The type of doctor or clinician to look for depends a great deal on the extent of your problem with compulsive spending, and whether you have any other conditions like depression, a personality disorder, another process or substance addiction. Probably the most important first step is to get a thorough evaluation, perhaps at an addictions treatment facility in your area. Anyone that you eventually work with needs to be able to help you to understand why you spend compulsively, how and when it began, what triggers it and what the consequences of your overspending are, not just financial, but social, interpersonal, occupational, and even spiritual. You need to work with someone who can help you to understand what you're really shopping for, what the underlying authentic needs are that you're trying to meet through overspending, and help you discover healthier, ultimately more fulfilling ways to meet those needs.

I personally don't know yet of any clinicians in your area who specialize in working with compulsive spenders. Whoever you decide to see, find out about that professional's experience in working with compulsive spenders and ask about his or her approach. Even if you don't find someone who is experienced with this problem in your area, there are a variety of resources and services available by phone and online. At Stopping Overshopping we do individual and group coaching and offer the Stopping Overshopping Program on our website www.stoppingovershopping.com, which you can work with on your own or with a friend, therapist, or family member. Debtors Anonymous is another resource that's been very helpful for some people, and there is probably one near to where you live. For more information on these resources and others, take a look at the comprehensive resource center we've compiled on our site http://www.stoppingovershopping.com/resources.htm.