Thinking about help

Please forgive me for this, but I'm looking for a little guidance. Maybe someone can help. I don't have ANY experience with this, and hell, maybe just my asking will help someone else.

I think I now know I need to see someone, to see a therapist or someone, but I don't have the first clue of what to do to start, to make that first step, and I'm afraid of finally taking that step and getting the wrong person. I also don't know how I'd ever afford it, or what my work insurance might cover (do I ask my HR?).

So, yeah, at mostly a complete loss. Any advice would be great.

 

There’s bound to be a website on your insurance card. Start there. Doesn’t tell you if someone is any good, but can help narrow the choices considerably.

No idea if you are religious, but if so you could ask your pastor for recommendations. I would not use them unless they are specifically trained in counseling, and even then I might hesitate a little.

Good luck. You are wise to be able to perceive you need assistance and deserve every shot at living a happy, productive life.

 

Does your insurance have a search function on its website? Maybe ask your family doctor for a recommendation. If not, then yes, go to HR and ask how to find recommendations for specific physicians.

 

your insurance hopefully covers a set number of visits in full. If not, it should pick up some of the cost. If you have an ask a nurse function, you could call that line and get pointed in the right direction. Otherwise, check the list of providers on your insurance. Do you want to talk to a man or woman? That will narrow the field. If not, start looking at names and doing internet searches to see if they have any feedback.

If you start with one and aren't comfortable. Find another. There is nothing that says you have to stick with a therapist forever or for more than one session.

You might get lucky and get a good match the first time.

 

Definitely call the number on your insurance card first and ask them if they have a list of in-network providers. The insurance company’s website can be helpful, but not all providers may necessarily be under your plan if you have a self-insured plan (i.e. your employer picks up the costs instead of the insurance company itself). The phone call to the insurance company can provide verification and they record the calls too, in case you’re told wrong information.

Once you get a list of providers, I echo the others here. Ask your doctor who they would recommend for your list.

Good luck and take care of yourself.

 

There are many different types of therapists - I saw a middle aged guy whose background was as a social worker. We just sat and talked once a month until he retired. Some professionals have certain expertise in their client lists. Find someone A) who you feel comfortable talking to B) see A. C) who has a background in what you are dealing with - he or she may be more helpful than others. The important thing is that you verbalize what is bothering you and share it with another person. Then that is no longer "bouncing around in your head" and becomes "real" and you can take action to heal. I wish you better mental health my friend.
I know I was concerned I guess of confronting things that were bothering me - worried about having to deal with problems I didn't realize were problems. But whether it's AA, a priest or a therapist - verbalizing your concerns to another person you can trust is an amazing thing. It allows you to focus on what is in front of you rather than dwelling on things behind you.

 

You've already done the hardest part. You've acknowledged you need help. Huge first step.

What's covered, and to what degree (ie., how many visits), should be in your health insurance materials.

You can always ask your family doctor (if you have one) for a referral. Same for your priest or pastor.

You'll find someone.

In the meantime, if you need to reach out, DM me here, and we can start a conversation.

 

Generally there is a phone number on the back of your insurance card that you can call and get a list of therapists that your insurance covers. Start there, obviously, and when you contact their group ask if anyone specializes in the sort of problem you're dealing with. There is plenty of good advice above.

Getting started is the hardest part, and you've already made the decision to reach out and ask for help. Best of luck finding the right person and healing over time.

 

If you feel overwhelmed when you see the lists of approved therapists when you search on the insurer’s website — there are 50 people here. who do I choose? why? — tap into your company’s Employee Assistance Program.

We did (do?) have the “take care of yourself” thread, and last I checked that focused on losing weight. I wish we had something dedicated to mental health. It’s a minefield for everyone, but it’s worse for journalists (off hours, beat writers spending lots of time on the road, deskers rarely able to eat dinner with the fam, etc.). Depression directly ties in with folks taking care of themselves.

 

Did anyone ever try one of those virtual therapists that were advertising all over Facebook in 2020 when people actually believed in social distancing for a hot minute?