I know the vast majority of antidepressant prescriptions are given out by GPs as compared to psychiatrists. I don’t know of any stats of GPs providing psychotherapy. My guess is that they use a completely different billing code than would psychiatrists (in other words they would bill for a medical office visit of xx minutes duration). So, while the billing code would reflect one thing, what took place in the actual meeting with the physician might be quite different. I think the take home message is to find a provider that is a good match for your needs and that you connect with.

I have fond, not found, memories of the GP!

WW

I had occasion to utilize my GP (about 5 years ago) to obtain a prescription for an antidepressant. (The local psychiatrists were all booked up at least 6 months out.)

This GP gave me an extended amount of his time at each appointment. Of course he wanted to know if I was continuing in psychotherapy, a requirement of his to issue the prescription. But he spent at least a half hour at each appointment “just chatting,” yet really testing my mood on a variety of levels. I have very found memories of him. Really, now that I recall all of this, I must send him a note, thanking him for his kindness.

There are doctors, then there are Doctors. My GP fell into the latter group.

WW

One thing I liked about my doctor is that even though it was only scheduled for a fifteen minute appt, sometimes we would talk for much longer than that and on things other than medication. It was nice.

I’m glad to hear that Catherine. It helps restore a little of my faith in psychiatry. I’ve just heard to many negative stories I think sometimes.

Such as, “So, you’re more depressed. Are you suicidal? No? Okay, well I’ll see you next time.” Not that I haven’t heard bad stories about therapists and counselors to, but this stands out in relation to my post. But I’ve had others comment that their psychiatrists was interested in more than just meds, so this helps me to be a bit less cynical. Thank you.

(btw, I turned the comments back on)