For those terminating therapy

Hi,

I just realized that I've seen quite a few posts about people who are heartbroken about the fact that they will need to terminate therapy.

I have had the same therapist for 16 years. She once jokingly said to me that I have blown her statistics with the insurance company and that she has known me longer than some of her best friends! But it is true, and that's okay.

I plan on seeing my therapist as long as she and I are breathing A Senator from my state, Patrick Kennedy, is trying to pass some changes for insurance companies that mental treatment is no different than regular medical treatment (he himself has mental illness and is an alcoholic). In other words, that there be no limitations on how many therapy visits you can have. My insurance company is supporting that measure.

I'm glad to see that people are realizing that mental illness is no different than any other illness such as diabetes or heart disease. It needs to be treated in a consistent manner.

So, I now see my therapist once a month (although right now I am seeing the hypnotherapist instead for now). I plan on continuing to see her once a month. Although I am seeing the hypnotherapist right now, I am feeling myself sliding into a depression and I did not hesitate to call her and made an appointment for next week. I would rather see her for the rest of my life than end up how I was 16 years ago in and out of the mental hospital.

Tranquility

Tranquility - Great post. I've been hearing about Kennedy's proposal and I think it is a move in the right direction and long overdue. Medical insurance needs a major overhaul and mental health coverage definately needs to be improved.

Amen. One of our NAMI members got to go to Washington DC for an award and heard one of the Kennedys speak on mental illness. He sounds like he enjoyed the trip.
I sure wish they'd talk to my new insurance. They don't cover mental health or addiction related issues. Ick! I think they should have to cover me at the same level as a regular medical problem. It is not like I blow money like it grows on trees. I saw my T once every two or three weeks and a Pdoc for the anti-depressant. Now, I am trying to cut T down to once a month. Substitute T is not real pleased with this idea.

Good post, tranquility. I hope the Kennedy bill passes.

I read an article on depression that says that once a person is no longer depressed, an effective means of preventing relapses is to see a psychotherapist every month or two. Indefinitely.

BTW, my insurance will not reimburse for my therapy visits, not a penny. They only reimburse for therapists on their preferred list. Gawd, I hate insurance.