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Where to turn for help
Although psychiatrists are likely to be involved at some point in the treatment for depression--if only to prescribe medication--it is not essential to see one when the symptoms begin. There are a number of different places to turn for help.
If you are unsure of where to start, you can even check the yellow pages under "mental health," "health," "social services," "suicide prevention," "crisis intervention services," "hotlines," "hospitals," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses. In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for an emotional problem and will be able to tell you where and how to get further help.
Listed below are the types of people and places that can provide diagnostic and treatment services or refer you to individuals who can.
- Family doctors
- Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Health maintenance organizations or HMOs
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- University or medical school-affiliated mental health programs
- State hospital outpatient clinics
- Clergy
- Private clinics and facilities
- Employee assistance programs
- Local medical and/or psychiatric societies.
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