Managing Insurance Referrals
If you are interested in moving forward with formal counseling, most people would like to use their insurance, if they have it.
Take these steps in order to determine what and who your insurance covers. Then follow the next steps below to make sure that you can afford services with no surprise or hidden fees.
.1
check the back of your card
.2
Call the member number on the back
.3
ask them if you have mental health benefits
.4
ask them to send you a list of providers in your area
.5
call providers (at least 3) and request information
Managing Your Cost
Let’s face it, most people need counseling. However, sometimes (many times) the cost prevents people from getting what they need.
.6
CALL INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE A COPAY OR A CO-INSURANCE RESPONSIBILITY. VERIFY THIS AMOUNT LIMIT (USUALLY CO-INSURANCE IS A PERCENTAGE OF THE ALLOWABLE CHARGE). THIS CAN CHANGE WHEN YOUR DEDUCTIBLE IS MET.
.7
WHEN INTERVIEWING THERAPISTS, ASK IF THEY HAVE A “NO SURPRISES ACT” DOCUMENT PRIOR TO SCHEDULING. READ THIS THOROUGHLY. THIS SHOULD KEEP YOU FROM BEING SURPRISED WITH ADDITIONAL FEES.
.8
ASK WHAT THEIR NO-SHOW OR LATE CANCELLATION POLICY IS. THERE IS USUALLY A FEE ASSOCIATED IF YOU DO NOT SHOW UP FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT OR IF YOU CANCEL WITHIN 24-48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT.
.9
INTERVIEW THERAPISTS PRIOR TO MAKING A COMMITMENT. SOME WILL ALLOW YOU TO TALK BRIEFLY (10 MINUTES) OVER THE PHONE, SOME WILL WANT YOU TO MEET WITH THEM FOR AN INITIAL APPOINTMENT.
.10
ONCE YOU HAVE FOUND YOUR THERAPIST, KEEP GOING UNLESS YOU FEEL THAT THEY ARE NOT A GOOD MATCH. GIVE IT AT LEAST 3 SESSIONS.
THERAPY IS HARD WORK AND AN INVESTMENT. YOU ARE WORTH IT!
YOU.
Deserve to live a good life.
Have what it takes to grow through your pain.
CAN create new patterns in your brain, relationships, and life.
Are worthy. Every penny, every minute, every tear.
