Phobias

[Guest]

I have been feeling ill for quite some
time, and know that I need to go to the
doctor. The problem is that I have developed a phobia for doctors. After
building up my nerve for 3 or 4 months I determined that I could go to a my local mental health center to get help with my phobia so that I could get to a medical doctor. I had my intake appointment on Monday. They were supposed to call me late Tues. to schedule me with an appointment. They didn't call Tues. or today. I called them myself late today. I was told that after discussing my case they determined that they were not going to accept me for treatment, that what a should do was just go to the doctor. Basically they told me to just get over myself. I am so upset and don't know what to do now. I've never heard of anyone being rejected for therapy before. Any suggestions on where to go from here?

[Guest]

If it were me, I would write a letter of complaint and find out who is their boss (state contract?) and complain. I would seek out a psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist that is covered by your insurance outside of the clinic. It is hard when your fear is of doctors. There may be a psychiatric crises service in your area that you could contact. Some will even do a home evaluation on some occasions. Best wishes.
[quote] I have been feeling ill for quite some
time, and know that I need to go to the
doctor. The problem is that I have developed a phobia for doctors... [/quote]