Looking for a psychiatrist

[enveri.livejournal.com]

Having some mental health issues that I need to get help addressing. I've looked through the tags, but the most recent post is almost two years old, and I have been trying off and on since I moved here a year and a half ago to find someone.

My experience thusfar is answering machines that ask me to leave a message, then never return my calls. Harvard Vanguard will not see me because my Primary Care is not with them. (My insurance only covers specialists with HV)

I'm at the point of being willing to pay out of pocket for someone that is alternative-lifestyle friendly and will answer their damned phone. I'd really rather not let this go on any longer, and I do not want to go to a clinic that's going to immediately decide I need to be admitted. (Which is, in my experience, what happens if you go in to a walk-in clinic with a psychiatric concern or complaint)

So does anyone have a recommendation? My insurance is with Cigna, for what it's worth. I have a car available, weekend/evening hours a huge plus, as I work within the Boston city limits.

(I have a several-years-old-diagnosis that does indicate that medication is a necessity, so I do need a psychiatrist. I am sure I will receive a further referral to a therapist from that point)

Edited to add: Thank you everyone for all the suggestions and assistance. I have an appointment to see a therapist that's in the same office as my GP. I'm feeling hopeful that this will bear fruit.

Comments

[dreda.livejournal.com]

I have nothing but exemplary and positive things (including on the subject of alternative-friendly) to say about Eve Goldfarb in Somerville or Stephanie Ross in Arlington Center. I do not believe either takes insurance, but both are amenable to working with a sliding scale.

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

I have also heard Eve Goldfarb recommended.

[siderea]

Eve Goldfarb is a psychologist, no? Not a psychiatrist, and is not able to prescribe meds.

[greenlily.livejournal.com]

My experience with psychologists is that they can almost always recommend you to a separate psychopharmacologist; a non-prescribing psych who is okay with alternative lifestyles will probably know a psychopharm who is also okay with alternative lifestyles. This does mean seeing two doctors, but the meetings with the psychopharm are intended to be brief check-ins to discuss physical symptoms, rather than extensive talk therapy, and may be billed accordingly.

Also, have you checked with your PCP to see if s/he is willing and able to write your scrips? Many PCPs, mine included, are willing to prescribe as long as you can provide them with proof that you're under the supervision of a mental health professional.

(Best of luck. I'd happily recommend you to my wonderful and alternative-everything-friendly therapist, but she retired.)

[dreda.livejournal.com]

In truth, I am not certain. She does, however, have the widest and most comprehensive referral network that I know of in the area, and is at least in that regard a valuable consult. Also, she answers her phone. And her email.

[neuroacorn.livejournal.com]

My PCP recommended Psychological Care Associates which is in Arlington and bus accessible. I had a good experience with them. They will call you back and ask you a bunch of questions to help match you with an appropriate doctor. They have psychiatrists as well as therapists and probably some who do both (but I do not know this for sure).

[serious-noir.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you have had a good experience with Psychological Care Associates.

On the other hand, I have nothing but bad things to say about the psychiatrists at PCA. My PCP also recommended them and over the years I have seen 2 psychologists and 3 psychiatrists. (yes I kept going back because at times of emotional need and psychological vulnerability, 'shopping' for help is difficult at best). My PCP no longer recommends them due to the feedback she has received.

I won't name names or details but suffice to say that with the psychiatrists at PCA there were major 'creep' factors, mindless prescribing and an incident of patient abandonment.

Neal Devons is a psychologist there and he is good (and indicated to me his own frustrations with the psychiatrists at PCA)

[siderea]

It can be very hard to get psychiatric care in this town. Have you called Cigna and asked them for a referral?

ETA: did you see this recent post of B0st0n? Several referrals in the comments.

[whowehavetofear.livejournal.com]

I don't have any suggestions (I'm looking for a pdoc myself right now), but I highly suggest you stay away from Cambridge Health Alliance and Somerville Mental Health. The turnover is super high and I always got substandard care at both clinics.

[chairmanmeowmom.livejournal.com]

I see Dr.Thall in the Cognitive Neurology Unit at Beth Israel. He is pretty nice, quirky and not condescending. They are a little slow right now because the department is in the process of hiring someone new. He serves as my psychophram and is quick to call you back if you leave a message. Dr. Filin (in the same unit) is also very kind and helpful.

Best of luck to you. I know the nightmare of trying to find mental health help in this city. I nearly lost my mind before I found someone who would help me. Let me know if you need any other help or suggestions.

[chairmanmeowmom.livejournal.com]

I'm an MSW and we can't prescribe. An MSW can refer you to someone who can prescribe, but unless it is an emergency you'll still be waiting a while for an appointment. If I were in your shoes I would go straight to a psychopharm.

That said..... If I may toot my profession's horn, an MSW is a great choice for therapy. It is in our code of ethics to respect all lifestyles. If you feel that you are ready for talk therapy, an MSW ( look for LICSW after the name) can be an excellent choice.

Obviously this is something I am passionate about. Not only because of my profession, but because of my own experience as a person seeking mental health assistance. If you have any questions send me a message.

[mjhelol.livejournal.com]

Dr. Ramona Devorjak comes highly recommended and shouldn't have any problems with an alternative lifestyle. Her office is in coolidge corner and her number is 617-731-6366.

[no-fun-nicole.livejournal.com]

not sure if you've found anyone yet but this place (http://www.dcsmentalhealth.com/) has some decent people. when I got sick and needed to see someone ASAP to deal with it they got me in quick with both therapist and psychiatrist. Once you see one of their therapists you can see the psychiatrist/RN within a week. I know the person I saw is very alternative lifestyle friendly. Oh, they take insurance (masshealth etc). hope it helps.