Finding a New Psychiatrist

[nootnoot]

I have been seeing the same psychiatrist for around 2 years initially for my ADHD. My appointments are usually every 3 months and I am getting nothing out of them. She asks how I am going to which I tell her but she doesn't take it on board and changes the subject back to how my ADHD medication is going. It's a lot of money every 3 months just to get a prescription.

I'm after recommendations for how to go about finding a new psychiatrist. One that has experience with adult ADHD and is good to talk to about relationship issues/depression/anxiety.

I'd prefer someone on my side of the city as I have a 4 month old baby and need to find someone to watch him while I go to my appointment. I will consider psychs further away if they have great recommendations. Thank you.

[mmMekitty]

Hello Nootnoot, & welcome to the forum.

We are not able to make a direct recommendation regarding any specific Psychiatrist in your area, wherever that is. I can only point you to a part of this website, below, near the bottom left corner, under 'Get Support'; 'Find a professional'. Or call the BB Counselling Service 1300 22 46 36.

It's really difficult to find someone who can meet all our needs & also be someone we feel comfortable with, who is not far away, & now, who will be able to see us quickly. When you find someone, you may be waiting a long time.

I wonder if your GP can manage the ADHD meds, while you are looking /waiting to see a new Psychiatrist? I wonder if you'd consider seeing a Psychologist - who still may have long waiting times to get to see them, lately.

We're not professional people out here, but we are willing to listen & chat & give as much support as we can.

There is also lots of info about anxiety & depression & people in discussion about all sorts of relationship issues. Take a good look around, & see if sine if this helps.

mmMekitty

[james1]

Hello nootnoot,

Sorry to hear you are having a bit of trouble with your psychiatrist. It really doesn't sound like she listens and I understand that's a big part of what you're looking for. Could you speak to your GP and see if they have any recommendations?

James

[geoff]

Hello Nootnoot, if you tell your doctor that you no longer want to see this psychiatrist then take the medication bottle/package to them and ask if they could refill the prescription until you find another psych.

There are some that bulk bill so if you ring each office and see whether or they do this and if so, doesn't mean they are not as good as a paid psych, it's worth a try.

It's a bit of footwork by you, but they won't come to you, you have to find them, I'm sorry.

Geoff.

[Amelia02]

Hi nootnoot,

Google "your health in mind"/ "your health in mind psychiatrist" etc it is a site to search for psychiatrists in Australia with specialties in different areas. You can probably filter for those that specialise in ADHD. I haven't put the link as not sure if permitted?

Hope this helps

[BK13]

Yes, it’s a struggle to get appointments with psychiatrists, particularly those specializing in ADHD. It’s pretty shocking really. I waited over a year to get an appointment, and ended up seeing one which was probably my 5th choice based on reading their profiles. The other ones their books were either closed or they just never got back to me. I did a cover letter telling them about myself and asked my GP to do up a handful of referrals. That way you have the best chance of getting an appt in a timely way.

As it turns out my psychiatrist is much better than his reviews said, yes he is hopelessly behind schedule always, but he’s actually a reasonably decent doctor.

so don’t be put off by reviews as everyone sees things differently, and maybe try the cover letter/referral thing too. If your current psych is not working for you then it’s worth investigating a change.

one thing I’m not clear on (I was only diagnosed in March) is if you need to keep seeing a psychiatrist, or if a psychologist + your GP can continue prescribing the medication? I feel like I’m reaching the end of how helpful I’m finding the ‘talking’ side of things with my own psychiatrist, and wonder if I could/should transition to a psychologist or other therapist instead. Like it’s great to focus on my symptoms and my medication and all, but I feel like there’s some serious stuff to unpack in my life outside of my diagnosis, and I just don’t know if we’ll ever talk about it. Like family/childhood stuff. One day I want to open up to someone about it, but I don’t see him asking or me telling.

Anyway let me know if you find out if you *have* to keep seeing a psychiatrist to be prescribed the stimulant medication for ADHD. I’d be interested in the answer. Not sure if state by state, but I’m in QLD fyi.