psychiatrist or psychologist? | ADHD Information

Personally, I see a psychiatrist. In my case, I'm lucky because he's fairly well known as an ADHD expert. Meds are a complicated issue, I agree with those who prefer a psychiatrist for that. The meds affect everyone differently, and you really want help to interpret your side effects properly.I got my meds from a psychiatrist MD. Psychologist Phd can't prescribe meds so if you need them will need to have  another doctor write the script. Of course most Pychiatrist don't do anything but issue meds so if you need therapy they are not a good option. For awhile I saw both an MD and Phd. I'm not big on therapy so dropped the Phd but for some behavoiral therapy works wonders. That is a good question.  I agree with emfabry the Psychiatrist regulates the medication.  my beef with psychiatrists are they see you for what 15 minutes and bill for plenty and if you see a therapist they go by what they say as well as you.  1.2.3 and you are out the door.

so, is a therapist a psychologist?  or are they something totally different?

i don't know if my health insurance covers therapists....

do they cost a lot?

which one would you recommend?

edit: and why?

sonya_h38474.7104166667

Psychiatrists are necessary for proper medication management.  Do no rely on your primary care physician to prescribe your medications - they are not well versed in the specific needs and issues of people with ADHD.

 

If you feel behavior/congitive therapy would be of benefit to you, seek out either a Psychololist or therapist with a background in ADD.