[SoScorpio]

This wasn't even something I considered until today, while wading through the thoroughly non-informative list of providers I had my insurance send me. It literally just says "psychologist" under all of them so I have to search each name and see what their specialties are.
One that came up actually works at a Depression Center that is part of the University of Colorado Denver Hospital network. This is where my insurance is from anyway, so at least I know they're in my network.
Apparently they do ongoing and one-time pharmacological consultations, and "evidence-based" psychotherapies. Not really sure what that means, but sounds good to me.

Do you think it's useful to see someone who is part of a network like that? I feel like they probably have more resources than independent counselors.

What experiences have you had with this type of therapist?

[magno11789]

I've never seen a counselor who was part of a network like that, but my current T use to work for a couple of eating disorder clinics before she became an independent counselor. She has a lot of resources and is pretty well connected even though she no longer works for a network. I'd say keep doing your research and do what feels right to you.

[ruh roh]

I've seen someone like that who worked in a clinic-type setting. I hated it. It was abundantly clear that they worked for the clinic (or whatever entity houses them and employs them) more so than the individual. My private practice therapist, on the other hand, is clearly there for me and is adaptable in ways the clinic people weren't. From what little she's shared here and there, I believe she has a consultation group, so it's not like she's cut off from other resources and information.

But, you say you like the idea of it, so why not give it a try? That's the only way to know for sure.

[SoScorpio]

Originally Posted by ruh roh

I've seen someone like that who worked in a clinic-type setting. I hated it. It was abundantly clear that they worked for the clinic (or whatever entity houses them and employs them) more so than the individual. My private practice therapist, on the other hand, is clearly there for me and is adaptable in ways the clinic people weren't. From what little she's shared here and there, I believe she has a consultation group, so it's not like she's cut off from other resources and information.

But, you say you like the idea of it, so why not give it a try? That's the only way to know for sure.

Hmm yeah I didn't consider that. The private therapist I had been seeing was really compassionate, she accepted reduced copays, she agreed to meet me wherever I could get to when we totaled our car. I would like that same level of care, but on the other hand, all we ever did was interpersonal therapy, even though her profile says she does CBT, we never did it. I guess I always figured the therapist would suggest types of therapy for me, but maybe I should have just asked?
The reason I'm seeking a new therapist is I think I need some clinical work done, a diagnosis, a closer look at medications than my women's clinic PCP gave me, and then some personalized therapy, something results-oriented that isn't just me talking about my problems.

Then again, if you ask my boyfriend, ALL therapists are like you described. They're all in it for the money, they want you to keep coming back, so why would they help you solve your problems? I keep telling myself that's not true... but I think really, it's just that if I believed that, I would lose all hope. I can't see the world that way, it's too damn... depressing. And I don't need any more of that.

Thanks for your two cents though.

I've only seen Ts who had their own private practice. It's just what I prefer. Less people to have access to my records, etc.

[stopdog]

I would only use solo practitioners.

[nottrustin]

I have only seen T's in private practice. Current T use to work for a hospital as well as have her private practice. I like that she is able to set her own "rules" rather than what the system policies are. Like Soscorpio said she sees me in the evening because of my work schedule, waved my copay a couple of times (her idea), offers last minute appointments on her days off. Recently I have dealt with the possibility of my insurance changing to something crappy and she told me she would charge me quite a bit less than her normal rate.

[ruh roh]

Originally Posted by SoScorpio

Hmm yeah I didn't consider that. The private therapist I had been seeing was really compassionate, she accepted reduced copays, she agreed to meet me wherever I could get to when we totaled our car. I would like that same level of care, but on the other hand, all we ever did was interpersonal therapy, even though her profile says she does CBT, we never did it. I guess I always figured the therapist would suggest types of therapy for me, but maybe I should have just asked?
The reason I'm seeking a new therapist is I think I need some clinical work done, a diagnosis, a closer look at medications than my women's clinic PCP gave me, and then some personalized therapy, something results-oriented that isn't just me talking about my problems.

Then again, if you ask my boyfriend, ALL therapists are like you described. They're all in it for the money, they want you to keep coming back, so why would they help you solve your problems? I keep telling myself that's not true... but I think really, it's just that if I believed that, I would lose all hope. I can't see the world that way, it's too damn... depressing. And I don't need any more of that.

Thanks for your two cents though.

You can get specific types of short term therapy from the network setting you describe. I didn't mean it in a cynical way when I said they work for the organization, not the individual. I meant it in terms of that's who pays them and sets their guidelines, etc. You can "fire" them, but they are probably less concerned about your expectations than their organization/entity. Does that make more sense? Okay, so maybe that is being cynical. I guess I see it as more of just what is. Some people are okay with that.

[SoScorpio]

Originally Posted by ruh roh

You can get specific types of short term therapy from the network setting you describe. I didn't mean it in a cynical way when I said they work for the organization, not the individual. I meant it in terms of that's who pays them and sets their guidelines, etc. You can "fire" them, but they are probably less concerned about your expectations than their organization/entity. Does that make more sense? Okay, so maybe that is being cynical. I guess I see it as more of just what is. Some people are okay with that.

Yeah that makes sense. The only person I've seen who was part of a network was a psychiatrist, but his job was only to manage my meds. Apart from the first visit, our appointments were just him asking if the meds were working, if I was feeling suicidal, and then writing me another prescription. So I can't really judge based on that experience.

Ugh it's such a tough choice.

[ilikecats]

I'm pretty sure my therapist is networked. She works in an office that has a bunch of other therapists and one psychiatrist. I think she's great, and her working at that place doesn't seem to affect her working with me. There are a couple of things that she said she doesn't do because nobody there does it, but they were totally reasonable things. Like adding clients as friends on Facebook, or doing therapy sessions at her house. I think if you're interested in a network therapist you should totally try it!