One would require a referral from a GP to see a psychiatrist. However, most GPs are well qualified to treat anxiety disorders, especially if a patient has a good relationship with his GP. Psychiatrists are usually reserved for difficult to treat cases (whether using meds or not) as you can imagine how backlogged the system would become if every patient with similar conditions was referred. Also, with the advent of primary care networks, a lot of GPs have access to psychologists that are subsidized by primary care networks.
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Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Just in case anyone is confused (I myself used to find this distinction confusing)...
Psychiatrist - trained medical doctor who has taken further schooling to specialize in mental illness treatment. They will tend to prescribe drugs as treatments.
Psychologist - not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe. They are trained in counselling and therapy.
I've seen a lot of recommendations for seeing a General Practitioner, but wouldn't these guys have a lot less specialized knowledge than a Psychiatrist?
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