I know I have talked about some of the problems I have been having with Jordan in the past, but things are getting worse and I am not getting very far with the school. I want to take her in for a evaluation but I am not really sure where to begin. I know what her insurance will pay for and what doctors I have to go to but when I call to make the appointment what do I tell them? What am I supposed to ask for? I know I am going to start out with a psychiatric evaluation and then go from there for therapy or whatever they think needs to be done.
I just don't know exactly what is wrong and what she needs. I want them to rule out things like bipolar (depression and bipolar run in my family) and anything that needs to be treated with meds before we start her in counseling.
Any advice or help in knowing what to ask for is greatly appreciated and Thank you in advance.

By Cat on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 06:10 pm:

If you don't need a referral from your ped, just call and say you'd like to make an appointment to have your child evaluated by a pediatric psychiatrist. You can tell them you've noticed a change in her behavior and that depression and bipolar run in your family, but I'm willing to bet if they want to know something specific, they'll ask. I forget--is Jordan your 10 or 12yo? Have you read the book, The Bipolar Child? It's a great resource if you think that's the problem. Has Jordan started puberty yet? I know that's a huge thing for the onset of bipolar. I'm not saying that's what it is. That just happens to be what I know about (and ADHD). You're doing a great thing by getting her evaluated. A lot of parents go into denial. Robin being diagnosed bipolar wasn't a picnic, but at least we knew what we were dealing with and we had some answers. Don't get me wrong--I still have lots of questions! lol But you have to start somewhere. Let us know how things are going and when you get an appointment. Good luck and lots of hugz.

By Tarable on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 01:08 pm:

Jordan is the 10 year old. I haven't had a chanceto read the bipolar child yet but i did buy it (it has been crazy lately). Thank you for the info. I will call monday to make the appointment.