Shy Newbie Privacy Violated by Psychiatrist

Hello,

Please be patient with me sine this is the first time I've joined an
online group.   I have been seeing a psychiatrist for about 3 years.
I came to the area to obtain a post graduate degree.  It was difficult
finding a psychiatrist in this area although it is a big city.  About
three years ago I finally found a psychiatrist.

At first this psychiatrist was polite, seemed to listen, and had an
overall affable demeanor.  As I was assimilated into his practice it
became clear he had too many patients. He had a private practice and
was also on staff at a substance abuse county clinic.  I lost the
insurance I had and had to go on Medicare.  Prior to that, the MD saw
me once a moth for 50 minutes; just like a psychologist in therapy
would.

I found that I was given appointments now for 15 minutes not 50. I
also asked the MD as soon as I became a patient, that I would like a
referral (I was new to the area) for a psychologist to do
psychodynamic therapy. For three years he claimed he knew of no one.
Recently, I saw a new internist that knows the psychiatrist. He has
(internist) secured an appointment for me with a psychologist.

Of concern are two things: The psychiatrist had no release of
information to speak to anyone about my condition.  He was aware of
the very contentious relationship I have with family members,
especially my mother.  Well, last August I stayed at my mother's house
so I could attend a nephew’s birthday party.  I left my medication at
home assuming I would only be there for one day. The medication is
taken at night (chronic insomnia) so I assumed I would leave early and
drive the three hours back to my home.

I felt sick and began suffering horrendous benzodiazepine
withdrawals.  My mother took me to the emergency room. Unfortunately,
I was admitted for 7 days to taper off the benzodiazepines. Doctor's
of staff were shocked that my psychiatrist had me on 24 milligrams of
two benzodiazepines (xanax and klonopin).  I could have left the
hospital earlier if the psychiatrist would have returned several
messages from MD's at the hospital.

Nonetheless, my mother called the psychiatrist on day 3 of my
hospitalization. Keep in mind it was not an emergency because I was
already being treated / hospitalized.  Sadly, the psychiatrist
released information to my mother. I never signed a release of
information nor did I provide one verbally.

A few days later I saw my regular psychiatrist.  I waited for him to
bring up the issue / elephant in the room.  It didn't happen so I
brought it up.  All he could say was that he was sorry and thought I
would want him to speak with my mother.  That is odd because we have
discussed how detrimental I became every time I see her.  He is fully
aware of her verbal and emotional abuse but he went ahead and spoke to
her anyway and gave her information about my treatment.

Lately, I have been snarky to the psychiatrist.  I have brought up the
violation again (getting close to August) and he has said he thinks we
can still work together. I blatantly disagree.

I have checked with a few law firms hoping one would take my case
since the medications were given in unethical doses. Moreover, since
he admitted to breaking the HIPAA law.

It feels like I am stigmatized by attorneys because I was hospitalized
(the only time in my life) and see people on medication in a differing
way then says someone on street drugs.

Do I need to record the psychiatrist admitting to breaking doctor/
patient privacy to get an attorney to take my case? One attorney told
me to do so as taping another party in my state is allowed if one of
the parties (me) is aware that they are recording.
Needless to say, my depression has exasperated. My anxiety has
increased to the point where I have had to withdrawal from graduate
school because the anxiety has turned into agoraphobia.

Any thoughts and/or comments will be appreciated. I apologize in
advance for such a long post.

Jilted Jill