"A Place to Turn"
PRIVATE CONSULTATION
"MORE THAN A REFERRAL"
 "I
don't know where to turn!" That expresses the bewilderment
of people who need help for depression and other mental health
problems. "A place to turn" defines a primary role of
the Depression Connection Team. DCT is here to join with people
in their efforts to get appropriate help as soon as possible.
This function of DCT is called Consultation. It is not counseling.
Consultation is information (education) on an individual
basis. When people, individuals or families, etc. turn
to DCT they discuss their needs with a consultant to arrive at
a level of understanding that will enable the client to move forward.
This includes:
1. Knowledge about the problem
2. What may be required to help
3. Where to get more information
4. How to get help
5. A plan of action
6. Back-up support by DCT
Client's plans include what they are going to do, and what Depression
Connection Team will do to support them. Informed people tend
to be faithful to a plan and benefit from the resources that are
available to them. There are ways and means for everyone to receive
professional services if needed. Those who contact DCT have opportunities
to receive help soon. Consultants remain supportive of each person
as long as it is desired and needed.
TELEPHONE CONSULTATION
Depression Connection Team helps many people by telephone. When
an office consultation is not possible or not needed for a caller's
interest, telephone consultation can be beneficial. Often people
call and ask for help finding a doctor. In such cases, doctors
and counselors can be identified. When someone calls the DCT office,
a decision is made regarding whether there shall be office or
telephone consultation. You can phone us at 817-810-9599.
E-MAIL DISCUSSION
Initial contact and dialogue may be by E-mail.
At some point in the dialog it may be decided that telephone or
office consultation will be beneficial. To contact us by email,
click here.
FINANCIAL
There is no charge for telephone consultation, and office consultations
are done on a sliding scale from $0 to $50, based on ability to
pay. No one will be turned away if they cannot make a contribution.
GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A DOCTOR, by Tony Campbell
1. As you would do with other illnesses, go to a specialist
in the field. In the case of mental health, that is a psychiatrist.
2. Choose only from psychiatrists who are recommended by
someone who has had a good experience. Do not choose from
the yellow pages, for example. Talk to a minister, the Depression
Connection Team, mental health agencies, friends, family or acquaintances
who have had a good experience.
3. Realize that you might get help from the first doctor
you choose. However, be prepared to choose again and again,
if necessary, in order to get the help you need. DO NOT
GIVE UP!
HOW TO HELP YOUR DOCTOR
1. Be open and honest during the interview. Often
it is helpful to have a family member present to assist in doing
this.
2. If medication is prescribed, trust your doctor.
Take the medication faithfully as prescribed. Trust your
feelings as well. If you feel that a medication is hurting
you, take it up with your doctor immediately. Learn all
you can about the medication. Your doctor and pharmacist
will help you. Read the material that you receive with the
medication.
3. Plan to stay with your doctor if the treatment is helpful
or gives some promise of helping.
4. Feel free to go for another opinion if you believe it
would be helpful.
5. Always have caring and knowledgeable family members
or friends join you in each step above. It is essential
for success.
6. Do not give up. Help is available. Do not
expect it to be fast or easy. It is worth all the effort
you can give.
7. The Depression Connection Team is here to help you understand
your problem and support you as you go for the help you need.
GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A THERAPIST (COUNSELOR)
1. Medication treatment helps you more when you are also
having counseling (counseling therapy).
2. Choose your therapist carefully. (See 1,2,3 under
CHOOSING A DOCTOR )
3. The Depression Connection Team can help you with that
decision.
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