Jennifer A. Sands, PsyD

HOW TO FIND A THERAPIST

(when it seems like everyone is full)

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01-05-2023

 

In light of the many challenges we have all faced over the past few years, the need for mental health care is unprecedented. As a result, it can be incredibly difficult to find mental healthcare providers.  As a psychologist, I simply do not have the ability to take on every person who reaches out for help, even though I wish I could. I also do not keep waitlists as they tend to prevent people from seeking out more viable treatment options. If you are struggling to find a treatment provider right now, hang in there. I'm sorry you are facing these barriers. Trust that you will find someone, even if it might take a little longer and require more creativity/persistence than anyone would like.

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In order to ease some of the frustration, here's some information that may help you to find a provider:

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(1) Reach Out to Your Insurance Company

There are likely HUNDREDS of providers who accept your insurance within your region. Reaching out to your insurance company is the best way get the names of those providers and to get the most from your benefits.  

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If you've already asked for a list of "in network" therapists from your insurance company, and you've been unsuccessful at scheduling with anyone, then consider reaching back out to your insurance company for more names. Insurances rarely provide an exhaustive list to you.  Generally what is provided is a list of therapists who have offices within a certain geographic radius from your home. Expand that radius and you'll have more people to contact.

 

You may also search the insurance company's provider directory yourself (links below). 

 

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(2) Consider "Out of Network" Providers 

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 If you have truly exhausted all "in network" options, then you may wish to consider "out of network" providers. 

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"Out of network" means that the health care provider does not have a direct relationship with your insurance company. The term does NOT provide any specific information about whether or not your treatment will have coverage, or to what degree it will be reimbursed. 

 

Every plan is different, but generally a percentage of the treatment will be covered. Sometimes, when there are not enough "in network" providers to meet the local demand, you can get your "out of network" treatment covered as if it were "in network" (you may need to petition this with your insurance company though). 

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Some "out of network" therapists will submit your therapy bills directly to your insurance for payment, some will provide you with the appropriate paperwork for you to submit to your insurance yourself, and others will not get involved with insurance companies at all. When bills are submitted directly to your insurance company it is important to clarify if you'll need to pay upfront and the insurance will reimburse YOU or if your therapist will get payment directly from your insurance company. 

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**With "out of network" providers, it is particularly important to clarify what your financial responsibility will be ahead of time. You will have to speak with both the therapist (to know their rates) and the insurance company (to know the extent to which your therapy will be covered).**

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3) Self-pay options

 This option is not for everyone but if you have the means available to you, consider looking into therapists that you pay out-of-pocket for. These therapists will often advertise on websites such as 

 

In some cases you have the option to pursue reimbursement (see "out of network" options above). 

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4) Are You a Student? 

 College or university counseling centers are a great place to find support. Consider utilizing the free or low-cost options. 

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5) Training Clinics

 Most cities have some free or low cost therapy services available. Usually these services are associated with graduate programs in psychology or psychiatry such as the

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6) Support Groups

 Support groups can be a great low/no cost way to find support in the community.

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7) Online therapy organizations like "betterhelp" or "talkspace"

(I have not personally vetted these two websites but I have heard about people finding therapists  

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(to be continued....I will provide more information soon.)

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