H Berryman Edwards, MD, FAPA

Information for Family Members of Patients

Medical and psychiatric tradition have clearly defined the relationship between patient and physician. The relationship between the physician and the patient's family remains more ambiguous. Many methods of psychotherapy proscribe contact between psychiatrist and members of the patient's family.

Involvement in Treatment

Dr. Edwards was trained in family systems psychotherapy. This method calls for family members of an identified patient to be involved as much as possible in the treatment. The identified patient will have undergone psychiatric examination by Dr. Edwards. Dr. Edwards will determine a psychiatric diagnosis and will recommend treatment appropriate to that diagnosis. Dr. Edwards cannot prescribe medications to any individual he has not examined and diagnosed.

It remains clear that Dr. Edwards may not have contact with family members without the identified patient's consent. Ordinarily Dr. Edwards does not ask for express written consent, partly because family members are often present from the outset, possibly during the initial examination. This especially true when the focus of treatment is a relationship rather than mental illness in one individual.

As long as the identified patient is in agreement, is not necessary to ask permission of or warn Dr. Edwards prior to a session to be attended by the family member. In some cases Dr. Edwards will ask for involvement by family members.

Telephone Contact

Dr. Edwards asks that family members refrain from contacting him by telephone without the identified patient's knowledge. Likewise, please do not ask Dr. Edwards to schedule a visit without the identified patient present unless that patient has agreed in advance.

Emergencies

Emergencies may call for suspension of rules as necessary to insure safety. This will apply in particular when there is reason to believe that the identified patient may harm himself or others. In such situations please do not rely on Dr. Edwards as the only source of help. If there is time, you may contact Dr. Edwards by telephone, but you should also consider other community resources including 911, Crisis Clinic, and County Designated Mental Health Professional.