Amanda K. Braswell, CPNP

"My daughter and I were refused ALL service because I had a difference of opinion regarding anxiety medicine. I have never written a poor review in my life, because I never thought anything good could come from it. But, there is a first for everything. Amanda was very nice at first, discussing my daughter’s previous health history. She has asthma, allergies, adhd, and a touch of anxiety. (Anxiety often times is seen alongside adhd). When it came to discussing the anxiety medicine she informed me that it is a policy at their clinic to require that the child attend therapy. (I know my daughter and am very aware of the things that might cause her anxiety to flair, and talking to a stranger about drama is definitely one of those things.) So, when I was resistant to that idea Amanda became completely different. She said she could help Payton with her shots, and wellness check, but would refuse to help with the ADHD and the ANXIETY. At the thought of being REQUIRED to attend therapy my daughter completely shifted her mood. She began breathing deep and crying. No compassion from Amanda. Amanda gave us a few minutes to discuss what we would like to do. It sounded like “let’s see if you will agree with me or not”. She left the room and I discussed the pros and cons of what Amanda was saying. I asked my daughter what she would like to do. She said, “You know what, I don’t want to go to therapy. It’s stupid to cause anxiety by going to therapy. But, if it’s only like twice a year then let’s do it! But if it’s more than that, let’s just see another doctor for the two things she won’t deal with.” So, then Amanda came back in and we discussed what our decision was. That was when she handed me a referral to another doctor. Amanda shifted her mind. Originally, she said she would only not help with the ADHD and ANXIETY, but now she was unwilling altogether to even help with her vaccines and wellness check even though my daughter was willing to jump through the hoop. Amanda still wasn’t willing to treat her. She handed me the referral and said that we were free to go. She mentioned “we’re just not a good fit”. She gave me the address to the Health Department to go get her shots done there, even though they could have perfectly done them during our appointment. My daughter is happy and loving and loves talking openly with me and her father about her issues and we provide coping mechanisms and a positive support system for her. I feel very strongly that I should have full say about the health of my child. When a nurse practitioner uses their position of authority as a way to manipulate parents into forcing them to provide care that they don’t want or need for your child is wrong. If my daughter wants or needs therapy at any time I would be more than willing to provide that care. But at this time, anxiety therapy is both unwanted and unnecessary for her. If Amanda had trusted the care of our previous doctor and been able to simply prescribe her the anxiety medicine that she was previously on, then things would have been different. Ultimately it is MY choice and my daughter’s choice not Amanda’s. If that offended her to the point of refusing service than I guess we are better going elsewhere. I have no room in my life for being strong-armed into making medical choices for my daughter that would be worse for her at this time."