Mental health therapist who knows long covid?

Posted by jeindc @jeindc, Jun 25 2:24pm

Long COVID, being forced to close my consultancy of 44 years because of it, having a 78th birthday, too many friends leaving the area -- all the things that can "trigger" a mental health issue. Finding anyone who does the usual therapy AND knows enough about long COVID to understand the struggles of finding help is , so far, impossible. And yes, I have other criteria like location and a few more.

How are any others screening for mental health help for knowledge of LC/PC OR have you found mental health therapists at least empathetic to the issues? I'm in DC and need someone in the District and not in VA or MD.

Thanks.
JE

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

law59 | @law59 | Jul 5 9:15am

Hi @jeindc. Hopefully not repeating suggestion🙃. I have found on my post covid journey that many healthcare systems have standard mental health processes that require escalation. Since post covid is complex affecting all facets of life, helpful key words for provider search “vicarious trauma trained”. So if no post covid clinic referral possible, others who are aware of our complexities should know/use those words🤞. Quickest healing to you🌈

suefish | @suefish | Jul 6 5:43pm

In reply to @law59 "Hi @jeindc. Hopefully not repeating suggestion🙃. I have found on my post covid journey that many..." + (show)

Anyone know of a medical person who can correctly identify my symptoms as Long Covid? Prefer Florida.

sfish

jeindc | @jeindc | Jul 7 1:15pm

In reply to @suefish "Anyone know of a medical person who can correctly identify my symptoms as Long Covid? Prefer..." + (show)

My guess is that all of us in this group and elsewhere have been through lots to get a diagnosis of Long COVID after being told everything from "it's in your head" to "I've never seen a symptom like that" to all possible responses. It took me nearly 2 years and many specialists to finally have what I knew to be true confirmed.

IF you live near a hospital connected to a university medical school, look to see if they have a Long COVID clinic. Sadly too many are shutting theirs down but you may find one. I was finally confirmed by an Infectious Disease specialist after umpteen doctors sent me to others and more blood tests than I thought possible.

It's frustrating. One even asked why I wanted to know! If you're asked that and if you've seen other specialists for symptoms and they can't find any cause and the symptoms have lasted 3 or more months since you had COVID, it is likely tho' not always. It is so complex and there are not definitive tests, at least that my docs offered, to find out.

Good luck.
JE

jeindc | @jeindc | Jul 7 1:47pm

In reply to @law59 "Hi @jeindc. Hopefully not repeating suggestion🙃. I have found on my post covid journey that many..." + (show)

Thanks, @law59 - that wasn't suggested. As I continue my search, I'm finding too many COVID support groups and because it's not just COVID issues and because in groups I tend to want to listen and help others v. getting help, I'll continue to look.

I so appreciate your suggestion, and I appreciate being in this group where comparing symptoms alone helps. When docs have told you it "can't be" and you know all the symptoms you now have were not there before and nothing else happened btw. COVID and the symptoms, well, why not believe us?

Here's hoping!
JE

suefish | @suefish | Jul 7 6:14pm

In reply to @jeindc "Thanks, @law59 - that wasn't suggested. As I continue my search, I'm finding too many COVID..." + (show)

Thanks to those of you sharing your knowledge and opinions. I have had so many discouraging friends, relatives, and even doctors. Hoping that consulting medical school individuals will help!

suefish | @suefish | Jul 7 6:28pm

In reply to @suefish "Anyone know of a medical person who can correctly identify my symptoms as Long Covid? Prefer..." + (show)

Thanks. Good advice.

suefish

tslayden | @tslayden | Jul 7 10:27pm

In reply to @suefish "Anyone know of a medical person who can correctly identify my symptoms as Long Covid? Prefer..." + (show)

Vanderbilt University in Nashville,TN still has a long covid clinic. I made an appt with them and within a couple of months was interviewed by an internist who spent an hour with me on telehealth. She was able to confirm my diagnosis, prescribed several meds, and began right away to set me up with various specialists for evaluation. They apparently are still doing support groups via Zoom. I was contacted about being part of one starting this summer but so far haven’t heard back from them.

suefish | @suefish | Jul 8 11:58am

In reply to @jeindc "My guess is that all of us in this group and elsewhere have been through lots..." + (show)

I just got jumped by a close friend who was worried about my memory. SHE was worried????

suef

whisperingpines456 | @whisperingpines456 | Jul 8 1:32pm

In reply to @tslayden "Vanderbilt University in Nashville,TN still has a long covid clinic. I made an appt with them..." + (show)

What meds did the dr. prescribe, and are they helping you?

essiee | @essiee | Jul 9 11:22am

In reply to @suefish "Anyone know of a medical person who can correctly identify my symptoms as Long Covid? Prefer..." + (show)

There is a Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. It’s a large complex. I assume that since this chat group is sponsored by Mayo that the Florida branch will have a Covid clinic there, or at least knowledgeable doctors. Good luck.