Where'd You Go, Bernadette: A Novel - Plot & Excerpts
Janelle Kurtz REQUEST TO BILL FOR OFF-ISLAND APPOINTMENT RE: BERNADETTE FOX/ELGIN BRANCH Bernadette Fox was brought to my attention on December 12. Her husband, Elgin Branch, a friend of board member Hannah Dillard, wrote me a long-winded and highly emotional letter inquiring about involuntary commitment (Attachment #1). Mr. Branch’s description of his wife suggested social anxiety, medication-seeking behavior, agoraphobia, poor impulse control, untreated postpartum depression, and possible mania. If I were to take him at his word, I’d posit a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and bipolar type two. I wrote back to Mr. Branch, explained the law, and suggested his wife seek therapy (Attachment #2). Yesterday I received a call from Mr. Branch requesting a face-to-face meeting. He spoke of new developments with his wife, including suicidal ideation. I find Mr. Branch’s call curious, if not suspicious, for the following reasons. 1. TIMING: In my reply to Mr. Branch, I spelled out that in order to have his wife involuntarily committed, she would have to prove imminently harmful to herself or others.
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