Posted by Cece on February 23, 2001, at 21:22:55
In reply to 'virtual' therapy, posted by Steffany on February 23, 2001, at 19:24:08
Hi Steffany-
I'm pretty new to this site also, so don't really know what the conventions are yet. Personally, I like hearing some of people's stories- I also used to be in a 12 step program, and what I liked best was getting to hear people's stories- I think it's a real privilege.
On the other hand, NOTHING can replace a good therapist. I've had to go for low-cost therapy most of my life (I'm 52), and have found it various ways- mostly through teaching hospitals/clinics for psychologists/psychiatrists, which usually have sliding scale fees. But I live in an urban area, so probably have more choices than in a small town. It sounds like what would be best for you (and for most of us) is a psychiatrist who also does therapy. If by any chance there is a medical school within reach for you, check out if they offer anything. Even though the people practicing/training in such places are new, they have a lot of supervision, and I've found that new docs/therapists have a lot of interest in their patients (they aren't worn out yet!) which can balance out their lack of experience.
Sometimes cities have mental health clinics that offer medical and therapy services for low cost or free. And colleges and universities often offer therapy for students, or at least referrals.
In both these cases you are taking potluck, rather than going out with referrals and checking people out in private practice. So, I've found it necessary on occasion to get up the nerve to say 'I don't feel like we are a good match and I'd like to see someone else'- when I've done that, even though it was scary to do, I've been offered someone else to try.
Another thought, I have found that most doctors and therapists take on some patients for less than their regular fee. If you ask them if their fee is negotiable, a surprising number will say yes.
I'd also like to say that while I think it's important to educate yourself about meds (I am amazed how much some people who post on this site know), it's really much to complex to try and figure out by yourself what is appropriate for your particular problems without GOOD medical guidance. Especially since you've abused substances in the past (me too), I don't think that you should even think about self-prescribing.
I wish you luck- try and be resourceful and persistent, and keep believing in yourself and your right to get the help that you need.
Cece
P.S. When I added Neurontin to my regimen, I found that my cravings for alcohol disappeared. My doc said that other patients have reported the same.
poster:Cece
thread:54711
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/54721.html