The Consumer's Research Council recommends that you interview the psychiatrist and ask the following:

1. How long have you been in practice?

2. Is your staff friendly and accommodating?

3. What are the procedures if we need a doctor in the middle of the night or on a weekend?

4. Do you have an associate that covers for you when you are not available?

5. Do you have more than one office and if so, how is your time divided between offices?

6. What kind of continuing education do you utilize?

7. Do you accept phone calls during office hours?

8. How do you stay current on the latest drug prescriptions available and newest treatments?

9. What types of insurance coverage do you accept?

10. How do you handle billing? Do you require payment at the time of visit?

11. Do you specialize in handling certain types of problems. IE: Anxiety disorders/Drug Abuse, etc.?

12. Discuss your family medical history and particular problems you are concerned about.

13. After you have consulted a few psychiatrists you should have a good idea which one you felt most comfortable with and best answered your questions.