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Considerations in Setting Up Private Therapy

The idea of contacting and arranging an appointment with a therapist who’s in private practice can feel intimidating, especially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by other things in your life. The following are some ideas and steps to consider when you’re trying to make an appointment with a private therapist.

Financial Considerations:

• First of all, if you have insurance (either your own or through a parent or partner), your card will have an 800 number which you can call to find out your outpatient mental health benefits. When calling them:

• Make sure they know you’re at Penn State. Some companies have what’s known as "preferred provider networks" which have certain health care providers that they’ve approved for payment. If your company has such a network, they may have providers established in this area but if not, you should still be able to receive care. Sometimes, the company will cover less of the total fee for a non-preferred provider, but they’ll still cover at least part of it. Let them know that you have been referred to a therapist by another mental health professional. If they’re still resistant, it may be helpful to have your intake counselor give them a call.

• Many insurance companies will cover a wide range of therapists (vs. having an established provider network, described above). Ask them: (a) if there are certain professional criteria they have; for example, licensed psychologists, Ph.D. therapists under supervision, any therapist of your choice. (b) Is there a co-pay involved and if so, what is it? Some companies will pay a certain percentage and you are responsible for the remaining percentage; others will pay a certain maximum amount, regardless of the total fee, and you’re responsible for the rest of it. (c) Do they have a session limit, or—more commonly—an initial authorization for a certain number of sessions? In the latter case, your therapist will often be able to call them after that number has passed and, if clinically appropriate, negotiate for more covered sessions.

• Think about your budget, and whether or not anyone (partner, parents) would be willing to help out with whatever payment or co-pay you have. It may help to think about how much money you could spend on therapy in any given month and not be left struggling to make ends meet. If you are going to be paying out of pocket, many therapists offer a certain number of what are known as "sliding scale" fees, which range in dollar amount but are less than their usual (or full) fee. Please note, however, that for obvious reasons these openings go quickly so the therapist of your choice may not have any sliding scale spots at that moment. If you’re really strapped and can afford (emotionally) to wait a bit, you might ask them if they have any idea when such a spot might open up. You can also consider bi-weekly therapy if that would be emotionally helpful and financially feasible.

• When discussing an appointment with a therapist, ask what her/his practices are with regard to payment in session. Many therapists request that the client pay the full fee in session; they will then give the client a receipt that she/he can send into the insurance company which will in turn reimburse the client directly. Other therapists will ask you for the co-pay and do the insurance billing themselves.

Emotional Considerations

    Above all, consider yourself a consumer. You are seeking a service, and you want to find the best deliverer of that service. Many therapists may be qualified to work with your particular concerns; you may find, however, that you "click" with one or two more than the others. Trust your gut reactions: If you really have a sense that you’d be uncomfortable talking to this person, or if you just don’t feel a connection, try the next person on the list we’ve discussed.

    You have every right to ask how this person works, how she or he approaches therapy, her or his theoretical stance (if that’s important to you), his or her experience in dealing with your particular concerns, and credentials. If someone isn’t willing to discuss these factors with you, you may decide that she or he isn’t for you.

    When you meet with your therapist, be active in describing what you need, and how you connect best with people, to the extent that you’re aware of those things. It helps therapy be a more collaborative experience.

Good luck in this process