I scheduled my first app with a psychologist...well, I think! I actually know nothing of her credentials. I have an HMO, and when I called to ask for a list of providers they said I HAVE to go to this facility far from my home, a few cities away, to see one of the people there. Is this normal?

It's hard enough to drag yourself to the app. but then to have it be a production and have to drive so far? Lame.

They said to go to another person closer to my home I'd have to get a referral.

Does anyone else have an HMO and is this typical?

I have Kaiser.