Talk to Someone Who Can Help

   How can you tell if it's time to ask for some help?

When you feel like you can't do it alone.

When you feel trapped, like there's nowhere to turn.

When you worry all the time, and never seem to find the answers.

When the way you feel is affecting your steep, your eating habits, your job, your relationships, your everyday life.

When it's not getting any better.

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  How does therapy work?

Therapy works by helping you objectively look at behaviors, feelings, and thoughts in situations which you find problematic. It helps you to learn more effective ways to deal with those situations.

Therapy is a collaborative effort. You and your psychologist will identify your goals - what you want to have happen, and agree on how you'll know when you're making progress. Your psychologist will talk to you about the length of time it may take to help you see changes.

Progress and change can happen. Nine out of ten Americans surveyed by Consumer Reports said that psychotherapy had helped them. And, in another recent major national study, half of the patients studied were making improvement after eight sessions of therapy, 75 percent after six months of therapy.

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  What about confidentiality?

Your privacy is important to you and will be important to your mental health provider. All members of the American Psychological Association subscribe to a Code of Ethics that requires strict efforts to maintain patient confidentiality.

Today, patients are often asked to approve the release of information in order to obtain insurance reimbursement or coverage for their treatment. Your psychologist will only release that information if you sign a release form indicating that you give your approval.

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  Is therapy included in my insurance health plan coverage?

Many insurance and coverage plans, including BA40's, provide some level of coverage for psychological services. In addition, government-sponsored health coverage programs (Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, etc.) provide varying levels of coverage.

If you do not have coverage, and will be paying for your treatment out of pocket, you can talk with your psychologist about sliding scale fees, or working out a payment plan. Community mental health centers are also an alternative.

Millions of Americans who have received help from psychological treatment would say that it is one of the best investments they've made, in terms of improving their lives.

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  How should I evaluate my insurance coverage for psychological services?

Call your insurance health plan representative to find out exactly what is covered - outpatient therapy, inpatient treatment, etc. - and what level of coverage you have.

Ask if the full cost of treatment is covered, or only a part. Inquire if there are limits - co-payments, limit on the number of visits, annual or lifetime maximums.

If the plan covers only "medically necessary" treatment, find our how that decision is made.

Ask what you can do if your coverage is denied or cut short.

Find out if there is a group of providers, a "network' that you must choose from or if you can choose any qualified provider. If you can choose any qualified provider, find out what licenses and degrees he or she must have before reimbursement is authorized.

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  What if I do not have insurance coverage, or the coverage is inadequate?

It's important that you talk with the benefits or human resources manager at your employer. Let him/her  know that you believe mental health services are important, and that you are concerned that you have limited or no coverage. If you belong to a union, talk with your union leaders.

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  How can I find a psychologist?

First, gather information. Talk to your doctor or other health professionals. Today, many family practitioners work with a team of providers, including psychologists, and can refer you to one they know and trust. Consult the department of psychology at a local college or university, or the local community health center. You could also ask a clergy member, as well as family members and friends who may know of, or have heard about individual psychologists.

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  How do I choose a psychologist who's right for me?

Once you have the name of several psychologists, there are several questions you'll want to ask, including:

Are you a licensed psychologist? How long have you been practicing?

What areas do you specialize in (i.e. family therapy, marriage counseling, etc.)?

What kind of treatment do you usually use, and why do you feel this would be effective for my situation? How long would you expect my treatment to last?

What are your fees? Will you accept my insurance or HMO coverage? Will you directly bill my insurance company? Do you have a sliding fee scale, or will you set up a payment plan?

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The information contained in this article is part of the American Psychological Association's "Talk to Someone Who Can Help" public education campaign.  Copyright � 1998, American Psychological Association, All Rights Reserved.