Things I have learned along the way......

the good, the bad, and the ugly.......

-NOT ALL EMERGENCY ROOMS HAVE A PSYCHIATRIST ON STAFF:

Bryn Mawr Hospital: has inpatient psychiatric unit with physicians in house for Emergency consults if necessary. Use video chat as well to assess patient

Brandywine Hospital: No

Chester County Hospital: No, there is a psychiatrist on call and sees patients in ER via video chat when deemed necessary

Paoli Hospital: No (learned that the hard way)

Lankenau Hospital: No

-Very few therapists and/or psychiatrists accept insurance. They will provide receipt for you to submit. CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AND GET YOUR COVERAGE INFORMATION AND LIST OF IN NETWORK PROVIDERS.

-Not all therapists are created equal, it is very important to look into their areas of expertise, find the right personality fit, and check their availability.

- It may take several attempts until you find the therapist that is the right fit

-There are many different types of therapy; in-patient , "partial inpatient" (out-patient extended day program), weekly sessions, bi weekly, support groups, etc.

DID YOU KNOW?...…….

- In PA, most children under age 19 with serious emotional & behavioral concerns will qualify for services covered by Medical Assistance, regardless of family income.

Find out more at: https://namimainlinepa.org/how-medical-assistance-for-a-childteen-with-a-serious-mental-illness-autism-addadhd-or-substance-abuse-can-provide-access-to-valuable-services/

GENETIC TESTING

- There is a medical test that you can get that determines which medications are better suited to your genetic makeup. It is a simple cheek swab that is sent away and analyzed. You get a complete report listing drugs by classification showing which will have potential for more side effects and which will be more therapeutic. Many out there , I just know of Genecept Assay.

https://genomind.com

INSURANCE

Call your insurance company and KNOW YOUR COVERAGE, ask for a list of IN NETWORK PROVIDERS...now the process of submitting for reimbursement for out of network providers and what the insurance company needs for documentation (ICD-10 codes, etc)