When should I see a doctor?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. A psychiatrist may recommend medication treatment or opt for psychotherapy as a treatment option. Psychologists, on the other hand, are trained in basic psychology science (at the undergraduate level). Only those who have specialized in clinical psychology through a master’s program can practice in the mental health field and provide psychotherapy under the title of “clinical psychologist.”

The duration of psychotherapy varies depending on the individual’s mental condition and the chosen psychotherapy method. In depth-oriented approaches like psychoanalytic/psychodynamic schools, the process may take months or even years. In behavioral approaches (such as CBT, Mindfulness, Schema Therapy, EMDR, etc.), the work is symptom-focused, and sessions should typically end after 6 to 20 sessions.

In cases where symptoms need to be suppressed quickly and effectively (such as with CBT, Mindfulness, Schema Therapy, EMDR, etc.), behavioral approaches are typically preferred as a first step, similar to medication treatments. These methods aim to restore functional living as soon as possible.

However, when the goal is to listen more deeply to oneself, understand and transform recurring distressing experiences, and pursue profound and widespread change, therapies such as psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy or group analysis are preferred. The most accurate approach is to decide on the therapeutic method after an initial consultation with the psychotherapist.

Psychiatric medications should not be used except under the recommendation of your doctor. If a person feels they may need medication support, this should be evaluated with a psychiatrist. Significant impairment in functioning (such as occupational, social, or family life) is an important indicator of the need for medication. In particular, the presence of suicidal thoughts or psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations) indicates that medication treatment may be necessary.

Psychotropic medications prescribed with green or red prescriptions carry a risk of addiction. Therefore, they should be used with caution and under close supervision. Psychotropics prescribed with a white prescription (such as antidepressants, etc.) do not cause addiction, but they should still be used under the supervision of a specialist doctor.