Jdoublenn Posted December 2, 2017 Share Posted December 2, 2017 Has anyone else had this issue? I called probably 15 different offices of psychiatry yesterday and they were either listed incorrectly on my insurance's site(like ONLY a marriage and family therapist), or their wait was over 4 months long!! I ended up making an appt with a psychologist instead, for the soonest i could. The appt is Jan 5 which still isn't very soon, but I'm really disappointed. I need the therapy AND probably some type of antidepressant/anti anxiety for a while which is why I wanted a psychiatrist. I suppose I'll start the therapy and maybe my PCP will be able to help me out on prescriptions(as others have in the past). I just really wanted to do this RIGHT. Ive been to a psychologist in the past and sadly, she moved away a year or so ago, so now I've got to start this whole process over. It feels like interviewing for a relationship. Im curious, does anyone know how it works in the US? CA specifically if that helps.. Question being, if i was referred by a PCP or therapist, is there a chance I may be able to bypass a lot of that wait list? (rather than just calling them myself) Link to post Share on other sites
d0nnivain Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 I'm sorry. I only just saw this. I only saw a psychiatrist once. Minimal wait self referred off of insurance website. My psychologist & my PCP have suggested others but I have not called. Now that you are really close, I hope that you find the care you need on January 5 1 Link to post Share on other sites
SevenCity Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 I must have called about 20 in my area and all were booked solid. The woman I finally went with was because she had an opening. She's good, but we are too similar in our views on stuff so I don't often get push back. We have the same views on people (both not great) and are both stubborn. She's a really nice lady though and it helps to vent I guess... 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Cookiesandough Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 Yes, it can be very hard!!!I would speak to your GP and get a referral, but be ready for a very long waiting list. It's ridic and needs to be fixed 1 Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted December 28, 2017 Share Posted December 28, 2017 How about a GP and psychologist working in concert? The psych can assess and advise and the GP handle the medical aspects. GP's often prescribe brain meds (BTDT as a care manager) even without psych input. Sometimes getting creative gets the job done. Unless there's an emergency, a week or two won't change things in a life-threatening way. If suicidal, call 911 and they'll get things fast tracked. Our brain team had two psychiatrists and one neuropsychometrist on staff and they were easily accessible and initial care lead time was negligible. The caveat was this was a research hospital for a specific brain condition, not general psychiatric care. IME, in general, in the last couple years anyway, when I've sought medical input of any sort as a new patient, fuggetaboutit. I'd sooner do surgery on myself Good luck! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
divegrl Posted December 29, 2017 Share Posted December 29, 2017 The practice I go to has a team of providers all from different specialities. It took me a month to get an appointment with a counselor, and then another 2 months to see a medical provider, who could provide me psych meds. Thankfully I don’t need the medication, so I no longer see him. From my experience, therapists generally want to wait 3 months before prescribing. There are other therapies that can be just as beneficial, with no risk of adverse side effects. I hope your able to find help soon. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted December 29, 2017 Share Posted December 29, 2017 try to find a young shrink right out of school who is looking for patients. he'll also be well read on all the latest medications and therapies (since he just graduated) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
TheBathWater Posted January 5, 2018 Share Posted January 5, 2018 Has anyone else had this issue? I called probably 15 different offices of psychiatry yesterday and they were either listed incorrectly on my insurance's site(like ONLY a marriage and family therapist), or their wait was over 4 months long!! I ended up making an appt with a psychologist instead, for the soonest i could. The appt is Jan 5 which still isn't very soon, but I'm really disappointed. I need the therapy AND probably some type of antidepressant/anti anxiety for a while which is why I wanted a psychiatrist. I suppose I'll start the therapy and maybe my PCP will be able to help me out on prescriptions(as others have in the past). I just really wanted to do this RIGHT. Ive been to a psychologist in the past and sadly, she moved away a year or so ago, so now I've got to start this whole process over. It feels like interviewing for a relationship. Im curious, does anyone know how it works in the US? CA specifically if that helps.. Question being, if i was referred by a PCP or therapist, is there a chance I may be able to bypass a lot of that wait list? (rather than just calling them myself) Ah, I have some knowledge on how this process works. Yes, psychiatrists are in high demand and there are not enough of them. Sometimes even getting a psychologist is hard. If it's general mental health medication (depression, anxiety, sleep issues) then the best approach these days is to see a psychologist first to see if you can regulate the symptoms without medication. Research shows that therapy is AT LEAST as effective as medication if your symptoms are moderate to mild. If you're in severe decompensation, having psychotic breaks, unable to work or are at risk for suicide, etc... basically not being able to function in society, then you need meds sooner than later and either from a PCP or psychiatrist. In such bases, getting a PCP to prescribe for you while you're on a waiting list with a psychiatrist is a good idea. And if it's life-or-death level, you need to visit an emergency room and consider going inpatient. At that point, you'll get prescriptions pretty quick. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Jdoublenn Posted January 7, 2018 Author Share Posted January 7, 2018 I finally went to that appt with the psychologist and had a good talk yesterday. My next appt is (blah) in 3 weeks bc I can’t get in any sooner but I think it’ll be good. The first talk was helpful so I’m hoping to make some progress with him in the future. Weird thing is he’s even in the same office as my old therapist. Took over the room after Janet left that practice I guess lol. Anyways, I’ve been more mentally stable lately and I think I’ll be good with just therapy. I don’t believe that I need medicines to get ahold of myself like I did last month. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted January 7, 2018 Share Posted January 7, 2018 Glad to read you were able to get in and things are going OK. FWIW, both our psychologist and the brain team were medication minimalists, something I liked. Medications definitely have their place but the clinicians I interacted with were very careful with them. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Jdoublenn Posted January 7, 2018 Author Share Posted January 7, 2018 Glad to read you were able to get in and things are going OK. FWIW, both our psychologist and the brain team were medication minimalists, something I liked. Medications definitely have their place but the clinicians I interacted with were very careful with them. I’ve only ever had one therapist and she was a female. I was a bit skeptical about a male bc I’m a female, but it might be a good fit. Or at least a different POV for a while. I do miss Janet though. Link to post Share on other sites
igotoverit Posted January 10, 2018 Share Posted January 10, 2018 It is hard to find a good one where there is health care and referrals. I do not find anyone of my psychiatrists has been able to help me. You really have to find one and work just as hard as they do, if not harder. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted January 10, 2018 Share Posted January 10, 2018 I finally went to that appt with the psychologist and had a good talk yesterday. My next appt is (blah) in 3 weeks bc I can’t get in any sooner but I think it’ll be good. The first talk was helpful so I’m hoping to make some progress with him in the future. Weird thing is he’s even in the same office as my old therapist. Took over the room after Janet left that practice I guess lol. Anyways, I’ve been more mentally stable lately and I think I’ll be good with just therapy. I don’t believe that I need medicines to get ahold of myself like I did last month. i'm glad things went well Jdoublenn Link to post Share on other sites
igotoverit Posted January 10, 2018 Share Posted January 10, 2018 I thought you said psychiatrist that was my bad. I'm glad you found one, I see a psychologist in March due to waiting list. Link to post Share on other sites
jay1983 Posted January 10, 2018 Share Posted January 10, 2018 It's a lot easier to just get what you need via blackmarket. If you really need to see one, look for those who don't take insurance and just pay out of pocket. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Jdoublenn Posted January 11, 2018 Author Share Posted January 11, 2018 I thought you said psychiatrist that was my bad. I'm glad you found one, I see a psychologist in March due to waiting list. I did. I had to settle for just regular therapy. Psychiatrist was nearly impossible to get an appt with, plus I feel a lot better now, mentally. So therspy is good for now. I don’t feel the need for the meds like I thought I needed before. Link to post Share on other sites
LuckyM Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Be very skeptical. They may understand you in a superficial way but not enough to make a difference. They may claim to specialize in a certain problem like grief but they do not really. Good luck to you. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Jdoublenn Posted January 13, 2018 Author Share Posted January 13, 2018 Be very skeptical. They may understand you in a superficial way but not enough to make a difference. They may claim to specialize in a certain problem like grief but they do not really. Good luck to you. What would you recommend if it turns out that way? Link to post Share on other sites
Frostedflake Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 Ideally you would see a therapist first and then be recommended to a psychologist for medication depending on what they are gathering in your sessions. I would wonder if you can't do that in reverse. You already have a psychologist, so ask them about therapists they commonly partner with. After all, the best treatment comes from having two specialists that are familiar and understand each others method of diagnosis. Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 I did. I had to settle for just regular therapy. Psychiatrist was nearly impossible to get an appt with, plus I feel a lot better now, mentally. So therspy is good for now. I don’t feel the need for the meds like I thought I needed before. Happy to read the initial contact went well. Will you be able to see this therapist/psychologist regularly, like every week or every other week? I found consistency to be very helpful, especially when working specifics and making behavioral changes. Your situation may be different. IMO, if you can get where you want to go without meds, more power to you. That's the ticket. There may be other health-related changes which can be tried instead of straight brain meds. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
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