[Coconutzo]

Has anyone used kaiser insurance for mental health? My insurance is switching in the new year which means all new providers and a new system to work through. I'm terrified.

[pirilin]

Hey Coco, no worries.

Kaiser is one of the best, if not the best in general medicine. I don't see how can they be bad in mental care. Congrats!!.

[blondegrl76]

Hi Coconutzo, I have Kaiser insurance in California, North Bay Area. Where I live they are set up very well for urgent issues. For follow care, the appointments with psychologists and psychiatrists book out far. They are big on group therapy. I have been to IOP several times which was very positive for me. You are also able to email any provider you have seen. They also have nurses you can talk to if needed. Hope that helps.

[Coconutzo]

Thanks guys! I heard that it was a tricky system, but you are making me feel optimistic!

[gina_re]

I have them as well. For the most part I love it because I communicate with my pdoc through their "email" system and that cuts out me having to take time out of my day and spending money for a visit for quick questions. But getting approvals for certain things can be time consuming.

I was born in Kaiser and have had it pretty consistently for over 41 years. My whole family has always had it and we have all been through many surgeries, long term hospital stays, cancer, etc.......I have horror stories and heartwarming ones. Putting it all in perspective I think they are very good and I have recommended them often. Kaiser is often superior to other coverages my friends have.

Kaiser REALLY pushes group therapy but they offer a ton of groups. Like DBT, abusive survivors, PTSD, etc. the places I stayed IP were not as comfortable as a hospital bed or as clean seeming. But it was adequate I suppose. If you go voluntarily, they try to find you a room at a very comfortable place. Involuntary is a little different. It sometimes takes me over a month to see my doctor with my therapist it's no more than 3 weeks and I'm taking to someone. And I can email my doctor anytime and he responds quick during working hours. I get immediate help with med changes if I call. They have great ER services. I can get advise any time of the day. Prices are reasonable with my plan "senior advantage". I've had some messed up stuff happen where they said or did something really dumb but mostly I trust them. When I get delusional, sometimes they are in on it because of stuff they said. But everybody says the wrong thing from time to time. If I'm having PTSD triggers and I can think everyone, including them are working against me and sometimes don't go but I've been consistent recently. They have a lot to offer and I think are said to have some of the very best surgeons.

A therapist from Kaiser told me about 2 years ago that Kaiser was being sued for not providing good or adequate mental health services. My husband and I have have had some trouble with the mental health side......but if you are you own advocate and ask to switch doctors till you seem comfortable, you just might be lucky like I was.

So I do recommend it, just keep your eyes open and stand up for yourself if needed.

[Coconutzo]

Wow, Elsa! That was so thorough! Thanks for taking the time!