Disability claim

I had my GP do it

@Alexis i dont have a GP so i was hoping my Ob would do it.

Your OB can definitely do it and then refer you to a therapist in order to continue or get another extension based off what you discuss

how can we get 7 months off

I’ve been off due to severe postpartum anxiety and depression and my son is 15 months

@Alexandria

@Diana did you say something? It only says my name

@Alexandria sorry! I meant to write thanks good idea! I actually just called my obs office and they sounded like they could do it. So i sent my doctor a message on the app. Hopefully she approves it.

Yes they have a cut off period where it’s not considered “postpartum” it’s just considered depression and / or anxiety after I believe 10 months or so then you have to go through primary care or mental health. Otherwise, they can totally do it until then. They would give me a questionnaire about moods, etc. and I just had to take my superwoman cape off and be honest. It’s normal, extremely normal to feel like 6 weeks isn’t enough because it honestly isn’t! I had severe anxiety leaving baby and still do and it was the same for my daughter

Also, if you have an edd case then you could also have them put that as a disability leave so you can actually get paid if you get approved

@Alexandria thats good to know thank you!

Feel free to message me! I also work in the medical field and suggest all the time to never take no as an answer. Seriously, it’s sad how many people just don’t wanna do the work it takes to make this happen but it’s possible

@Alexandria they said I had to go on medication for that. And I breastfeed so I would have to dump. So I didn't go that route unfortunately

@Alexandria they approved me an extra 2 weeks until I can see a therapist to extend further.

@Dianna I exclusively breastfeed as well and so I let them know that I wasn’t comfortable with medication despite what science says and that was that. They can’t force you or give you an ultimatum. If they are, I’d advise switching providers

Thank you. I will. It's so hard to find one with medi-cal

@Diana I’m so happy to hear that!! 🥳🥳

@Dianna oh I completely understand! I have the same insurance! Have you tried telling them / asking them again since the last time they told you about medication?

@Alexandria thanks for your advice!!!

@Alexandria they keep the therapist separate than the psychologist for whatever reason

@Dianna yes they do, the psychologist can actually prescribe and the therapist cannot but can give alternative options like workbooks and weekly “homework” based off your sessions. Example, I struggle BAD with asking for help and allowing it. So that was an assignment and that week ended up being a really good week for me. If it’s anything I can help guide you with please feel free to ask! I think it’s important to make sure you know ALL your options especially if they are making it seem impossible to simply put your mental health first without medication

@Alexandria do you go in person or phone?

@Dianna My first appointment was in person and now it’s virtual unless I request in person

@Diana anytime! 🫶🏽

@Alexandria is it a local only office? I'm so cal maybe I can switch and do it remotely 🤞🤞 sorry if it's too much

@Dianna No it’s through harbor ucla mental health department. I called the mental health hotline on the back of my medi-cal card and went through their screening over the phone and that’s how I got connected! Didn’t need to see a doctor for a referral or anything! I called and made my appointment after they sent me the info

@Alexandria thanks for the tip!! I'm going to try it out