My 15 year old stepdaughter is depressed and having suicidal thoughts. I've called several psychiatrists and they all tell me it will be anywhere from 3 weeks to several months before they can see her. I'm not sure I'm willing to wait that long - she's in pretty bad shape. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Take her to Childrens Medical Center in Dallas or Plano. Possibly take her to the ER to get help quickly. Dr David Missimo in Plano - we didn't have to wait long to see him. Good luck!
Contact her school counselor immediately. Whenever we have a student with suicidal ideals the counselors get very involved with the situation and bring in specialized personnel.
When my granddaughter went through this, I took her to our local mental health clinic and they wrote and order to commit her to a hospital in Shreveport, LA. She was there for several weeks and it did help. I am sure there is a facility near you that will accept her once you get the order to commit.
Beckloff Pediatric Behavorial Center
17103 Preston Road #250
Dallas, TX 75248
###-###-####
Also:
Dr. Gwen Shipe
###-###-####
She is an amazing woman whom I KNOW can help your step-daughter. She would actually be who I'd recommend you call first, before Beckloff Center.
Take her to her normal doctor, explain the situation. He/she should be able to refer you to someone or an appropriate in patient facility and even call ahead to get her in sooner.
Dallas Area isn't as handy, but Jill H. Nichols, Ph.D is Totally worth the trip!
You will need a Psychiatrist for Med. prescriptions., but Talk... therapy is absolutely imperative, & our family has found Jill to be the best. She is very warm, & my kids really bonded & Got Help from her. Call, explain situation, leave yr name & ph.#. (You will get a recorder probably). She should be able to get you in w/in the week, ~ immediately. Her # is: ###-###-####. (Address is 6210 Campbell Rd., ste. # 100, Dallas, 75248. My heart goes out to you. Please don't wait to get get her help. If you feel Dallas is just too far, Call Jill, emphasizing suicidal thoughts, & she may have a recommendation closer to you. Wishing the best for you & yr stepdaughter!
Have you tried you local mental health authority? Normally they will make arrangements for you to see one of their psychiatrists. You can also find hospitals that have psychiatric services. Hope you find someone soon.
I know you asked for a psychiatrist, but I highly recommend this doctor....
http://drraylevy.com/default.asp
His website seems to focus more on out-of-control kids, however, he was referred to me for a very similar situation to yours by one of children's school counselors. He is phenomenal and I can honestly say I have seen several counselors with and for my kids and NO ONE has accomplished what he has.
Down fall: he does not take insurance. It is up to you to file it on your own and he is not cheap. He will get the job done though. When you call it is necessary that you tell them she is suicidal. He will not put off a suicidal child and will get you in right away as he reserves space for emergency situations like this.
I pray that your step-daughter finds the relief she needs.
She needs an inpatient facility.. Whether she voluntarily goes in or has to be bakeracked. This is not something to take lightly (not saying you are)... I think she needs more than a psychiatrist, she needs around the clock care at this time... My prayers are with you!
I'd find out which hospital is most recommended for her age and take her in and have her admitted. Not sure if Cook Children's has a psychiatric division but she really does need immediate help. I went through this with a friend when I was in high school...she got the needed help and is now a thriving adult with children of her own.
Is she taking anti depressants that were prescribed by a primary care physician? I take them and life has been a roller coaster ever since. I never had suicidal thoughts until I GOT on them. There are a lot of Psychologists that work from their homes, look online for a list of them, I bet they could squeeze her in. Has she given you a reason as to WHY she feels this way? Boyfriend trouble? Best friend move away? Picked on in school? Feels not pretty enough? Feels unloved by family? There HAS TO BE A REASON she feels so sad. Please keep me posted!!!
~A.
Take her to the ER. With suicidal tendacies, they will admit her for observation and/or call an appropriate Psychiatrist or facility for her. The Emergency room has to treat her. I work for a hospital and know this is true. You will see a physician that night or day and they will run some tests to see if it is a chemical imbalance or other type of depression. Hope she will do well and get the help she needs. I know this is hard on your entire family and I will be praying for you all! There is help out there and she will feel soo much better when she gets on the right track! Good luck!
I am so sorry that you and your daughter are going through this. Please call your local hospital for referrals. Since she is having suicidal thoughts, she should be seen IMMEDIATELY, and I am shocked that you were told to wait! So again, call your hospital and explain your situation. She might need inpatient. Good luck and god bless.
One of my clients is L. Vann who has been dubbed the "Teen Whisperer." I don't know about her wait time, but her number is ###-###-####.
Good luck. I'm so sorry you and your child are going through this.
I agree with the others. Either call her doctor and get his/her help or take her to the ER as she is a danger to herself.
Been there....she needs inpatient NOW - don't know where you are but Timberlawn and Green Oaks have teen inpatient facilities as does Children's Medical Center which would be my first suggestion but they are generally full - they have great docs also....please don't wait....I am here if you need to talk further....oh legal guardian must sign the papers....
