Psychiatrist outside the box

Post date: 2018-12-14 04:57:40

My psychiatrist is leaving in six months and her replacement just backed out. My region is very very bad for mental health care, and the other options are awful or not accepting new patients or don't take Medicare. I want to explore options like telemedicine, traveling, and other options. Please share your experiences and tips for finding a psychiatrist in mental health wasteland

I currently live in Blacksburg, VA and will be here at least another year.
I'm *not* looking for local recommendations.

I currently see my psychiatrist once a month or so but could do less if out-of-office communication is good.

Her practice is seeking a replacement for her replacement, who just backed out after signing the contract.

I want to have a game plan in case that doesn't work out, and no attractive regional options are open to me.

I don't drive but can bus, train, or get rides to other cities. I'm concerned that the distance would be a problem in an emergency, should one come up.

I'd be okay with telemedicine (alone or with occasional office visits). I've looked into some but the billing has been problematic. I only have Medicare, so I need a provider who takes that or has a sliding scale.
(My current doctor is willing to do telemedicine but the local medical system won't implement it.)

There must be more options as well, but what are they?

I am hoping to limit my search to psychiatrists, psychopharmacologists, and maybe psychiatric prescribing nurses.

Please share your experiences and resources. Thank you.

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