Urgent Dilemma with my University's Health Services VS. Private Services/Services in City.

-Asphyxia- · 17-06-2008, 12:35 AM

Hi all,

So I finally called my University's Health Services today and set up an appointment with a psychiatrist for tomorrow. (Quick ideas would be much appreciated!) First, bit of background: I did this last summer too, spoke to a psychologist, and saw this same psychiatrist. However, I stopped going to UHS after a few sessions because my counselor moved; she sent me an e-mail with 3 or so referrals, and I can only remember one of them. (It was a woman who does EMDR, and I wanted to try another one of the suggestions first...I'm not sure how I feel about EMDR.) I've tried searching the internet for this other counseling center, because I know I'd recognize the site, but no luck so far.

Here is my dilemma: UHS is short term counseling (I think you can go for 14-16 sessions max...around that number, at least) that is normally free to students if they are enrolled in classes. Being that it is summer and I am a bit of a basketcase and catching up from the school year, I am not taking a summer course. As a result, I have to pay $74.00 tomorrow for my sessions. Let's say I go to 14 sessions - that's about $5.30/per session. A steal, right? Yes, but...I was hoping I could just go to enough to get referred to a long-term place in my city, so $74.00 seems like a lot of money for a few sessions.

Why am I avoiding Private Services? I am still under my parent's insurance, and I know this may sound immature: I would have to deal with their questions because chances are some type of bill or statement would get sent to them...We're not close at all, and I really don't want to explain myself (nor should I have to. They should be happy I'm just going.) Plus, I have social phobia and am nervous about calling the insurance company to see if I get coverage...

Do you have any advice? What would you do if you were in this situation?

What if I stayed at UHS for the maximum amount of sessions (thus, get my money's worth), get some referrals, and see if UHS could help me deal with the insurance BS?

Did I just answer my own question?

Also, I was told last summer that I should be in something more long term, and on medication...That being said, should I just bite the bullet and call a private counseling service in my city? That way, I wouldn't have to get comfortable with 1-2 people in 14 sessions, then switch to another 2, and possibly regress in treatment......Would it be a possiblity that the private service wouldn't put me on meds? I would like to go through the side effect BS now as opposed to fall semester. (BTW, I'm not looking for a quick fix with medication. I know I need it, and I know using it as an adjunct to talk therapy is the best way to go.)

I am overanalyzing this way too much, I think.

whirlpools · 17-06-2008, 01:37 AM

hmm. sorry to not be of much use, but sounds like both ways have pros and cons. maybe you could tell your parents you're in therapy for something else? sounds like going straight into long-term treatment could be a good idea, so you don't have to get more than one person. but on the other side, if you go to the Uni counselling, they might be able to help you practically to begin with, like dealing with social anxiety and what to tell your parents, before you move on to long-term. i don't know. sorry.

not everywhere puts everyone on meds. i know meds never used to be a big part of my treatment, the therapy was always more important, and i managed long periods without them. but if you need them, they might be able to help you find the right ones.

also i heard EMDR can be helpful for people. i can understand your concern though.

Biggerdave · 17-06-2008, 01:44 AM

Wow, what different worlds we live in. I think we all have different experiences of counselling. I am in the UK and am in the process of short term intervention (3 sessions) before joining the NHS waiting list for 12 months.

This is just my opinion, get something started now. 14 sessions is still a committment, and you may be able to use the time to reflect on what you need, and as you say further referall as well. The important thing is to spend some time with someone now, and follow the process.

Good Luck anyway x

-Asphyxia- · 17-06-2008, 02:00 AM

Well, I bet it's more difficult to get into a private service here as opposed to UHS...Plus, it *is* summertime, and all of the students are gone...(Thank god.

) A 12 month wait list is very ridiculous, IMO. I would be very frustrated if I were you!

You make a good point about the 14 sessions allowing for me to reflect on what I need...Something is better than nothing.

Plus, your comment made me think: maybe I will have to wait until, say, the end of the summer if I call a private service now...That would not be good, because I really want to have things slightly sorted out before school. If I can start tomorrow...I could have a private service lined up by the end of summer/beginning of next semester, perhaps?

It's nice to talk this through.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggerdave

Wow, what different worlds we live in. I think we all have different experiences of counselling. I am in the UK and am in the process of short term intervention (3 sessions) before joining the NHS waiting list for 12 months.

This is just my opinion, get something started now. 14 sessions is still a committment, and you may be able to use the time to reflect on what you need, and as you say further referall as well. The important thing is to spend some time with someone now, and follow the process.

Biggerdave · 17-06-2008, 02:07 AM

We all have to start somewhere, and to me this looks like as good a starting point than any. From my perspective this isn't an easy journey for anyone, and I know I have been scared every step of the way, but for me it was important to just it moving along.

-Asphyxia- · 18-06-2008, 05:00 PM

I went, and here's what we decided:

I may not even be able to continue at UHS, because I was technically "referred out" last summer, according to them. She has to speak w/the director, and he decides if I can complete the sessions there. (This is very aggravating to me.)

However, I am meeting with her next Tuesday, expected to bring a list of what I want to accomplish if I am able to complete sessions at UHS, as well as look up what my insurance will cover in the city.

If I have to go straight to someone in the city, so be it. $74 for 2 sessions is still a deal, IMO.