"Poor mental heath support"

My child requested a referral from their GP for psychiatric support as they had been consistently depressed and it’s now affecting their motivation to do the things they love doing - my child is highly intelligent and academically focused.. has never taken medication and was nervous about seeing a psychiatrist. GP mentioned private clinics don’t like taking difficult challenges (my child is autistic) and also referred them to the public system. They suggested we try whoever we could.

They received a call back from the Alma st clinic  Fremantle this week and went to that appointment with hope that someone might be able to help. What a disappointment that was.

The dr my child saw didn’t acknowledge their autism and asked me if my child always talked with a monotone voice? I was horrified they would ask that given my child had disclosed this from the onset. I mentioned my child was nervous and clarified they were autistic again and that my child took awhile to engage with strangers but was highly intelligent.. I also advised that my child had been tested for alexithymia and so they don't process emotions well and not to assume this indicated any cognitive incapacity.

Within about 20 minutes the dr had decided my child needed to go to Fiona Stanley, and told us we had no choice as they were forming my child as an involuntary referral.

There was a complete disregard for my child's medical history, no information asked about current psychological support which my child had all the info to share. I believe my child was treated adversely because of their disability and because as their parent I advocated for them that it seemed unfair to take such an approach when we had disclosed my child was very compliant with medical recommendations. 

I am aware of the medical criteria for involuntary admission and firmly believe my child doesn’t meet the criteria. I believe my child is not at immediate risk and is extremely frustrated that they are forced to comply or the ‘police will be call.’ I feel this is being used as a weapon unfairly simply because I bothered to understand the criteria and have done my own research. 

I am so sad that there is seemingly such lack of empathy and patient centered care and that a psychiatrist was so quick to judge a patient who came there willingly to seek support. I hope other patients aren’t judged and pushed away when they willingly seek support. My child was there for a psychiatric assessment - not to be sent elsewhere because the dr my child saw seemingly couldn’t be bothered to get to know them for more than 20 mins. 

Also when I asked for a second option we were told that it would be in the hospital in 72 hours. Meanwhile we are stuck waiting even though we could get my child to hospital they are insisting on an ambulance.. What a waste of our time and tax payers money.