Posted by Ted on September 24, 2003, at 12:27:43
In reply to hard to find a good psychiatrist...., posted by sarita0001 on September 22, 2003, at 18:34:51
> hello,
>
> OuCan anyone relate??
> If not, it's still goo to "talk" about.
Amanda,Boy can I relate! Here (in Silicon Valley, south of San Francisco, CA) there are many, many pdocs and therapists. The problem is that those covered by any kind of insurance are lousy bordering on criminal or at least unethical and the good ones are booked solid for months and take only cash payment.
Here is the procedure I used to find my current pdoc:
1. Generate a list of ALL pdocs you are willing to visit, i.e., those not too far away or that you don't already know are lousy.
2. Identify all those remaining on the list which are covered by your insurance, if applicable.
3. Take the list to a local _private_ hospital psychiatric unit outpatient clinic. Ask for the outpatient placement nurse. Try to get a name and telephone number so you can call later if needed.
4. Ask the nurse to help you sort out who is the best and the worst on the list. PROMISE that all comments will be kept secret (and keep that promise) and mark your list with '+' (ok) or '-' (bad) or '*' (recommended).
Now you have a list of referrals that you can use to call and make appointments. Remember, the nurses are the ones who really know the doctors because they have to deal with them and their patients when things go wrong.
This procedure is what I used. I had a 3-page single-spaced list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers. At first the nurse refused to help me, but when I explained I was both serious about my needs and desperate for help, she relented and helped under the condition of anonymity. My pdoc is considered by his peers to be one of the best available in the area. I also know several of his other patients who have benefitted tremendously from his help (including one with moderate schizophrenia who completed schooling and got a decent job thanks to the pdoc's help).
I hope this helps.Ted
poster:Ted
thread:262486
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/262951.html