new situation

Now that I'm settled in a little from the move, I have found a regular doctor who referred me to see a psychiatrist. Well the approved psychiatrists from my insurance are all part of the same practice. But they have this whole process to go through. First I saw a counselor and had to review all my medical history. Then I have to see her again in a week. Then she'll either see me again or set me up to see the psychiatrist. Then I may have to have counseling or therapy in addition to the psychiatrist. It seems a little weird. Before I just set up an appointment directly with they psychiatrist and gave him my history. I saw a therapist too. But that was seprate and I set up those appointments through him.

The counselor may be a psychologist I didn't figure that out but I was trying to read a certificate on the wall that appeared to be so state certificate for psychology. Anyways, she asked if I was intrested in DBT. I am a little intrested to see what it is but its during the day when I am usually watching my daughter and I don't really have someone else to watch her.

I want to see the psychiatrist because I'm having sleeping trouble again so I'd like to adjust my meds. Plus I have feeling of wanting more meds or stronger meds. Which is kind of strange because I've always been reluctant about meds in the first place. Perhaps because I sense my prediposition to getting addicted.

I'm just not sure about the therapy thing. I like my last therapist but I don't feel like I have anything to talk about.

If I really need to talk than I will but I feel it is unnessary for me right now.

The other thing was that when she asked about an suicide attempts I felt really uncomfortable and when she asked about taking too much ibprofen she asked why and I have no idea. Anyways, I'm really unfocused in this post so I'll just stop. I guess this is a poor attempt to start a conversation. I just want to talk about something interesting.

This sounds like it may be what we refer to in my area as a "community mental health center".

I already had a T but needed a pdoc for meds (I have a slightly complicated mental health history and my pcp was uncomfortable prescribing for me). Anyway, there aren't many pdocs in my area who are on my insurance plan, the pdoc at the "community menatal health center" is on my plan. When I called for an appointment, they told me the pdoc only sees pts. who see therapists there. They wanted me to make an appt for intake, then I could see a T, then the T could set me up with a pdoc if they thought i needed it. UGH!!!

I fortunately was able to use my T's name as she used to work there and I was able to get to see pdoc without a T, but only after begging, using T's name, begging some more, and promising I would continue to see my T and sign releases so pdoc and T could share info!!!!!!

Also, it is not unusual for pdocs to want u to see a T, as T and meds combined are considered more effective by pdocs.

BTW, around here, most pdocs have a 6-8 week wait for new pts, so you might get in quicker by seeing a T there.

Good Luck!