I have been seeing the same psychiatrist for 6 years now. He doesn't take my insurance or Medicare. So I have been paying him cash for the last two years. 100 dollars for a 15 minute session. I don't want to change but affording him is getting out of hand. He did get me out of the psych eval for WLS. I seems we are more like friends then doctor and patient. He talks to me about his problems and I talk about mine. He has me on a great combo of medicine. He is very good at his job. I forgot to mention he is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I am his oldest patient. When I was sent to him I was very sick and he saved my life. I just don't know if I should switch to a doctor that accepts my insurances. I feel obligated to him. Any advice?

It is very hard to find a good psychiatrist. Plus so very few take insurance anyway. My advice is to stick with the one you have.

Just an impartial impression: If this person is sharing his problems with you then it doesn't sound like a professional relationship but a personal one. He shouldn't be taking your money. (My opinion is based on the little information provided and is just an opinion, not a criticism. Please don't take offense, as none is intended.) :-)

Since it seems that you have a long term relationship with this doctor, I would discuss your financial concerns with him. Perhaps he can recommend somebody that will accept your insurance or give you a break on what he is charging you. It may also be a good time to make a change since he normally works with youth and it sounds like you may have outgrown him.

It is always uncomfortable to discuss money, but often times health care professionals are willing to work with their patients in order to keep them. As a long time patient and one that he has helped substantially, he may very well be able to do something for you to keep his services affordable. Its worth a try...

Carol

tough spot! I agree that if he is sharing his problems with you, on your dime, that is VERY unprofessional. But he did help you in the past so that makes it tough. Since he is a child/adolescent psychiatrist, you may be frank with him and ask him how you can transition out and to find someone who specializes in adults or in food issues, etc. And mention the insurance issue. i don't know how he would feel but it seems he would feel worse if you just stopped going and never mentioned why. Work together to create an exit strategy. I saw a shrink for a bit and it was funny that when I mentioned I didn't have any more money left or insurance visits that I was considered ready to leave. And, wow, $100 for 15 minutes? I guess it's been quite a while since I've been. You may even want to talk to your surgeon or primary care physician for advice,

Best of luck!!

My psych also specializes in children and adolescents but I've been with him over 8 years now and I wouldn't want to change. At this point we're just in medication management. He asks me how I'm feeling and about my family situation (he also saw my ex-husband while we were married and he talks with me about my 20 yo son's drug and alcohol abuse). He accepts my insurance so that's not a factor for me.

I only see him every 3 months to make sure the meds are still working. It's "medication maintenance". Maybe you could ask your doctor if he could write you 90 day scripts and just see you every three months. That will help with the costs and from what I hear from friends who see psychs for med maintenance it's normal practice. It's what my insurance will cover as well. Let him know it's what you'd like and see how he responds. Then you can make a decision to stay there or move on.

Good luck!

Ginger Snaps has great advise! Disregard my answer and let me say I agree with Ginger Snaps!

Thanks for all the replies. I think I am just going to stick with him since he so good as managing my meds.