Dra. Marissa DeGuzman
986.5736
Medical Tower Makati
Fee: Php1,500
(She's the first psychiatrist I went to and I can say that she's good in making a diagnosis and prescribing the medications that is right for the client. I would recommend that you go to her if it's you're first time to see a psychiatrist.)
Dr. Dante Abcede
731.3001
UST Hospital
Fee: Php800
(He's skilled in the counseling process. He would not tell you what to do but would instead empower you to work on your personal strengths.)
Dra. Angie Sunga
0917.517.9977
Fee: Php2,000
(I met her at a talk regarding mental health issues and I can say that she has extensive knowledge about mood disorders like depression and bipolar.)
Dr. Randy Dellosa
415.6529
Fee: Php2,500
(He used to be a friend's therapist and I got good feedback about him. Being a holistic healer and integrative medicine practitioner, his methods are not limited to traditional counseling. He employs different kinds of alternative treatments, like touch therapy for emotional healing and body therapy.)
If you've ruled out clinical depression but would want to speak with someone who is trained in counseling, here are some options for you:
Light of Jesus Community
726.6728/726.4709
Fee: Donation of any amount
(This is a group founded by Bo Sanchez, a Catholic preacher. But you don't have to worry if you're not religious because there was no mention of the word God in the counseling process that they do, at least in my case. The counselor I've spoken to employed hypnotherapy, a technique which takes the counselee back to past experiences that could be the possible cause for the depression, or whatever the presenting problem is. By doing this, the counselee may be able to have some understanding why she's going through the things she did and be able to see clearly how she can address her issues. While I believe it's important for us to know why we are the way we are, I think one session is enough to delve in the past. It is a waste of time to discuss exhaustively what went on in the past. Instead, we should focus more on what we can do NOW.)
Icel Monsale
0919.693.7590
Fee: Php1000
(She's a a masters degree holder in psychology and a trained counselor who has handled many cases of depression and bipolar.)
For alternative treatments:
Reiki Healing
OHM Center
A healing space located in Quezon City. It is run by a friend who was diagnosed with bipolar and found healing through reiki. Check out OHM Center here.
Meditation
Christian mediation: visit http://www.wccm.org/content/philippines
Buddhist meditation: call 726.0600 (Greenhills area)
