Psychiatry

Is my concern significant enough for psychiatry?

You do not need to be in a severe crisis to speak with us. Our consultations are open to any mental health concern, including those for which you may not yet have found the words.

During the initial consultation, you begin by sharing what is on your mind. Your doctor listens, helps you make sense of your situation, and discusses with you whether psychiatry, psychotherapy, or both would be appropriate for you.

You can register by email or through our web form, or give us a call. Whatever you write to us goes to your location’s HIN-protected address. If you are insured under a GP model, please include a referral from your GP practice so that your health insurer covers the treatment. A quick check with your health insurer beforehand will provide clarity. If you are self-funding your treatment, you can register with us directly.

What does psychiatry cover, and what does psychotherapy cover?

Psychiatry is a medical discipline. Our specialist doctors assess your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and prescribe medication where appropriate.

In psychotherapy, you explore what is on your mind through regular conversations, working with our psychotherapists or psychiatrists. For psychological psychotherapy covered by basic health insurance, a medical referral order is required, usually from your GP practice. If you do not have one, you begin within the psychiatry department at Medikon. If the doctor there considers psychotherapy advisable, they will issue the referral order.

With us, both disciplines work hand in hand. The psychotherapists collaborate closely with our in-house psychiatrists to discuss matters concerning medication or certificates of incapacity for work. For you, everything stays in the same building.

How should I prepare for the appointment?

You do not need to prepare very much. If you have reports from previous treatments, such as from a clinic or another practice, please feel free to bring them with you. The same applies to your medication schedule or a list of any medications you are currently taking.

It can be helpful to jot down a few notes beforehand: What is affecting your daily life most at present? What questions would you like to ask?

At the end of the initial consultation, you and your specialist will discuss together how best to proceed.

What role does medication play?

Medication is never used in isolation, but as part of an integrated, holistic plan. Our guiding principle is: as little as possible, as specifically targeted as necessary.

During your consultation, your doctor will explain how medications work, their potential side effects, and the advantages and disadvantages. They will discuss the reasons for and against openly with you, and you will make the decision together.

If you are prescribed medication, you will attend regular follow-up appointments. These sessions allow us to see how well you tolerate the treatment and what has changed in your day-to-day life. If necessary, the dose is adjusted, and any eventual discontinuation is guided step by step. Prescriptions are issued by our specialist doctors at our locations.