Unable to get psychiatric medication

[Iyllsa]

I am trying to get myself a psychiatrist so I can get medication because I know for a fact it will help me. I used to be terribly fearful of medications, but right now I feel ready to give psychotropic medication.

I contacted a psychiatrist and informed him of my situation. I don't want other people knowing about my health, including my parents. I am 19 and it's a long story to explain why I don't want them to know. Basically they're abusive and manipulative.

On the phone call I was told that I'm not able to get medication or something without parental permission unless I'm 21, and that there is no way around it. Is this true? Is there really no other way for me to get medication?

 

[joeylittle]

Are you on your parents insurance? If so, it's possible - but it's also not quite as simple as 'can't get medication'

Call your insurance company, and ask them to explain what you are and are not able to do.

 

[Iyllsa]

Are you on your parents insurance? If so, it's possible - but it's also not quite as simple as 'can...

Yes though I'm being wary about using their insurance. If I use their insurance will they know? Or, at least, for what reason? i'd prefer they wouldn't. I will call.

 

[EveHarrington]

You're in the USA so I'm pretty darn sure that the age 21 thing is wrong. You're a legal adult at age 18. Age 21 is for alcohol....age 25 is to rent a car. Age 18 for most everything else!

 

[FauxLiz]

I am not sure why the doctor would tell you that you can't get meds without your parents permission until you are 21. In the US you are a legal adult at the age of 18. Your doctors can not talk to your parents about any of your medical care without your permission. It sounds to me as though the Pdoc you spoke with may have made a bad assumption that you were coming to him drug seeking for benzos, ADD/ADHD meds etc that many primary docs won't write anymore but can be heavily abused. I would contact another Pdoc's office.

 

[Iyllsa]

Thank you, both of you. It also caught me off guard, but I can see how he may have assumed I9 was just in for the meds or something. Tomorrow I will try to call another psychiatrist.

If I use the insurance though, will the main provider see it?

 

[EveHarrington]

Thank you, both of you. It also caught me off guard, but I can see how he may have assumed I9 was just i...

Probably as it can affect deductibles and copays.

 

[joeylittle]

If I use the insurance though, will the main provider see it?

The only way to know for sure is to call your insurance provider.

Make sure you specifically tell them it's for mental health.

 

[Cannottakethis]

Yes though I'm being wary about using their insurance. If I use their insurance will they know? Or, at l...

My stepson is on my insurance. If he goes to the doctor, it shows up on our explanation of benefits that we receive monthly. What we can't see are his prescriptions.

If you can find a psychiatrist that will take you and let you pay a smaller fee out of pocket (without insurance) I would do that, or you might be able to talk to your primary care doctor, which wouldn't be suspicious if your parents saw that you went to.