How do I find a psychiatrist?

February 8, 2013 10:50 AM

I have had a lot of trouble finding a psychiatrist to help with ADD issues. I am in Northern NJ, USA and have insurance but it has been surprisingly hard to find a competent person to consult.

I have lifetime cognitive issues but have not had much luck in getting help as an adult. Through a university clinic a few years ago I found a person that helped quite a bit and I had a lot of trust in but after she left I have not been able to find someone I trust. Last year, I picked someone off the insurance company list (Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield) who I found to be dangerously incompetent. She gave me a drug that I had a terrible reaction to and then during subsequent visits she kept suggesting I try that same drug and in general I felt more like I was ordering drugs than getting advice.

Recently I went to my family doctor who I trust, he suggested a person but their office said they would not get reimbursed by insurance even though they were on my network list from the insurance company. Without insurance a visit is $475 which is not an option unless I can be cured in one visit. I went back with my insurance list to my doctor and he marked two more people who both ended up not accepting more patients even though they were on the list.

I have not been able to find much on the internet as far as reviews or anything and the information from the insurance company is surprisingly incomplete and wrong, with the addresses and contact information being the main line for their affiliated hospitals or saying they are in network when they are not. There are other doctors on the list to call but without a recommendation or even reviews or some additional information it gives me a lot of anxiety picking a doctor at random again.

posted by JayNolan to health & fitness (5 answers total)

I'm in North/Central Jersey and also have ADD. Although I'm just getting my meds prescribed by the doctor in the campus health center at the moment, they recommended the psychiatrists at Morristown Medical Center. I'm not sure how close you are to where I am, but maybe this will be helpful.
posted by naturalog at 1:46 PM on February 8

That's awful about the drug you had a reaction to. If I were you I'd make a formal complaint about this doctor - she must be accountable to her hospital or the state health board, or some other entity. Be sure to describe her behavior afterward when she was still trying to push drug therapies on you. That is crazy.

It seems like there are therapists who know something about managing ADD lifestyle issues. Until you can find a physician or specialist you trust, why not try a few sessions with a good therapist? There are ways to live with ADD, and a good therapist could help you do that. It might be a safer choice right now.

I just googled ADD treament without drugs, and found this NY Times article:

ADD without drugs

The article also has links to state-by-state resources for doctors who specialize in ADD and ADHD.

I sympathize and best of luck!
posted by cartoonella at 1:49 PM on February 8

Have you tried Psychology Today's Therapist Finder?

You can filter by things like location, specialties, insurance, and approach.
posted by bunderful at 2:42 PM on February 8 [2 favorites]

do you want drugs or therapy or both? if you only want drugs maybe go back to your family doctor and explain that it's impossible to find an affordable doctor in your area, so could she please write a 1 month prescription to see if it helps.
posted by cupcake1337 at 3:38 PM on February 8

Have you tried Psychology Today's Therapist Finder?

I second this recommendation. It's a great resource. You can use it for therapists, psychiatrists or both. With some providers you can email them your situation and concerns so when they call you they know the backstory. I did that and personally found it more helpful and comfortable than cold calling.
posted by sweetkid at 9:06 PM on February 8