Do you have to have a doctors perscription? I have a few issues...most of which have resolved themselves with maturity.
But I just would like a sounding board and would like to have complete peace of mind (if that is possible).
I mean, couldn't everyone use a therapist?
2007-06-04 14:48:25 · 7 answers · asked by fitgalmel1 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
you need to either get a referal from your general doctor, or you need to go through your insurance provider. they should have a list available to you online.
2007-06-04 14:55:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How you get to see a therapist depends entirely on your insurance. If you have an HMO or managed care type, you will need a referral from your Primary Medical Doctor (PMD). If you have an open acess plan, you can go online and search through your insurance companie's website for a therapist near you. You can also ask around to people whose opinion you trust for a recommendation then call that office to see if they take your insurance.
Therapy will not give you complete peace of mind - that doesn't exist for anyone. But the sounding board is a very reasonable expectation. Go for it! It can't hurt.
2007-06-04 14:59:11 · answer #2 · answered by Susan L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on your insurance and no you don't need a doctor's prescription.
My insurance gives me 10 visits covered, if I were to exceed that, then I would have to pay in full.
If you decide to have a psychologist, then look around and try em out. The first one may not work for you, but that does not mean others will not work as well. Each psychologist has their own approach.
2007-06-04 14:55:44 · answer #3 · answered by The law is a form of tyranny. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Psychologists might not be the type of person you would necessarily see if you think you have mental health issues. Sometimes people will see clinical psychologists, but nowadays they see:
Psychiatrists. Psychiatrists prescribe medication if you are struggling with any one of several common mental disorders which include things like anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, Bipolar Disorer, and others. There are several forms of psychopharmacological (drug) interventions that can help to some degree with the symptoms of these disorders.
Social Workers. Social Workers do a lot of the psychotherapy nowadays. They are trained clinically to help clients recognize and change their own patterns of behavior, thought and subsequently emotional experience in order to function better.
Psychiatrists treat symtpoms. Social workers (and in some cases, clinical psychologists) treat the disorders. Often times, people need both.
The answer to your question:
If you (or a guardian of yours) have health insurance, contact them to find out what services (and where) are offered to you without having to pay out-of-pocket. Then you can contact that clinic on your own without any referral from a primary care physician.
2007-06-04 14:55:30 · answer #4 · answered by Buying is Voting 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got mine through word of mouth. I'm from L.A., so it's easy. :) i really respect my Psychologist, enjoyed our talks and felt helped. I did not need a rx. I got his number and made an appt. He submitted my insurance forms and got paid.
2007-06-04 14:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by WalkingInL.A. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you get a referral from a friend or go to the phone book and try one and see if you like them.
2007-06-04 15:42:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you dont need a prescription to get what we call a therapist. if you have a shrink, ask them for one and they can refer you to one and set you up with one. or you can talk to your general practioner and see how that would work. its more referrel than prescription stuff.
2007-06-04 14:58:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋