What kind of healthcare professionals do I need for depression?
Usually the first person you see for your depression is your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor is your "regular doctor," the person you see most often for health concerns. Your doctor will review your symptoms, your medical history, your family medical history, and the results of your physical examination and laboratory tests and make an assessment of your depression. See How Does My Doctor Know It's Depression?
Your primary care doctor may diagnose and treat your depression or, if needed, refer you to a mental health specialist. Mental health specialists may include psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, or licensed social workers.