Occasionally, we have the opportunity to share the experience of one of our patients, with their participation and consent, of course. We do this so we can show, rather than tell, what it's like from a patient's point of view and what their journey might look like.
Victoria is a 27-year-old woman from Florida. During an office visit to her primary care physician, she filled out the standard behavioral health survey (PHQ-9) in the waiting room, which indicated high levels of depression and anxiety. Victoria then discussed her recent mental health with her doctor, who referred her to Concert Health. The team at Concert Health contacted Victoria and paired her with a collaborative care clinician, who treated and supported her for more than a year.
Victoria in Her Own Words
“What brought me to the Concert Health team was my primary care doctor. She was very helpful in understanding what was going on with my life and that I needed some extra help with my mental health. I was sexually abused at my previous employment and didn’t know where to turn and she directed me to Concert Health. Before Concert Health I was lost. I couldn’t go into any stores. I could barely get out of the house. I couldn’t even stand going into my new job. I struggled with talking to people face to face.
My experience getting started with Concert Health was simple. I told my primary care doctor what I was going through and how my mental health was and how I couldn’t go anywhere anymore. My doctor provided a referral to Concert Health and a couple weeks after I was getting help. The sign-up was so easy, and the appointments were virtual, so I was able to take them on my lunch breaks.
Jaime and I connected. I have been through therapy and seen psychiatrists but never really had the one on one where we connected so well before. I have always been rushed or felt like I was never understood. With Concert Health, I was so much more comfortable, and they made it about me. Jaime helped me through everything. I am forever thankful for her.
I would tell people how wonderful my experience was. I was so sad when our sessions ended. I felt like I really connected with Jaime. The overall experience was amazing from start to finish. Jaime was so kind and helped me through so much. I will never forget her and how much she helped me. Thank you!”
A Note from Jaime
Jaime and Victoria started out by having video sessions every week, which became every other week. Jaime kept Victoria’s primary care doctor updated on the progress through the EMR and reviewed Victoria’s case with a Concert Health psychiatric consultant. Jaime in her own words:
“Victoria was a pleasure to work with and was actively engaged in her own treatment. Victoria made great progress toward her treatment goal. She developed more coping tools. She also began to reduce her avoidance in certain situations. Victoria increased her confidence … allowing her to utilize assertive communication and maintain boundaries with others. I also provided her with information on different options for ongoing services and continued support.”