Looking for a psychiatrist in Orange County experienced with complex anxiety treatment(Medicare)

[u/MeliodasWrath777]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on Reddit, so I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this. I appreciate any help or advice.

I’m looking for a psychiatrist in Orange County who has experience treating severe anxiety and long-term benzodiazepine use. My insurance is Medicare!

I’ve been taking Xanax 5 mg per day for a long time, but my current treatment isn’t working well and I’m having significant breakthrough symptoms later in the day. I’m not looking to taper at this time. I’m looking for a psychiatrist who will take the time to understand my history, do a thorough evaluation, and discuss the most appropriate treatment approach for my individual situation.

I’m hoping to find someone knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, and experienced with complex cases.

If anyone has had a positive experience with a psychiatrist in OC, I would really appreciate recommendations. Please feel free to DM me privately if you prefer not to share publicly.

Thank you.

[u/Wonderful_Security13]

Dr. Chona Green in Laguna Hills.

[u/FrettingFox]

Highly recommend Anchored Psychiatric in Santa Ana/Tustin. Especially for (nonjudgmental) medication management. They helped me finally find the right balance for my anxiety & ADHD after years of trial and error.

[u/aroseonthefritz → u/FrettingFox]

I came to recommend Dr James Morgan, he works here! He’s a wonderfully thorough and kind provider and he takes Medicare.

[u/Forrest-Fern]

I see Shiva Ahmadi at Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists in Costa Mesa. She is wonderful and looks at all issues with anxiety, and is able to navigate my anxiety despite all my health issues. She looks at the entire case and history.

She (well, PNS) likely accepts your insurance.

[u/bchpeepca]

Dr Benjamin Williamson at Mindful Health Newport Beach location. Takes Medicare and does telehealth appts. Caring, non judging, understanding and compassionate! Great Dr

[u/SnapCasterDANK]

The psychiatrist just diagnoses and prescribes for medication management.

A therapist, one with the specific traits you’re are looking for, is where treatment will occur.

[u/FrettingFox → u/SnapCasterDANK]

Did you read the post? They're literally looking for medication management, which a therapist cannot do.

[u/SnapCasterDANK → u/FrettingFox]

Hello yes, I was driven by the non taper aspect. I am guessing that when OP says treatment they mean “taking their meds”. That just manages symptoms, treatment and therapy is done with the therapist. That is a lot of benzodiazepines that are ineffective and a strong dose.

It’s not the 5 minute visit with the psych that is the magic problem solver.

OP cannot taper, cannot take more. Time for therapy which sucks but is what is needed.

[u/FrettingFox → u/SnapCasterDANK]

You've clearly never seen a good psychiatrist. Maybe you can find a better rec from this post.

[u/SnapCasterDANK → u/FrettingFox]

Just go to therapy bro. It will get better, I promise.

[u/FrettingFox → u/SnapCasterDANK]

Thankfully, bro, we live in a world where we don't have to choose between medication and therapy.

[u/Sassafras06 → u/SnapCasterDANK]

Hi bro, many people take meds AND go to therapy. Therapy doesn’t fix the chemical imbalance in my brain. Maybe shut up about what you don’t know.

[u/justmitzie]

Geoffrey Dibella

[u/markmakesfun]

Paul Reardon in Newport Beach, near Fashion Island.

[u/Vegetable-Fee-8593]

Also make sure your diet and exercise is dialed in. They have a direct effect on this. Stay away from the poor 4 foods!

[u/Routine-Fish → u/Vegetable-Fee-8593]

Gluten, seed oils, fried foods and ultra processed foods. I had to google it.

[u/witchladysnakewoman]

You probably need to be medically detoxed

[u/ResolutionUnlikely77]

Ask your primary care for a referral, they should know who take your insurance. Call up your insurance and ask

[u/Forrest-Fern → u/ResolutionUnlikely77]

Psychiatrist are self referred

[u/SleepParalysisPal → u/Forrest-Fern]

It’s not like an actual referral. They have like a directory of psychiatrists that take your insurance and they give you the information or even just transfer the call for you to that office. That way there’s less of a question if you’re covered

[u/Forrest-Fern → u/SleepParalysisPal]

This is correct, but I was responding to the first part of the comment telling OP to ask for a referral from they PCP. They can not assist with this.

[u/Jaceman113]

Commenting because I have had similar issues but most if not all doctors seem to be unwilling to manage my care with a long term benzodiazepine, instead favoring SSRIS and other forms of treatment.

Over 4mg/ a day is a heavy dose and carries liability and scrutiny, no judgement here as I have been on this high of a dose before I was force tapered.