Talking to you primary care provider about mental health treatment options can be challenging, especially when it comes to something that they may be less familiar with, like psychedelics. Remember, your mental health is a key part of your overall health, and it is important to seek treatment if you are feeling unwell. At Numinus, we are here to help you navigate this potentially intimidating process.
When it is time to talk to your primary care provider, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Take Your Time
You may want to request an extended appointment to help ensure you do not feel rushed in speaking with your primary care provider. Also, take the time before your appointment to ensure that you have all the things you need and that you are mentally prepared for the conversation. Be aware that your primary care provider may not respond favourably, but you can address this with preparation.
Have the Facts
Ensure that you are familiar with the program you are seeking out so that you will be able to tell your primary care provider about it. If you are interested in ketamine-assisted therapy, read over our FAQ on the web and bring our Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Information Package as well as the GP Referral Form with you to your appointment.
If you are interested in our offerings through Health Canada’s Special Access Program, ensure that you have read over our Special Access Program Overview document and that you bring this with you to your appointment.
Write Down Important Information
Before you meet with your primary care provider, write down what you would like to talk about. It can be helpful to have your thoughts organized like this to ensure that you are able to address all of the points you would like to discuss.
For example:
- Your symptoms
- These could be physical, mental, emotional, or behavioural changes or states that you have noticed in your life
- A mood journal or log detailing how your mood affects your everyday life and tracking how your mood changes over time; templates for this can be found on the internet for you to print off and use, or you can make your own
- Key personal information, such as traumatic events in your past, or current stressors you have in your life
- Your medical information, such as other physical or mental conditions you currently live with
- Bring a list of all current medications, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and cannabis or other substances
- Treatment or therapy approaches you have tried
- Any questions you may have
If you have a close and trustworthy person in your life, it may be helpful to work through this with them so that they can provide you with additional insight and other ideas; two heads are better than one.
Support Can Help
If you have a close and trustworthy person who is willing to support you on your healing journey, consider bringing them with you to your appointment. It can be helpful to have someone you trust start the conversation with your primary care provider, or they can be there simply to offer you support. You may want to make a plan in advance with them so they know what role you are hoping for them to play.
Resources for Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider can reach out to any of our clinics directly for any questions they may have and arrange to speak with our Medical Director.
They can also visit our webpages for referring professionals for additional information: