Comment by Ed on 05 Aug 2009 at 2:54 pm

Dear Karen,

I have an elderly friend that has dissociative personality disorder and would like to get a referral for a good psychiatrist or psychologist, as the one she used to see years ago has passed away. Do you know if Dr. Baer is able to take-on new patients outside Illinois? If not, do you (or he) have any recommendations for someone who could help her?

Thanks,

Ed

Dear Ed,

That is so nice of you to search for the best therapist for your elderly friend!  Thank you for caring.  I’m sorry that your friend’s trusted therapist passed away, however, it would be impossible to match that therapist with another.  I’m not sure if I could ever bring myself to see another therapist. Once trust has been established it’s hard to change and start over again, but that’s what your friend must do.  She must grieve and do her best and live on the lessons previously learned. My therapy lasted over eighteen years. I can’t imagine what I would’ve done if I lost Dr. Baer in the midst of my therapy. I would’ve been devastated.

I am not a therapist and can’t give advice, but in my opinion, there are good therapist’s everywhere, you just need to find one. You’ve mentioned your friend is elderly. Can she get around on her own, or does she need assistance to and from? These are questions that need to be discussed with your friend if you continue to help.  Regarding Dr. Baer, yes, he was an excellent psychiatrist, but he now works for Medicare and no longer treats patients.

Dr. Baer has not been in practice for a number of years, but when I’ve asked him about this for my friends, he says they should contact the local university department of psychiatry or the local state psychiatric association for a referral.  Actually, your private physician may be a good source of referral.

Wishing you and your friend all my best. I hope that your friend finds a sense of calm after loss, and continues on in the best way she can.

Karen