Need a "Sound Judgment Evaluation": Psychiatrist Needed!

[uaustin]

If I were you, I would get an evaluation along with an MMPI. It is a good test used by MANY agencies to mesure psychological wellbeing. Used frequently in custody battles is most relevant when combined with a thorough clinical interview by a qualified professional. I can recommend a fantastic Dr. in the Austin area if you are willing to make the trip. I used her for a custody battle and she is extremely non judgmental, and professional. PM me if you are interested. The cost would be about $400 - $600 but it will give you everything you need.

[PwnRanger]

OP - where are you located? I have list that HCSO gives out to applicants with a list of Dr.s that fill out the L-2 for TCLEOSE.

I'm in Dallas -- thanks for any help.

[PwnRanger]

Thanks to everyone offering up suggestions thus far. I have an update.

I had exhausted over 50+ different psychiatric offices, all of which turned me down either because they needed me to sign up as a "new patient" or because they can't/won't do the analysis that I require. I talked to a few more offices, and one of the secretaries (in a huff, I might add) said, "We don't DO those kind of evaluations. It's not worth our time, and besides, we can be held liable if the person later commits a crime." On the latter note, I didn't get into any obvious facts such as "criminals don't bother getting CHLs", of course, but I told her, "Actually, there is a clause in the paperwork pointing out the specific section in the Texas code on the Medical Advisory Board which waives all liability for a physician giving this sort of assessment." She stood corrected, but still clearly wanted to hang up on me. I asked her if she could recommend anyone who could do the evaluation. "What you need is a forensic psychiatrist," she said.

Forensic psychiatrist? Such a thing exists?

Well, if it does, I haven't found one so far. However -- I remembered A-R's suggestion about contacting a LEO and trying to get the names of the "fit for duty" examiners. I called my local police department non-emergency line and explained my situation to the secretary. She was helpful and connected me to a desk officer. He happily gave me the name of the doctor.

I contacted this licensed physician (PhD), and he has been working as a psychologist for over 30 years. He does these evaluations all the time. The only thing that bothered me was that the paperwork specifically mentions "physician specializing in psychiatry", and this doctor is a psychologist, not a psychiatrist. In addition, the paperwork asks to have them fill out information about my treatment background, which I don't have and no one else seems to have, either. So, I called the Medical Advisory Board representative again, and I told her that I found this doctor who does these evaluations quite frequently and has been in practice for many years doing it. I asked if it was a problem that he is a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist, and she said, "That's fine." She also said she could extend my deadline by a little bit to get the evaluation done. I also contacted the doctor's office and asked specifically if they would be okay filling out this paperwork (which I sent them on e-mail). They said yes, they could do it. Good to go, then.

I got an appointment for early July. Wish me luck.

I am hoping my experiences might be able to help someone else who might be in a similar situation in the future. Thanks all again.

[Beckster]

I also had reported history for a substance abuse issue 13 years ago. I admitted myself to a non-medical facility, completed the program and have been drug and alcohol free since then. Since I didn't have a doctor then, I took the form to my family doctor who has treated me for the past 9 years, and who has been aware of my past history since I became his patient. He completed the form for me and mailed it in a week ago. If you have a family doctor, you might check with him/her to see about getting the form filled out. The way I read it, it does not have to be a psychiatrist who can attest to your "sound judgment", but any licensed physician.

Like you, I am patiently twiddling my thumbs waiting for this to get cleared up.

As I mentioned before, my family doctor completed my form and mailed it, now 2 weeks ago. My status changed to "Concealed Handgun License: Manufacturing Pending" overnight. I checked the form again and mine just said, "To be completed by a licensed physician" without specifying that it must be a physician specializing in psychiatry.

[PwnRanger]

Another update. I had the psychologist evaluation about a week and a half ago. It was fairly painless, but they weren't kidding when they said it would take 5 hours. In fact, I almost went over that time.

The report was put in the mail last Tuesday afternoon. Wish me luck.

[Beckster]

Another update. I had the psychologist evaluation about a week and a half ago. It was fairly painless, but they weren't kidding when they said it would take 5 hours. In fact, I almost went over that time.

The report was put in the mail last Tuesday afternoon. Wish me luck.

Keeping fingers crossed for quick response. After my doc sent my form in, it was a less than 2 weeks before I had my plastic in hand.

[PwnRanger]

Status went to Mailed today!! Will let you know when I have the plastic.

Whew. What a long journey this has been. Thanks to everyone for your support here through the process!

[Texas1999]

Congrats man! Glad it all worked out for you, and it'll probably be even sweeter when that plastic arrives knowing that you had to jump through some extra hoops to earn it.

[PwnRanger]

Congrats man! Glad it all worked out for you, and it'll probably be even sweeter when that plastic arrives knowing that you had to jump through some extra hoops to earn it.

Got the plastic today. Yep, feels like a quite an accomplishment, considering the bittersweet ordeal. But I'm glad the process worked out for me. I hope that others can learn a bit from my experiences, too.

Thanks everyone for the support and kudos!

[Jumping Frog]

Congrats man! Glad it all worked out for you, and it'll probably be even sweeter when that plastic arrives knowing that you had to jump through some extra hoops to earn it.

Got the plastic today. Yep, feels like a quite an accomplishment, considering the bittersweet ordeal. But I'm glad the process worked out for me. I hope that others can learn a bit from my experiences, too.

Thanks everyone for the support and kudos!

Good for you! Glad you had the determination and perseverance to stick it out.

Hope you do not have to jump through these hoops again at renewal time. If it was me, I'd be sure to save copies of everything that was submitted.

[Pecos]

Status went to Mailed today!! Will let you know when I have the plastic.

Whew. What a long journey this has been. Thanks to everyone for your support here through the process!

GREAT!!! I really admire you for not giving up & following through!!! Gongrats!!!

[chuy_lincoln]

Good morning and congrats on your findings.

I am going through a similar situation and I am running out of time.
I have called every doctor I possibly can and have not been able to find one.

I read on your post that you were able to find one and that you also got an extension.
I have been calling to get an extension myself but have not been able to get anyone on the phone.

Would you mind sharing some of your findings so i can try to make my situation work?

I will appreciate any information.

Best regards.