[BipolarManiac]

I recently changed my psychiatrist, and with luck she is helping me out with some great services & resources.


My dilemma is this: I found another therapist who takes my insurance (thanks to my new psychiatrist), and now I won't have to pay out of pocket anymore for my current one.


How do I tell my current therapist I no longer want to see him? Do I tell him I can't afford him (which is the truth), that I found another therapist?


Has anyone had to do this, switch therapists and tell the current you wont be seeing them anymore?

I like him which is why I'm having difficulty in telling him what to say!


Advice?

[regretful]

Therapists can handle it...they're human, and have economic issues like all of us. Tell him the truth, then you don't have to cover for anything, and that is that. Best to you.

[lilypup]

I agree, this has probably happened to him many times. Just be honest.

[buzz bee]

Tell him the truth. He will understand. But tell him how awesome he is.

Originally Posted by BipolarManiac

I recently changed my psychiatrist, and with luck she is helping me out with some great services & resources.


My dilemma is this: I found another therapist who takes my insurance (thanks to my new psychiatrist), and now I won't have to pay out of pocket anymore for my current one.


How do I tell my current therapist I no longer want to see him? Do I tell him I can't afford him (which is the truth), that I found another therapist?


Has anyone had to do this, switch therapists and tell the current you wont be seeing them anymore?

I like him which is why I'm having difficulty in telling him what to say!


Advice?

Hi, I've done this before. My approach was to be frank - explain that I give up on people (which is the truth in my case).

Like someone else said, therapists can handle it. Not only that, they are used to patients doing this, because we are a mentally ill bunch ! We, by our very nature, tend to give up on people in our lives (including therapists), so they're used to people leaving them. I'm sure your therapist will understand.

Just tell him your specific reason, but make sure to point out that he has done a good job until now and that you appreciate his help, but that you need to move on for the mentioned reason.

I might phrase it somewhat like this:
"Dr XYZ, you've really helped me out a lot, and I will always be grateful for that, but unfortunately, for financial reasons, I need to see a different therapist who accepts ABC insurance."

In the unlikely event that he tries to keep you with him, tell him you're very sorry and that this is a necessity for you.