My Psychologist wants me to vist a place that triggers me, Why?

[EveHarrington]

I’m going to comment based on the many posts I’ve read about the VA, as well as news articles.

The thing is that doctors in the VA are (or at least were at one point), instructed to NOT diagnose PTSD because it costs them money via disability payments if they do so. (I believe I read an article on this a few years ago......Gotta love our government!)

Only in the VA can you be treated with “no diagnosis” and have it paid for. Outside, you will indeed need a diagnosis of some sort in order for treatment, with some types of treatment requiring an actual PTSD diagnosis......that is, if you’re using any sort of insurance. Only if you’re 100% self pay is a diagnosis not crucial.

It’s sad that this therapist seems to be running an end game around you. OMG it sounds like a complete mindfck. “Why would you think you have PTSD? Just because we are treating you for ptsd doesn’t mean you have ptsd! Didn’t you know that most doctors treat patients for ailments they don’t actually have?!?”

Can you seek help outside the va system?

 

[Liberty4all]

I’m going to comment based on the many posts I’ve read about the VA, as well as news articles.

The thing is that doctors in the VA are (or at least were at one point), instructed to NOT diagnose PTSD because it costs them money via disability payments if they do so. (I believe I read an article on this a few years ago......Gotta love our government!)

Only in the VA can you be treated with “no diagnosis” and have it paid for. Outside, you will indeed need a diagnosis of some sort in order for treatment, with some types of treatment requiring an actual PTSD diagnosis......that is, if you’re using any sort of insurance. Only if you’re 100% self pay is a diagnosis not crucial.

It’s sad that this therapist seems to be running an end game around you. OMG it sounds like a complete mindfck. “Why would you think you have PTSD? Just because we are treating you for ptsd doesn’t mean you have ptsd! Didn’t you know that most doctors treat patients for ailments they don’t actually have?!?”

Can you seek help outside the va system?

I just read an article about the VA not giving a diagnosis for the exact reason you said. She actually said why do you want a diagnosis...I will see an outside Dr if I need to, just not sure they will see me, wouldn't she have to give me a diagnosis if I requested to see another Psychologist? Plus I need a diagnosis so I can use voc. rehab. to retrain in another work field, how can I get her to give a diagnosis?

 

[katz]

My Psychologist wants me to go to a motorcycle dealership that will trigger me, and remain there until I feel comfortable? I can bearly think about going why does she want me to do this?

This kind of "therapy" can be very hard. So, if you don't want to go this route - tell your T. They should not make you do anything that you're not ready to do.

As for this type of therapy, when I tried it for the first time, it was really hard. Instead of going back directly to where "it" happened, I just drove by in my car - with all the doors locked and windows up! I was very scared. I was able to go back a few months later. As the years have gone on, it became easier. I was able to cry and mourn for the terrible thing that happened there. For me, it was worth it to just cry it all out. Till I couldn't cry any more. I feel like mine was like grieving for a loss. I just needed to "feel" my emotions.

Why don't you just start small? Drive by? Or take a friend with you? Someone who can ground you and make you feel that you're not alone. Or they can help you leave if you need to.

 

[EveHarrington]

I just read an article about the VA not giving a diagnosis for the exact reason you said. She actually said why do you want a diagnosis...I will see an outside Dr if I need to, just not sure they will see me, wouldn't she have to give me a diagnosis if I requested to see another Psychologist? Plus I need a diagnosis so I can use voc. rehab. to retrain in another work field, how can I get her to give a diagnosis?

Yes, an outside doctor will see you without an official diagnosis. Diagnosing and re-diagnosing, seeking second opinions happens all the time. Good luck!

 

[RCD_VET]

Thank you eve, I refuse to do what she has ask I am not ready, I just learned of my condition two weeks ago although I have been suffering from it for years now, sometimes if the veteran does not do what they say they will enter "refused treatment" in our medical records.


Thank you for this great information, I am so new to this and feel like I am in a whirlwind

Are you a Canadian Veteran? I just wrote my case manager and explained this exact issue. Tell them you feel like they backed you into a corner where you HAVE to jump through the hoops they've setup for you but that you don't feel ready for it yet. In Canada they take comments like that very seriously...especially if it's in writing because if anything happened they could be held accountable for pushing you over the edge. I have over 20 years of dealing with my issues on my own and have only done a 12 week group Cognitive Processing Therapy and they tried to put me into vocational rehab. I'm far from ready, but as I jumped through their hoops I fully realized it and told them. They are slowing things down and focusing more on mental health before pushing me to full time education/employment. Communicate with VA as much as you do your therapist - if not more. Keep them in the loop and make sure they know exactly where you're at.

Side note: If you're able to take a spouse, or record your sessions, it can be very helpful. We hear things through our PTSD influenced brain and don't always hear what they are truly telling us. Tell them what you believe they just said to confirm instructions. I find my brain rarely "hears" things as delivered when dealing with VA or therapists since they have a large impact on my future.