Well, without us knowing it, we were talking with a psychologist for the entire time we were there, not a psychiatrist, like I requested. Apparently, all initial visits go through a psychologist, then he or she refers the person to one of the "in house" psychiatrists if they think it's necessary.
Only problem- they don't have a pediatric psychiatrist on staff. I really, really, really wish they would have told me that over the phone. They knew his age, and why we were coming in when I talked with them on the phone.
I have a referral to both a pediatric psychiatrist, and a pediatric psychologist who does neuro-psychological testing. Both can diagnose adhd, and other problems.
My problem? I have to call and make sure they are covered, and who knows how long it might take to get in now. -sigh-
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Comments: 23
What a shame, the mental health insurance in this country is even worse than the health insurance. I hope they are covered so that you can get your son the help he needs. Good luck Heather.
You can do it!! This was just the first step
Well crap...that just sucks! I am sorry they didn't tell you ahead of time :~(
that stinks! I hope it all works out
that stinks I hate when drs office are not honest
oh dear.. hang in there!!
I'm sorry they didn't tell you everything you needed to know beforehand.
What a bunch of crap. Sorry you are going through this.... I never had this trouble, we were able to get mine right in without any "screening" sort of visits. Personally, to me it sounds like it's more about making another buck off people.
I'm sorry you have to jump through so many hoops to get him seen. It really does waste a lot of time.
That is frustrating, I hate when they don't tell you important things like that when you make an appointment somewhere, it seems like such a waste of time, which to me is valuable. I hope your insurance will cover it.
Very much felt like a waste of time, especially since I'll have to do the entire thing all over again if I can find an actual pediatric psychiatrist who will see him.
If not in this area, I know I can go to Grand Rapids and get seen. It's just a bit of a hike to get there.
I can read your frustrations..Sorry about all of this..
Keep your head up... at least you're on the right track now.
Oh my that is so very annoying. We had an issue similar when we tried to find someone to treat my hubby's ADHD. We found a counselor, and we discussed the ADHD, they told us to come in and when we got there told us that they didn't have anyone who treated it at that practice. Thanks for the waste of time, energy and hope, right? {{{HUGS}}} It will work out.... you are such a fantastic mom, you know that, right? You go above and beyond for your children - it warms my heart!
Thank you... it's nice to hear, because sometimes, I feel like a crappy mom when I can't get things right, ya know? ;) -hugs-
Man, that sucks. It was so frustrating for you to get to this point. Now you have to wait again. It has to get better for ya. Good luck. Stay on top of it!
That is too frustrating and something you don't need to deal with. You would think they wouldn't want to waste your time...or THEIRS. It's a shame that there aren't enough doctors to deal with these issues. It always seems that their waiting lists are months long if you are lucky.
I think what it boiled down to for them is the money they get paid for having the appointment. I am VERY glad we had insurance, because it was a $220 appointment without it. I'd have been VERY steamed had I wound up paying out of pocket for it.
The psychologist did mention that there has been a shortage over the years of psychiatrists entering the field, and with more of the older ones retiring, it's getting harder to get in to see one.
Darn it! I hope that you will find someone that is in your network so he can get some help over the summer & be ready for school this next year~
AARRGGHH!!!! Why can't people just be up front and honest?! AARRGGHH!!!!!
Sorry you had to endure that - they definitely should have mentioned something over the phone...where are their ethics!?! LOL
Thats the same problem I am going through right now.
That stinks, Heather.