I am glad that some people have a psychiatrist or therapist who understands them.

I live in a "rural" area (population 10,000, which I don't consider rural) and was in a county mental health system. I had 7 different medication managers (2 psychiatrists, 3 psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP), and two nurses) cycle through in 4.5 years! 2 of the PMHNP's were the best! The last medication manager was a psychiatrist, and he was so toxic that I complained about him. Presently, I am in a hospital system, where it took 5 months to get an assessment by a "mental health specialist" who sent a report to a psychiatrist who I did not choose, have not seen or talked to, and she sent what she recommended to my pcp, a physician's assistant, who told me what the psychiatrist said.... Unbelievable, I know. Now a different "mental health specialist" whom I never have seen and never was told about telephones me and asks questions about my mental health without even telling me who he is and then at the end asks if I have anything I would like to tell the psychiatrist..... He was upset that I was upset why a stranger (him) was calling me and asking me questions about my mental health!

My last therapist told me she couldn't do anything for me after I complained about the psychiatrist where she works.... I am leery of entire mental health system where I live.

But I am trying to remember the 2 PMHNP's and 3 therapists whom I had but are no longer here because they DID try to understand me. It helps me to cherish and remember good providers!

Presently, I am very grateful to come to this Bipolar Forum! You don't know me, but I think you know me far better than my providers.