Unfortunately, I was only able to deal with Ms. Ryan's receptionist who repeatedly interrupted me, cut me off mid-sentence, was dismissive and rude, then hung up on me. Even though Ms. Ryan's website says she offers TMS and Esketamine treatment, it's not true. She is not set up for these treatments yet, as I was curtly told by the receptionist.
I am currently seeing a psychiatrist who, regrettably, will be retiring soon. He has recommended either one of these treatments as I have Treatment-Resistant Depression. Apparently, due to the fact that I am currently seeing a psychiatrist the receptionist decided that I need a "higher level of care" than what Ms. Ryan can provide as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. After telling me this she proceeded to rush me off the phone, hanging up on me as I was attempting to ask for a recommendation. I really hate to think Ms. Ryan would condone this treatment of someone looking for the help that she says she provides on her website, such as working with people with Treatment-Resistant Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD.
If Ms. Ryan is planning on providing TMS or Esketamine as part of her practice, then working with people who have complex needs go hand-in-hand with these treatments. It should not be beyond her experience to work with people who require a "higher level care" if she is taking on the responsibility of offering these treatments. It would be unethical to do so and it is unethical to advertise that treatments are offered when they are not and she, according to her receptionist, is not prepared to use them with the people they are meant to treat.
It also borders on unethical to state that "Our Mission is to provide excellent and compassionate care to the people we serve in a safe and peaceful environment" and "Our Goal is to establish a caring and respectful therapeutic relationship with each patient", offering hope to those who are suffering only to have a receptionist who lacks empathy, compassion, and said "caring" responding to the inquiry of someone who is in need. If part of her job is to screen prospective clients (I was told me she "didn't want to waste my time" when she interrupted me as I tried to explain my situation), she needs to be re-trained on how to speak with people who are likely to be anxious and vulnerable when they call. This is implicit to the clientele for whom the website and services therein are geared; we have psychiatric illnesses. That's why we are inquiring about the services listed on Ms. Ryan's website and other search sites listing her credentials, treatment modalities, and areas of expertise. The conduct of this receptionist, who clearly is not trained to speak with people who are dealing with mental illness, is dangerous to those of us seeking help. It is an extremely poor reflection of Ms. Ryan's practice, priorities, and how clients will be treated...which, from my experience, is without respect. If this receptionist had just listened to my situation, what services I was interested in, and allowed me to answer her questions without cutting me off, she could have easily explained why Ms. Ryan could not treat me at this time. I did not try to monopolize her time, nor did I give her a long, in-depth history. I believe I was respectful of her time, but assumptions were quickly made about me and she took it upon herself to make a medical decision which she was not qualified to do. Either this or she has been instructed by Ms. Ryan to do this, which would be even more upsetting.
Ms. Ryan states, " I will work with an individual to build a trusting therapeutic alliance by listening, understanding and providing support to achieve positive change." Too bad I will never find out if this is, in fact, true. read more
