[phaset]

I need some advice, ideas, reassurance or something. My life has become much more complicated that I am comfortable with. My wife is pregnant and we are currently in the process of purchasing a house. While those are both good things, I will no longer have the money to afford therapy as often as have been going as my expenses are going to increase and my wife will no longer be working. I do make a good wage, above the median income for my province, but my insurance only covers 12 sessions a year, up from 6 less than a year ago, so I've been seeing her twice a month for almost 2 years paying mostly out of pocket. Twice a month actually has been bothering me as I think there is too much time between sessions. I need to decide how I am going to use the rest of my covered appointments. We talked about this problem when I saw her last and I still don't know what I am going to do.

The options I have come up with are:

1) Set an end date, and keep going as I have been going.

I know therapy has to end at some point. This scares me though, and I still have many things I want to talk about, and I think I really need the support which I don't see changing anytime soon. I also really like her. One plus side to ending is that she isn't as experienced with my issues as I would like so it would be easier to start seeing someone else if my situation improves.

2) Reduce to seeing her once a month.

I find twice a month really hard. She forgets stuff, I find it hard to continue from where we left off, and so much happened in between there often is little point in doing so. I would continue to get some support though.

3) Take a break and start seeing her again in the fall.

I think this might be the best option. I would really like to see her once or twice after the baby is born though which would suck up additional sessions.

4) See her as needed.

Ugh. While an option, I don't think this is a good option for me. I like things to be predictable.

5) Talk to my psychiatrist about a referral to community mental health.

When I was in high school this was essentially where I saw my therapist. I always felt like I was wasting time that someone with a greater need could be using. Due to my income I would feel even worse about this. However, this might be the only way I can see someone once a week.

Does anyone have any ideas I didn't think of?

[rainbow8]

I understand what you're going through because I thought I would have to stop seeing my T a year ago because she doesn't take my insurance. She very graciously allowed me to pay a reduced fee that I can afford but that meant going from once a week to every other week. I miss having sessions weekly for the same reasons you do. So, did you consider asking your T for a reduced rate so you could see her weekly, or at least more often than what insurance will cover? In the U.S. even if insurance (in my experience) says they will cover a certain number of sessions ( it was 10 I think), my T just had to submit paperwork to say I needed more sessions, and then they were covered. I assume that's not possible for you, but just thought I would mention it.

Good luck! I hope you can work it out.

i would see her as needed. but its your choice.

[Ford Puma]

When I had too much on my plate two years back I took a time off for 10 months. Now I am back and seeing her once a month.

[gayleggg]

If you are stable, taking a break might be worth a try. That was you could see her again after the baby is born. And if things got rough you could always call ahead and set an appointment.

[Lauliza]

I would go as needed if you really like your T. I used to see her once a week, went to once a month and now go as needed which can be 2 months in a row but then a few months without. With family responsibilities like you have plus work, it can be hard fit it in. If I had to pay it would be even less.

If she forgets things at twice a month, how much would it bother/upset you if she forgot at once a month?

Can you use up your 12 sessions over a 6 month period (keeping the 2x a week) just to have time to think this through, or even go for broke and see what you can tackle in 3 months with weekly appts? I guess I'd want to use up those visits in the best way possible.

[phaset]

Originally Posted by rainbow8

I understand what you're going through because I thought I would have to stop seeing my T a year ago because she doesn't take my insurance. She very graciously allowed me to pay a reduced fee that I can afford but that meant going from once a week to every other week. I miss having sessions weekly for the same reasons you do. So, did you consider asking your T for a reduced rate so you could see her weekly, or at least more often than what insurance will cover? In the U.S. even if insurance (in my experience) says they will cover a certain number of sessions ( it was 10 I think), my T just had to submit paperwork to say I needed more sessions, and then they were covered. I assume that's not possible for you, but just thought I would mention it.

Good luck! I hope you can work it out.

Oh there is no way I would accept a reduced rate. I already feel unworthy of her help, not paying her full price would make me feel way worse about that.

[phaset]

Originally Posted by licketysplit

If she forgets things at twice a month, how much would it bother/upset you if she forgot at once a month?

Yes, I fear this problem would get much worse.

Originally Posted by licketysplit

Can you use up your 12 sessions over a 6 month period (keeping the 2x a week) just to have time to think this through, or even go for broke and see what you can tackle in 3 months with weekly appts? I guess I'd want to use up those visits in the best way possible.

I'm reluctant to tackle anything heavy with a deadline like this. What would I do if time was up and I wasn't ready?

[phaset]

Originally Posted by Lauliza

I would go as needed if you really like your T. I used to see her once a week, went to once a month and now go as needed which can be 2 months in a row but then a few months without. With family responsibilities like you have plus work, it can be hard fit it in. If I had to pay it would be even less.

I think I am going to go once more, once after the baby is born, and then wait until late fall when I usually start to fall apart.