Hey I live in the uk so things are different than the usa (if thats were you are).

However the main difference I think is that county mental health therapists may only be able to work with you for a limited period of time, or at least maybe more limited than someone privately. But that can be different with different therapists etc.

There are many possible differences but that is also applicable to therapists from the same stature, e.g, to private therapists may have very different ways of working.

In the Uk its very hard to actually see a therapist through the health system - you may see a mental health social worker or a psychologist for a short period of time etc but not a psychotherapist over a long period of time. Hence why I pay privately to see a therapist.

If you are finding your current therapist is defensive or not listening to you in a way that helps you can request to see someone else. It may have nothing to do with the fact of who she works for but her own personal approach to therapy which doesn't suit your needs perhaps.

xxx