Kaiser, Don't Deny

Patients need access to timely and consistent mental health services

Home  |  Patient Stories  |  Our Mission  |  New California Law  |  Media Coverage  |  Patient Resources  |  Share Your Story

Patient Stories

People like me are suffering.

Published Saturday, October 19, 2019

I have been struggling with severe anxiety and depression for years. I’ve had to wait three months for a psychiatrist appointment, only to have it cancelled that day. I then had to make another appointment to be seen and had to wait an additional three months (that’s half a year to see a psychiatrist). I’ve had several counseling appointments and I was told when I showed up to be seen that my appointment had been cancelled with no reason why. Just today I had an appointment with a counselor (which was made because I broke down sobbing for help on the phone when Kaiser said I’d have to wait until next year to be seen by a psychiatrist) and today when I showed up for my appointment, they charged me a copay, had me sit down, then called me back up and told me, sorry, we can’t see you today! They already charged my card and checked me in and then denied me my appointment?! Not to mention that I left work early, missing out on my pay! The worst of it all is that I’ve had thoughts of suicide and expressed that to them, which was why I had that counseling appointment. Thank goodness I have a support system that’s helping me cope. Last year my church paid out of pocket to help me receive some counseling. It’s upsetting feeling completely neglected by an organization I pay to help me. Kaiser needs to be held accountable. People like me are suffering.

Jamie
Lancaster