My psychiatrist of two years has had me on medication, but never once suggested therapy. Is this a problem?

If you feel that the treatment your psychiatrist has sought out for you isn't the best, it could be good to bring that up with said psychiatrist. What has made you ponder the possibility of therapy lately?

Psychological problems may have complex causes. To a degree everything that happens to a person IS "biological"; but there is also other external influences that can cause trauma (such as social events, abuse from other people, external stressors such as a hostile work environment or family environment, conflicts with loved ones in a relationship). A prescription alone is only designed to change a person's biology. It does nothing to change the external social/environmental influences that may be triggering the problem, acting as stressors, causing the problem and its symptoms to re-manifest itself. For many psychological conditions, a combination of medication AND therapy have proven to be more effective than either of those in isolation. As the client, it is your right to have certain expectations to receive quality care. You should feel comfortable to inquire why he is prescribing you this treatment, and if there are other avenues that you would like to try that might be more effective. It's YOUR mental health after all... If you feel like the treatment your psychiatrist is prescribing so far has been inadequate - Get a second opinion. Also, there are various resources available on this site (including qualified therapists) that may provide some guidance as to how therapy may supplement your mental healthcare.

I find that strange, as most of the time psychiatrists will not offer medication without therapy, but I would not consider it a problem. If you are feeling that medication alone is not working, you can ask your psychiatrist about therapy or seek therapy on your own. If you are not happy with your current psychiatrist, you can also seek a different one.

Not necessarily. They may think your symptoms are being managed effectively with medication alone, or have other reasons for not suggesting therapy. Not everyone sees a psychiatrist and a therapist at the same time. If you feel like speaking with a therapist could be potentially helpful for you, you could talk to your psychiatrist and ask them to recommend one. You don't usually need a referral, though, so if you feel you need to see a therapist you can also look for one on your own regardless of what the psychiatrist says.

There are quite a few studies which suggest that talking therapies are as effective as medication. To me, it would seem best if your psychiatrist discusses all of the options with you and makes a decision with your input. You might find this article about medications vs. therapy interesting: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201507/psychotherapy-vs-medications-the-verdict-is-in As Laraland said, you should probably discuss these concerns with your psychiatrist.

If you feel therapy is a good option for you or you're thinking/considering it: how do you feel about asking your psychiatrist about the possibility of therapy? Truth is, if you feel therapy will help you or you're willing to try, or just have some questions, it's your choice and you're free to ask your psychiatrist about it. And chances are, your psychiatrist can give you some input or know any therapist that may be specialized in what support you need. It's okay to ask your psychiatrist questions about your treatment, your options and discuss with them any resources or things that you feel might help you.

In the USA Psychiatrists have mostly gone away from providing talk therapy. Their expertise and practice is primarily geared toward prescribing and managing prescription meds. SW, psychologists, LPC etc. do the talk therapy and are readily available (with no side effects).

Are you satisfied? Are you feeling better? If you are not getting any better, start concidering another opinion....sometimes even different therapies might not work for us the same If you'd try therapy, go for it Your psychiatrist thinks one way, but if you think you need therapy, then problem exists... You know whats best for you

Yes, because without therapy you will not be able to tackle the underlying problems and issues beneath the psychological disorder you were diagnosed with.

May be the psychiatrist have assessed that therapy treatment for your problem wont work or will be more than enough to handle. May be you might have not opened up completely on your problem with your psychiatrist.