Step-by-Step Before Consultations
(revised November 2007)

With regret, as I know that finding a psychiatrist in Oregon is extremely difficult, I'm sorry to say that I'm not taking consultations at this time. If you were referred by your primary care physician, please have her or him call me to discuss your circumstances. Quite often I can offer a perspective and some recommendations for your doctor to consider after reviewing your case by phone.

I do not foresee a change in these circumstances.   Again, I'm sorry not to be able to offer more direct help. At last check, Dr. Henry Elder was taking new patients without too long a delay. His telephone is 754-0060.  I believe that for a time there may also be openings in Albany in the office of Dr. Tim McCarley, where a new practitioner named Nathan Dingeldein is just getting underway (summer 2008). Ask gently about that at 812-6060. 

The following awaits my return to accepting patients for consultations.  It does not apply at present.

(Why "Consultations"?  Why not just "take a new patient"?) 

Details on each of these steps follow below:

• Step 1.  Decide you're willing to "see a psychiatrist". It may not be as bad as you think

• Step 2.  Read about insurance and rates, deductibles, co-pays, and all that stuff.

• Step 3.  Write down your health care information in advance (this is the most time-consuming step). 

• Step 4.  Read about email security.  

• Step 5.  Email me your history. When received, I'll call you to schedule an appointment.   

Please note: In this system, you could do a lot of work to get ready, and then not be invited to come in to see me.  Sometimes that would be because I thought some other provider would be in a better position to help you.  Rarely it might be because I was pretty sure from your story that I cannot help much.  For whatever reason, doing all this work and then not being given an appointment could be pretty disappointing, to some people anyway.  If that was to happen, I'd want you to understand that I'm trying to save you the expense of a visit, and avoid the expectation of possible assistance, if I'm unlikely to be able to really help you -- or if there's some simpler way of getting you some help!

Step 1.  Decide you're willing to "see a psychiatrist".
This is a big step for some people.  It's like admitting there might be something wrong with your head.  But in reality, I hope it won't end up feeing like such a big step.   For starters, I won't assume there is something wrong with your head -- we'll try to decide about that.  Being seen here should be like reading my websites: 

• you should find it understandable;

• you should feel like you can have a different opinion that will be respected;

• it should look like I have an open mind, especially if there's some evidence for a view I don't seem to share;

• you should be offered a reason why for anything I say or recommend (you can tell me when to "get on with it" too!);

• and the whole experience should feel pretty comfortable, hopefully helpful, even if I don't have any specific recommendations. 

You can come in for most any mental health symptoms, although I've got a bit of a reputation for my interest in complex mood and anxiety conditions (as you'll see reflected on my PsychEducation site).  

Step 2.  Insurance and Rates
 If you'd like to use your health care insurance, please read about the 3 major insurance companies I deal with directly, and how other insurance coverages are handled.  Otherwise, read here about rates for consultation services paid directly. 

Step 3.  Write down information in advance
Please read about information you must prepare in advance.  I know this is a very big project, especially for some patients who've seen multiple doctors and had multiple treatments.  However, consultations here are built around this step.  

Step 4.  Read about email security.
Now that you've written out this information, you need to send it to me. But you've never met me, and you're supposed to send me this stuff?  That might seem kind of strange, but these are the kinds of things that I would be asking you about right off the bat, before you had much time to size me up anyway.  However, please make sure you understand the security of email, including how to make it very secure if you wish to do so-- and why you should not use your office e-mail!  My apologies if you are not comfortable with this approach.  If you need an explanation for all of these requirements, see Why Consultations.

Step 5. 
Presuming that by now you really are going to come in and see me, there are a few more details we can take care of right now.  First, please read my Privacy Practices notice, which includes -- in plain English -- important information on how your mental health information will be protected, and who can get at it without your permission (under certain specific legal or safety circumstances).  You can have a copy of this document: print one here.  If you would like me to send records from your visit to your primary care doctor, or a therapist, please print a Release of Information and bring it in with you. 

Secondly, you will need to know how I handle emergencies and how to reach me by telephone (541-829-9319; calls are usually returned within 24 hours, 48 hours over weekends).  Please read that section on emergencies now, as you will not want to find it again if you happen to need it later. 

Finally, here are directions to my office.

Okay, now you are ready to e-mail your summary to me: jp@co-psych.com. Don't forget to attach the document you created. I'll offers you the soonest appointment time available, usually within a week or two.  If that time is not convenient, let me know, as there are always other dates and times available if we look a little farther down the calendar.  Or you can specify for me which days and times work best for you, and I'll work within those if possible.