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Counseling Questions

bubbles's picture

Submitted by bubbles on Wed, 11/15/2006 - 1:12pm

I've read posts from several of you about going to counseling, which is helpful that you share the information with us.

I would like to go to counseling but am naive on this. Does insurance cover family counseling? How have you selected who you should go to? I looked in the yellow pages here for my area, but it's a coin toss on who to choose. Please help!!!

Thanks!

Comments

papergirl31128's picture

Submitted by papergirl31128 on Wed, 11/15/2006 - 1:42pm

with out insurance we have to find a provider in the network and they cover say so many sessions a year. Your best bet would to be call your insurance compamy or look on your card some insurance companies have a seperate # for mental health information. I sometimes call back two times to make sure that the information i got the first time was right.

Good Luck!!!

gazoogleheimer's picture

Submitted by gazoogleheimer on Wed, 11/15/2006 - 1:44pm

It wasn't family counseling, though - it was individual counseling for SD. We are HMO & her pediatrician needed to make a referral for it to be covered (including choosing the counselor that she would go to).

Before that, we had a niece living with us who needed counseling. I did a lot of googling on her issues until I diagnosed her with Reactive Attachment Disorder. From there, I found a website that listed counselors who were qualified to deal with that set of issues.

sheila's picture

Submitted by sheila on Wed, 11/15/2006 - 1:47pm

Some insurances pay for counseling, some do not. Some will only pay for a therapist with a specific degree. You need to call your insurance and ask what they pay for. It's hard to know which agency to choose. I would ask someone you trust...if they have ever received services and see who they recommend. Sometimes employers have what is called an EAP (Employee Assistance Program)...you are allowed so many sessions at no cost to you. If this is the case, they sometimes have specific agencies they will pay for. That is another thing to check in to.

Counseling is an excellent option for anyone who is experiencing difficulties in their life. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. And don't feel bad or defeated if you do not find the "right" therapist on your first try. It's important to have a "good fit" with someone, so if you are in any way uncomfortable or not satisfied with a therapist, ask the agency to schedule you with someone else. They understand this and should be more than accommodating to you if you feel the need to switch.

hopeful's picture

Submitted by hopeful on Wed, 11/15/2006 - 2:08pm

And if you choose to go to counselling, ask if they have expertise in couples counselling. The counselling style is very different and when counsellors without experience try to do couples counselling it can actually be more harmful than good.

Also consider Retrouvaille...it is an excellent, excellent resource. Check out the website.

bubbles's picture

Submitted by bubbles on Wed, 11/15/2006 - 9:34pm

Thanks for the responses. I'll check into what we may qualify through our insurance.

And hopeful, you hit it right on the nail...couples counseling is what I was refering too. With all these issues that come up in our lives, things have gotten complicated and I hope to resolve some feelings through counseling. My hubby and I have a very loving relationship together...but throw the SK's into it and it gets messy and complicated. My hope is to sort things out and find better solutions or other ways to cope with issues that come up.