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Psychologist visit
psychologist · counseling · talk therapy · counselor
A specialist who helps you work through feelings, relationships, and hard situations by talking. They are not a doctor and do not prescribe medicines.
For stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, a crisis, or behavior problems in children.
⏱ Duration: a session usually lasts 50 to 60 minutes; you decide together how many sessions
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Your goal. Think about what you want to come with. If it is hard to put into words, that is normal. You will work it out together.
- For a child. For parents: often you come together the first time, sometimes first without the child. Ask in advance.
- Place. For an online session, find a quiet place where no one can overhear you.
What to bring
- Your ID, if the clinic asks
- A notebook, if you want to take notes
How it goes
- You get to know each other and talk about what bothers you
- The specialist explains how the work will go
- You talk at your own pace
- Together you set goals
- You agree on the next session
What you'll feel
- It can be hard to talk about personal things. That is normal
- After a session, you may feel tired or relieved
Afterwards
- Results usually show after a few sessions
- You can change specialists if it does not feel right
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Thoughts of harming yourself: do not wait for the session. Call emergency services
Common questions
How many sessions will I need?
It varies: from a few to many months. Discuss it with your psychologist.
Can a psychologist prescribe medicine?
No. If medicine is needed, they will suggest seeing a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.