Have you reached the point in your mental health journey where you want to take antidepressants but don’t know who to turn to? While antidepressant medication isn’t for everyone, it’s important to consult a mental health professional who is licensed to prescribe medications like antidepressants. That way, you can ensure you get the right care for your anxious or depressive symptoms.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can get a prescription and who’s qualified to prescribe antidepressants. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to start searching for the right healthcare provider.
At Klarity, we understand that navigating anxiety and depression can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to endure long waitlists or inconvenient commutes to get the care you need. That’s why we connect you with a licensed mental health provider online, right from the comfort of your own home.
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How to Get an Antidepressant Prescription
Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and some other mental health disorders. The only way to get a prescription for antidepressants is through a healthcare provider. Various healthcare professionals can prescribe them if they determine antidepressants are a medically necessary part of your treatment plan. It’s important to understand the different types of providers and their qualifications.
See A Mental Health Professional
Not all mental health providers are the same. Each one has different specialties and licenses. Several types of mental health professionals can prescribe antidepressants, from primary care providers to psychiatrists.
Primary Care Providers
Primary care providers (PCPs), such as family doctors and internists, can prescribe antidepressants and provide ongoing care. However, if your case is particularly complex or requires a specialist, you may need to see a psychiatrist to get the best mental health treatment. Your PCP can also refer you to a psychiatrist who can better address your symptoms.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health and are specifically trained to diagnose and treat mental illness. These healthcare providers typically work with more complex mental health conditions and can interpret your health history and current symptoms to select the right antidepressant medication.
Psychiatric Nurses
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are nurses who have had additional training in mental health or psychiatric nursing. These nurses have graduate-level degrees and can prescribe antidepressant medication just like a psychiatrist.
Physician’s Assistants
Physician’s Assistants are state-licensed and nationally certified healthcare providers. They are medically trained and can develop care plans and prescribe antidepressant medication across the US.
Use A Telehealth Service
Another option outside of seeing a provider in person is to use a telehealth service, where you can consult with a mental health professional online or over the phone. Telemedicine can be a convenient option for those who don’t want to wait a long time for their appointment or travel to a physical office to receive mental health treatment.
Who Can’t Prescribe Antidepressants?
Not all mental health professionals can prescribe antidepressants. The following types of providers are not able to prescribe medications.
Psychologists
A psychologist typically has a master’s degree and can provide therapy services, conduct research, diagnose disorders, and supervise interns. However, they are not able to prescribe medications for mental health conditions. If you’re looking for different kinds of talk therapy, individually or in a group setting, they can provide counseling to help manage symptoms of mental illness.
Counselors
Counselors and therapists usually have bachelor’s degrees and cannot prescribe medication. Like psychologists, they can offer guidance, therapy, and coping strategies to help you navigate your symptoms and improve your mental health.
Social Workers
While social workers cannot prescribe antidepressant medication, they can provide counseling, therapy, and other types of support. Often working with government agencies or non-profits, social workers can help manage mental health issues among individuals, communities, and families.
Can Therapists Prescribe Antidepressants?
Mental health counselors and therapists cannot prescribe antidepressants. However, the above mentioned professionals like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, physicians assistants, and primary care physicians can. If your mental health counselor or therapist believes medication may be helpful, they can refer you to one of those professionals for further assistance.
What Is The Difference Between Psychiatrists and Primary Care Providers?
While both psychiatrists and primary care providers can prescribe antidepressants, there are some key differences between the two. Psychiatrists are medical professionals who have completed specialized training in mental health and are specifically trained to diagnose and treat mental illness. They can provide medication management and ongoing care.
On the other hand, primary care providers are not specialists in mental health and may have a more general understanding of mental illness. They can prescribe antidepressants but may not be as well equipped to provide ongoing care or manage complex cases.
Remember that it’s also important to have a regular check-up with your primary care provider to ensure that the medication is not affecting other aspects of your health and to ensure you receive holistic care.
Meet With a Healthcare Provider Who Can Prescribe Antidepressants with Klarity
At Klarity Health, we work with providers who deliver exceptional care right from the comfort of your own home. You’ll be seen quickly and you won’t have to worry about any hidden costs or fees.
Make an appointment with a provider on Klarity Health and get in within 24 hours.*
Sources:
“Your Primary Care Provider Can Help Treat your Mental Health, Too” University Hospitals
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
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