Should I see a psychologist?

[volleyballchick751]

I don't know if I should do 1 on 1 therapy with like a psychologist, (or) counselor or not.

Some background...I have been cutting for 3 years but have come very close to stopping. I was put on an antidepressant over a month ago by my psychiatrist and also sleeping pills. Earlier this week I overdosed on the sleeping pills and almost killed myself. I dont know why I did it I didnt think, just did. Apparently I was extremely manic when when i did it. Im now off all meds. I attend a teen group led by therapists, and I really love it.

I think i still need to get my self straightened out, I feel like with everything im already doing that I should be better. Would it help if I saw a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist? I dont even know what the difference is other than psychiatrists can prescribe meds.

[Fairy Poppins]

No, keep seeing the Psychiatrist.

It's really good that you're in group therapy, but if you think you would benefit from one-on-one sessions, mention it to one of the therapists, or go and see your doctor.

(For the record, Psychologists deal in the way the mind works and motivation, and can specialise in various areas such as mental health work and educational and occupational psychology. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who have qualified in psychiatry. They often combine a broad general caseload alongside an area of special expertise and research.)

[PSY]

Here's an article I wrote last year about finding psychiatric services:
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f80-m...tric-services/
It briefly describes the differences between therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, as well as offers some tips on how to find free or low-cost therapy.

The way I see it, you won't be any worse off by trying one-on-one therapy. You may, however, benefit greatly from the experience... so why not give it a shot? =D

[Dr.Bobby]

Sarah, two issues here.

Should you see someone? Well, based on what you've been feeling and what you've been doing, the answer to that is probably yes. Cutting and ODing are usually pretty good indicators that something is going on that needs to be looked at, and that you'd feel better not doing them, anyways.

Who you see is another matter.

If you're on meds, then they need to be assessed (at least periodically but regularly) by an MD ("=medical doctor"=meds). Most non medical therapists work closely with prescribing MD's, so being on meds (or needing a change later on) doesn't necessarily prevent you from working with a non MD. There are differences btw'n Psychiatrists (MD's) and Psychologists (Ph.D; Psy.D), but in your case , probably the 'fit' btw'n you and the doc is most important, how it feels being with them and working with them. And, what their experience working with issues like yours is. Both are credentialed to work effectively with people with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, the training being the emphasis on the type and source of the problem. Again, the best thing to do is to ask them what their experience is, how they treat people like you, and what the outcome is, what you can likely expect....and how you get there. And then, decide, based on what their answers are as well as how you feel with them, you'll be sharing quite a bit and working a lot with them, it 's really easiest to do that with someone you feel sympatico with.

[volleyballchick751]

Thanks for the replies. I think that im going to do 1 on 1. I believe that it will help.