Looking for a psychiatrist
Jul. 20th, 2012 01:50 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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davis_squareHaving 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.
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.
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no subject
Date: 2012-07-20 08:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-07-21 05:20 pm (UTC)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)