Sending you gentle hugs and good thoughts

Never applied so can't help with that - just wanted to say good luck!

I am also trying to get social security benefits. I have sent in the paperwork and I had to see a psychologist that they set up an appt. for. I was really nervous but he turned out to be really great. He also spoke with my daughter for a few minutes after he spoke with me. I have been on long term disability since last Novemeber after being a registered nurse for 30 years and I am still grieving that change. But I know I am starting to move on because things that I have always loved are starting to fill me with contentment again: butterflies on milkweed, trees towering over head like giant umbrells in the rain, calves flipping their tails from side to side because they are so happy that they are getting fed...

Most psychiatric offices have you fill out an intake form, a bunch of questions. Just answer them truthfully. Think about your answers and be as precise and clear as you can.

I would try and find one that specializes in treating pts with chronic pain. I would also interview a few to see which is the right fit. I had a therapist that was unfriendly and rude-had to kick her to the curb. It want do u any good if you aren't comfortable with them. Make sure if you see a phychiatrist or phychologist for disability, a ssa doesn't accept counselors, but if you'd like to see a counselor in addition to a them that's fine. I wouldn notifiy them you are filing for disability and u need good documentation. After u gain a rapport with them ask if they'd be willing to fill out a mental residual capacity form. I can send u a copy. Go to ssdanswers.com, thedisabilitydigest.com and holisitic-healthy-living.com for additional help with filing for ssa. Best wishes.

Your doctor should give you a referral to a psychiatrist. It is very hard just to call one and get an appointment (at least it is here). Might call your docs office and get them to set up an appointment.

I wouldn't say anything about filing for disability right off the bat. Let the psych do his/her job, make a diagnosis for you, then at the next appt. bring the papers or what have you for them to sign.

I did finally recieve disability, and it was mentioned at the Administrative Judge's hearing that it was good I was seeing a therapist, but it was strongly suggested that I see a psych for medications and diagnosis as well.

Good luck to you, and remember that you will be denied a couple of times from the Soc. Sec. office. That is just the way they opperate. Don't let them scare you or run you down...keep after it. I ended up calling Allsup. They handled all the calls and what not to and from Soc. Sec. office. They really know what they are doing.

You may just want to give them a call. Talking with them won't cost you anything. Allsups' phone 1.866.502.8372.

Social Security sent me to a psychiatrist. I went on the 17th. We shall see what happens. Good luck to you.

Call your County offices perhaps? My county calls it Behavioral Health. They refer to low-cost psych programs. Just don't let them start putting you on drugs you don't need.

As far as the application goes, just take one line at a time and concentrate on that. Do one line after another until you get tired and then leave it for a bit. Try to give at least 10 minutes, a few times per day. You'll have it done in no time.

Don't try to eat the whole cake in one bite.

Good luck to you,

I was just recently approved for Disability. They sent me to a psychiartirist. I had not been to one before I applied for SSDI. The one they sent me to was very nice and I tried to answer all her questions honestly. My appt. with her lasted 4 hours!! The only disapointing thing with Disability is you are not eligible for any medical benefits for 2 years from the date they determine you to be disabled. That's a long, long time without insurance. I do appreciate the financial benefits but really miss having insurance.