Ptsd - Therapist Needed, But How?

[Janne]

My husband needs a therapist now, but being on disability with Medicare/Medicaid only, it seems impossible to find a psychiatrist/pychologist in the Cincinnati area who is willing to take new patients in.
I would very much appreciate some help from you here if my question isn't inappropriate to this site's politics.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[Deleted member 27845]

My Janne :) <3

 

[catjudo]

It can feel very overwhelming to find a new therapist. Is your husband on Original Medicare or has he selected a Medicare Advantage Plan (an HMO or PPO through an insurance company that is contracted with Medicare)?

 

[Friday]

Remember if emergency help is needed (I'm thinking this probably isn't what you mean by "now" but sometimes we forget this is an option available to us)... To call 911.

A trip to the ER can be a short/simple thing (anti anxiety meds needed), or can be the beginning of a journey (72 hour hold, and then inpatient or intensive outpatient stay), both of which include in the treatment plan having outside counseling lined up... Which can open a lot of doors. Both friends of professionals in the inpatient/outpatient clinic, as well as all patients of a hospital have access to that hospitals social workers. And part of their job in case management is finding providers & funding. Here in the states we tend to associate social workers with CPS... But child protective services is only one branch of social work. Hospitals employ social workers to full a broad spectrum of needs (just like they employ a large spectrum of medical doctors to fill various needs). If you're truly "stuck", sometimes you have to get someone whose job is to open doors, to start opening doors for you.

Less urgent needs can be met with a combo of
- Online resources (like here)
- Telephone resources (helplines, etc.)
- Drop-in resources (support groups)
- etc.

While you continue to look for not only a therapist / any therapist... But the right one to suit your needs. That, in and of itself, can be a frustrating process if you don't just get lucky.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Have you gone directly to the medicare website to find a therapist? Sometimes its just a matter of working your way down that list.

 

[Justmehere]

If he has straight Medicare and Medicaid, he is what is called a "dual eligible." He can see a provider that takes Medicare only, with a co-pay of $20-30 dollars. Or he can see a provider who takes Medicare and Medicaid. Or depending on the form of Medicaid he has, he may be able to see a provider who takes Medicaid only.

For more info on dual eligibles, go to: Link Removed

For help finding a provider, I would go to the social worker that helped him get on Medicaid. Or call Medicaid, and they should be able to help you find a provider. With Medicare and Medicaid, the places where you will likely have the most success getting is in is community mental health centers or other larger clinics, as opposed to single private practice providers. Maybe you have already tried this place, but this mental health group has a phone number to call for refferals for people with Medicare and Medicaid in your area: http://www.gcbhs.com/contact_referrals.php

Good luck! I hope something works out soon!

p.s. edited to add, I have no association with these websites. I just googled for resources using google terms I used in my own difficult search in my own state for providers. (Mods, please edit out links if they are considered self-promoting and consider my apology!)

 

[Janne]

Thank you for your reply, @catjudo - my husband is on Original Medicare.

Thank you for your reply, @FridayJones - my husband has tried all the above and has had no luck in finding anyone yet. Hours of phone calls haven't turned out positively ...

Thank you very much for your reply and your links, @Justmehere

 

[Justmehere]

If phone calls are not working, go in person to the social work office with Medicaid. They usually have walk in hours. I never accomplish anything on the phone, but in person, sometimes things get done.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. :hug: He is lucky to have someone fighting for him. Hang in there and take time to take care of you when you can. We are here whenever you need support. It can be really maddening to wade through all of this.

 

[Janne]

Thank you again @Justmehere - I get your point and in the same time that is exactly the problem. When the anxiety level is high it's difficult to do what you suggest. I kind of hoped for a list with phone numbers but that is perhaps not so realistic :)

 

[joeylittle]

Something that can get you closer to a list of phone numbers is to do a search on Psychology Today's website. They have a fairly comprehensive listing by zip code, and you can search by all sorts of criteria. It really is like taking a shot in the dark, but at least it's something. I also echo @FridayJones statements about taking a trip to the ER if its needed. Of course, it's tough to pinpoint when that moment is, but if your gut says "we need help now" for any reason, just call 911.

 

[KwanYingirl]

I agree with FridayJones. I have personally visited the ER twice in a three week period. I did have a therapist but it wasn't enough support. I was placed in an intensive out patient program and had a discharge plan for when the program ended. I had daily sessions with a psychiatrist and counseling one on one and group setting. This program is run by my local hospital and the only way into it is via referral by staff at the hospital.
The only other resource I can think of is NAMI the national association for the mentally ill. They advocate for the mentally I'll and may have providers they can lead you to. I guess I would google "NAMI Ohio". Good luck.

 

[Janne]

I really appreciate all your suggestions and I'll talk to my husband about what he thinks is possible. His PTSD is not a new condition but his crisis have to be taken care of now and he's ready to go into therapy. He's not able to take any medications due to severe side effects and he's fighting every day.
I'll search the site Psychology Today now.
Thank you all!