First some vitals: Filled out my online application on 12 Nov 2008. Took my class on 16 Nov 2008. Sent completed packet to DPS on 26 Nov 2008.
From the 'no good deed goes unpunished' department, I included a letter with my packet stating that in May 2004, I had seen a psychiatrist. The reason for my visit was because I was having insomnia issues which had led to some anxiety issues. My health insurance at the time mandated that in order to receive treatment for the insomnia and subsequent anxiety, I had to see a 'mental health professional' (they wouldn't cover any of the charges if I had gone to my general practitioner). Now, I hadn't seen this doctor since mid 2004 and couldn't even remember his name (I had to look up a cleared check from 4.5 years ago to get it), but I wrote a letter with my packet explaining the above, and included the fact that whatever medication I was prescribed by said doctor was used only for that short stint (I don't even think I refilled that prescription, but to be honest I just don't remember, that's how uneventful this was), and that I had not seen another 'mental health professional' since.
I called my instructor and explained the situation to him before writing the letter, and he said that the state was looking for 'big time' mental issues and that something like my situation shouldn't be a problem. He mentioned that he probably wouldn't have provided that information but stressed that I do whatever I was comfortable with. So in the name of honesty, and (naively) thinking that this info might even help my application process go quicker (har har), I included the letter.
Today, 20 Jan 2009 I received a letter in the mail dated 7 Jan 2009 (13 days earlier?!?!?!) that the medical advisory board was going to have to further evaluate my application. I also received an additional packet today from the Texas Dept. of Health Services with various forms that I'm required to sign and leave with that mental health professional so that he can provide the state with specific information about my 'treatment'.
I'm hoppin' mad about this right now for multiple reasons, not the least of which being the thought that this inconsequential thing could potentially keep me from getting my license. At the very least it's going to set back the process for Lord knows how long. I don't even live in the same part of the state anymore and due to the wording on the paperwork ("current medical information is considered less than 6 months old") it sounds as if I'm going to have to make another appointment with this doctor on the other side of the state so that he can re-evaluate me (for something that I SHOULD have been able to see my GP about in the first place!!!).
Any of you guys dealt with this aspect of the process?? I apologize for the length of my post but I welcome any insight/advice.
Thanks!
