How to Find a Psychiatrist for You or Your Child

My most recent post asked if a parent and child should see the same psychiatrist. The consensus was a resounding "NO." (Honestly, can't you people make anything easy?) Admittedly, upon giving the situation further thought, I'd rather preserve my flawless appearance with Bob's psychiatrist and let someone else be privy to my hot-messiness.

And so the search begins. (Sigh.)

So...how do you find a psychiatrist, either for your child, or for yourself?

1. Ask around. "I have found that one of the best ways to find a doctor...is by word of mouth," states Dr. Robin Zasio, Psy. D., LCSW of The Anxiety Treatment Center in Sacramento. "I encourage people to consider others whom they may know that have similar conditions and to ask them about their doctor, and whether they are pleased with them."

If you are lucky enough to have friends or acquaintances you feel comfortable asking, find out who they recommend. Ask your general practitioner who he or she refers patients to. If you are not unhappy with your current provider, but are switching because of changes in insurance benefits or a move, ask your provider for a referral.

2. Check your insurance company's provider directory. Often, this is the best place to start--it's incredibly disheartening to find "the perfect psychiatrist," only to discover s/he doesn't contract with your insurance.

3. Try a teaching hospital or university. Therese J. Borchard of PsychCentral believes academically-affiliated providers are more effective than their commercial practice counterparts. "[T]he psychiatrists (in teaching hospitals are) less likely to take the samples from the cute pharmaceutical reps and be lazy about reading all the research today on which drugs work and why. Like my doctor, these psychiatrist will probably be more willing to stick with the older, dependable, well-researched drugs like lithium and the older tricyclic antidepressants that won’t get them rich but that have an impressive track record."

(Personally, I disagree with Ms. Borchard's opinion that only "old-school" medications and methods are worth pursuing--but there are others who feel similarly.)

4. Check online data banks. In addition to good old Google, there are a multitude of "find-a-shrink" websites and databases, such as Find a Therapist and Psychiatrists.com. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry also has a psychiatrist finder here.

5. Let your fingers do the walking. When all else fails (or laziness prevails), check your local Yellow Pages.

Of course, it doesn't end there--once you find a name, you have to make the appointment, and determine whether you (and/or your child) and the practitioner are a good match.

Wish me luck...