[Martina]

I have encountered this every time I try to get help for my mental illnesses, both in a large city and a small town.

I start calling every name on my insurance list, and most are not even accepting new patients, period, and the few that are can't get you in for several MONTHS.

Back then, I was in crisis, so yeah it was a big deal. I was too afraid to tell them I was suicidal because I didn't want them to lock me up and take my baby away. So they wouldn't see me for months.

I wasn't low-income enough to go to county walk-in mental health clinics, and they basically said they wouldn't help me if I had insurance - I could go elsewhere.

The same thing has happened to me now. I got upset with my psych nurse that I've been seeing for 3 years, so I wanted to find someone new. Only psychatrist in town isn't accepting new patients. The only option I had left was a psych nurse that I can't get in to see until July.

What can we do about these situations? I know pdocs and therapists can only accomodate so many people in their schedule, but what if someone needs help right away? The ER is too expensive and not always the appropriate option.

Is there anything we can do to change the system?

What I would love is a system where all you have to do is call ONE phone number, say "I NEED HELP," and they GET you the help you need, quickly. Not call dozens of different providers and get told that they won't see you.

But I dreamed that up 3 years ago and I still haven't done a dang thing to actually implement it. I have no idea how.

[PTSDlovemycats]

Oh I am so sorry to hear about this! (((Hugs))) I know my pdoc has a 2yr waiting list to see her, I hope that you are able to get in to see someone sooner than later! Take care of yourself. Think of treating yourself as you would take care of a child, That helps me a lot. A child needs to be taken care of, positive self talk, encouragement, and needs protection, Make sure that you do this for yourself as well. Thinking about you and wishing the best for you!!

[sunrise]

Martina, what you're suggesting sounds like "1-800-DENTIST". Have you heard of that? You call one number from anywhere in the U.S. and they fix you up with a dentist in your area, who has the areas of expertise you are looking for. Maybe it wouldn't be the best solution when looking for the perfect fit in a therapist, but for finding a prescriber on short notice, it would be so useful.

My PNP says she gets about 3 inquiries from employers a week, wanting her to come work for them. It is indeed a specialty in high demand.

[WikidPissah]

I ran out of refills for an rx, tried to call pdoc and found out he was away for 2 weeks. I was stuck, so I called my primary care...he didn't want to do it because it was a benzo, but I had the pharmacy print my records for the last year on the one rx, and he caved and wrote me a script. So if your stuck for a few mos, try your primary care. Also, sometimes your primary care doc can do the scheduling for you, and can get you in quicker.

[Martina]

In my experience, primary care docs don't know jack **** about mental illness.

[lastyearisblank]

Hear hear...

[SingDanceRunLife]

Originally Posted by Martina

In my experience, primary care docs don't know jack **** about mental illness.

I agree with this.

I gave up on my GP because he kept just giving me ADs that obviously weren't working out, and he just decided to give up on me...not only that, but he never listened, and I think he had no idea what was going on with me. I'm currently waiting on a pdoc appointment which is 3 weeks away, and I had to schedule about 5 weeks out.

[WikidPissah]

Originally Posted by Martina

In my experience, primary care docs don't know jack **** about mental illness.

oh yea...I totally agree...but after 3 years you should know what works and be able to tell primary care what you need. But for an initial dx and figuring out the right c o c ktail...you need a pdoc.

GP's are good for 2 things...referrals and rx's