Doctor Used Laptop and took personal call during sessions

[River61]

I just met my new psychiatrist who comes highly recommended. He came in carrying an open laptop, and seemed more interested in the laptop than making eye contact with me. I'm not used to this. He answered a personal phone call where I learned about how busy his son was, his family was--it was obviously not an emergency, and personal.

My question is: Is this now normal procedure in terms of psychiatry and something I should expect?"

[April2]

Wow! That sounded very unprofessional! No, this is NOT standard practice and you should have called him on it. You are paying big bucks for him to focusing all his attention on you for that hour session. Even if it's your insurance paying, he's still getting paid a lot of money to have you as a patient. I'd talk to him and tell him that you would like him to hold his calls and computer time while he is in session with you and that if he is unable to do that, that you will be looking for another psychiatrist.
Actually, if it was me, I'd be looking for one now. It's up to you. You have to be comfortable with whomever you see.
Give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe this was a one time thing, but still talk to him. Let him know that you are not comfortable with that. If he can't respect your wishes, then its time to move on to someone else.
Best wishes.
April

[peekawho]

I think I would get a new psychiatrist, and let this one know exactly why you won't see him again.

I'm not sure I'd give him a second chance.  And I'd let whoever recommended him know why you won't see him again.

[River61]

Thank you for your affirmation and reassurance, and comments. I did not think this was professional. I will consider what to do. I believe I will confront him next session, and ask him to take any emergency calls outside, and take it off my bill and ask him to shut his computer. If he's not willing to do this once he realizes that his patient feels uncomfortable with this, I will seek another doctor. Thanks for your comments, again.

[peekawho]

Good plan.  

[Clarissa82]

Mine did the same during our last session... I felt very bad because I pay him a lot and he was checking his email while "listening" to me... So, I don't think I'm going back...

[Sunes]

I would walk out of his office in the middle of his phone conversation to his family.
What an ignorant doctor. I hope you find someone else who will make eye contact with you when you speak.
These highly recommended doctors not always turn great after all. Maybe he is a great psychiatrist but he needs PR lessons.
Hugs, Sunes.

[pigster]

Find a new Psychiatrist. This is unaccetable, unprofessional behavior. Personally, I would have gotten up and walked out. If you felt uncomfortable about this, it's because your subconscious is telling you something isn't right with the picture. A piece of advice...go with your gut feelings.