[ADeepSandbox]

I had a horrible experience with my first psychiatrist and it scared me away from seeking help... I quit my meds and quit seeing him. That was over a year ago. I'm still trying to work up the courage to go to a different doctor. Well, tonight I happened to look up reviews for him and wow! It definitely wasn't just me! He was a real creep!

“I met Dr. ____ for the first time today and felt like a child being scolded. He yelled at me and made me feel stupid for not remembering every med I’ve been on in the past four years, even from when I was in crisis. Horrible attitude.”

“A terribly moody, mercurial man who blames his patients for their shortcomings, even if he makes a mistake. (He made a mistake on a prescription and became furious with me.) He will not abide rudeness, which includes calm, very gently stated criticism or even a misgiving, yet he routinely keeps patients waiting for up to an hour and a half. If you are have a weight problem you may have to endure snarky remarks. I’ve cried after more than one session w/ him. Extremely patronizing.”

“Absolutely not! Was a patient of his for two years. The experience was a nightmare. He doesn’t listen to what you tell him about what the medications he puts you on are doing to you or how you are reacting from them. He looks down and is writing another prescription while you are trying to talk about what is happening to you. Not everyone is a textbook patient and everyone’s chemistry is different. Thank God, I got away from this man when I did. I have a wonderful psychiatrist now.”

I finally feel justified in how scared I felt about going to him! All of the above is true, plus a lot more.

So, now that you feel vindication,, has that changed your wish/ability to see a new psychiatrist?

Are you able to go through your family doctor to find a new one? They know you better and may be able to make a referral for you based on this, on those things that matter in being able to work with a psychiatrist.

I am assuming that bad mental healthcare workers are few in comparison to those that are good or even excellent. I do hope that this poor experience doesn't prevent you from finding someone who could work out great.

Again, I think your doctor could be your best advocate.

[ADeepSandbox]

I don't have a doctor, or insurance, unfortunately. I'm going to a drop-in behavioral health clinic this time and taking a family member as backup. She used to work in the mental health field and can tell me if the doctor is good or if I need to run. I have problems trusting my intuition and I really thought it was my fault for being treated so badly by my psychiatrist. Having someone there to help me tell the difference between "firm" and "complete jerk" makes me feel safer, slightly.

It doesn't really change how I feel about doctors in general, I have been afraid of them since I was a child and unfortunately this experience added to that fear, but it does give me a little hope that not every psychiatrist is going to be horrible like mine was.

[ADeepSandbox]

Just an update, I went in and met with their intake counselor, and have an appointment with a therapist for an assessment. They make you do an assessment with a therapist before they'll let you see a psychiatrist for some reason. I was scared to death but my family member was with me and the intake person was a very nice and sweet person who didn't push me at all. And listened to me and reassured me they won't push me to do anything I don't want in terms of treatment. I hope that turns out to be true. I was very clear about what I do and do not want.

I'm dreading the actual appointment but at least it can't be as awful as my first psychiatrist was! I went and left my own negative review of him and I hope it keeps someone from suffering like I did.

[MtnTime2896]

Originally Posted by ADeepSandbox

Just an update, I went in and met with their intake counselor, and have an appointment with a therapist for an assessment. They make you do an assessment with a therapist before they'll let you see a psychiatrist for some reason. I was scared to death but my family member was with me and the intake person was a very nice and sweet person who didn't push me at all. And listened to me and reassured me they won't push me to do anything I don't want in terms of treatment. I hope that turns out to be true. I was very clear about what I do and do not want.

I'm dreading the actual appointment but at least it can't be as awful as my first psychiatrist was! I went and left my own negative review of him and I hope it keeps someone from suffering like I did.

This is a good step. I hope in pays off and your appointment is a good one. It was nice of your family member to be there with you.

[tearsinabottle]

Horrible experience! Some therapists and doctors should never have this job. I have met one who hit on me right after I told him my problems. Luckily most therapists and doctors are nice and good, but a few are jerks or worse.

I hope the best for taking charge. What a great and assertive idea of yours taking along a support person. Good for you.

It is important to 'click' with a mental healthcare worker. You are afterall working equally together. I have encouraged people of the need to be assertive; that, you can't assume your psychiatrist or therapist will make you better if they do all the work.

I commend you then for taking things into your own hands and making the effort to do your part. Again, GOOD JOB!