Posted by JohnL on October 19, 1999, at 3:42:17
In reply to Re: Need a good Psychiatrist in NC, posted by Refractory on October 18, 1999, at 12:22:13
Sorry. Was just trying to help. I know nothing about the things I suggested except they are from a reputable source. But since you live in NC you probably have a better perspective.
I am better aware now of your frustration. I can relate. The old cliche, been there done that. Here's what worked for me. I got every name from the yellow pages. I called every clinic and hospital and asked, "Who would you suggest for your own family member?" Many answers were reserved, but I did get a few recommendations of trusted names. A couple came up more than once. That was a good sign.
I also sent a brief letter, shotgun style, to all names in the yellow pages. Described concisely (one page) my situation, treatment history, and asked if they felt confident of taking on my case. I got a 50% response rate. I was looking for someone in love with their work. They tend to perform better when they absolutely love what they do. After getting responses, I followed up with phone calls. If I couldn't get the doc on the phone, I scratched them off the list. I want accessiblity. If I did get them on the phone, I then screened with intuition, gut feeling, chemistry, and specific questions.
Out of a universe of about 30 names at the start, I ended up with three excellent ones to choose from. I then used age as my final criteria. I wanted an old guy who was around when MAOIs were the only choice. Someone who's seen it all. He's been wonderful. He's accessible, highly experienced, and willing to try any suggestion I have.
Anyway, there really is no easy answer here. My approach took serious effort, time, stamps, and calls. But my situation was serious, so my efforts were warranted. And it was a distraction from dwelling on my condition for a while. You know, you might want to just call everyone you can and say, "I want to try an MAOI and possibly add a TCA later, I need a doc who will go along with my desire and monitor my progress. Would you be willing to do that?" You can screen them based on how they answer your straight-forward simple question. If you get some kind of politically correct balogne answer, scratch em off. You will know the right doc with the right answer when you talk to them. The more you talk to the better. You will likely find psychiatrists actually recommending to you other psychiatrists more qualified for your case. No easy way. Just gotta get out there and bang on doors. One of them will be the right one. But they're not gonna come to you. You gotta go find them. On your terms.
poster:JohnL
thread:13361
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991016/msgs/13412.html