What is a medical rule-out and why is my therapist asking for one?

When you see a therapist you are seeking help to improve the quality of your life and often to reduce symptoms that are causing you problems. Common symptom complaints include difficulty sleeping, headaches, racing heart, and feeling sad. It is important for your therapist to know that your symptoms are not due to an underlying medical problem. Talking to your doctor about your symptoms and making sure that they are not due to or aggravated by physical health problems such as iron deficiency or sleep apnea is important. It is particularly important if your symptoms are new and have "come out of nowhere."

Sometimes people find it anxiety provoking to talk to their doctor or feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. With a signed release, your therapist can assist you in communicating to your primary care physician. Your therapist can also role play with you common discussions to help increase your confidence in talking with your doctor about your symptoms.