new psych appointment(s)

[CroutonBehavior]

I found a new psych nurse but the office set two appointments. One with the psych nurse in late September and another with a psychiatrist at the end of November. I don't understand what the thought process is. I'll try to call back and see but it's a little strange.

The psych nurse was the person I specifically wanted to see. She's a woman of color and I feel like that raises the chances of us connecting. She has great reviews but some of the other doctors don't.

The psychiatrist I'm supposed to see is a man. Nothing against male doctors I just don't feel like any of them have taken me seriously. All the way down to the pediatrician I had when I was 4-12, I don't feel comfortable talking to them about everything and they often dismiss me. I didn't ask to see him, it was just automatically scheduled as part of the process.

I could ask to not see him but I'm wondering if the psych nurse will only do intake and the psychiatrist will pick up my case from there. Or maybe the psych nurse will prescribe medication and the psychiatrist is for an anticipated follow up. But if it's a follow up, I still don't understand why it's with a different person.

Some reviews have said it's to make more money but I still don't know.

[Hidden]

Most Nurses will only do Therapy, and then recommend the medication to that other doctor. It's VERY normal to have a Psychologist, then see a Psychiatrist (for meds) after.

[CroutonBehavior in reply to Hidden]

Yeah but I requested a psychiatrist and she does have the license to prescribe medication. It's still unclear what her role is. Every psychiatric nurse I've ever seen has prescribed medication. A little bit of talking about therapy on the side but they're not a psychologist or a therapist by any means.

[Hidden in reply to CroutonBehavior]

They might not feel comfortable just prescribing medication without therapy on the side. I had 2 nurses who had me see a doctor, then let me see them exclusively after. It's scary but could go really well! And if not, don't give up!I could also be wrong! Every situation is different, if anything I hope it goes well

[Sunrisetabby]

Good luck with calling back to see. Phone calls are often hard for me, and so I find it helpful to write and edit an email for succinctness and clarity, things that escape me when on the phone, even if I need to call to follow up on the email. Because your appointment with the psych nurse that you want to see is two months before the appointment with the psychiatrist that you don't want to see, worse case scenario you can also just ask the psych nurse when you have the appointment. I worry about things like this all the time, when instead I should be taking simple steps to improve clarity and stop the incessant worrying in my head. Don't worry. Get clarity. Try to put it out of your mind. This is something that is on my agenda today and all days.

[CroutonBehavior in reply to Sunrisetabby]

Called back this morning. They said the psych nurse will do an assessment and prescribe medication. I forgot to ask what the second appointment was about. I'll call again after the first appointment happens. Thank you for your advice.