Comparison Of Therapy Options By Region & Healthcare System

[BloomInWinter]

I think it would be interesting to learn what therapy is available/used for those of us with PTSD. Please share so we can learn from the best, avoid the worst, and advocate for a better system for ourselves and those who come after us. Just cut and paste, and change to reflect your experience, add/remove questions as appropriate.

Please note that I am employed and I have what is considered the BEST insurance in my area. Below is my therapy in a nutshell (pun, intended!)...

Region: West Central Illinois, USA
My Insurance Type: HMO (Employer Sponsored Insurance)

Referral needed for first visit? No
Wait time from first appointment to seeing therapist: 6 weeks

Type of Therapist: Licensed Professional Counselor (Master's Degree)
Time from Intake to Meeting With Psychiatrist for 1st time: 7 months and counting. Hasn't happened, yet. Maybe sometime next year or the year after.
Are You Taking Meds? No
Length of appointments: 50 minutes
Frequency of appointments: 1 every 2 - 3 weeks
Cost Per Appointment to Insurance: $248.00/hr USD
Co-pay (out of pocket for you): $20.00 USD (payment required up front)

Can You;
Email Your Therapist? No
Call Your Therapist Between Appointments? No
Leave Information for Your Therapist Between Appointments? No
Change Your Appointments? Not unless I want to wait another 2-3 weeks

Is Your Therapist;
Trained in Trauma? Not Really. Seemed to get annoyed when I asked and it took me so long to get in that I figured I'd just deal with whatever I could get.
Trained in EMDR? No
Compassionate? Yes
Open to Suggestions? Sometimes
Giving You Resources (books, websites, pamphlets, other education materials)? None so far

The Therapy Environment;
Location: Basement of District Hospital
Natural Light? No
Windows? No
Ambient Noise a Distraction for You? Yes
Protective of Your Privacy? Not in the tiny waiting room - other patients hear my debit card being read out loud to the business office since the office isn't equipped a card processor
Type of Furniture? Uncomfortable, institutional, hard, minimalist
Color of Walls? Off-white
Type of Music in Waiting Area? Muzak, too loud for me.

Is Your Primary Care Physician...
Trained in Recognizing PTSD? No. Mine doesn't believe in it. But she doesn't believe in addiction or vaccinations, either. :p But there's nobody else accepting patients in our city, and next closest is 1.25 hours away.
Communicating Regularly With Your Therapist? No. I have to ask them to ask for record updates.
Willing to Refer You For Other Therapy (art therapy, somatic, etc.)? No - but they lose bonuses from our HMO at the end of the year if they give too many referrals so all ours are like this around here.

Wow, after putting this down, now I'm kinda mad all over again. I keep trying to tell myself to be grateful I have the GOOD insurance! Welcome to West Central Illinois...not quite the place to find out you have PTSD.

 

[PerfectEmpire]

Region: NC, USA
My Insurance Type: Cigna Open Access Plan (though husband's employer)

Referral needed for first visit? No
Wait time from first appointment to seeing therapist: n/a

Type of Therapist: Licensed Professional Counselor/Social Worker (Master's Degree)
Time from Intake to Meeting With Psychiatrist for 1st time: n/a
Are You Taking Meds? No
Length of appointments: 60 minutes
Frequency of appointments: As needed (started out going 2x/week 7 years ago, now only go about 1x/month on average)
Cost Per Appointment to Insurance: I pay $90-120 in full each visit because she's out of network
Co-pay (out of pocket for you): I turn in my receipts at the end of each year and get 80% back, in other words, I only end up paying 20% (except for the $500 or $600 deductible)

Can You;
Email Your Therapist? Yes
Call Your Therapist Between Appointments? If absolutely necessary
Leave Information for Your Therapist Between Appointments? Yes
Change Your Appointments? Yes, but she is usually booked solid

Is Your Therapist;
Trained in Trauma? Very
Trained in EMDR? Yes, I'm pretty sure, but doesn't use it with me. Gave me an article on it back in 2003. That's actually how I first heard about PTSD and the concept of trauma.
Compassionate? Yes
Open to Suggestions? Totally, at least when appropriate
Giving You Resources (books, websites, pamphlets, other education materials)? A ton over the years

The Therapy Environment;
Location: In the back of a private, water-front, residential neighborhood in a private, water-front building
Natural Light? Yes, through the large water-view windows
Windows? Yes
Ambient Noise a Distraction for You? Yes
Protective of Your Privacy? Seems to be
Type of Furniture? Luxurious, usually natural or tropical themes
Color of Walls? Soft colors
Type of Music in Waiting Area? There isn't usually music and when there is it's not intrusive

Is Your Primary Care Physician...
Trained in Recognizing PTSD? Not sure.
Communicating Regularly With Your Therapist? No. She deals with the medical side of things.
Willing to Refer You For Other Therapy (art therapy, somatic, etc.)? I rely on my therapist for that

 

[PTSDT]

Region: USA - Middle South
My Insurance Type: Community Care Medicare

Referral needed for first visit? Yes
Wait time from first appointment to seeing therapist: n/a

Type of Therapist: PhD
Time from Intake to Meeting With Psychiatrist for 1st time: n/a
Are You Taking Meds? Yes
Length of appointments: 60 to 80 minutes
Frequency of appointments: As needed for 2 1/2 years. Now it is still as needed but with a plan, a workbook and the structure of prolonged exposure therapy.
Cost Per Appointment to Insurance: I don't know
Co-pay (out of pocket for you): $35.00 per visit

Can You;
Email Your Therapist? Yes and I always get a thoughtful response
Call Your Therapist Between Appointments? Yes and she always responds
Leave Information for Your Therapist Between Appointments? Yes. She has given me her direct number at work.
Change Your Appointments? Yes, and she is very flexible

Is Your Therapist;
Trained in Trauma? Yes. She actually specializes in inpatient therapy for anorexia. But, I found her by asking a PhD at a local university whom she would recommend for PTSD and called to get permission to see her. She is extremely intelligent and was very willing to get assistance from a colleague to do the PET with me.
Trained in EMDR? No
Compassionate? Most compassionate therapist I have ever had. Very low, soft voice with a very peaceful and comforting posture.
Open to Suggestions? She actually encourages my suggestions and ideas for the direction for my therapy.
Giving You Resources (books, websites, pamphlets, other education materials)? Yes

The Therapy Environment;
Location: In a large medical building in a comfortable office with nice chairs
Natural Light? Yes
Windows? Yes
Ambient Noise a Distraction for You? Not most of the time. I try to take my mp3 just in case.
Protective of Your Privacy? Yes. I have asked her specifically about things I do not want given to anyone. She told me she had only been required to give information about one patient and that all she gave was light information without any details.
Type of Furniture? Comfortable high backed chairs
Color of Walls? Blue
Type of Music in Waiting Area? No music.

Is Your Primary Care Physician...
Trained in Recognizing PTSD? Not sure. I was not diagnosed by current physician. But, she seems very knowledgeable and compassionate about it when I see her.
Communicating Regularly With Your Therapist? Yes by e-mail, in person and on the phone
Willing to Refer You For Other Therapy (art therapy, somatic, etc.)? I haven't ever asked but doubt my HMO would pay for any of it.

 

[BloomInWinter]

OMG...Can I come to your therapy place with your insurance?! ;)

 

[PTSDT]

Bloominwinter, I wish you did too. I wish everyone had my health care insurance or even better.

Most humane countries offer universal health care.

My therapist is truly among the best. I have had many therapists over 22 years...some good...some bad. I really had to search and ask around to find her specifically for the PTSD. It was worth having to go through special permission to get her.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Region: Tennessee
My Insurance Type: HMO (Employer Sponsored Insurance)

Referral needed for first visit? No
Wait time from first appointment to seeing therapist: Less then a week

Type of Therapist: PH.D
Time from Intake to Meeting With Psychiatrist for 1st time: 2 months. If I am understanding the question?
Are You Taking Meds? Yes
Length of appointments: 45 minutes
Frequency of appointments: twice a week
Cost Per Appointment to Insurance: $120.00/hr USD
Co-pay (out of pocket for you): $15.00 USD to $30.00 He seems to charge based on how the session went.

Can You;
Email Your Therapist? YES, I have.
Call Your Therapist Between Appointments? Never tried, sure I can. Emailing is easier.
Leave Information for Your Therapist Between Appointments? Yes
Change Your Appointments? Yes, he is busier now. Might have to wait a few days to a week. He did see me twice as emergency sessions, within a day.

Is Your Therapist;
Trained in Trauma? Yes.
Trained in EMDR? Yes, we don't do it much though.
Compassionate? Yes
Open to Suggestions? Yes, he's very...not by the book.
Giving You Resources (books, websites, pamphlets, other education materials)? Yes, lots of times.

The Therapy Environment;
Location: An old house turned into an big office.
Natural Light? Both
Windows? Yes
Ambient Noise a Distraction for You? Yes
Protective of Your Privacy? Yes
Type of Furniture? Comfortable, welcoming stuff.
Color of Walls? Off-white
Type of Music in Waiting Area? Classical, last time it was the sound of music (string version)

Is Your Primary Care Physician...
Trained in Recognizing PTSD? No.
Communicating Regularly With Your Therapist? No.
Willing to Refer You For Other Therapy (art therapy, somatic, etc.)? Sure he is. Never asked/happened though.

 

[just me here]

Region: Pacific Northwest, USA
My Insurance Type: HMO through my wifes employer, regional healthcare organization through my employer
Referral needed for first visit? No
Wait time from first appointment to seeing therapist: 1st appointment was with a therapist
Type of Therapist: Licensed Professional Counselor/Social Worker (Master's Degree)
Time from Intake to Meeting With Psychiatrist for 1st time: simultaneous (same day)
Length of appointments: 60 minutes
Frequency of appointments: as often as weekly, but I have also gone years without any-my choice
Cost Per Appointment to Insurance: Not sure, no bills come my way
Co-pay (out of pocket for you): nothing- double coverage eliminates my co-pay

Can You;
Email Your Therapist? Yes
Call Your Therapist Between Appointments? yes
Leave Information for Your Therapist Between Appointments? Yes
Change Your Appointments? Easily

Is Your Therapist;
Trained in Trauma? not a specialist
Trained in EMDR?I am seeing a specialist for that, and for bio feedback
Compassionate? Yes
Open to Suggestions? she is a full partner in this venture
Giving You Resources (books, websites, pamphlets, other education materials)? I could heat my house with the stuff.

The Therapy Environment;
Location: large clinic
Natural Light? Yes
Windows? Yes
Ambient Noise a Distraction for You? Yes
Protective of Your Privacy? Seems to be
Type of Furniture? Her choice, like a living room with a desk in it
Color of Walls? Basic pastels
Type of Music in Waiting Area? Muzak themes that vary from day to day

Is Your Primary Care Physician...
Trained in Recognizing PTSD? No
Communicating Regularly With Your Therapist? yes
Willing to Refer You For Other Therapy (art therapy, somatic, etc.)? hasn't happened yet

 

[seedling]

Region: Central PA, USA
My Insurance Type: Health American, PPO, need to find providers in my network. Mental Health coverage provided by MHnet - it's a subcontractor.

Referral needed for first visit? No
Wait time from first appointment to seeing therapist? 1 week
Type of Therapist: PhD
Time from Intake to Meeting With Psychiatrist for 1st time: This took 6 weeks, he is always booked and can now no longer take my insurance (it's too hard to work with MHnet's claims - they keep adding more and more paperwork). My psychologist is taking my insurance because he is independent and has a different arrangement.
Are You Taking Meds? Not maintenance, Xanax as needed.
Length of appointments: 50 minutes
Frequency of appointments: every 1 to 2 weeks depending. Only 20 appts allowed in insurance, including T and psychiatrist. T has put in for more, haven't heard back yet. He said we'd "work something out" regardless.
Cost Per Appointment to Insurance: $115.00 /hr USD billed, Allowed amount (what's actually pd) $83.00.
Co-pay (out of pocket for you): $20.00 USD due that day. My portion of the $83, insurance pays other $63.00

Can You;
Email Your Therapist? No
Call Your Therapist Between Appointments? No
Leave Information for Your Therapist Between Appointments? Yes, and he would probably get back to me. All contact is arranged through the place that we meet. They have a policy for emergencies, someone is always on call if he's not available.
Change Your Appointments? Yes, he's in one day a week and usually has open times.

Is Your Therapist;
Trained in Trauma? PTSD is his thing, he's retired Veteran's Admin., works with Vietnam vets mostly.
Trained in EMDR? No
Compassionate? Yes
Open to Suggestions? Definitely, it's a partnership. He'll lead if he needs to.
Giving You Resources (books, websites, pamphlets, other education materials)? Yes, trauma nightmares, anger management, probably more if I requested it. Doesn't push anything. He's done a complete one year treatment plan to guide the therapy. Many materials listed in this.

The Therapy Environment;
Location: Large complex, looks like offices, no big sign. Many independent mental health professionals work out of it - full- and part-time. One hour drive.
Natural Light? Lots in every therapy room.
Windows? One in every therapy room, first floor windows have privacy landscaping and are far from road and sidewalk. Really nice landscaping, bird feeders.
Ambient Noise a Distraction for You? None.
Protective of Your Privacy? The whole flow of patients is set up for this. A seperate exit door right by check-out, no need to walk through the whole place. Dividers between the receptionists. Everyone speaks quietly. Seperate room with seperated cubicles (with artwork) for doing paperwork. Large single occupancy bathrooms.
Type of Furniture? Comfortable, living room-like, lots of small seperate areas to sit, some with windows and glass doors.
Color of Walls? Soft colors.
Type of Music in Waiting Area? None, can hear the wall fountain in the main part of the lobby.

Is Your Primary Care Physician...
Trained in Recognizing PTSD? I believe so. I first went to the therapist but also established a PCP (primary care provider) at the same time at a clinic that's part of a big trauma center. He's very understanding and careful. You can tell he gets it and has seen it before. 40 minute drive.
Communicating Regularly With Your Therapist? No, although I think they would if they needed to.
Willing to Refer You For Other Therapy (art therapy, somatic, etc.)? Haven't asked. He's willing to prescribe meds as long as I have a therapist.

 

[BloomInWinter]

Is Your Therapist;
Trained in Trauma? Not Really. Seemed...
Giving You Resources (books, websites, pamphlets, other education materials)? None so far

Ok, I have to retract this. My T. may very well be. I don't know for sure that I asked this question...maybe I thought I did? Sheesh...I feel sorry for the poor guy. Wondering what he did in a past life to draw *me* for a patient.

...and I am getting resources from the DBT group he put me in.