Kaiser, Don't Deny

Patients need access to timely and consistent mental health services

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Patient Stories

I felt completely uncared for

Published Thursday, January 10, 2019

I told my doctor I had a longstanding battle with major depression and asked to see an individual therapist because I often feel suicidal during the winter. She told me that I would likely never be seen because Kaiser is understaffed, and there were just too many people with ”more serious conditions” than me, but I could try group therapy. I would have to look online, though, to figure out the details. I’ve been paying out-of-pocket for individual therapy since. Not only is this gross negligence, but I felt completely uncared for. I was shocked that even Kaiser employees are telling patients that they will not be seen the way that they would prefer, and in some cases, need.

Katherine
Oakland