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Changing doctors

AbcdContributor07 May 2020, 11:32 am AEST

Changing doctors

I just want to know what are legitimate reasons to change psychiatrists? And can subsequent psychiatrists use this as evidence against you.

Like I had a doctor tell me that I had the right to k##l myself because I was over 18. Or another tell me that other people had it worse than me.

Or have someone attempt to charge more time than rendered and then tried to put me on medication that interacts with each other.

Currently, the doctor I'm seeing seems to put all my symptoms in the category of Autism rather than depression?

Is it okay to seek a second opinion from someone else?

And I have got rejected from a psychiatrist because I was said to be too complex, didn’t even get to spend more time than 20 mins after 2 months.

3 replies

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In response to: Changing doctors

Unknown userMember07 May 2020, 12:32 pm AEST

Re: Changing doctors

Hi @Abcd , welcome.

Wow, I'm so very sorry that you've been treated like that. I'd definitely be complaining, and yes you have a right to do that, aswell as get a second opinion. They're supposed to help you, not treat you like crap and judge you, and hold things against you.

I can't believe that happened to you, I'm so very sorry. You don't deserve that. And about the one that rejected you, that's even worse.

In response to: Changing doctors

Zoe7Senior Contributor07 May 2020, 4:40 pm AEST

Re: Changing doctors

Hey @Abcd You have every right to seek a second opinion and also change psychiatrists or any health professionals if your needs are not being met by the present ones. They are there to treat you and if you are not receiving that treatment then definitely get a second opinion. It is just as important that you are listened to and everyone is one the same page for you to be supported and treated. It may take some searching around to find someone that both fits with you and can is able to take you on but that effort is well worth it if you find the right person. Good luck with the search and finding that support.

In response to: Re: Changing doctors

Unknown userMember07 May 2020, 5:04 pm AEST

Re: Changing doctors

@Abcd if you would like help complaining, here's my advice. You don't need to take it of course.

- Try sorting it out with the hospital/clinic, whatever it is, first. Depending on where it is, they may have forms in writing, a complaints part on the website (feedback), or by phone or email, something like that. Search the place you wish to complain about and they should have that info there. There should also be consumer liasons if it's a hospital or something who specialise in taking complaints.

- HCC (Health Complaints Comissioner) and MHCC (Mental Health Complaints Comissioner). All info is on their website.

- AHPRA (Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency). All info is on their website too.

Best of luck, just some suggestions for you. You're well within your rights to change health professionals, complain and get a second opinion, or as many opinions as you wish. You don't deserve to be treated like that.

You, and everyone out there, deserve to be treated with kindness, compassion, etc. regardless of your health, race, gender, idenity, culture, etc.

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