Tending to your mental health is essential for your overall wellness. Mental illness affects many Americans in the form of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, anger management, and more. Luckily, if you’re dealing with mental illness, there are professional psychiatrists available to assist you. Here are four questions to ask when you call a psychiatrist’s office.

1. What Is Your Treatment Philosophy?

A professional psychiatrist has the same training that others have. However, they may develop a different treatment philosophy that you should learn more about. Ask about their preferred methods of treatment. Some may use psychotherapy, others may incorporate medication management, or others may use a combination of both.

2. What Is Your Availability?

Maybe you have a very tight schedule because of work, school, or family obligations. Of course, our psychiatrists will also have other patients to tend to. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, over 150 million Americans live in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas. If you live in such an area, you may have to compete for your psychiatrist’s time as they may be serving a large population. Make sure you find one who has the right availability for you, even if you have to travel a little further.

3. Can You Tell Me About Your Experience?

When it comes to experience, you may want to learn more about the psychiatrist’s overall training and education. Ask if they have any particular areas of expertise. Are they used to serving particular demographics based on race, gender, age, or other cultures?

4. What Is the Cancellation Policy?

It’s always a good idea to plan for a rainy day or emergency. While you may intend to cancel an appointment, sometimes it can’t be helped. Ask your psychiatrist about how much notice is required to cancel. They may have certain fees for missed appointments. Is there a policy where they no longer agree to treat you if you miss too many appointments in a row?

You may be anxious about seeking help at a local psychiatrist’s office. It’s important to make a few calls ahead of time and ask the right questions until you find the right therapist for you. For an experienced and compassionate psychiatrist who handles medication therapy and talk therapy, look no further than our office. Contact SouthEnd Psychiatry with any questions you may have so we can ensure we’re the right fit for your treatment.