[fraiser]

I get nothing out of sessions and even she said my symptoms were not improving but never suggested med changes. What do you do with that?

[CathyCobb]

I'm assuming you've said this to her. If not, be honest. Do some research to the best of your ability and ask if some other med or dosage might be better. And ask why sessions don't feel productive to you. Has enough time elapsed? I don't know enough to really comment, but that's what you have to do if she is your only option. If all that doesn't help - I don't know. There is a chat tonight with DocJohn - 15 more minutes. Sounds like good questions for him.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, frasier, and welcome to Psych Central! Sounds to me like it's time to find a new psychiatrist! You might need to see if there is one in a nearby town/city that takes your insurance. I used to drive an hour to see one, but it was definitely worth it.

You could also see about finding a therapist who takes your insurance, since one of them might be more helpful to you at this point.

[waggiedog]

I too have a totally useless Psych Dr. You know, she actually sits there grinning when I'm saying I feel so depressed I want to die AND I'm constantly thinking of ways to end it all. How is that ever amusing? She's also refused to prescribe antidepressants, saying they DON'T work!!!!!!! Errr so why are they made then???? Idiot woman! X

[RTerroni]

I know how you feel this is sort of the case with me, or at least was at the place I was last at, I didn't find another place that takes my insurance but I have only seen the psychiatrist there once so far.

[HazelGirl]

I have one of those, too. The only difference is mine is smart, even though she's annoying, rude, always running behind, and difficult to deal with. But she does know what she's doing in regards to meds.

[RTerroni]

Originally Posted by HazelGirl

I have one of those, too. The only difference is mine is smart, even though she's annoying, rude, always running behind, and difficult to deal with. But she does know what she's doing in regards to meds.

This was the exact same thing with my last psychiatrist.

[roads]

I'd go in to my next mtg with a pad of paper and pen, containing notes on meds and treatment strategies you've learned about from, e.g., sites like this. Before presenting any of those however, I'd ask her what her plan in for me--primary plan and secondary plan re: meds and any other treatments.

Put the spotlight on her. Say, "we've been mtg for __weeks and I'm worse. I need to feel some structure in our work and know that you have my improvement always in mind. So please talk to me, tell me your complete diagnosis and treatment plan for the next six months."

If she comes up empty, ask her to discuss the research that you've done. Make it clear that from now on you're a team, and you expect her to work on your improvement as hard as you done.

Roads

[looking4polaris]

Sorry your pdoc isn't cutting it. I travel to the nearest major city to see mine and consider the long drive worth it. If it's not possible to expand your search area, you might be able to find a well-informed primary care doc, neurologist or sleep med specialist (some are dual certified) who could treat you. I've also had an ob/gyn who was trained and willing to work with my psych meds. Or, if a primary care or other doc will refer you to a different, specific pdoc for a stated reason, your insurance might cover it after all.
Also, If you haven't already, I suggest calling your insurance company and asking a live person for a list of pdocs in your area. I've found that my company's published lists are often inaccurate and calling gets me a different list of options. It's even worth calling more than once as I often get different answers from different service reps.
There are all sorts of reasons that their lists can be inaccurate. I once found out that a specialist I needed really was covered but they didn't find him the first time because his first name was listed differently in their system. Even though his last name was correct (and license #) the difference between Tony and Anthony left him off their list. Ridiculous.
Lastly, you could try contacting any local psych hospitals or psych hospital programs to see if they can suggest an outpatient provider that would be covered. Going through a covered hospital (even as an outpatient only) will sometimes get you access to non-covered providers because your initial contact with the provider was through a covered facility.
Good luck with this.

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by fraiser

I get nothing out of sessions and even she said my symptoms were not improving but never suggested med changes. What do you do with that?

Can you ask her? I think there could be a lot of reasons she didn't suggest a med change. It would have been easier if she had said why, but since she didn't, can you ask?

[veronicamarie]

That sucks have you ever tried talking to anyone on here for free lol I mean I'm sure there's a lot of people that actually want to hear you and that will give better advice its sad because that's their job and they suck at it but there's tons of ppl who will hear you out for free like myself I have a lot of experience with this and people and I'm sure a lot of other ppl do aswell

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