I am an adult woman and have had sleeping problems for several years, perhaps stemming from PTSD and/or depression. Sleep doctors did not help me with my problem, so my general physican recommended I try a psychiatrist. I had heard some negative things about psychitrists and psychiatric medications, but believed the time had come when I didn't have much to lose.
I was referred to Dr. Claude McCoy in Edmonds by my insurance company (not to be confused with Dr. Robert McCoy, who also works in Edmonds). I should have known this would be a wacky appointment when the first things I saw upon entering the office were several Precious Moments Christian figurines.
The doctor, an older male, told me that Jesus is like "a wrapped present under my Christmas tree," and all I needed was to "unwrap it" in order to end my sleep problems. He also said that I'm living a "riddle" that I can only solve with Jesus. He called me "adorable," "cutie" and "sister" several times, and recited several Bible verses. I replied that I don't object to sprituality, but I don't want to substitute it for standard medical options.
He asked me about my life between ages 6 and 8. He said that what happens before 6 doesn't leave lasting impact, and one's personality is fully formed at 8. He also asked me what I think about gay people and I said I'm friends with some, and he rolled his eyes and said that's part of my problem. I endured all this for a much longer period than I want to admit (about an hour), because I assumed that the medical treatment was forthcoming. Alas, he concluded the appointment saying I needed Jesus, not medical options. He wanted to make another appointment with me to discuss Jesus more. I passed.
I looked up this guy with the state licensing board, and it appears he's had no complaints that stuck. He billed my insurance company $375 for what amounted to a religious sermon. I suppose, however, that I'm somewhat lucky since it seems that he may have been trying to sexually groom and/or negatively manipulate me, and I wasn't phychologically compromised enough to make that easy. I don't know if other female patients have been as lucky. I would recommend that patients, especially women, avoid this doctor.
#2Author of original report
Wed, January 27, 2016
This is the original author. On my primary doctor's advice, I've been practicing gentle yoga every night and it's worked wonders for my sleep issues. However, depression and PTSD were ruled out in my case, so this might not be the answer for everyone. For those who do have those issues and wish to see a specialist, I now recommend careful selection. Ask for referrals from people you trust and who say they actually benefitted from the specialist in question. Also, Google review websites including this one to read about alleged experiences of other patients. Please do not just pick from a list of providers your insurance company sends you. Good luck.