Treatment options
Treatment options for a mood disorder vary depending on your diagnosis and personal preference. There are many options and this may seem overwhelming at times. Take your time to learn what is available and to discuss with your health care professional what the best course of action for you might be.
In many cases, a combination of therapies is most effective and this can include different forms of medication, psychotherapy, social supports and alternative therapies. Finding the right treatment may take some time so don’t give up — you can feel better.
Health care professionals who offer therapy
A health care professional brings knowledge and skill to a therapeutic relationship. Their job is to provide the safety and guidance necessary to make you feel supported and secure in the important work that you are doing.
There are different types of health care professionals who offer therapy and the choice is a personal one, depending on what appeals to you and what your diagnosis is. Here are some of the most common types of health care professionals you might consider:
- Psychiatrists: medical doctors that specialize in psychiatric disorders
- Psychologists: trained professionals (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) that specialize in counselling and mental health issues
- General Practioners: many GPs are trained in psychotherapy and some specialize in psychotherapy
- Psychiatric Nurses: nurses who specialize in psychiatric disorders
- Social workers: qualified professionals (BSW or MSW), some of who specialize in mental health issues, and many of whom are trained in psychotherapy
Different therapies you might consider
There is a wide range of therapies available and, again, your choice will in part depend on what makes sense to you and what your particular concerns are. Here is a list of some the more common therapies used to treat people who are suffering from a mood disorder.