Finding a therapist can be a daunting task. Especially for busy women! Many people report making tons of calls only to find out the therapist does not have availability or does not take their insurance. Sadly, many women seeking therapy don’t even have theri call or email returned at all. This is super frustrating under the best circumstances. All the more so when you’re already not feeling well, hence the therapy. Here are some tips to get a therapy appointment.
1. Read The Therapist’s Website Carefully
If you know you must use insurance then check on their site prior to contacting them. Most will have that listed. Reading their website will save you time and effort in the long run. You may also want to check that they offer virtual or in person, based on your preference. Lastly, make sure they mention treating your problem or people like you. For example, Nurtured Well specializes in women and maternal mental health care. Someone seeking couple’s therapy would not be a good fit.
2. Consider Going “Out of Network” for your therapy appointments.
This means not using your insurance but submitting superbills for your insurance to pay you back directly. This may feel ridiculous because you pay for insurance. However, there are a lot of benefits. We explore them here. But, in short, you will know exactly how much you are paying, not get hit with a huge bill later for all of the co-pays and deductibles your insurance does not cover. You will also get in quicker. Most importantly, you will get the care you and your therapist deem appropriate, not the insurance company. We have had many clients start with weekly therapy but then hit a crisis and need twice a week. Insurance is not always willing to pay for that which means you can’t be seen. Many insurances will reimburse you so it may not cost that much more in the end.
3. Choose One of The Big National On-line Services.
Many people report getting a therapy appointment quickly with companies like Better Help. You certainly can’t argue the ease of it. Plus, they do employ some good therapists. However, there are a few things to watch out for. First, check the therapist’s level of experience. Many seasoned clinicians will not work with them due to their very low pay. Also be aware of therapist turnover. Smaller private practices tend to keep staff longer. When therapists do leave, it’s often to start their own practice so you can always find them and see them there. Lastly, be sure to check the privacy policies. Laura Regan explores some issues that have arisen in this episode of her podcast.
Starting therapy can be challenging for many reasons. Often, it is simply being able to find a therapist with availability. Scheduling that first therapy appointment is the hardest part. However, it is certainly worth the effort. A good therapist can help you grow in so many ways.
At Nurtured Well, we always respond within 24 hours. Just email Jen and she will get you set up with a therapist or Nurse Practitioner to meet your needs.
Three easy steps to starting therapy.
Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com
Photo by Radu Florin on Pexels.com
About the Author: Sharon P. Fisher, MS, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C is the founder of Nurtured Well, a woman’s mental health practice serving Maryland and D.C.