HOW TO FIND A THERAPIST

In the Beginning

When you are in the beginning stage of seeking a psychotherapist, the following questions may come to mind.

What about confidentiality?

Your privacy is important to you. No one wants to go to psychotherapy thinking that personal information told to a therapist will be divulged to other people. Mental Health practitioners are required by both state and federal law to keep your personal information confidential. No information can be given to anyone without your consent and signed release of information. Patients will be asked to sign and approve the release of mental health information in order to obtain insurance reimbursement or coverage for their treatment. Your therapist will only release that information if you sign a release form indicating that you give your approval. The enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was also intended to provide patients with increased protection of this information.

Is therapy included in my insurance health plan coverage?

Many insurance plans provide some level of coverage for mental health services. If you do not have coverage and will be paying for your treatment out of pocket, you can talk with your psychotherapist about sliding-scale fees, or working out a payment plan. Community mental health centers are also an alternative. Some mental health associations have lists of therapists who will waive the fee for patients who cannot afford therapy, if they meet their eligibility criteria.
Millions of Americans who have received mental health treatment would say that it is one of the best investments they've made in terms of improving their lives.

How can I find out about my coverage?

Call your insurance health plan representative to find out exactly what is covered - outpatient therapy, more intensive treatment, etc. - and what level of coverage you have. Find out if the therapy must be pre-authorized or if you need a referral from a medical doctor.
Find out if there is a deductible or a co-pay required, or if there are limits on the number of visits, annual or lifetime maximums. If the plan covers only "medically necessary" treatment, find out how that decision is made.

Ask what you can do if your coverage is denied or cut short.

Find out if there is a group of providers, a "network," that you must choose from or if you can choose any psychotherapist with whom you feel comfortable.