Question?

I have a question for ya'll. I am currently a student and I see the psychiatrist on campus. I graduate in may and will no longer be qualified to see the campus pdoc. How do I find a new one? I NEED MY MEDS! So not going is not an option. Any info?

If cost is the issue, you'll have to hunt around for a pdoc who receives payment from the state to treat indigent patients. In the last town I lived in, I was able to find one through my local NAMI chapter, but that is not the case where I am now. I think I have found a clinic here, but I want to check around some more before I make an appointment. It is not easy to find in most places, and they stay really booked up, so you'll need to make an appointment soon.

Good luck!

DJ

The campus treatment professional can help you research your options in your area and help you with the transitional process. just tell that person you would like their help in doing this and that treatment professional will help you.

Otherwise its open the phone book to psychiatry, psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapists, physcians by specialy, community servises, hot lines and crisis agencys and start dialing and asking if they have therapy professionals and an opening you would like to start researching your options and would like toschedule a consultation appointment to find out about that agencys protocals and othe questions you have. after you see a few decide which one is best suited to why you want to be in therapy and what you want to accomplish by seeing that person and what your goals are and if you think this person can help you to accomplish those goals.

Also family physicians are qualified to prescribe a full range of medications including psychotropic meds. so if you have not settled in on one psychiatrist by the time you graduate all you need to do is file a release of information form so your family physician can get your medication records from your mental health treatment provider and your family physician will be able to take over your medication needs for however long you need or want.

Hi there -

Going along DaveyJ's post, most of the drug co's offer free meds if you are basically poor and w/out healthcare. I know Astra Zeneca (and I'm on 3 of them) has a program where you fill out your portion, the doc fills out another, you submit it along with your taxes (if you file that is), and when you are approved, they either send them to you or your doctor...

It also depends on the company - I believe A-Z only gives you a 6 month supply and then you have to reapply. This will at least ensure that you have enough to get you through for a while. Since I have 3 different meds from them, you can only use one - at least I believe you can (I could be wrong)... Obviously I used the most expensive of the three!!!

Hope this helps and hope to hear from you soon. Take it easy and if you need anything else, we're here

I had no clue that my family physician could get me the meds. On campus, I went to a regular doc and they sent me straight to the pdoc. That is interesting! Thanks for all of the info. Another question. How long does it usually take to find the *right* one?

Did you really think the drug co's are going to advertise free meds?? HECK NO!!! That would be taking all those precious dollars out of their pockets and they wouldn't be able to own multi-million dollar homes and all those wonderful ammenities. Nevertheless, now that you DO know it is out there, you can certainly see if you can qualify. IF you have (I'm not sure of the exact amount) under $10K in income and either are under-insured or not insured, you'll get them... I would love to say there is a guarantee, but there isn't. Being a student and all will probably be in your favour - but they may want your parent's info if, e.g., they are your primary source of income.... It can get complex, but it can be made to be very simple.....

What meds are you on if I may ask? I can get the website URL's for you and email/post them for you to help you...

And teh final question of yours, it took them damn near 2 years to get the 'right' combination 'cocktail'. I always hate saying this, but our diseases/disorders are not as simple as prescribing an antibiotic for an upper resp. infection... It is ALL trial and error bcuz not everyone responds to meds the same way as another. You may be on (E.G.) Effexor, which wrks great for you, but doesn't do squat for me... I know patience is REALLY hard, but that's the only answer unfortunately...

Remember to post what meds you take if you do not mind and I'll post all that info as I indicated before. I knw this will help you ... Take it easy OK?

Hi, Silvergirl!

I was going to say pretty much what myself said. I had a nurse practictioner at the time I was in school that was wonderful (granted we're not talking pdocs or the urgency of getting psych meds, but the point is the same.)

When I was getting close to graduation, I asked for practitioners in town she would recommend and she gave several to me.

The other thing is...not knowing your work or financial situation, is there a prospect that you could get a job soon? Then insurance will kick in but I know there's no guarantee on the timespan that will take.

Oh...and yes, your family Dr. can prescribe psych meds as well. Even with a pdoc I've been kind of getting a "second opinion" from my family Dr. lately.

Much luck to you and keep us informed.

Ask your pdoc you already see, I'm sure he or she can direct you to someone or someone that can give you a referral,even transfer your records is you wish.
When I moved to a different state with my husband's job relo,my former pdoc and T helped me find a center in the county or close to that I live,it is connected with our medical center, they and so many hospitals today have Behavioural Health depts.
I wish you lots of luck, and congrats towards graduation.