Ask what the practice actually offers
Psychiatrists can provide psychotherapy as well as medical evaluation and prescribing. Individual practices differ in how they organize that work. When you contact a practice, ask whether the psychiatrist personally offers ongoing therapy and what a typical appointment involves.
At this practice, Dr. Figueroa personally provides psychotherapy. Medication, when appropriate, can be managed within the same treatment relationship.
What matters about the arrangement
If you want to explore recurring emotional patterns or relationship difficulties in depth, it helps to know that the appointment format is intended for that work. You can ask about session length, frequency, the therapist’s approach, and how goals will be discussed.
An integrated arrangement can give you a place to discuss both your experience in therapy and questions about medication. Other arrangements involve a therapist and a separate prescriber. The useful question is which setting fits your needs and how communication will work.
Questions for an initial conversation
You do not need to choose on credentials alone. The consultation is also an opportunity to notice whether you can ask questions, describe concerns, and understand the reasoning behind a proposed plan.
- Will you be the person providing my psychotherapy?
- How would we decide what to work on?
- What role might medication have, and how would we discuss that decision?
- How often would we meet, and how would we review progress?
- What should I do if I feel the approach is not helping?
Further reading
National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
General educational information; personal treatment decisions belong in an individual consultation.