Posted by winsome on September 14, 2013, at 13:39:52
Hi! This is my situation. My long time therapist/psychiatrist of 10 years recently announced he is closing his practice and taking another job. My husband happened to be in his office when this was publicly announced. He knew how upset I would be (this was always my greatest fear.) Therapist felt driven to close due to new insurance paperwork which was overwhelming him.
Husband asked if he would consider seeing someone (me) if paid for sessions ourselves so he would not need to go through insurance. He said he would consider it and he had been thinking about continuing to see me. I was on the short list. I am the only one he will continue seeing.
I freaked out when I heard this news!! When I saw him next, he heard me out after explaining his reasons for closing, etc. He said I had options: 1. He would help me find a really good replacement therapist (there is no one similar to him in our state!) 2. Continue to see him privately not going through insurance via Skype/in person sessions. Of course, I jumped at chance for second option.
Since then, I have been worried about this as his decision is causing a lot of distress among his patients. I wonder, why me? How did I get so lucky? I asked why me and he said I would have the hardest time attaching to new therapist. I agree. It took me 3 years of session until I did trust him. I have gently asked question a few more times due to my insecurity. He said I had worked really hard and deserved to continue. He said I should just be happy.
Monday is my last official session. Then, we will need a new plan. I am obsessed by worry. Do you guys think he is just doing this for the money? I am the only patient he will see.
Please help! I have no one else to process this with; it's the kind of issue I would usually process with him. Opinions, PLEASE!!!
winsome
poster:winsome
thread:1050656
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20130807/msgs/1050656.html