Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 5/29/2007

Question
My husband recently had an episode where he cut his arm and called the police to charge me with attempted murder.  I finally got him to sign a release for me to talk to his new psychiatrist, but she refuses to talk to me without him present.  By her cold tone of voice, I can tell he has been up to his old trick of discrediting me.  What can I say to this doctor to get her to work with me?  

Answer
Hi Alyce . . .

Thge situation you describe is a difficult one and there is no good answer to your problem. Many psychiatrists will insist on having the patient present when they talk to a relative. If you are afraid you will not be heard, you might consider sending a letter to both the psychiatrist and your husband in which you spell things out the way you see them.

Best regards . . .
Ivan
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