Greetings:

I have treated with a psychiatrist since 1998 with good results for major depression and social anxiety with agoraphobia. I have treated with a pain management specialist for chronic pain (post surgical C5-6 followed by MVA) since 2006.

This is my question...how do I find a program or psychiatrist who specializes in chronic pain? My psychiatrist indicates opiates are not good for my depression and I should get off of them ASAP. Once I get off them, he can help stabilize my depression. My pain management specialist doesn't know what to do with me as my depression and anxiety continue to increase the longer I take the opiates. We try to stay on the cleanest, most up to date extended release medications (both for depression and pain), but there is a lack of communication between the two specialties and almost denial by my psychiatrist that I need pain management assistance.

Please note I have done everything I can to deal with the chronic pain including an inpatient pain management program, multiple modalities, breaking the bank for my household in doing so. One year we spent $50,000 after insurance seeking any modality that might be of assistance.

I spent 10 days in an inpatient psych hospital a year ago, followed by 6 days in my local hospital recovering from the side effects of the medication I was given to stabilize my symptoms of depression with suicidal ideation. It seemed like the function of the hospital was to stabilize me and let me go. There was no interest in discussing the side effects of the pain meds on my depression and social anxiety.

I found John Hopkins in Maryland has a Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department with a specialty area of chronic pain. This is exactly the type of program I am seeking; however, I am in the greater Sacramento, California area.

Is anyone aware of any programs in Northern California that address both mental health and chronic pain concerns as a unit, rather than separate issues. I find pain and depression are profoundly related...both the symptoms as well as side effects from medications. How do I find a medical professional in Northern California who has expertise in both specialties with an interest in assisting individuals who are dealing with both issues and having a difficult time doing so.

Any input you may have would be helpful. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Dawn