PLEASE READ BEFORE TRUSTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO THIS OFFICE.
Today, I went to Carolina Psychiatry seeking help from my now-FORMER provider, Ian, for severe depression that has continued worsening despite months of medication adjustments. Instead, I left traumatized, shaking, crying, and literally RUNNING to my car because I no longer felt safe around the person I had trusted with my psychiatric care.
After explaining AGAIN that my depression wasn't improving, Ian asked about suicidal ideations. I answered honestly that they had increased but explicitly stated I was NOT suicidal, had no intention of harming myself or anyone else, and simply needed better treatment.
Suddenly, I was given an ultimatum: go by ambulance to a psychiatric facility or he would call the police if I attempted to leave.
I CAME SEEKING HELP FOR DEPRESSION. HOW DID THAT TURN INTO THREATS OF POLICE INVOLVEMENT?!
When I expressed that I felt unsafe and wanted to leave, Ian FOLLOWED me out of the office toward my vehicle. I was crying, panicking, and desperately fumbling for my keys while trying to get away. Once inside my car, Ian stood behind my vehicle, with another staff member nearby, leaving me feeling cornered and unable to back out.
I HAD TO CALL THE POLICE MYSELF BECAUSE I WAS TERRIFIED OF MY OWN PSYCHIATRIC PROVIDER. I documented the situation with photographs, and my fiancé had to leave work to come make sure I was safe.
I've experienced years of medical trauma, dismissal, and invalidation, particularly while navigating Lyme disease, but NOTHING prepared me for this.
I understand psychiatric providers have safety obligations. What I cannot understand is how someone repeatedly expressing that they are not suicidal and simply need relief from depression ends up feeling threatened, pursued, and trapped.
THIS EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN EXTREMELY DETRIMENTAL TO MY MENTAL HEALTH. Patients should NEVER be made to feel punished for honestly discussing their symptoms or afraid of the professionals entrusted with their care.
I STRONGLY URGE ANYONE CONSIDERING IAN OR CAROLINA PSYCHIATRY TO SEEK CARE ELSEWHERE.
This barely scratches the surface of my experience, but frankly, this office has taken enough of my peace and energy.
I went in asking for help. I left calling the police for protection. That should tell you everything. read more