Dear Dori -
After reading your column about financial anxieties, I have decided to seek some support from a licensed professional. How do I find a “licensed” professional?Unfortunately, for many people, the realization (and then acceptance) that professional help is needed is often difficult. I am so glad my last column allowed you to make the decision that you in fact, could benefit from meeting with a licensed professional.
Finding a licensed professional, such as a counselor, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist, is similar to finding any other healthcare provider. The first step is contacting your insurance company to see what type of mental health services are covered and what the co-pays are. You can then request the names of providers in your area. Sometimes, insurance companies can even provide you with a list of a people that specialize in certain areas, such as marriage counseling, substance abuse, etc. (If you are internet savvy, you may be able to conduct this search through the website of your insurance carrier).
The next step is to contact each provider and see if they are accepting new patients, what the fees are, hours of operation, office policies, and so on. Once you make an appointment and meet with your therapist, you may request to see their professional license. Although it is pretty certain that your insurance company has already done a background check on these providers, it never hurts to ask to see a copy of a license.
Finally, it is essential to any good therapeutic relationship that you (the recipient of the therapy) feel 100% comfortable with your therapist. If you feel that you are unable to trust your therapist, progress will be difficult. There is nothing wrong with meeting with a therapist once or twice and deciding to look elsewhere. You reserve the right to pick your therapist!! Just as not everyone you meet is a friend, not every therapist you meet will be YOUR therapist.
Dori Chait, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker. She has experience working in acute care settings, both with individuals who are medically fragile and psychiatric patients. You can submit your “Dear Dori” questions to deardori@charmedmag.com.
#27 Leslie Popkin said:
I agree wholeheartedy that it is often necessary to enter a therapeutic relationship with an “interview” kind of approach. It could take several visits for a patient to know if this is a “fit”. And thanks for the adivice about getting names from the insurance carrier. I’ve also found that speaking to friends who have the same insurance has led to some good referrals. I wouldn’t hesitate to get suggestions about a pediatrician…why not ask about a therpaist??
06.11.09 at 8:45 pm