Question about therapy and insurance...

[GA Guy]

OK, I have a question for those going or been to therapists. I'm really thinking of going to one. How does it work? I have Cigna insurance. Does insurance usually pay for this? Is there a referral process? What's the best type of therapist..psychologist or psychiatrist? What's the cost if insurance doesn't pay? I know this is a ton of questions, but I'm thinking I need to do this..for the addiction recovery..as well as other issues. Thanks everyone!!

[marcatj]

Good luck in the process buddy.... and good for you for goin'.

It's tough work when you start "peeling back the onion," but if you can work through it, it's like a ton of bricks are lifted off your shoulders.  Albiet, one by one, but nonetheless!!

:-)
mj

[PromisedLand]

I just started seeing a therapist 2 weeks ago..mainly for depression and some to do with the meds, and some to learn how to deal with issues my wife is suffering through that are honestly driving me up the everloving wall at times (though I love her to death)..I pay a $20 copay and I'm approved for 1 year, subject to extension.  My physician referred me when I broke down crying in his office over all of the stuff I've been dealing with and felt I was going to come unglued.

I'm very fortunate to have a therapist I think I'm going to like working with very much.  And perhaps in a few weeks get my wife in with us.  She has some serious issues


bg

[marcatj]

... just don't forget:  if you go a couple times and you don't like a particular therapist, try a new one.

kinda like buying a car.... :-)

if you can get one via a referral from a friend, I always think that's a good way to go.

xo
mj

[GA Guy]

Yes, my insurance "Cigna" has a separate website as well. I've been looking at it for a few hours. It's as confusing as the book!! Thank you for the advice..it's greatly appreciated!

[findhappiness]

Findhappiness is changing a diaper!!!  Our indsurance company has a totaly different web sight for mental health care providers and it was not listed anywhere!!!! I had to ask for a website when I called the # on the back of the card.  Good luck Monday.  Hope you don't have to wait on hold forever.

[GA Guy]

Thank you for the post..it was most helpful. I've been looking for a doc on my provider's website..but, have yet to find an addiction counselor. Guess I'll have to call the insurance company Monday. Thanks again!!

[IBKleen]

HHHMMMMM....LOL.LOL You prefer a female, huh? I am just being silly tonight. I am so over-tired.

Seriously, I did prefer a female because I had issues that I was uncomfortable talking about with a male. Just so that you are NOT questioning yourself, as you obviously are, why don't you seek out a male and give that a try. See if you are more comfortable. I guess it depends on what you are looking to talk about. Know what I mean?

I wish you the best of luck. It is a wonderful venture.

GOD Bless and Big 'ol Hugs.......

[findhappiness]

I'm Findhappiness' wife.  I have gone to therapy several times in my life for depression, etc.  Now I have been doing lots of research trying to help my hubby with his opiate addiction, and this is what I have discovered.  

Call the number for mental health services on the back of your insurace card.  Tell them you want the names of all of the psychologists and psy-D's in your area that specialize in addiction.  HOpefully it will not take you a million years to get an appointment.  You don't need a refferal if you have a PPO.  I would call the insurance co. after you get the appt. to make sure you are autherized for the appt. (just to be sure) and to find out how many appts. you will be authorized for.

I have not been able to find an addiction specialist with an appt. date sooner than the end of November.  Maybe  we should put our lives on hold until then, huh??  I think my hubby is going to end up going to see a psy-D and hope that they have enough experience with addiction to be able to help.  They do have as much education as a psychiatrist (M.D.) but the focus of their education is on counseling (clinical) and they do not prescribe medication.

Good luck..gotta go, the baby is crying.  

[GA Guy]

OK..Last question for anyone that reads this..do you prefer same sex therapists..or does it matter? Should I be concerned that I think I'd prefer a lady? Oedipus complex anyone? :)

[GA Guy]

You have all been very helpful. I'll never forget you all..or this place. As I'm so fond of saying..God bless you all!!

[slideshow]

Mine are right.....I AM nuts.....Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't.....LOL

[Savas]

That's it, I'm moving to your state! Almost-Full dental?!?! That's great!!!

That' another case of it's up to your insurance. And don't feel bad, most provider books are sucky and outdated. I went through mine for a doctor and every one I called didn't take my insurance anymore. They sent me an updated book...it was the same one. I usually just call up and say "Hey! I need this...what do I gotta do?"

You shouldn't need a primary referral though, it's technically an "unrelated field"... although some do. Not very helpful of me, huh??? :)

[IBKleen]

LOL..love that last post. My doc thinks I am nuts too..good thing!!!

I had a private "therapist" who specialized in addiction. She was wonderful. She took me in as a private patient and after a while she slowly introduced me into a group. I went to her for 3 years (is that good or bad?..LOL).

In any case, it was a rewarding experience and I am just now looking into doing it again. Unfortunately, I have moved out of state since then, so I am looking for someone new.

Also, I have private insurance, which I pay thru the nose for, but I am 100% covered. Sorry I couldn't help with that.

Let us know how you make out.

Big hugs.........

[GA Guy]

That's good..he already thinks I'm nuts..last thing I need to do is confirm it!!  :)

[marcatj]

I don't believe you will need a referral from your primary....

[GA Guy]

Yeah..I've called them before, and probably will Monday morning. That's a good idea. I was just seeing if anyone here had gone through this with insurance before. I assumed everything had to be done through the primary physician.

[bettie1976]

dont you have a card with a # on it? i couldnt figure out my benefit book either so I called.

[GA Guy]

You know, I think of myself as fairly intelligent, but that Cigna PPO benefit book is cryptic at best!

[bettie1976]

call your ins co and ask them. theyll know better than us. sometimes you need one but I didnt.

[bettie1976]

Actually mine pays for root canals, cleaning, xrays, pulling, etc...the only thing they wont pay for are the crowns.

[GA Guy]

I just have what I think is Cigna PPO. Do psychiatrists or psychologists usually require referrals through the primary care physician?

[Savas]

Heh heh... don't you love those forehead smacking moments? Maybe we'll finally jog something loose and find all those missing braincells!

Watch out with State dental, though. They only do three things, pull teeth, drill cavities, and bad dentures. Anything else, you're paying.

At least, that's what NYS's coverage is like. The only way I could get a root canal cheap was through the dental school. I guess in America teeth are being considered a "luxury" according to the government.

[exhostage]

You were talking about prayer and your faith have you considered a christian counselor, I went a few years back and she was a very caring and compassionate person who held my hands and prayed with me before and after every session. It was so comforting that I was able to let down my guard down and get to the core issues and cry and all kinds of stuff.

[marcatj]

,,, btw - it should be in your insurance policy manual what they do and do not cover...