Is this true?

[Amber98]

Saw my psychiatrist today for the second time. Was trying to tell him that my meds havent kicked in yet and he was on his cell phone for like 15 mins talking in his own language. Then when he got off, he said hes going to increase my meds and add two more medications. I told him ive been referred to him because i requested therapy, i feel like thats what i need.

He told me no, medication is the gold standard because you have a chemical imbalance. Therapy is only for people with minor problems. Then he sent me home, Im pretty mad, I was referred to him after so long and I was told I was going to recieve group therapy and individual therapy at this location. Im 21 years old and now on 3 drugs.I told him it's just masking my problems and he kept saying no thats not true.

So not sure if I should just go along with this, or find a psychotherapist.

[Amber98]

Yes you're right, both Psychiatrists I have had did not provide any sort of therapy whatsoever. They had time limitations of half an hour which were solely based on discussion of medication.

The thing is, psychiatrists are covered under the government health plan and psychologists/therapists are not. I can't afford a psychologist.

I know Alison, you recommended going to CAMH, I'm actually a bit far from that hospital (brampton) but it's something I am going to look into in a few months after i'm done school. If they offer free services like therapy, and I can refer myself then I wouldn't mind traveling, even though it can be costly to travel to Toronto too :(

Thanks everyone!

[Paxiled]

This psychiatrist needs to have his license taken away, but good luck with that.  There is no scientific evidence that people with mental illness have a chemical imbalance.  It is a theory, but the main proponents of it are pharmaceutical companies.  Plus, while it's true we have no cures for "serious" mental illness such as true bipolar and such, anxiety and depression aren't in that category, and many people do find therapy helps.  Some don't.  But since medication doesn't cure, it only treats symptoms, therapy should always be at least tried, and often with several therapists.  Now, some psychiatrists do therapy, they all can, but because they charge more than psychologists, the system has gone to where most people get their therapy these days from psychologists or other licensed therapists.  Most psychiatrists can make a lot more money much more easily by just prescribing meds, since they can squeeze a lot more patients into a day that way.

[nursegirl6572]

Find a new doctor.  He sounds cold and dissmissive.  Therapy is vital for MANY people, and for him to discount it is a disgrace, IMO.  Plus, to just throw 2 more meds at you after barely listening to what you had to say?  Nonsense!

Seriously, find a new doctor.  I would if I was in your situation!

[Alisonj29]

Wow no its not true at all. While medication does help alot, it is also somewhat of a band-aid. It is able to get you to the point that you can go in therapy or try CBT etc. Psychiatrists here are strictly people that help you get your medication adjusted. They never counsel at all. I was under the false impression that they did as well. You need to see a psychologist or psychotherapist etc. They are the ones that help with counseling. You have every right to seek therapy and do not let him tell you that only meds will help