How to begin?

[Checkers]

I'm wondering if I may suffer from depression, but I'm not sure where to start to get a diagnosis. Do I go to my regular doctor who'll possibly send me on to a specialist? Do I call a specialist directly for an appointment? If so, exactly what kind of doctor am I looking for? I know that insurance often requires that you go to your GP first and get a referal to be covered. But I also have had the experience that GPs may try to deal with whatever the issue is and deal with it incorrectly. I can afford to pay a specialist directly to be sure I can proper care. So what next????

[sillygirl]

Hey Checkers. It's a positive thing that you're concerned enough to go see someone about it. I don't know what kind of insurance you have, but you could probably get a referral for a Phd from your GP. Or, if you want to pay a professional directly, get a referral from a friend. Also, many hospitals offer group therapy, you could check into that as well.

Take care of yourself.

[LuckyD]

Some insurances will cover psychologists and psychiatrists. Check into it, you will probably be pleasantly suprised. You will need to have an MD prescribe an anti-depressant for you, and they will probably require the recommendation for one from a therapist. Also, before jumping on any medication make sure it is what you really need. A lot of depression can be solved in therapy. Good luck!

EDIT

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