I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

How can I get help from a psychiatrist?
Here’s what you can do if you wish to get help from a psychiatrist. If
you prefer an early appointment (within a day or
week), a preferred day and time for consultation,
and a regular doctor present each session, I suggest
that you go for private psychiatric services. Referral
letters are not necessary.
If you prefer treatment at a more affordable professional fee, I
suggest that you go for psychiatric services in government
hospitals. All major government hospitals have psychiatric services.
You’ll need to bring a referral letter* from a general practitioner or
family doctor to get an appointment date – you may not be seen
immediately unless the situation is serious and urgent attention is
needed. The waiting period depends on the patient load of the
hospital; it can be up to 1-2 months.
* A referral letter is a letter which is usually written by a medical
doctor, recommending you to seek further help from more
specialized medical service. If the referral letter is from a
government hospital or clinic, the fee for the first consultation in
government psychiatric service may be lower.
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