Questions to Ask a Psychiatrist
When looking for a psychiatrist, you might find the following list helpful. These questions are similar to the ones you want to ask when you look for a therapist:
What experience does she have with children and anxiety disorders?
What insurance does she take and who files the insurance?
Can she offer your child before- or after-school appointments?
What are the possible side effects of the medication she is prescribing?
How long will it take the medication to work?
Also, ask if your child should avoid other medications or certain foods while she takes the medication, what to do if the medication does not work, and how to stop the medication when it is time.
Question?
What is a psychiatric nurse, and how can she help?
In many clinic and hospital settings, a psychiatric nurse acts as “the right hand” of the psychiatrist. Psychiatric nurses often gather history and background information at your visits with the psychiatrist. They will often be your first point of contact, and will interface with the doctor about your concerns. Some psychiatric nurses can even recommend an increase or decrease in your child's dosage as well.
