What Kind Of Therapist?

[Misera1013]

What kind of Therapist do you see?

What kind prescribe meds?

Does your office work around the meds issue? (like calling your family Dr. to issue the meds?)

 

[Ted Moen]

I see a clinical psychologist for therapy and a psychiatrist for meds (they work together). I am on paxil (genaric) for anxiety and depression and took trazadone for several years to sleep until I discovered I could sleep well 90% of the time without it. My primary care doc has recommended cholesterol medication but years in group taught med many meds screw up psychotrophic meds so I declined and opted for increased exercise instead. I also use Travaprost drops for glaucoma. All my meds come in the mail from the VA pharmacy.

Ted

 

[Misera1013]

Is it terrible I am going outside the VA? That lady treated me like the poo on her shoe! My only option would be to travel an hour away instead. I wouldn't mind that, but with the whole no cash and moving to checks it hurts me. I also don't know how I feel letting that lady talk to my Dr. Also, I can only do Fridays for appt. I just killed myself being sick this week.

 

[Ted Moen]

No, it's not terrible and you are not terrible :) One of the hardest things for a veteran with PTSD is somehow getting through the VA intake processes. The people you first encounter and the admin processes are likely to trigger so much stuff it feels like their is no way you can deal with the VA. Seeking help outside the VA is certainly an option. There are good therapists on both sides. At the same time the VA is free, and sooner or later you need to go there to get the benefits you are entitled to.

Ted