[simonb2113]

Hello everyone,

I'll keep this as short as possible. I have bipolar 2 and have been responding very well to lamictal for the last 8 months, I was diagnosed by a psychologist and a psychiatrist, but due to not having insurance until recently, my GP has been prescribing and seeing me. My bipolar has been under control, but there's one lingering issue which has blown-up over the last 48 hours (paranoia and anxiety) and I need to see a psychiatrist as soon as possible, I'm already scheduled to see a therapist on Monday. It's not an emergency that requires hospitalization, but the anxiety and paranoia is extremely painful mentally and physically. I took 1mg klonopin 1-2 times per day for about a month which helped, but I stopped because I was afraid of becoming dependent. The psychiatrist which originally prescribed the klonopin is booked out for almost two months. I'm really trying to see someone on Friday (3 days from now) when I get paid and I was wondering if there's anything I can say to them (being honest of course) to get them to see me, I'm not saying I'm more important than anyone else, but I feel like i'm in survival mode. Thanks

[Sunflower123]

Hello. Welcome to PC. Sometimes pdocs will leave slots open for emergencies. You could call and let them know it's an emergency (which it is because you can't make it 2 months with those symptoms) and see if they can fit you in or at least call something in for you. Good luck and best wishes.

[Skeezyks]

Hello simon: I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

As Jennifer wrote, psychiatrists often leave a few appointment times open for emergencies. I know mine does because I've used them on a couple of occasions in the past. In my case, my health insurance provider was helpful in getting me in on one occasion. So if you now do have health insurance, perhaps your insurer could help to get you in the door. My best wishes to you...

Here it takes a referral to see a psychiatrist and the wait that follows is generally 6 weeks or longer. However, there may be access to psychiatric help by other means.

1. EAP (Employ Assistance Plan) - check to see if you have access to one (this is NOT a benefits plan, it is separate)
2. Mental Health Associations - many have a psychiatric nurse on retainer
3. Crisis Lines
4. ER - you are in a crisis, take advantage of the help. Please don't consider your situation to be unworthy of their time and effort. You are worthy of assistance.

[Mountaindewed]

I agree with Jennifer 1967. I've gotten into see my doctor the same day that I called when it was an emergency.