Wellness

[ScrapHappy]

My daughter is being referred to a therapist for anxiety from her PCP.  She's 17.  The doctor gave me a list with some names, about 7-8.  I called each one and everyone said they're schedules are full and not accepting patients.  I'm trying with work with my insurance company to find someone and so far it's been a complete fail.  But I won't stop until my daughter gets the help she needs.  I called the doctor's office nurse line to let them know I haven't found anyone yet and no one on the list that was given to me is available.  The nurse said how sad is that.  Kind of tells you what kids are facing these days.

[rockygems123]

@ScrapHappy  We have good county mental health services here in Colorado.  Maybe there are services for you that are offered through small government i.e. the counties?

[PickyPicky3]

Psychology Today magazine's website has therapist listings. 

[ThinkingOutLoud]

I'm sorry she's struggling.

I suggest being open to think outside the box and look into other options. EFT, for one, which is free so nothing to lose and available 24/7/365 (hello self-empowerment). I'm sure there are videos on youtube or check brad yates website but there are others. It's been around a while and Tony Robbins has taught this in his trainings.

[ThinkingOutLoud]

Just remembered something else that might help that she can keep with her and use as needed. 

[KLm]

@ScrapHappy  My son's therapist would not treat anyone in his church. But he was one of the 8 top rated therapists in the US at the time for adolescent boys. A woman asked me once what she should do because he went to her church and wouldn't see her son. I suggested she change churches. He was that good.

Choosing a therapist is a process. It seems to be unusual to hit it off with the first one you meet with.

Talk to other parents and ask who they recommend. Word of mouth is better sometimes than doctor recommended.

Also consider therapists who do not take insurance. I know it is costly, almost cost prohibitive sometimes, but your daughter's mental and emotional health is paramount. Also, if you find the right therapist it can be a quick process because they are able to get to the crux of the matter quickly.

[ScrapHappy]

My husband just got off the phone with a co-worker.  A good friend of ours for years.  He called to check on her, she had some minor surgery a week ago, because she wasn't in the office oday.  She returned to work this past Monday.  She said she had an anxiety attack and went to the ER.  She said it's work, it's the surgery (which all went well).  She's thinking about taking some time off.

[RedTop]

@ScrapHappy 

What services are available thru the school system, or your local county health department?  

[Kachina624]

There's an extreme shortage of doctors in my state which I assume is universal.  We educate them at our taxpayer supported universities, then they leave the state.

[FancyPhillyshopper]

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter.  Many young people these days have a lot of challenges due to the lost years of Covid, the incessant presence of social media, and the fast pace at which the world moves, besides pressures of perhaps, school, home and work.

You are very good to keep looking for a qualified therapist.  Please don't give up.  Also, know that there needs to be a good "match" between your daughter and the therapist, so the first one or two might not even be the best fit.

I think the nurse's reaction is a bit of a let down--you would think that there could be some strings doctors could pull to assist in the search, rather than putting all the burden on the parent.

In the meantime, you might want to think about a few sessions of online therapy.  It has become much more popular and convenient.  Of course, please do your research as some companies are higher rated than others.  

Sometimes there are specialty forms of mental health treatment, such as working with horses, engaging in dance or sports, etc., which might also help.

You and your daughter are in my thoughts, and I extend my best wishes to her.