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Treating depression abroad
How to ensure you get the right treatment while you’re living away from home
If you’re an expat experiencing symptoms of depression, a primary care doctor can often connect you with the right local health care providers for treatment. You can also turn to us for knowledgeable resources and finding professionals near you to help.
Here are some of the different types of providers you might be referred to. They work together to ensure you get the best care.
Psychiatrists
- A psychiatrist has a medical degree (MD) and extra training in the study of mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can:
- Assess your symptoms to make a diagnosis
- Determine whether medication might help
- Prescribe and monitor medication
- Provide psychotherapy
Psychologists
A psychologist has a master’s degree (MS) or doctorate (PhD /PsyD) in psychology. Psychologists are not medical doctors, so they usually do not prescribe medication. They can:
- Conduct psychological testing
- Assess your symptoms to make a diagnosis
- Provide talk therapy (counselling)
- Refer you to a psychiatrist for medication
Licenced counsellors, therapists and social workers
These professionals have a master’s degree (MS) or other graduate-level certification. This includes an internship and one or more years of supervised practice. They can:
- Assess your symptoms to make a diagnosis
- Provide talk therapy (counseling)
- Offer a specialised counselling focus such as family therapy
Psychiatric nurse practitioners
A psychiatric nurse is a registered nurse (RN) with additional graduate-level education in mental health. They can:
- Assess psychiatric conditions
- Prescribe and monitor medication
- Follow up with medication management and coordination of care
Our CARE team can help you find the right professionals in your area and other resources to combat depression while abroad. Contact Aetna International in your region.
