Is a counsellor or psychiatrist best

My best advice is to consult whomever wrote the prescription for the tablets he has already received. Ask that physician if he thinks a psychiatrist would be bennificial. Keeping in mind that a psychiatrist cannot treat someone who wants treatment in one session. When someone starts seeing a shrink they should plan on going every week to every four weeks depending on the shrinks schedual and how often it is felt the patient needs to 'check in', the more meds the patient takes the more often they should see the Dr. so that the meds are being closely monitored.

However, If he has made it 73 years without needing a psychiatrist then I really don't think he has to start to see one now.

If the problem he is having is due to something that happened in his life that he has been unable to get past alone and needs to be dealt with using a straight head to talk out the problem/event until he is able to move on, then a counsellor would be the best choice. If a counsellor becomes his decsion to talk to (it has to be his decsion or it would be a waste of everyone's time.) and a waiting list is standing in the way then explore the many resources available.If he attends a church the minister or Priest should be able to offer counselling services at the church, or at least recomend a sister-church that offers counselling services. I'm sure if you pull out your local yellow pages and look up Counselling services and start calling around you will find someone who is available now. Or try a local senior's citizans center as they might be able to offer some service.