How to Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Psychiatrist
You’ve made an appointment to see a psychiatrist. You are about to share some of the most personal and vulnerable parts of your life with a near-stranger. For this process to be successful, you need to be able to trust that person. A strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is not just a nice bonus in psychiatric care; it is the very foundation upon which all effective treatment is built.
At Televero Health, we know that this relationship is a two-way street. Your provider has a responsibility to be professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental. But you, as the patient, also play an active role in building that sense of trust and partnership. A good therapeutic alliance is one of the strongest predictors of a positive treatment outcome.
Why Is Trust So Important?
Trust is essential in any doctor-patient relationship, but it is uniquely critical in psychiatry. You need to feel safe enough to be completely honest about your symptoms, your fears, your history, and even your use of substances. As we’ve discussed, your psychiatrist relies on this honest information to make an accurate diagnosis and a safe, effective treatment plan. If you hold back because you don’t trust them, you are inadvertently hindering your own care.
Trust also allows you to have faith in the treatment process. When your psychiatrist recommends a medication, you need to trust their expertise and judgment. When the treatment doesn’t work right away, you need to trust them enough to be patient and stick with the plan. This collaborative spirit is essential for navigating the ups and downs of recovery.
What You Can Do to Build Trust
Building a good relationship is an active process. Here are some things you can do to help foster a sense of trust and partnership with your provider.
1. Be Open and Honest from the Start
Make a commitment to yourself to be as honest as you can, even when it’s difficult. Share your concerns, your symptoms, and your goals. This honesty is the greatest act of trust you can show your provider, and it sets a positive tone for the entire relationship. Remember, they have heard it all before. Their office is a confidential, judgment-free space.
2. Be an Active, Engaged Participant
Don’t be a passive recipient of care. Be an active partner. Prepare for your appointments by thinking about your progress and writing down your questions. When your provider explains something, listen carefully. If you don’t understand, ask for clarification. When you show that you are invested in your own treatment, it demonstrates to your provider that you are a serious partner in this process.
3. Provide Feedback
Your relationship with your psychiatrist is a professional one, and feedback is a normal part of any professional relationship. If something is not working for you, it’s important to say so. This includes feedback about the treatment itself, as well as the relationship. For example, you could say:
- “I’m feeling concerned about this side effect we discussed. I’d like to talk more about my options.”
- “I felt a little rushed in our last appointment. Could we make sure we have time to cover my main questions today?”
Giving feedback respectfully shows that you trust your provider enough to be direct with them and that you are committed to making the partnership work.
4. Give It Time
Trust doesn’t always happen overnight. Like any relationship, it can take a few appointments to build a sense of rapport and comfort. Be patient with the process. As you see your provider demonstrate their competence, their compassion, and their commitment to your well-being over time, your trust will naturally grow.
What If It’s Not a Good Fit?
Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, it’s just not a good personality fit. If after a few appointments you consistently feel that your provider is not listening to you, is dismissive of your concerns, or simply doesn’t make you feel safe, it is okay to seek a second opinion or find a different provider. You have the right to feel comfortable with the person you are entrusting with your mental health. Finding the right fit is a key part of the journey.
A strong therapeutic relationship is a powerful tool for healing. By being an open, honest, and engaged patient, you can help to build a partnership with your psychiatrist that will serve as the bedrock of your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- A trusting relationship with your psychiatrist is the foundation of effective mental healthcare.
- Trust allows you to be honest about your symptoms, which is essential for an accurate diagnosis and a safe treatment plan.
- You can help build trust by being open and honest, preparing for your appointments, asking questions, and providing respectful feedback.
- If after a few appointments you feel it’s not a good fit, it is okay to seek care from a different provider.
Ready to take the first step? We can help. Get started with Televero Health today.