I am so relieved to have found a sharp, compassionate, up-to-date CNP at the new psychiatrist's office that Caroline and I will be going to now. Probably Mae would see her too for her ADHD. The right person makes ALL the difference, doesn't it?
If we end up moving because of Bill's job search, we will have to start all over finding a good psychiatrist, psychologist, homeschool co-op, lacrosse league or whatever. But I feel very confident that I know what I to look for now and I think interviewing several docs is a good idea before settling on one practice, or one school situation.
It sure does! I am amazed at the differences. I noticed that most of the good ones in our area don't take insurance. I guess they know they are good and don't want to bother with the paperwork!? At any rate, we managed to find a good one that does. (Got lucky I suppose) I don't even want to think about having to hunt down a new Doc.
ReplyDeleteCould you make a post about the things you look for in a doctor based on your experience? To help us moms out?
ReplyDeleteMama Bear- the things I look for are:
ReplyDelete1. They take their time with you and act like they truly care about you and your child. They are not condescending!
2. They seem like they try to stay update on the latest treatments for bipolar disorder in kids, not just adult bipolar since kids can be so different.
3. They understand and follow the premise that most kids can't take antidepressants or stimulants because it makes bipolar disorder much worse usually.
4. They call me back within 24 hours if I call them for an emergency consult over the phone!
5. They have good office staff who get meds refilled on time when I have requested it!
6. I can get fast emergency appointments with them. If they tell me they can see my kid in three weeks, forget them!
Oh, and also I need a doc who trusts ME as the parent that I have real intuition about where my kid is at, what meds they are and are not responding to, etc. Parents are the best at knowing their kids moods and the doc needs to listen to us!!
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