Sometimes they may even suggest this. It is always best to get a referral from someone you trust. Services are always confidential. Most hospitals have psychiatrists or other mental health professionals on staff who can be consulted by your doctor. Most psychiatrists, besides being affiliated with a hospital, will also have a private office where they see people as outpatients, as do other mental health professionals.
Some insurance companies provide coverage for outpatient psychotherapy.
These services are also available at your community mental-health agency, where fees may be adjusted to your income. Depression can be brought on by a change in your life situation, a serious loss, or even by bodily chemical changes. Certain kinds of cancer or medications may also cause depression. Trying to overcome severe depression by yourself most often doesn't work. Many doctors don't like to prescribe anti-depressants because these drugs are not especially effective for the sadness or depression that may follow a cancer diagnosis.