How Do I Choose the Best Psychiatrist for PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition in which an extremely traumatizing event produces a number of ongoing symptoms that severely impact the traumatized individual’s life. If you suffer from PTSD, you will likely find that choosing the right therapist can help facilitate the recovery process. To choose the best psychiatrist for PTSD, you may want to begin by getting a referral from a doctor, a friend, a reputable organization, or your insurance company. Next, check prospective psychiatrists’ qualifications, and find out what kinds of therapy they favor. Finally, when choosing a psychiatrist for PTSD, remember that your personal comfort is important.

Choosing a psychiatrist for PTSD at random can feel intimidating to many people. Thus, to find the best one, you may want to begin by getting a referral from a source you trust. Consider asking for a recommendation from your family physician or a friend, or consult a reputable organization that supports individuals who have sustained trauma. If you plan to use health insurance to pay for your treatment, you should also consult your insurance provider, as you may be required to choose from a list of approved psychiatrists.

After you have assembled a list of prospective psychiatrists, you may wish to consult with each to find out whether they might be a good fit for you. Ask about their qualifications and educational background to ensure that they are reputable physicians. It can also be very useful to ask about their prior experience working with individuals with PTSD, as you will likely find it best to choose a psychiatrist who has had proven success treating the condition. Additionally, ask what types of therapy a prospective psychiatrist usually favors, and consider asking the psychiatrist why she feels that form of therapy is useful.

Lastly, keep in mind that undergoing therapy for your condition will likely be quite challenging, and may require you to confront issues that will make you feel emotionally vulnerable. Consequently, when choosing a psychiatrist for PTSD, it is crucial to remember that your own comfort level matters. You might find that a psychiatrist who sounds impressive “on paper” simply does not allow you to establish the feeling of trust needed to make genuine progress with your treatment. Instead of feeling obligated to work with a psychiatrist with whom you do not feel comfortable, know that it is perfectly acceptable to continue looking until you have found a good match.