How to Find a Provider
If you have a primary care doctor, speaking with him or her is a good place to start. Tell your doctor how you are feeling and ask for some recommendations. If this is not a good option, look in the yellow pages or talk to someone at your local senior center, hospital, or university for the name of a person who can diagnose and treat depression.
How to Choose a Provider
Once you have found a provider, you will want to make sure that he or she is the right person to help you through depression. Print out the following list of questions to help you to "interview" your provider. The decision of who to see for treatment is an important one, and it's YOUR choice.
__ Do you accept my insurance/HMO/Medicare?
__ How long have you been practicing?
__ Are you licensed?
__ Do you treat people with all types of concerns, or do you have a specialty?
__ Do you specialize in treating older adults?
__ What kind of treatment(s) do you use?
__ Do you think that this (above) treatment will be helpful or effective for me?
__ How long will the (above) treatment last?
__ Do you ever involve family members in treatment?
__ What are your fees?
__ If you don't accept any of the above, do you have a Sliding Scale Plan or can we set up a Payment Plan?
__ Most important of all, ask yourself if you are comfortable and feel at ease with this person. Would you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions with him or her?
(information from the American Psychological Association)
Click for a printable version: How to Find a Provider (accessible PDF - Dowload Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Getting treatment is important because:
The sooner treatment starts, the faster a person begins to feel better.
As with other serious illnesses, professional help is needed.
Next: Managing Depression
