[Squirrel1983]

So, I have both a T and a pdoc. T is not partnered with pdoc in anyway (I found her on my own). She holds a PsyD (if that matters). Lately her schedule has gotten really full (she only works 2 days a week) where I have to schedule appointments 3 or 4 weeks in advance...when I first started seeing her, it was only about 1 week...if something comes up and I have to "reschedule," I have to wait another 2 or 3 weeks). I only "need" to see her every 2 or 3 weeks, so the that far in advance thing isn't that "big" of a problem (except when I have to reschudule like I did 2 weeks ago...now I don't see her again until the 11th...first thing she had open).

I like her and always have really connected with her. I like communicating through email and she lets me email between sessions. She's empathetic to what I am feeling/going through. I don't want to leave, but I don't know how practical only seeing your T once every 5-6 weeks is. I have insurance, so there are pleanty of other Ts that are covered.

My old pdoc didn't have any T in his office, which is why I found my current T. However, the pdoc I see now (and have the last year and half) has 2 T in his office (one is a LCSW, the other holds a PhD). I checked and both are covered by my insurance. I just don't know if I would want to see one that is "connected" with pdoc. Then pdoc might find out when I am uneasy about things he says/does (current T helps me work through them until I am comfortable with them).

What are the pros/cons of seeing a T with no connection to pdoc, versus seeing one in pdoc's office?

[WikidPissah]

They talk. That's a pro and a con. It's good to coordinate care, but I had a hard time with it. I think if you tell the t up front: please tell me if your goi g to talk to pdoc. My XT didn't listen, and it got ugly. When I think about it now though, really your pdoc should know what your t knows.

[pbutton]

Mine aren't in the same office, but they do refer a lot of clients back and forth. T told me that they often have a call to discuss one client and end up doing quick updates on the others. I don't really mind. I trust T that he will only share things that are appropriate. Pdoc doesn't know anything T doesn't know, so I'm fine there.

My husband's last pdoc was in the same office as his T. It had its pro's and con's. On the pro side, they have quick access to each other if there is a crisis going on so they can coordinate care. On the con side, you might feel less likely to share things with one or the other if you really don't want one of them to know something.

[Sometimes psychotic]

When I had a T connected to my pdoc everything was still confidential...they were only allowed to break confidentiality in an emergency ie if I was going to hurt myself or others. If you're worried about it ask what their policy is.

[Squirrel1983]

Hmmm...I just got the strange idea that I could see 2 T (if both were okay with it). I could see one in pdoc's office every other week, then see my current T once a month (like's it's bascially been the last few months anyways). I think I'll run that idea by current T on my session next week. See what she thinks.

[Squirrel1983]

Well, I got "brave" and just emailed current T about the idea of having 2 T. She what she says. I explained why I was asking. I also called pdoc's office and made an appointment with one of the T in his office for next week as well (just to try her to see if I could even connect with her).

Big steps. Scary steps. I need to step back and breathe.