@jakedduck1 I know that it's hard to find the right care and the right provider at times. I'm not ignorant to that and it's unacceptable.

I am a therapist and I have plenty of experience with clients and their medication issues indirectly. I have seen people permanently damage their body, mind, and lives by taking or stopping their medications without provider guidance.

A close family member is a provider. As I mentioned, I am a therapist. I have worked in insurance and at the hospital before returning for my Master's in counseling. As a therapist I've worked in residential, outpatient, and in-home. I know it can be difficult to navigate the system but with persistence it can be done.

There are a few ways I have witnessed, guided, or advocated for my clients, so they can take charge of their psychiatric medications management.

1.) Switch providers. Contact your insurance and get a list of providers and specifically ask about telemedicine for psychiatry.
2.) If there are no providers in your area ask to speak to utilization management and get an authorization to see a local provider. This can be a lengthy process but it can be done.
3.) Travel to another city to see a provider.
4.) Get a second opinion.
5.) Contact the office of patient experience. There are specific weaning schedules for medications. Find out what they are and make a complaint if they are not abiding by the schedules.
6.) Contact your local county and ask for an ARMS or adult mental health case manager.
7.) Ask for a health coordinator/social worker at your local hospital.
8.) Ask for help in navigating your mental health via family, friend, or therapist.

These are just a few suggestions. I have yet to see a patient go untreated if they were persistent with the above suggestions. It's frustrating but people don't need to do this alone. Try to enlist advocates and you will eventually get there.