[NuHope]

I was hoping someone could help me with an answer to my problem.
For the past 3 years my Dr, Therapist, & family have advised me to apply for social security disability. My problem is that the PTSD keeps me from doing so because where I live the medical exam & psych exam are performed by male Drs. The fear of having to be in a room with them by myself keeps me from applying for my benefits. Just thinking about being in that situation right now makes me cry. So I know I wouldn't be able to make it through the exam. I don't think I would even be able to make it into the building from fear.
So my question is, Does anyone know if you can request female Drs?

[Forget-Me-Nots]

I would suggest contacting Social Security, and tell them about this, it might actually help your case. Maybe they can find another doctor for you.

[sabby]

(((((((((((( NuHope )))))))))))))

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling with making these appointments because of issues with your PTSD.

Would it be possible for you to bring someone along with you to those appointments that can be with you during the exams? Would being able to do that make you feel better and help you get through it more easily?

You are absolutely able to have someone else with you. I have accompanied a friend of mine through countless exams, not only for Social Security but for other things as well. I have never been told I cannot be there. Even if I was told that, I would suggest to my friend that they find another doctor as it's not acceptable to me to not be able to have support during a triggering exam. Explaining to the doctor that you have a support person with you because of your PTSD issues could also help in their determination that is sent to SSA.

Please don't let this issue ruin your opportunity to get Social Security.

I wish you well!

[Hellion]

I think bringing someone with you, or requesting a female doctor are good ideas. How do you know only male doctors do the exams though? I had some difficulties applying myself nothing quite like that, but issues I had got in the way of me applying and actually dealing with the paper work and stuff so I know its frustrating when the very issues you have make it hard to apply and go through the process.

[hinzc7711]

No hurdle remains a setback if
You ask. Keep moving forward.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Forget-Me-Nots]

Like I noted, if you list it as a claim for disability, it might actually help your case. If you still can't go through with it, I would see if they wont let you use your own doctor.

As others have mentioned I would check into having a different doctor, and/or bringing a friend with you.

Hi, I didn't have to meet with anyone at all. I applied for SSDI online and had a short consult (non medical) to confirm my
contact information and I was approved in three months. Good luck. xoxo

[JoeS21]

Originally Posted by Forget-Me-Nots

I would suggest contacting Social Security, and tell them about this, it might actually help your case. Maybe they can find another doctor for you.

I'm in agreement with this statement. And if that doesn't work for you, some people have used the therapist directory on Psychology Today's website to find therapists in their area that they didn't know about previously. I'm not allowed to provide links because I'm new. If you google psychology today and therapist, you'll find the website. Good luck!