Any ideas?

[fiona]

I have had Agoraphobia for the last 15yrs. I am currently able to go about 500 ft from my door. I've been doing things on my own to try to improve my condition. Taking baby steps, desensitization, calming and breathing exercises, ect. Here's my problem... I live in a small town, recently I was able to start receiving SSI. They switched me to straight Medicaid so my therapist is unable to continue telephone counseling with me and I can not pay her the $140 per session fee.

I've literally called every therapist in the phone book and the only ones that will take Medicaid will not do telephone sessions. The one psychiatrist in the area that takes Medicaid will not treat me for Agoraphobia. She insists that because I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar 9 yrs ago that I should be treated for that.

I explained to her that wasn't the issue and had my phone therapist write a letter to her explaining my history and symptoms. (my phone therapist thinks I was misdiagnosed back then for Bi-Polar because at the time I was going through a horrible divorce and custody war that made me a roller coaster emotionally)

Anyways, I've tried to go to Dr.'s in the area that are close by to see if they could treat me for Agoraphobia and the answer is always the same..."I don't feel comfortable with treating you for this but I will refer you to a psychiatrist." The one they refer me to is the only one around here.

The closest Psychiatrist besides her is about 45 mins away which at this time, there is no way I can handle that. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas of what I can do to get treatment. All the therapists I have been to in the past told me that medication would be ideal for me. I've also called the mental health department, they said they can come out and diagnose me but can't treat me.

I tried the emergency room and they won't treat anxiety as well. I've searched the internet for online psychiatrists but I don't know if that is legal where I live (ny state). So once again if anyone has any ideas, I would be happy to hear them. Thanks for your time.

 

[Always Changing]

I am sorry Fiona, I do not have any ideas for you.. but I hope you can get this sorted soon. :hug:

 

[David Baxter PhD]

All the therapists I have been to in the past told me that medication would be ideal for me.

Are you taking any medication currently?

 

[Dragonfly]

Anyways, I've tried to go to Dr.'s in the area that are close by to see if they could treat me for Agoraphobia and the answer is always the same..."I don't feel comfortable with treating you for this but I will refer you to a psychiatrist." The one they refer me to is the only one around here.

The closest Psychiatrist besides her is about 45 mins away which at this time, there is no way I can handle that.

Fiona, it sounds like you have worked very hard to get to the point where you are now. :2thumbs: Don't give up. Sometimes we are called to be advocates for ourselves so we can get the help we need.

I am wondering if you have a primary care doctor (or ARNP or NP if you are in the US). Perhaps if you do, they would be willing to start meds for you - only so you can get far enough from your home to get to a psychiatrist. Perhaps if you framed it this way (rather than asking them to undertake long-term treatment), and let them know how far you have come already, they might be more willing to help you get to the specialist.

all the best,

df

 

[fiona]

Thank you all for the encouragement. Sometimes I need that little pick me up to refresh my brain and tell myself I am doing good. I know this type of disorder takes awhile to conquer and baby steps are so important. Sometimes it's hard to remain focused. I am currently not on any medication. I know according to everyone I have seen that in my case it would be beneficial. I keep taking it step by step each day and trying to build my distance up to get to where I need to go in order to receive it. My primary care will not treat me for Agoraphobia. Like I said they just refer me to the one psychiatrist in my area. I'm actually trying to figure out my finances at this time to see if maybe I can move to a more populated area where there are more options for me. I just have to keep making those strides and telling myself there is improvement even though it's small. Once again I appreciate the replies and it does help.

 

[Ashe]

Hello Fiona,

Unfortunately I can't think of any suggestions right now that could help, but I couldn't resist congratulating you on your achievements!!
I know what it's like to have agoraphobia (I have dealt with a similar problem) and you are taking great strides. Keep positive, this will all work out in the end. Just remind yourself about how far you have come in your struggle, and that you are a very strong and brave person. Agoraphobia can be a tough opponent, and you are kicking it in the butt!