Only 5001 characters to describe such a gift of a doctor? I shall try...
To think that my insurance provider list almost prevented me from being a patient of Dr. Dale Hsieh is enough to make me crazy! Two weeks prior to my first session with Dr. Dale (as he prefers to be called), I took the first available appointment with a Psychiatrist covered by my plan. Having just moved back to Austin from Seattle, I needed to find a doctor quickly because medications I have taken for years are dangerous to stop taking without tapering off.
With my medication running out I found myself at the Austin Psychiatric Alliance seeing APRN C. Watson. With three years of documented and successful treatment in Seattle for depression, anxiety, and ADHD I was blind-sided to hear the first words out of her mouth (literally, she didn't ask how I was doing or even make introductions first), "I see you are taking X,Y,Z and you are misdiagnosed and are actually bipolar. I will not be filling your anxiety medicine or your ADHD medicine. I do not *believe* in them." She didn't explain why, in her opinion, I was bipolar, and completely ignored all the work done by my Psychiatrist in Seattle. Needless to say I was desperate to find a doctor with social skills, intellect, and a modicum of regard for my psychiatric treatment history and efficacy. I left her office feeling hopeless, scared, and shamed.
That's all it took to make me realize I should look out of network for a provider. After all, I only have one brain - I can afford to pay out of pocket to protect it. I left a voice-mail with Dr. Dale, and continued searching for an appointment anywhere. I am so very grateful that Dr. Dale called me back within 2 weeks, and squeezed me in to his schedule on short notice.
My first session with Dr. Dale was a breath of fresh air and completely removed any insecurities I'd gained through my experience with RN Watson. He was friendly, funny, inquisitive, compassionate, and took the time to get to know me as a person. I'll never forget how funny it was for me to pronounce his last name in Mandarin (having lived abroad in Taiwan and studied Mandarin). He was quick to joke about me pronouncing it better than he could. Not only did he get to know me, but his sociable nature allowed me to get to know him too. He is humble and has a huge heart. He is invested in helping his patients overcome their psychiatric and even psychological problems. I think a wonderful one-word description for Dr. Dale is "human".
During my first visit with him, I brought up my experience with RN Watson, but I could not think of her name at that time. He guessed who it was on his first try. He wasn't speaking ill of her, but in guessing correctly he did exhibit to me that:
1. he is plugged into the psychiatry scene in Austin
2. he listens to all of his patients, not just me
3. he approaches his work with a dichotomy of intellect and humility
He even took out a pad of paper and appealed to the Electrical Engineer in me by drawing graphs of brain "activity" that could explain why RN Watson may have sought treatment for bipolar disorder. Indeed since September of 2013 Dr. Dale has been helping me systematically and slowly switch to medications that are often used in treating bipolar disorder. The results are better than expected.
The difference was in his attitude, approach, and interest in working together to find an optimal solution for my unique brain chemistry. He did not vilify me or my current medications because he doesn't *believe* in them. He didn't vilify me or my medicine at all. He just wanted to help improve things if they were not working out or not helping with my depression as they once were.
I am so grateful to Dr. Dale for his compassion, wisdom, and humility. He has shown me that there is a different approach to the doctor/patient relationship. He is an asset to the reputation and field of Psychiatry. I see a therapist as well, and Dr. Dale's acceptance, tolerance, and support of the cognitive behavioral model used in that therapy has been very encouraging and welcome.
As an engineer I work long hours and some weekends. Dr. Dale is available for appointments in the evening and on Saturdays. I've never had an easier time scheduling appointments. I've had a few episodes transitioning my medication. Dr. Dale has promptly replied via email or phone to any concern I've had. He even took time to call me on his vacation to ensure we modified dosages properly, and to let me know why the episode likely occurred. One week later the new dose had me feeling normal.
If you are in need of a psychiatrist I urge you to strongly consider Dr. Dale. It could be the best gift you ever give yourself. Your mind, body, and health will no doubt thank you. Dr. Dale will care about your mental health until your treatment allows you to. I recommend him without reservation. You deserve the best - and the universe has provided it to us in Dr. Dale Hsieh. read more