Would it be stupid to get psychiatric emergency care if I'm not really in crisis?

I've been going through a worsening of depression and anxiety probably the past 3 months or so. I've been trying really hard to find the right meds and trying different ones, and right now my psych is out of town. Right before leaving a couple weeks ago he started me on a new med, but gave me a measly below therapeutic dose, and he'll be gone for over 2 weeks more.

I'm not quite in "crisis" technically, as in I'm not strongly suicidal and would not need or consider hospitalization right now. But I've been doing badly for a while, I fear getting worse, and I am just miserable and need to get better so badly. My functioning has gotten worse, I have no motivation, I don't want to be negative but fear I'm going to continue worsening, and I really need to start working again and live life! My general doc would be very unlikely to help. I can't imagine sitting around waiting 2 more weeks to even possibly begin getting more help from meds. Would there be services, at a hospital or anywhere, where I could get in quickly and be seen for something like this? I mean I know there are places that offer "emergency psych services," but is that limited to hospitalization and severe crises, or is there any chance a place like this would be willing to help me with meds, even with me already having a psych?

My community mental health center is useless, though I've given in and am at least trying to get a therapist there since I have run out of choices with my insurance, but they can't help with meds or anything. I'm just trying to get the treatment I need and feel like I don't have options and I'm getting so frustrated and kinda losing hope, I just wanna scream. Thanks for any help.

I would check with the hospital and see if there is a psych person that would possibly give you an increase under the circumstances. But, beware, doctors don't like to interfere with another's prescribing. Maybe the original doc wanted you on the low dose for a month or so first. In any case, DO get to the ER or call 911 if you feel like hurting yourself or others.

Usually doctors have someone on call when they are out of town, is it possible that there may be someone covering for your doctors vacation? It is unfortunate that you were started on a new med and now are unable to consult your doctor. I would think a family practice primary care doctor would see you, if you explain your circumstances I think it is possible they could help you at least until your primary prescribing doctor is back.
If all else fails you can have an mental health evaluation done at the ER and they very well might help until you are able to be seen. I would certainly hope healthcare providers wouldn't only have the two options of: admitting you to psychiatric care in order to receive medication help or just tough it out.
If you are feeling like you can wait until the next business day, call around town to family practice/urgent care. If you are distressed and cannot wait, consult your local hospital ER. It wouldn't hurt to even just give a call and ask what the protocol is for mental health needs for your ER department.
Best wishes, I know it is a very difficult place to be in. Thinking of you and know you are not alone!

Hello,
I know my family doctor would help me while my psychiatrist is out of town. Is your family doctor an option for you? He could adjust your meds.. All the best. Hang in there It's tough.... Lanadelle

In my area, they evaluate people at the ER to see if they need inpatient. Doesn't sound like you need that at this time. Getting meds/increasing dosage would depend on the ER doc, so it may or may not help. But if you have no other options, maybe worth a try.

I was sort of in this position awhile ago. I ended up in a partial hospitalization program. I wasn't so bad where I needed to be IP. So that program helped because I was still seeing the psychiatrist and getting therapy daily. I would look into that. Good luck!

I don't have anything new to add but I do wish you the best of luck and hope that you are OK until your usual psych comes back. Like others have mentioned please go to your local hospital if you are feeling like things are getting out of control or you feel you may hurt yourself or someone else. At the very least the hospital would evaluate you and may even give you immediate help (or check to see how your going every few days) until your psych gets back.

Hang in there and also don't forget that you can post on here!

Thank you all. Unfortunately the doctor filling in for him won't do anything. My general doctor finally emailed me today saying she could see me, but I'll have to wait until Monday to call to see when they can get me in. I might try calling some urgent cares tomorrow to see if they would be able to do meds, depending on how I feel.

Thanks for the support, it means a lot.

Good luck! I hope your able to see your general dr soon, let us know how you go

I think that if you feel like you need to be seen in the ER for a psych problem, you should do so. I don't think it's about 'what they think', I think it's about how you feel.

Thank you guys so much.

I saw my general doctor today, and she moved the dose up to 100 mg. AKA I may or may not take 200 mg which will last me 2 weeks until my pdoc's back, and pray insurance will pay for a new prescription after only 2 weeks. I'm not super for going against doctors' orders, but when none will take me or my situation seriously, eh. So here's to hoping.

Partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient program might fit the bill. I would call his office, there should be someone who would know how to connect you to this kind of program