[sixtimes]

I'm not sure what therapist I should be seeing so I contacted one who is covered by my insurance and who does CBT. She seems knowledgeable on the phone and she sent me an e-mail with a bunch of forms before our first appointment next week.

She wants a bunch of information from me. WAY more than I want to give. She wants a list of all my doctors (past and present) and a detailed family history for my parents and grandparents, including their medical conditions. This is just the first page and a half. There are about 30 pages for me to fill out. I don't want to give her all that information. I don't even know if I will stay with her or leave after an appointment or two. If I do end up leaving, I don't want all this information being left behind. There is only 2 pages of information that I am ok giving. She insists the information is necessary for treatment so she can figure out the best plan for me.

Also, she wants me to give her my credit card number to bill me for the appointments. I don't want her billing my credit card and would rather pay her in cash. I don't need my credit card company knowing I see a therapist and it appearing on my statement. I am, also, uncomfortable with giving my credit card number, security code and expiration date to anyone. However, she refuses to take cash and insists on needing my credit card information.

I feel like this therapist might be able to help me because she seems qualified, but she is asking for things from me that I do not wish to give. Is this a sign that she is not right for me? Should I give in and provide her with information I am not comfortable providing?

[WikidPissah]

Originally Posted by sixtimes

Is this a sign that she is not right for me? Should I give in and provide her with information I am not comfortable providing?

no way I would give out that kind of info up front. I can understand a brief history, the hippa forms, and an emergency contact waver...but cc info??? If you are not comfortable with her policies choose a different t.

[yang0868]

Originally Posted by sixtimes

I'm not sure what therapist I should be seeing so I contacted one who is covered by my insurance and who does CBT. She seems knowledgeable on the phone and she sent me an e-mail with a bunch of forms before our first appointment next week.

She wants a bunch of information from me. WAY more than I want to give. She wants a list of all my doctors (past and present) and a detailed family history for my parents and grandparents, including their medical conditions. This is just the first page and a half. There are about 30 pages for me to fill out. I don't want to give her all that information. I don't even know if I will stay with her or leave after an appointment or two. If I do end up leaving, I don't want all this information being left behind. There is only 2 pages of information that I am ok giving. She insists the information is necessary for treatment so she can figure out the best plan for me.

Also, she wants me to give her my credit card number to bill me for the appointments. I don't want her billing my credit card and would rather pay her in cash. I don't need my credit card company knowing I see a therapist and it appearing on my statement. I am, also, uncomfortable with giving my credit card number, security code and expiration date to anyone. However, she refuses to take cash and insists on needing my credit card information.

I feel like this therapist might be able to help me because she seems qualified, but she is asking for things from me that I do not wish to give. Is this a sign that she is not right for me? Should I give in and provide her with information I am not comfortable providing?

If you are getting this uncomfortable vibe, run like hell please. No one should be demanding all this information from you, especially your credit card info. I would take cash over credit card anyday that way I don't have to tell uncle sam. J/k Anywho, I do know that there are "standard" questions at the intial assessment appointment that every T asks. From that initial assessment, they formulate a treatment plan and then you guys establish goals but honestly those goals can change at anytime. So can the diagnosis. If you don't feel comfortable doing something, then don't do it. Have you told her that you're feeling this way?

30 pages? Yikes. My tendency would be to fill out the reasonably necessary and tell her you'll fill in the rest of the information during sessions down the road as the information becomes necessary. The credit card information? No way. I routinely refuse to give social security information, for instance, to doctors and schools. They either (a) have no need for it because billing is handled through an insurance number, or (b) were given that information years ago, it's on file somewhere, and there is no reason for it to be written on unsecure documents.

If this therapist can't see her way past a client's need for privacy and security, move on to the next candidate on the list.

[SeaSalt]

Originally Posted by yang0868

If you are getting this uncomfortable vibe, run like hell please. No one should be demanding all this information from you, especially your credit card info. I would take cash over credit card anyday that way I don't have to tell uncle sam. J/k Anywho, I do know that there are "standard" questions at the intial assessment appointment that every T asks. From that initial assessment, they formulate a treatment plan and then you guys establish goals but honestly those goals can change at anytime. So can the diagnosis. If you don't feel comfortable doing something, then don't do it. Have you told her that you're feeling this way?

Ditto this. Too many times I dont listen to my initial gut instinct and pay for it later. In fact, I may be doin it to myself with my own T.

if she wants to be paid she will accept cash-we agree,you definitely need to move on fast♥

[yang0868]

Originally Posted by SeaSalt

Ditto this. Too many times I dont listen to my initial gut instinct and pay for it later. In fact, I may be doin it to myself with my own T.

SeaSalt if you are feeling this way, I encourage you to either find a new T or let your current T know. I felt that way about my first T and I said "see you later" and never went back. I don't even miss the guy. I'm glad I didn't waste my time. Please don't waste yours either. Like you said, it's a gut feeling to know that you've found the right T for you.

[critterlady]

My T wanted credit card info at the first session, just in case he ever had to charge for a missed appointment.

[SeaSalt]

Originally Posted by yang0868

SeaSalt if you are feeling this way, I encourage you to either find a new T or let your current T know. I felt that way about my first T and I said "see you later" and never went back. I don't even miss the guy. I'm glad I didn't waste my time. Please don't waste yours either. Like you said, it's a gut feeling to know that you've found the right T for you.

Hi yang, thanks for the advice. Here is my thinking and maybe you boys and girls can help me sort it out. I apologize for repeating myself.

I've only had 3 visits with T. The first vist, my gut said she didnt have much experience with gay clients. The gay thing is one reason for seeing her but not the main thing. She is a PhD clinical psychologist so I think that maybe I should give her a little more time? Yesterday was a session where I started out nervous but ended up being a little pissed at her for taking two calls from her child (not emergency). That in and of itself didnt bother me but she didnt really give me any extra time. I think had she made an effort to give me another 4 or 5 minutes I would have felt better.

So now I'm thinking......do I give her a break for being human? I do tend to think she was pissed at her kid and took it out on me a little. And if she makes a habit of that (or the phone calls), then no way will I stay. I have a history of running away so while the urge is there, I just dont know.

[ListenMoreTalkLess]

I've interviewed a lot of T's and haven't experienced either the credit card or long history information. However, if you don't trust someone with your credit card info, it seems difficult to believe you could trust them with something more private. After all, any unauthorized charge can be reversed and it would seem to me unlikely that a T would make an unauthorized charge as the paper trail leaves evidence that is such a violation of the T code that it would be a big risk for a T to do so. But, seriously, can you really say that if you are willing to hand your credit card to a server at a restaurant, you're not willing to give a T the same information? This just seems silly to me. Ever make an online purchase? You feel safe with that but not with your T having the exact same info?

I find it hard to fault a T for asking for a lot of information, including health and family history information. You might find it a useful exercise for yourself, just to see it all down on paper. But she just sounds like a thorough person, and especially the family history information is actually quite pertinent. The research on many mental illnesses shows powerful connections between family history and current symptoms or problems. If she's willing to look all of this over and think about how it might affect you and how she might be able to help you better, why wouldn't you provide that information?

My advice would be to complete the questionnaire or fill out the information, and then see how you feel about it. Don't just use it as an excuse not to do the work. But you don't have to give it to her if you decide, after seeing what the information really is, that you don't want her to have it.

Originally Posted by critterlady

My T wanted credit card info at the first session, just in case he ever had to charge for a missed appointment.

But they can just as easily take care of that when you come in for the next session though. In this day and age, with as many problems as people have with security of their information, handing over your credit card information has to be something you really think carefully about. If you are comfortable giving that information, that's fine, but if a new client who has no history with a provider is hesitant to have credit card information placed on file somewhere, then that needs to be respected. Of course, if the provider won't budge, then the client has to decide whether that is cause to take business elsewhere.

[WikidPissah]

Handing your cc to a merchant or server is totally different then having it written down on paper documents. A merchant or server simply swipes the card for the charges...all paper involved does not have a full cc number imprinted on it. Plus..it isn't a breech of confidentiality to have A & B Restaurant named on your credit card statement, whereas have Dr. Shrinksalot on there is.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by sixtimes

I'm not sure what therapist I should be seeing so I contacted one who is covered by my insurance and who does CBT. She seems knowledgeable on the phone and she sent me an e-mail with a bunch of forms before our first appointment next week.

She wants a bunch of information from me. WAY more than I want to give. She wants a list of all my doctors (past and present) and a detailed family history for my parents and grandparents, including their medical conditions. This is just the first page and a half. There are about 30 pages for me to fill out. I don't want to give her all that information. I don't even know if I will stay with her or leave after an appointment or two. If I do end up leaving, I don't want all this information being left behind. There is only 2 pages of information that I am ok giving. She insists the information is necessary for treatment so she can figure out the best plan for me.

Also, she wants me to give her my credit card number to bill me for the appointments. I don't want her billing my credit card and would rather pay her in cash. I don't need my credit card company knowing I see a therapist and it appearing on my statement. I am, also, uncomfortable with giving my credit card number, security code and expiration date to anyone. However, she refuses to take cash and insists on needing my credit card information.

I feel like this therapist might be able to help me because she seems qualified, but she is asking for things from me that I do not wish to give. Is this a sign that she is not right for me? Should I give in and provide her with information I am not comfortable providing?

from your post it sounds to me like the standard intake forms like we do here where I live and work...

you dont ***have*** to give out any info you dont want to but the family history and such are things this therapist is going to need to know and things you will probably be covering during treatment..

example my intake forms asked for my family history. if I hadnt put down I was a survivor of sexual abuse my therapist wouldnt have known that important information the result would have been her having a male coworker cover my case when she was on vacation, out of town on business. having a male therapist would have activated many of my problems because of my abuse was by a male.

another example I have a history of self injury.. if I hadnt disclosed that, my therapist might have jumped to the conclusion that I was trying to kill myself and hospitalize me.

Another example I have a history of seasonal depression... if I hadnt disclosed that on my intake forms my treatment provider would not have been able to take into consideration the fact that I spiral downhill during the winter months. Again that could have lead to her hospitalizing me because she would have seen the sudden downhill spiral as possible suicidal thoughts, intentions..

Another example in my family tree there is bipolar disorder.. if I hadnt disclosed that my treatment providers would not have been able to keep that in mind, which would have prevented them from noticing / misinterpreting my depression/mania patters for something else like suicide, ADHD and other health issues. but because they were informed they were able to get me on the correct antidepressant/antipsychotic meds that are different than ADD/ADHD meds.

The credit card info again you dont ***have*** to fill them in.. when my insurance covers my appointments I place the words N/A (not applicable due to insurance company's name is paying for this.)

Intake papers are pretty standard here in NY,USA but you only have to fill out what you are comfortable filling out. on our forms the spots that are mandatory (have to fill out) are the ones with the star next to them or the words not optional with a reason why they need that info.

example name, ss# birthdate on our forms are starred and the reason is because thats how the computer system keeps track of filing and billing.. as fun as it may seem you dont want someone else other than you and your insurance to receive the bill or worse receive (you or your insurance) a bill for some strangers appointments here.

[sixtimes]

Originally Posted by ListenMoreTalkLess

However, if you don't trust someone with your credit card info, it seems difficult to believe you could trust them with something more private. After all, any unauthorized charge can be reversed and it would seem to me unlikely that a T would make an unauthorized charge as the paper trail leaves evidence that is such a violation of the T code that it would be a big risk for a T to do so. But, seriously, can you really say that if you are willing to hand your credit card to a server at a restaurant, you're not willing to give a T the same information? This just seems silly to me. Ever make an online purchase? You feel safe with that but not with your T having the exact same info?

It's not that I think there will be an unauthorized charge. I understand that would be easy to trace, although it would definitely be a pain. My problem is that I don't want charges from a therapist on my credit card statement. I don't want any more people than absolutely have to to know I am seeing a therapist.

[SeaSalt]

"Dr Shrinksalot"

[SeaBreeze]

Totally agree with what almost everyone here has said. My gut reaction to this if it was me, is run like the wind. The upfront documentation is onerous, taking credit card details (which is not safe to do) and not accepting other payment methods very unreasonable. Taking calls during a session and not making up for it in some way smacks of bad boundaries and a lack of respect. And this is only the beginning, it doesn't bode well going forward. I think you'd be better off finding another therapist, and I'm not saying this lightly.

[BlessedRhiannon]

I agree that if you are uncomfortable providing any information, then don't do so! Either talk to the therapist about it, or find someone else.

However, just a note on the credit card thing....I pay completely out of pocket for my T, and she accepts credit cards. I wanted to use my cc so that I could collect the mileage points (figure, if I'm spending this much money, I should get points for it, right?) For the first year, I paid cash, then switched to cc. My charges from my T show up as "PROF CHARGE." No where on that charge does it have my T's name, and in the merchant description, it simply says "Medical Services and Health Practitioners (not classified)". So, anyone looking at my statement would not be able to tell any more than that I have a regular charge for some kind of medical/health service. In the two years that my T has been charging my cc, I've had no issues with it, and come tax time, it makes it super easy to figure out the appropriate deductions, because my expenses are all in one place.

[critterlady]

Originally Posted by farmergirl

But they can just as easily take care of that when you come in for the next session though. In this day and age, with as many problems as people have with security of their information, handing over your credit card information has to be something you really think carefully about. If you are comfortable giving that information, that's fine, but if a new client who has no history with a provider is hesitant to have credit card information placed on file somewhere, then that needs to be respected. Of course, if the provider won't budge, then the client has to decide whether that is cause to take business elsewhere.

They can't collect cash or a check for a missed appointment at the next appointment if the person simply bails on therapy. I totally respect anyone's choice not to share that info and if the T requires it, making it a criterion for choosing that therapist. I just see the other side of it too, which is a therapist protecting himself/herself from a financial loss.

Cash is legal tender for any debt, public or private. She cannot refuse to accept it. Her refusal to take cash would tick me off to start with. I would refuse to deal with this therapist, but I'm just like that.

besides,what if you didnt own any credit cards? would that make you ineligible to be seen?

[Silent_tsol]

Originally Posted by critterlady

My T wanted credit card info at the first session, just in case he ever had to charge for a missed appointment.

From t bring a business person standpoint, this makes sense to me. But now being in t myself my thought is along the lines of "you want me to trusty you with information I was planning to take with me to the grave, and yet you don't trust me to be good for the money I *might*owe you at some point? I don't think so". I'm not criticizing that reason for having the information, she's protecting her income, I just reacted differently than I would have thought.

And yes, like TD said, not everyone has a credit card, would she refuse to treat someone who had filed for bankruptcy and thus cannot have a credit card?

Qualified or not, if you aren't comfortable I think it's best to see what else you can find

[venusss]

Originally Posted by WikidPissah

Handing your cc to a merchant or server is totally different then having it written down on paper documents. A merchant or server simply swipes the card for the charges...all paper involved does not have a full cc number imprinted on it. Plus..it isn't a breech of confidentiality to have A & B Restaurant named on your credit card statement, whereas have Dr. Shrinksalot on there is.

yeah, it does sound sketch....

I mean, don't all online place to shop claim how it's safe, because DON'T store your credit card number?

I am sure there are other legal ways to get payment for missed session. Sent a bill to your address, perhaps?

[Towanda]

All else aside, taking phone calls during session would really yank my chain. That in itself would send me looking for another therapist.

[stopdog]

The phone thing would irritate me. There are some blogs and other internet business sources for therapists that advise the credit card thing and the questionaire. So they get paid and to cut down on time spent on finding out stuff.

[sunrise]

I don't like the sound of this T. I would not like anyone having 30 pages of information on me before we had even decided we would do therapy together. It seems like she could give you that long document after a few sessions when the two of you have decided to make a go of it. She could start off with a couple of pages the first session to gather essentials and then focus on YOU during the first few sessions instead of being obsessed with knowing all those details from the form. She could focus on making a CONNECTION. She doesn't have to worry about choosing the perfect treatment plan immediately before the two of you have even decided to continue. The time it spends for the T to "find out stuff" by talking to you personally is well worth it. That's what therapy is about--face to face interaction, connecting, shared talk between human beings...

And no way would I give some stranger T my credit card. I don't have any health provider who bills my credit card. I pay my T with a check. Since this T doesn't like cash, maybe she will take your check. I don't buy the argument that she needs a credit card so she can charge you for a missed session. She can collect the extra fee at your next session, or if you've quit therapy, she can send you a bill, same as any other health care provider out there.

She sounds like bad news to me. I think we do need to trust our gut instincts.