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.

[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).

[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.

[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.