Quote:
Originally Posted by sprawlii
Hi there, I've started to consider making my first appointment. I have a lot of questions though as far as finding a doctor. Firstly, I understand there are differences with counsellors, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists and I'm not too sure where to look. I'm looking for answers, a diagnosis, or something. I also understand I can always schedule a few meetings with different doctors to find a match, but that leads me to my next issue which is actually finding someone to go to. I live in a smaller area where the Google search brings up only a few names, none of which are accompanied by reviews or a website. I feel like I'm shooting in the dark here. Has anyone had similar issues finding someone, and are there any resources you might have for me? Thanks for reading!
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here in the USA the health care system has changed. we now have a federal law that all american's must have health insurance. they get this insurance either through the federal website healthcare.gov or by contacting health private health insurance companies in your area, or by contacting your department of human services (some places call this social services, short version its the same place you apply for welfare, food stamps and medicaid health insurance)
once you are signed up with health insurance you receive a members booklet that tells you what treatment providers (doctors, dentists, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other treatment specialists) that are covered by your insurance plan. many states with medicaid and medicare programs are automatically registering people with the treatment providers rather than the in insured person choosing their own treatment providers. you can find out if you already have been assigned a medical doctor, dentist and mental health treatment providers by contacting the insurance company.
if you do not have health insurance many department of human services are now handing out lists of area health insurance companies of you dont qualify for medicaid or medicare.
if anyone is a minor under 18 they will need to talk with their parents as most are already covered by the parents insurance plans of have medicaid insurance already set up for their minor children.
also many places now have low income scales where how much a person who does not have insurance yet or is still pending pays according to their income.
many churches supply mental health therapy sessions regardless of ones religion and only ask for a donation if you can afford it.
and other community agencies like salvation army, good will and st vincent du paul also may be able to help depending upon how their programs are set up in your location.