My doc said Psychotherapy will not help??? :(

So for the past year and half, I've been on atleast 4 anxiety/depression medications. I am diagnosed with severe anxiety and severe depression. I've been taking sertraline 200mg for over 2 months now, my psychiatrist is on vacation. He *****, he tells me just stay on the sertraline even though I'm not finding any improvements. He only sees me for 5 mins and says I have more patients, even after I've waited an hour to see him.

ANYWAY, I decided to be proactive. I found a GREAT new family doctor and I am very happy with him. He listens and takes his time, and really cares. I checked the ratemds website for the best psychiatrist any psychotherapist in my area and brought it to my doctor. My doctor said he will send in both referrals for me.

I was really happy because psychotherapy or psychologists are not covered in Canada, but the one I got referred to is also a GP, so he said he can pull some strings and see me. I REALLY have been wanting therapy because even when I start feeling a little better, my mom who is also depressed takes me back 5 steps by saying things that make me cry.

Anyway, my issue is, my doctor says "yes I will refer you to the psychotherapist, but it won't help you"

I said what? I want like CBT or some proven way to help my anxiety/depression along with my meds, I heard combining meds and therapy is the best treatment.,

My doctor said yes, but psychotherapist are just like social workers or counsellors. They don't provide what you're looking for.

I am SO confused. How to I get someone who will talk/listen to me. Help me change my way of thinking? Like a shrink. I thought that's what psychotherapists are. Or do I need a psychologists (dont have the money for one anyway).

Please help, my doc took away all my hope :(

[nursegirl6572]

Hello and welcome!

Perhaps you are misunderstanding the role of the therapist and your doctor just has a crappy way of expressing himself?  Sometimes, there IS a difference between a social worker, psychotherapist, etc.  Some social workers deal more with helping a person with resources, etc...but don't offer actual face to face "talk" therapy, which is what you're looking for.  Also, some doctors, psychiatrists to be exact, really only handle the medication aspect of anxiety treatment, and don't actually DO talk therapy.  Many people are under the assumption that psychs are the ones they would be getting their therapy from, when in actuality, therapy usually involves a psychologist while the p-doc sees you for 5 minutes once a month for medication visits.  That also could be what your doctor was referring to.  What I really liked was the practice I went to contained both the p-doc and the therapist.  It was like one stop shopping, and the two could compare notes, sharing my progress or problems with each other....making for very efficent care.  If you could find a practice like that...you'd be golden.  So, maybe you just misinterpreted what your doctor meant?  

If you're not sure about the services the new doc provides, simply call up the new provider and ask what services he offers. CBT?  Traditional talk therapy?  Both of those would be very helpful to you.

If you understood your doc right, and he was indicating that therapy just wouldn't help you...he's nuts!  Some of the highest success rates in treating anxiety and depression is a combination of meds and therapy.  Therapy is invaluable and you are on the right track.  Don't be disheartened by what your doctor said...you are absolutely on the right track.  I just wouldn't take his comments too much to heart.  Even if he wasn't being compassionate and meant therapy wouldn't benefit you, you know better, so pay no attention to that.

Pursue the new doctor/therapist, and honestly...you may be able to dump the first doctor if you find the new guy is able to handle all of your needs...meaning the meds and the therapy, which he should be if he is a physician.  In the long run, it is better to be under the care of one person, or practice if possible...so this may work out great for you.

Go for it...therapy will be great for you.  Let us know how it goes!!

[Amber98]

Thank you so much nurse girl for your knowledge. Deep down I know that my meds aren't going to help me overnight and I need to work at it through therapy.

I'm very excited for my first visit. I don't know when it will he, hopefully soon. The office left me a msg yesterday saying each patient is seen for up to 45 mins. That alone made me happy. Someone to listen to me for more than 5 mins!!!!!

:D