Posted by wishingstar on May 28, 2006, at 23:49:52
Hi everyone.. I post over on the psych board somewhat often, but this is my first time posting on the meds board.
I am feeling very frustrated and helpless about finding someone to perscribe psych meds for me. I have been on several different anti-depressants (SSRIs) in the past, but went off them a few years ago after my doctor and I decided I no longer needed them. Now, it's definitely time to get back on them. I mostly know what I need, I just cant get anyone to write the stupid rx. I'm not even so worried about the price of the meds themselves.. just getting someone to write the perscription.
I guess I'm wondering if any of you have ANY ideas, suggestions, anything. I feel like I've covered every possible base, but maybe not.
My insurance situation is "interesting". I have had my current plan for almost a year, and thus far, they have covered absolutely none of my claims, including mental health (preexisting and understandable), but also kidney-related surgeries and a hospitalization last fall, an ob/gyn visit, etc. I'm about $30,000 in medical debt thanks to them and all the surgeries. So obviously I do not have a lot of money to throw around for any other medical stuff right now. I do see a therapist who I pay out of pocket - $200 a month (she has made a special deal with me or it would be much more).
Here's what I've looked into regarding the psych meds.
- A regular psychiatrist. No way I can afford it.
- My university's counseling center (I'm a grad student) offers free med management, but they wont take me. In order to get med management, you have to have a therapist at the center. However, they wont let me see a therapist because they believe I need more long-term treatment (its a brief counseling center). I contacted several therapists who I know personally there and even the director of clinical services to try and find a way around that requirement somehow, but no luck.
- The local mental health center/community services board. I work in the psych field and worked directly with the only psychiatrist at this center about 2 years ago (as a case manager, not as a client). I really wouldnt feel comfortable seeing him as a client, if he was even willing to see me.
- The local free clinic. I dont qualify because I have insurance, even though my insurance wont pay for any mental health benefits.
- The university health center. There is a woman there who is a nurse practicioner who used to do med management for students at the center. I worked with her for about a year. I asked to speak with her to see if I could work something out, even though she doesnt do it anymore.. they wont let me talk to her and say she cant do it anymore. Someone at the health center promised to look into options for me and call me back, but surprise, never did.
- A family doctor. I really cant afford this, and I dont expect that my insurance would cover any of it. I dont currently have a doctor so I would have to find a new one. Also, because I have had some bad experiences with psych meds in the past, I feel like I really need someone who is knowledgeable about psych in particular. The last GP I saw for psych meds let me pick my own off a list because he didnt know the difference. Not what I need.
- Someone recommended I ask my ob/gyn. I did. She said she'll call me back in 3 weeks (shes out of town) to let me know if she can do it, but more than likely she doesnt think she'll be able to. It's planned parenthood and I guess they have strict rules on these things, and since I have a weird case...
- Mental health centers in the DC metro area (about 2 hours away from me, but I would drive there if I had to). I have called around, but no one will take me because I am not able to switch to a therapist at their center (I cant drive 2 hours each way for therapy every week.)
I think that's everything. Sorry it's so long. I am totally out of ideas... but this just seems so unfair. I ask everyone I see.. I even asked my orthopedist if he knew of anyone! What am I supposed to do? One friend suggested I just "find the money" and do what I have to do... but where am I going to find it? Under a rock? If so, can someone please tell me where this rock is located? :)
Sorry for such a long post. If anyone has any thoughts at all, please let me know.
poster:wishingstar
thread:649976
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060525/msgs/649976.html