Psychiatrists

Finding a qualified psychiatrist who is right for you is an important part of your treatment.

Various Ways to Find a Psychiatrist
If you have insurance, it is normally most helpful to search through the insurance channels. Often, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card or search on your insurance company’s website using your zip code to locate a list of psychiatrists in your area.

There are websites that might be useful in your search as well, although they do not necessarily list all the possibilities in your area. Some links that may be helpful are:

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/doctors (select "Psychiatrist" under the heading "Specialist")

http://maps.google.com/ (search for "Psychiatrist" in your area)

http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/child_and_adolescent_psychiatrist_finder/child_and_adolescent_psychiatrist_finder (Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder)

From the group of psychiatrists you find in your area, it is helpful to narrow the list down to only those who specialize in or are experienced in treating Social Anxiety Disorder or similar problems.

Points To Remember When Choosing A Psychiatrist
There are many different medications that can be prescribed for SAD, and doctors may be familiar with certain types and more likely to prescribe them for your condition. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), like Paxil and Zoloft, are the most commonly prescribed medications for social anxiety, but psychiatrists can recommend a variety of different types, including benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin and Xanax, beta-blockers, like Inderal and MAOIs, like Nardil and Parnate.

Researching these medications will help you know what medications to ask about or discuss with your psychiatrist when you have found the right one for you. Feeling comfortable enough with your doctor to approach him or her with questions and discuss which medication and therapies might be right for you is essential in determining which psychiatrist you choose.