Psychiatric Alternatives

I’ve been a patient with PA for a few years and originally went to them for an ADHD assessment and medication management. I was happy with the initial provider I was paired with, but I was switched to another provider who was never a great personality fit. This provider made fine decisions about my care, but treated me condescendingly and frequently talked over me. I think she maybe had some old-fashioned ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like (eg, she thinks we’re all overgrown smelly teenagers and couldn’t possibly be functional adults?) but it was clear to me that she didn’t intend any insult. I eventually inquired about a transfer to another provider within the practice, though, after one session in which she reminded me to eat vegetables and randomly told me I should have a primary care physician (lady, I’m 34…). So, I called the practice to ask in a super low-key way about switching and unfortunately, that’s where it got weird. The admin assured me transfers are no big deal and asked me for details on why I wanted to switch, but I was nervous about explaining exactly why because it was personality-related and I didn’t want them to take it the wrong way. When I gave some light details on why I wasn’t happy with my provider, suddenly they needed documentation of my diagnosis. When I reminded them that THEY had given me my diagnosis, suddenly there were no providers taking new patients without that documentation. When I asked if I could provide feedback about this process, maybe to someone in management who is in charge of it (eg, someone other than the person I’d been having these deeply confusing interactions with) the person who heretofore had only been identified (via their email) as an admin suddenly indicated they are also the manager of the practice. This is when I gave up.

I won’t attempt to draw any conclusions about what on earth is going on with this place. I know a lot of practices are requiring diagnoses on file, so that’s not suspicious, but it’s kind of odd it wasn’t ever mentioned until I had a mild complaint about my provider. I am definitely not saying not to go here- my experience was mostly fine. But, if you are an adult w/ ADHD, be aware that some providers may not be as respectful or sensitive as is appropriate.

I started therapy with Dr. Gorewitz last week and I really enjoyed our visit. She is compassionate and understanding, and she gave me practical steps to take to help with my anxiety. I followed her recommendations and am feeling so much better. I’m really looking forward to our next session!

I’ve been grateful to access my therapist remotely, other than when the Doxyme service drops our call. Doug is an excellent therapist, and, through our sessions and his ongoing positive reinforcement, I had made a great deal of progress.