I would go to either or it probably wouldnt hurt to start with a psychologist .

I think a psychologist would be better. Just my opinion.

I would try a psychiatrist at some point...cos they would be able to determine whether you require meds, cos if you do, then taking them and alleviating the anxiety a bit makes therapy (like CBT) more effective cos you have a clearer mind(apparently). but I would definitely make sure you get therapy in addition to the drugs (whether from a psychiatrist or a psychologist), as therapy is the thing that has the long-lasting effect of training your brain to reduce the anxious thoughts in the first place. good luck, good on you for taking this step.

Different things work for different people. If you are going to stay away from meds then just see a licensed therapist. They seem to work better since they are more down to earth and tend to be cheaper on the wallet.

Well my first visit to the psychiatrist was yesterday. She told me that unless I see a therapist I'll be on the meds forever. She said my anxiety & depression will not get any better with the meds alone. Basically the meds are like a bandaid and the therapist will heal the wound. Good luck

From my personal experience, I'd see a psychologist first...that's what I did. I was able to talk out my issues and figure out the root of the anxiety. Now I have anxiety under control and I dont take meds for it.
Good luck. The most important thing is that you visit any doctor...and if one cant help you, they'll tell you who can.
Take Care

I saw the doctor first to make sure i wan't haveing a heart attack. Then i saw a physchiatrist for some meds as i had real bad panic attacks. Then i went to a theraphist. I'm still seeing the physchiatrist once every 5 months to check on meds. I was heavy at first on meds and then we weaned me off of them. I see the theraphist once every 2 weeks to talk things out and learn various techniques to handle the anxiety and panic. In my opinion it takes both the phychiatrist and theraphist to do the job right so you have the least amount of problems.

well as soon as i was diagnosed i got both...get some xanax at least if your attacks are bad...if not then go see a psychologist..i have one and it helped me alot !! just get some help, it helps talking and it made me feel better and made me feel like im not really crazy....

I've seen both. Psychiatrists prescribe the meds, if you need them/want them. Psychologists are for talking to about the issues causing the problems.

A word of advice: not all psychiatrists or therapists are alike. Keep in mind that you will likely have to shop around to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. it's a great idea to ask people in your area who see a therapist, which one they see--they'll tell you who they like, but they'll probably be able to save you from seeing the nutjobs who actually have PhD's in psych (you know the saying, right?).

Good luck!

i see a psycologist, who referred me to a psychiatrist for meds. i go to both regularly.

I thought the same thing at first too. In 1999 I went to a physhologist first. I don't believe, and I could be wrong, they cannot perscribe meds. We did cognitive therapy and breathing techs. Now that they came back a few months ago, my family doctor told me to see a physciatrist... They both in my opion asked the same questions and talked to me the same way too??? I would say a physciatrist if I were you. Just a thought Good Luck :)

Daily prayer may help, eliminate bread from your diet .exercise, see a therapist but see the him/her only for a short term for good resuls. Force yourself to laugh many times during the day. It releases seratonin in the brain for relaxation.

thank you for your questions. I thought of simular question my self...

Psychiatrists prescribe meds, they are not necessarily for talk therapy.
Psychologists can do talk therapy and in some states can get licensed to prescribe drugs.
A LPC (Licensed Proffesional Counselor) can do talk therapy.
I got my meds from my medical doctor because I trust him and we have a good relationship. I also was in therapy with a psychologist. It all depends on who you are comfortable with. Actually my OB/GYN offered me Zoloft too. Looks like almost anyone can give out anti-depressants these days.
There is also a theory about a lack of serotonin in the brain leading to depression and anxiety. So whether it be a chemical imbalance or something you have to talk about, there is an issue. And there are professionals who can help you find it.