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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MadelineRun on June 14, 2010, at 22:39:37
My T and I have been in therapy for over 2 years now and for the last 18 months I have seen her for 4-5 sessions every week. This may seem like a lot to some of you, but I'm in pretty deep emotional psychodynamic psychotherapy. My insurance company has decided that it is not a "medical necessity" for them to pay a (very small) portion of 5x/week therapy. They have told me and my T that they will only pay for 2x/week therapy. My T and I have been fighting this a whole lot. She's been on the phone with them numerous times. But it seems like the insurance company won't budge, EVEN THOUGH I have a history of self harm and VERY (on and off for the past few months) recent suicidal thoughts. When my T told the insurance people that I need more sessions partially because I am suicidal, the lady on the other end (literally!!) laughed. Needless to say, I am horrified at what it means to only see my T a couple times a week. I can't afford to see her any more than that.
All this has just left me feeling heartbroken, in a way. My T and I have such a great relationship and connection. I'm scared, worried, and terrified that we'll lose the part of our relationship that I treasure. This is just reminding me that we will not forever be in therapy together. And as much as I wish I didn't desperately need therapy, I am so glad I have her to be my therapist.
Posted by violette on June 14, 2010, at 23:06:08
In reply to Change in therapy, posted by MadelineRun on June 14, 2010, at 22:39:37
Madeline-that is so sad...and unfortunately, not uncommon.
If you have it in you, with the help of your therapist, you can still fight it. First, ask for a supervisor or case manager of the insurance company if you have not already done so. You might even speak to an attorney and have a letter drafted asking them if they are willing to take responsibility for adverse consequences if they cut down your treatment. (I did this once to help a family member and it worked).
Have the therapist estimate the length of stay for a necessary inpatient facility course of treatment-call 3 places and get estimates of the cost. Present the cost analysis to the insurance provider, showing them that their treatment rationing will end up costing more $. Appeal the decision formally if they still refuse.
Call an insurance omnibudsman from a mental health agency/advocacy organization to help you with all this-they'd be best positioned to guide you in straighten this all out.
I really hope you can stay in therapy as you need it for your safety and well being, good luck Madeline.
Posted by Dinah on June 15, 2010, at 16:27:19
In reply to Change in therapy, posted by MadelineRun on June 14, 2010, at 22:39:37
I'm sorry. It's a shame that monetary considerations have to intrude on therapy, but I suppose that's a reality of life in these days of CBT preferred therapy.
Is there anything the two of you can figure out to stretch the therapy across the intervening days, to try to maintain the intensity? Journaling or homework or something like that?
This is the end of the thread.
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