New therapist?

[Crow]

OMG. I just now looked up my copay for in network mental health. $25! That's it. Hell, I can approach therapy as coaching just to help me maintain daily and improve social interactions for $25 a session. Whatever is left to address in deep trauma I can either do later or in piecemeal over the next five years. Weekly sessions a month will be less than the net cost of one session with T. I figured copay was around $80. But $25? Wow.

 

[EveHarrington]

Why see a psychiatrist for therapy? Seems like overkill to me.

Plus I’m skeptical that anyone needs nearly 2 decades of therapy from the same person.

 

[Justmehere]

I’d suggest finding a trauma T even for those coaching type of sessions. They often have additional skill sets that psychiatrists don’t have, and then you have the option of staying in lighter subjects or going deeper, and they would have the skill set to really help in an integrated way even with the lighter subjects.

$240/$300 is actually way above self pay market rate for therapy in most areas (but common for a self pay psychiatrist.) That’s so awesome the co-pay will only be $25! Sweet!

 

[Crow]

@Justmehere exactly what I'm doing. Found a search option on psychology today that allows to search by insurance and conditions. Still have to confirm on my insurance's site but scales my work down. I've found five trauma specialists - or at least they say they are - that I'll research more and probably interview. Have an appointment scheduled with T Monday to talk about basically ending sessions with her. Not looking forward to it but at least I'm not scared. It'll be a good discussion.

 

[Justmehere]

Well done!

 

[Crow]

I'm going to call T tomorrow and give her a heads up I'm terminating. Monday won't be my last session with her but it's the beginning of the end. I've been reading articles about terminating and switching therapists and telling her before session feels reasonable.

I wrote in my diary that my tendency to vilify someone who's leaving is coming up. I'm astounded I'm able to notice it and make it disappear. That's huge progress.

 

[road2theriches]

Hello, does anyone know how do i find a therapist who specialize in PTSD? I was in therapy for seven years and i feel it did not help me much. I read somewhere that i need to see someone who specialize in trauma. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. TGIF

:)

 

[Crow]

@road2theriches I found psychologytoday has a great search engine. Also googling trauma therapist ptsd in your city. You may want to also look for/google stuff like dbt, brainspotting, somatic experiencing. Most of the good trauma experts aren't on insurance - at least in my region. Oh and if you're near a VA then there should be combat ptsd support groups. Usually there's a contact person listed for group meetings and you can call/email and ask for recommends or at least for people to avoid. Good luck!

 

[Crow]

Last session with T was Monday. It was a good session. First part was about her cat who was euthanized on Tuesday but we delved into my search for other therapists and she gave me her gut reaction feedback to the information I brought with me. She really liked my top pick so that helped. We talked a bit about what ifs as far as therapists pathologizing ptsd symptoms like suicidal ideation and hallucinations. I decided if the therapist couldn't handle those things, then she isn't the right one for me. I'll meet with T again in about four months if I need to for a check in. Weirdly we have had more communication this week than any other time I've been seeing her. She seems freed up to ask me questions on stuff I know a lot about and of course the passing of her cat has been tough. She gave me some expensive supplements my cats will benefit from and we'll probably have a conversation about something else I mentioned when I was picking up the supplies that I had been hesitant to mention because of therapeutic boundaries and all. Anyway, after Congress decides the government will keep working (so I know I'll be paid), I'll make an appointment with the new therapist and see how that works out.

 

[watundah]

I found with Psychology Today, many check box all areas and speciaities as tho they're casting a wider net to draw more clients.

Recently was seeking a couples therapist and while most claim to do it, less than five promoted that exclusively. I feel better picking someone with a specific focus.

I think PT makes a good starting point but.you really need to dig into their websites and interview them to find a true trauma expert. Just my .02

Best of luck on your search.

 

[Crow]

@watundah thanks! I did hours long cross searches from my provider to Google which usually landed on pt and then a search for their other online presence. The top pick only checked four items in that forever list and her bio on the center's site delved into her trauma experience. I found the same as you that the profile on pt usually didn't match to their website if they even had one. I'm hopeful. Excited to start a new working relationship in January.

 

[road2theriches]

@road2theriches I found psychologytoday has a great search engine. Also googling trauma...

@Crow Thank you.