When it comes to finding a psychiatrist to help you deal with a mental condition, the one thing you need to know is the importance of building confidence and trust towards the health doctor. There is a necessity to look for the best medical professional in your community so that there would be ease in the treatment process. Take note that the secret or key to a successful recovery from a mental illness is to work closely with the psychiatrist. For this to become possible, it is essential to find a doctor whom you can be comfortable with. “The foundation of therapy is based on the relationship you build with your therapist. When seeking someone out it’s important you feel comfortable with them,” says Elana Schechtman-Gil LMFT.
Here are some of the essential skills you need to look out for:
Intelligent
An excellent psychiatrist is one who knows what he is doing. He must be considered as an outstanding professional in the medical community. Take note that there can be many complications in your mental condition. As such, the knowledge of a health doctor is significant in creating an effective treatment plan. Make sure to look at the medical background of the doctor before consulting.
Authoritative
As much as possible, find a doctor who has authority over your person. Keep in mind that you need a professional who could make you undergo several processes. Having a mental condition can bring a lot of emotional disturbances in your life. There could be times when you may lose hope. Because of this, the assistance of an authoritative psychiatrist may come in handy.
Empathetic
A great doctor is someone who does not only see you as a patient but also a friend. He needs to be understanding and patient about what you are going through. He must be gentle in handling your case. You deserve a psychiatrist who could go to extra lengths to make you feel safe and comfortable. Avoid dealing with incompetent and impatient psychiatrist.
Effective
Another essential skill that a psychiatrist must have is that he must be competent in all professional dealings. He must know how to address each case with precision properly. Mental health illnesses may vary from one person to another. Because of this, one treatment plan cannot be made applicable to two different patients. Therefore, you must choose a doctor who provides the right diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Julie Simon, PsyD once stated, “I view therapy as a collaborative, dynamic, and individualized process. I have a warm and engaging style and am flexible in adapting therapy to meet your needs and goals.”
Respectful
A psychiatrist must also know how to respect personal boundaries. He must be a person with proven integrity. Most importantly, this doctor must know how to handle confidentiality matters. Take note that communications made between you and the doctor must be kept private at all times. This means that he is not allowed to divulge any information or data without your consent. Otherwise, he can be subjected to a civil or administrative case. “A good therapist should be open and willing to understand your concerns. If your counselor doesn’t take your concerns seriously or is unwilling to accept feedback, then it’s probably in your best interest to consult with another therapist about it.” Noah Rubinstein, LMFT, LMHC said.
Remind yourself of the skills listed above. Be sure to create a checklist of the skills to look for before hiring a psychiatrist. Do not rush into choosing the doctor who will handle your case. It takes patience before you could find the right doctor for you. Once you find the perfect health professional, everything will be worth it.