“Well, um, first, I apologize if this is unprofessional, but I didn’t really know where else to go.”
The doctor said nothing, regarding Jo with an open, patient expression.
“I need therapy,” Jo blurted. “I know you’re the psychiatrist for residents, not for staff, but like I said, I don’t know where else to go. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction.”
“I see,” Dr. Andrews said in a clinical tone. “Have you contacted our health insurance provider?”
Jo nodded. “I started there, but there’s a three-month wait for even a phone screening, and this is a little urgent.”
“Jo, if you’re having a psychiatric emergency, you need to call—”
“No, no! Sorry, no,” Jo cut in, her cheeks feeling hot. Christ, she was fucking this all up, wasn’t she? This had seemed like such a good plan last night, after she’d spent four hours on the phone with her insurance and gotten absolutely nowhere. “It’s not that kind of urgent. I’m not in danger, I assure you. I just want to talk to someone as soon as possible.”
“I see,” Dr. Andrews said again, as stoic as before. Jo waited, but the doctor apparently had nothing to add.
She gave it one last shot. Sitting up a little straighter, she made herself sound as professional as possible. “I’ve been feeling like my life is on hold until I can talk through some things, and I’m ready to move forward. If you have any advice or suggestions for finding a therapist in the near future, I’m all ears. If not, I’ll let you get on with your day.”
The doctor watched Jo carefully, drumming her fingers on the arm of her chair. When she finally moved, she did so decisively. She snatched a business card from the holder on her desk and scribbled something on the back of it. “This is a colleague of mine in Wichita. She’s out of network, but she offers sliding scale payment. I can’t guarantee that she’s accepting new patients right now, but if you mention to her receptionist that I referred you, they’ll probably at least squeeze in a consultation.”
“Oh my God, Dr. Andrews,” Jo gushed, taking the business card as if it were made of solid gold. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“You’re welcome, Jo. Best of luck.”
Jo recognized a dismissal when she heard one. She left, found a deserted hallway, and gazed down at the business card. “Dr. Sheila Duncan,” the back read, along with a phone number. She pulled her phone out of her pocket to text Aida the good news before her lunch break ended. Aida responded right away.
Aida
I’m making you call tonight
And I’m proud of you
Jo
Thanks. Couldn’t have done this without you, friend
How’s Merry?
Aida
Goober keeps butting into my video meetings.
Literally. Showing the camera his butt.
My clients adore him.
Jo
Guess you’re going to have to move in so they can see him all the time, huh?
Aida
I’ve already sent for Trey. He’ll be here tomorrow to join our little hobbit hole triad.
Jo
Damn it, that makes me Frodo
Another text notification popped up on the screen. Jo’s body flushed hot, then cold, then hot again, and her legs began to quake uncontrollably. She only read the first few words before the notification vanished, so she clicked over to that message thread and read the entire thing. Twice.
Felix
Hi, Jo. I’m sorry if this catches you at work, but with MnM tonight I wanted to make sure I didn’t text you too late afterward. I’m ready to talk whenever you are. Please don’t feel rushed. Take all the time you need. I just want you to know I’m here. I hope you’re doing well.
Jo had to lean on the wall to keep herself upright. He was ready. It had been less than a week, and Felix was ready to talk. She read over the text a third time to reassure herself there was no rush. She could take her time; she could trust Felix in this. Even if it had taken months for her to get a phone screen for a therapist, he would have given her whatever time she needed.
Luckily, they didn’t have to wait that long.
She opened her phone’s keypad and typed in the number Dr. Andrews had given her. A chipper voice greeted her on the other end. Five minutes later, Jo had an appointment to meet with Dr. Duncan on Friday morning. She was in luck, the receptionist told her; they’d just had a cancellation. She hung up, then leaned her head against the wall and took a minute to breathe. She had done it. She hadn’t even needed Aida’s encouragement (or nagging).
Her lunch break was definitely over by now, so she’d have to wait to tell Aida until she got home. But she had one more text to send before she clocked back in.
Jo
Thanks, Felix. I’ll let you know when I’m ready. Have fun at MnM tonight. Whenever we see each other, I hope you’ll tell me all about it.
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