Hello,

In a moment of anxiety, I thought I would come here and share my current challenge.

I was diagnosed by a Psychologist 7 years ago. Referred to a psychiatrist, began Ritalin. Had some challenges but was grateful to feel "normal."

After one round, insurance changed and my psychologist dropped me. I stopped the Ritalin and lost the name of the psychiatrist.

I've managed for years, but barely. It's been a struggle and I've had a few job changes.

For the past year, it has been clear that I need help. Can't remember to bring my keys and wallet to the car, what day garbage day is, to do something I said I would do. Serious task procrastination, commiting to things I space out on. I get lost reading books and skip around, etc. So lots of symptoms.

I've had real trouble navigating the insurance system. My insurance BCBS (CareFirst) referred me to a doctor with no ADD experience.

How did you manage this? What steps did you take to get to the right people and afford therapy? Any advice or inspiring stories would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Hmmm- I'm thinking I should cross post this to Diagnosis. Please pardon the repeat.

With my insurance (United Health Care), I have to call and get "permission" for psychological care, and they send me a referral form with a list of approved psychologists (or psychiatrists, depending on what I ask for). I haven't gone through the process for myself, but I have for my son. I took the list and started calling numbers, asking each (or each of their receptionists) for their experience/expertise with his diagnosis and issues. That narrowed the choices down by a LOT!

For myself, my GP has handled everything so far, but he has given me names of psychologists he's referred patients to before. I still have to check to see if any of them are covered by my insurance.

I went through my local mental health facility and it cost me almost nothing. Then I got a new job and got insurance so I had to change. The closest psychologist is an hours drive. So I just go to my GP for everything.

Thanks for the replies. I think our insurance system needs some serious love and attention.

Do you have a primary care physician? Rather than go to the insurance for a referral I would go to your PCP, as he/she is going to know who the ADD/ADHD specialists are in your area and likely in your network. If you do not have a PCP I would do some research and then telephone the doctors for which you have discovered treat ADD and see if they will A) Take a referral from your insurance company, or b) if they will not take your insurance, see if you can seek reimbursement from your insurance for any treatment you receive. Many ADD specialists do not take managed care as they feel it impacts their ability to practice link (www.askdrjones.com) effectively. The second route is what I do since my physician does not take insurance. I just take a charges and fees sheet with the ICD-9 codes on it and then submit it to insurance after paying for the visit out of pocket. The medications are still covered as that is separate from the visit altogether. Hope this helps.