask a professional how he/she made a diagnosis. Why? It’s because sometimes a doctor may prescribe a medication without providing a final diagnosis. It usually happens when a doctor is still uncertain about the problem you might have. But, it doesn’t mean your doctor doesn’t have any ideas that drive the treatment or medication choices.

In cases when a doctor doesn’t provide a diagnosis, you should ask for an explanation. Remember, how your doctor makes a diagnosis is as important as diagnosis itself. Ideally, you should make sure a specialist has enquired about the symptoms you experience, family history, possible mood episodes, etc.

3. What is the treatment plan?
Yes, a specialist will probably give you medications to use, but they don’t account for the entire treatment. It’s important to bear in mind that mental health professionals only to provide pills to tackle symptoms you experience. They are there to dig deep and discover the root problem of your issue. That’s why, besides medications, the average therapy usually consists of lifestyle changes, individual therapy, family therapy, instructions on what to do in certain situations, and so on.

Additionally, two people don’t necessarily receive same treatments because specialists do their best to adjust your treatment according to symptoms you experience, the severity of condition or disorder, and other factors.

You should always ask a mental health professional about the treatment, risks, and benefits, direction he/she wants you to go, why to make some lifestyle changes, etc.

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4. When I can expect to get better and how will I know I’m getting better?
You already want to know when you can expect to get better, so why not ask a professional when you’re in their office? A mental health specialist can’t tell you the precise amount of time it will take to start feeling better. It’s different for every patient, and he/she has to see how you’re responding to the treatment. What they can reveal is the approximate amount of time you should start noticing improvements. That’s why it’s crucial to follow their advice, make necessary lifestyle changes, and stick to your therapy religiously.

If you suffer from a disorder indicated by frequent mood swings, and if depression is severe, it can be difficult to notice first signs of improvement. That’s why you should ask your mental health doctor how will you know when you’re getting better, how will you recognize it. These signs usually include improved sleep and appetite, desire to start socializing, less irritability, and so on.

5. What should I do if I feel worse?
Managing your illness and disorder is a marathon, not a sprint. There are good and bad times. When consulting your therapist or doctor, you shouldn’t forget to ask this question. Knowing what to do if you feel worse or when facing stressful situations, you can’t handle, is beneficial for the overall recovery process.

Another equally important question to ask your mental health specialist is whether you can contact him/her when you feel worse. Most experts give their contact info to patients in the case of emergency.

Other questions to ask mental health doctor

Besides these crucial five questions, there are other things you should ask too. For example:

• Why do I have to take “that” medicine?
• Is there any way to treat my problem without medications? What about the natural approach?
• Do you have a particular approach when treating patients?
• Do you deal directly with my insurance plan, or I have to?
• Is it easy to schedule an appointment?
• How often should I come here?
• What happens if I have to cancel an appointment or change a schedule? Do I have to pay a fee?
• Do you charge after-hour urgent consultations?
• What can I expect during a typical appointment?

Questions to ask yourself
Do you have a preference for one particular type of training or educational background you’re looking for in a mental health specialist?

• Are you more comfortable discussing things with a male or female therapist?
• How much time are you willing to commit to therapy?
• What types of treatment your insurance covers?

Conclusion
Most people aren’t likely to ask questions about their treatment, therapy, or condition. But, your mental health specialist is a day for you and most providers encourage their patients to ask everything they’d like to know. Asking some questions ensures that you and your therapist or doctor are on the same page. It provides a useful insight into the entire process, thus making you feel more comfortable. This article listed five important questions you shouldn’t forget to ask.

References
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/questions-ask-provider
http://www.dummies.com/health/mental-health/10-questions-to-ask-a-psychiatrist-or-therapist/