Joker Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 My dd's psychologist wants her to see a psychiatrist and get on medication. Most of the places I have called, including the referral list from current doctor, are not taking new patients. The ones that are taking new patients say it will be 4-6 weeks before they can fit her in. We've always been able to get into our primary care doctors and specialists rather quickly, especially when there is a real need, so this surprised me. I was treated over 10 years ago and was able to get an appointment that same week. Is this wait normal or is there something else I can do? We are seeing the psychologist in two days so I plan on asking if there is something we can do to get her in quicker. I just really can't imagine her having to feel the way she does right now for another month or more before even starting medication. We've been doing all the natural stuff and she's seeing one therapist (that she actually seems to like, which is huge) but she obviously needs more help than that. If anyone has any ideas on how to get in quicker, please let me know. I'm open to anything. *Please don't quote as I might remove later. I don't think there is too much information but I may change my mind. TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theYoungerMrsWarde Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 That waiting time has been my experience as well for new patients. A follow up appointment takes 15 minutes most places. An intake/new patient appointment takes an hour. They only make so much room in their schedule for new patients. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 There is a shortage of psychiatrists so wait times are long if you are able to find one accepting new patients. I don't know your dd's urgency level, but if she needs an antidepressant, some PCPs will prescribe this, including some pediatricians. For other meds, many docs wisely refer to a psychiatrist. I would mention it to the psychologist at your coming appointment for guidance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loowit Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 That is actually a short wait time from what I had when DS was referred a couple years ago. If it is really urgent you can ask if there is anyway you can get in sooner. You can be asked to be put on their cancellation list in case they get a cancellation and can fit you in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Also, you can ask the receptionist if you can call about cancellations. It seems Monday morning is a good time to call. (Illnesses that happened over the weekend, for instance, all get called in Monday morning, whereas other days, it's just illnesses that happened overnight.) That's my strategy when I want an earlier appt than someone has! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Yes, in many places it is normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 It's normal where I live, there is a shortage of psychiatrists here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joker Posted September 17, 2014 Author Share Posted September 17, 2014 Okay. Thanks, everyone. I had no idea it was that hard to see a psychiatrist. I guess we'll just wait and talk with the psychologist this week and see what she thinks about waiting that long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elinnea Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 A three month wait is typical for my area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaConquest Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 I have never had to wait that long for a new appointment. I agree that I would try to get on a cancellation list or ask for an emergency appointment, if need be. I will also add that the first time I went on antidepressants, my GP prescribed them. So, I agree that that is also another possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Look at it as time for you to do a detailed research project on every possible medication she may be prescribed. Then you will know exactly which questions to ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 That would actually be pretty quick for around here. We waited 5 months for an initial med appt with a psych that treats kids (most won't treat anyone under 18). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Yes, it is very hard to get in to a psychiatrist in many areas. I've known people who have checked themselves into the hospital because they couldn't wait months to see a doctor. Hospital patients get to see a psychiatrist immediately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 We see the psych every 3 months for med checks and refills. At the time of our appointment, I make the next appointment because I can't wait the 3 months to schedule the new one or we wouldn't get in. So the worst one was getting in for the initial intake. Once you're in, see how far in advance they'll schedule the follow up appointments to go ahead and save an appt. time for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink and Green Mom Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Yes, it is very hard to get in to a psychiatrist in many areas. I've known people who have checked themselves into the hospital because they couldn't wait months to see a doctor. Hospital patients get to see a psychiatrist immediately. I had to do this. I did it with the help of my therapist. She was able to call the hospital, and find out the on call schedule. We waited until her preferred psychiatrist was going to be on call and I was admitted. I would do this only as a last resort as it will be forever on "the record." I had to go through a huge procedural hoop jumping exercise when I applied to be a member of the DC bar. I had to disclose and allow the bar committee full access to my medical records because I had been hospitalized years before. Whether you have ever been voluntarily or involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility also comes up when trying to purchase certain life insurance policies. So I would use this option as a last resort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 I agree that sadly it is typical and that a good thing to do would be to get on a cancellation list. Let them know that you can be there in "x" amount of time (if it is under 1-2 hours it is a huge plus) and give them your cell phone number. I do this with most specialists and get in quickly. Be very polite but ask the receptionist when/how often you should call to check on cancellations, etc. Like someone else mentioned, first thing on a Monday morning might work, esp. if you could be to the office yet that morning. I would give myself 15 minutes to get ready and calculate drive time and then say I could be there in "45 minutes" or whatever the time frame was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 If the Psychologist has an active practice, he or she knows Psychiatrists and works with them on a daily or weekly basis. He or she should be able to help you with the referral and getting in more quickly and can provide information that may help the Psychiatrist select a medication. GL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 If her general doctor can not or will not prescribe a medication then call insurance and get another mom there on the phone. When our son away at college needed a psychiatrist and medication for depression etc. mid-year and the few docs in our network were booked for months, a frantic call got us permission to use an out of network doc who could fit CollegeMan in ASAP at the in network cost to us, as it was an emergency ( son admitted suicidal thoughts, and only knowing what we'd go through if he did it kept him from doing it). Ask insurance to help you find someone ASAP. No kid should have to feel that miserable...and it may take a few trials to find the right med or combo of meds that help the individual. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamajag Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Perfectly normal. I had a 3 month wait for my current psych. She has been SO worth it. I'll never go back to letting a normal doc mess with my psych scripts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AimeeM Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Even with GPs it can be normal to wait that long for a new patient/intake appointment. I know I've been trying to switch GPs and most of them have quite a long wait for a new patient appointment. Now, once you're a patient if you need to be seen it doesn't take long at all, but the intake appointments do take much longer than a "sick" visit. Even things like well child check ups can be very difficult to schedule if you miss an appointment, because they take so much longer than a sick visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyontheFarm Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 I'm very grateful for living in Canada right now, after reading all of your above responses. Where we live the local intake is through the emergency room. A psychiatrist and a psychologist are in the ER once a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. When I called first, the ER staff were able to tell me when to arrive to see the dr. That dr wrote up the intake assessment to the Wellness Center next to the hospital. We were given an appointment for 2 days later (because it was a weekend) and we spoke with a Crisis worker there who coordinated with the psychiatrist to meet my dd at the Wellness Center while we were there for our 2 hour appointment. "The Plan" was written up by the dr and the drugs prescribed. The next day dd started at the Wellness Center for 3 week (9am-2pm education program). There they can see her daily to monitor her meds and check in on her frequently and she can learn new tools to deal with anxiety, etc. Education classes are available for extended family members, including children! When dd had a bad reaction to her allergy meds, the Crisis worker was able to talk us through what to expect as parents, what a high and low could look like and how to support her. Then the worker contacted the dr to come see her at the center ASAP to adjust meds as needed. Once she is done the 3 week program, she is already signed up to be part of a teen center which just deals with mental health issues. They offer some amazing program! Yoga, exercise classes, group and individual counseling sessions, social activities, arts and crafts, a music cafe, etc. All paid for by our medical through our province. She is also eligible for an adult program which is similar and has a drop-in program when you just need to be with other people, no questions asked. We as a family have felt supported, cared for and listened too. Because I'm her primary caregiver, immediately services were offered to me to give me a place to talk, vent and ask advice and help of. I wouldn't wish a mental health issue on anyone but honestly we got quicker and better care through the mental health division then we did through the fracture clinic for my son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Can you have her see a nurse practicioner or physican's assistant who specializes in mental health? Many have a counseling degree and then, as a midlevel provider, have prescriptive authority for most classes of medications. They may have a shorter waiting list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Very normal but it might help if your doctor calls there to try to get her higher on the list. Ds primary doctor did that to get us into a new autism specialist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joker Posted September 18, 2014 Author Share Posted September 18, 2014 Thanks, everyone. The psychologist was able to get us an appointment with a psychiatrist in two weeks. So, much better than I was able to do on my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Even up here in Alberta, that's normal. If one is super lucky you can catch a cancellation opening, but usually it's a long wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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