[Angelwngs25]

I asked my Psych to diagnose me with PTSD so I can get a Service Animal. My previous Psych said I had PTSD but wouldn't diagnose me because I am already on meds that treat it. He kept mentioning that he could fill out paperwork so I could have a Therapy Animal but I said that I don't want a Therapy Animal because they are different than Service Animals. I told him I want a Service Animal and one of the reasons is that I want one is because I have a lot of Anxiety in restaurants and he said that you can't take Service Animals in Restaurants. I was thinking "BS you can't". He wouldn't help me get a Service Animal and said he can't write a letter saying I need a Service Animal. So he wrote on the paper he wants me to see the other Psych they have there. I heard that this other person there that they got a letter from the other Psych stating that they need a Service Animal and they were able to get a Service Animal. But I'm not even sure that, that other Psych will help me get the Service Animal that I NEED. And it really pisses me off that he basically said that he didn't want to see me again but not in words but maybe it's for the best. Cuz I didn't like that Psych anyways. He was an ***hole. He didn't even give me the prescription for my Clonazepam and he claims that was an accident. I had to go back and talk to him to get the prescription or I would have been SOL. Ughhhhhhh. Someone please help me feel better. Does anyone know how I can get a Service Animal. I know of one place, but it's in another state and I live in Phoenix, Arizona. Me and him were really going at it because I was mad he wouldn't help me. I am really wanting to rip someone face off right now. Would totally do black magic on him if I could. But I would get really bad Karma for that. I am a witch by the way (I'm Wiccan). My Fiance is Pagan.

[sideblinded]

Angelwngs25, I understand your frustration as I am most probably going to try for a service dog but finding one as a rescue is going to be difficult as they need to have a calm temperament. I am hard of hearing and I qualify but finding just the right dog will be a journey. I would find another pdoc or doc who will listen to you and not be so difficult to work with. I think that is your only way to get what you need to get a service animal. I really hope that you keep pursuing this as it does take some time and patience to get there. Best wishes.

I think you are going about this backwards. Again, you are going in demanding a diagnosis that you have already decided on when you now apparently have two pdocs who are not willing to give you that diagnosis at this point. At this point, you need to work with a pdoc and probably a therapist to deal with your current diagnoses and issues. After working with you for some time, they may decide the PTSD diagnosis applies, but these can take time.

I have a few opinions on this and I ask that you keep an open mind as you may not fully agree. One of the biggest issues that I see here is that you are very demanding that your doctors conform to what you want, even if it may not be what you need. A lot of the criteria for meeting certain treatments are dependent on what you have already done to work towards resolution/management of your issues. The moment you start demanding is a red flag to most doctors and a lot of times they will do the complete opposite unless what you are demanding is deemed in your best interest by a board licensed psychiatrist/psychologist. It could very well be that your doctor doesn't feel that your particular situation warrants what you are demanding.

I want you to take a few minutes to ask yourself the following in your head.

Have you done everything possible to manage your illnesses?
Has everything you tried failed?
What exactly do you think that a service animal will do for you?

It also could be that the cost of a service animal outweighs the costs of untried therapies. It could also be that they are unsure of your diagnosis and they aren't sure how an animal will help you.

I am in no way saying that you should not have a say in your treatment. You know yourself much better than anyone else. But the one thing that is obvious here is that it seems like you have a trust issue when it comes to doctors and their ability to treat you. While I can appreciate that you are trying to get what you think may help you, your demanding demeanor, especially your demands for meds can come off as "seeking" behavior, which throws up a huge red flag in the faces of any responsible doctor. Try calming down and approaching things with a calmer attitude and work with them rather than against them when they are making decisions in what is their professional opinion of your best interest. Hope this helps and I really hope that you get the most out of your treatments.

[Angelwngs25]

No actually I flat out told him I was not trying to be demanding that I just want the diagnosis because my previous Psych said I have it and I might need it to be able to get a Service Animal.

[shezbut]

Perhaps you may want to try asking them your diagnosis is then? If they are hesitant to say that you have PTSD now, what is your current diagnosis? Perhaps it would still be applicable in obtaining a service dog?

[emory_]

Keep in mind also that in order for an animal to qualify as a service animal, it has to do a specific job for you that you cannot do for yourself. There are service dogs that are trained for PTSD care, but they have specific jobs, not just provide an emotional companionship. What services do you specifically want an animal to do for you?

[~Christina]

I understand your wanting a trained service animal, Even if you do get the diagnosis you are wanting to prove you need one.. there is years and years of waiting lists... How are you going to help yourself manage your symptoms until you "may" eventually get a fully trained service animal?

[A Red Panda]

What service do you want the animal to perform? Like... specifically. What service do you want the animal to provide for you?

Have you told your pdoc what exactly it is that you want the animal to do? It might help those of us here, who are reading your threads to try and support you, to know more clearly why you want a Service animal and not an Emotional Support one.