A psychiatrist is a doctor specialising in mental health. He treats the various disorders, traumas and psychological difficulties that people may encounter in the course of their lives. Their aim is to help you recover from your mental illnesses, and they can prescribe medication. We answer your questions about psychiatrists, their services and when it’s a good idea to consult one.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
The first difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is in their training. A psychiatrist studied medicine and specialised in psychiatry. Psychologists, on the other hand, have studied psychology and do not have the title of doctor. As a result, they do not make medical diagnoses and cannot prescribe medication.
When should I see a psychiatrist?
As indicated in the introduction, psychiatrists treat mental illnesses. The following is a non-exhaustive list of illnesses treated by psychiatrists:
- Depression
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Anorexia
- Phobias
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorders
- ADHD (attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity)
If you suspect that you have one of these illnesses, we recommend that you first talk to your GP. He or she will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis and tell you if and when you need to see a psychiatrist. However, you can make an appointment directly with the professional of your choice via OneDoc.ch (some even offer teleconsultation).
And we can’t stress this enough: there’s no shame or guilt in feeling that you need help!
Are psychiatric services reimbursed by insurance companies?
Since psychiatrists are members of the medical profession, their services are reimbursed by basic health insurance in Switzerland. You will still have to contribute to the costs by paying your excess, the deductible and 10% of the services.
How does a session with a psychiatrist work?
The first session is an opportunity to get to know you. He/she will ask you questions about your history, your symptoms and try to understand the situation as a whole. This will enable him/her to assess the best therapeutic approach for you. As every patient is different, this may take one or more sessions.
Depending on the course of treatment and the number of sessions, he or she may prescribe medication. The number of sessions will also vary, depending on whether you are in crisis or stable. As you are unique, the psychiatrist’s treatment will be adapted to your situation. There is no magic formula. In some cases, he/she may refer you to psychologists or other appropriate professionals.
The relationship with your psychiatrist must be one of trust. It’s important that you feel at ease so that you can talk to him/her openly. What’s more, you shouldn’t hesitate to change doctors if you feel the contact isn’t working. Remember, you’re the patient and you’re the one who needs to get better! So make the choices that are best for you. If it’s difficult to make a decision or if you’re hesitating, don’t hesitate to ask your GP for help or to try a trial session with another psychiatrist.éraliste ou d’essayer de faire une séance d’essai avec un autre psychiatre.
