[SoConfused623]

I am thinking of switching Ts after 2 years. I like my T in a lot of ways but there are some things that I really don't like and I want to check out a couple of other Ts and I'm just not sure how the insurance works. I just called the insurance company and I don't have a lot of confidence in the customer service rep that I just spoke with. They tell me that my sessions are unlimited as long as my T approves them. But, if I go to see a new T (that accepts the same insurance) does she have to approve the session? Will seeing a different T trigger any type of termination notice to the first T?

I've read on here that people interview Ts before deciding to start seeing them on a regular basis...is that in person or over the phone? I'm thinking that in person would warrant an insurance claim.... And does insurance typically pay for this type of extra appointment? I'm not interested in paying out of pocket at all and according to my insurance company I should never have to pay more than my $25 co-pay.

I'm contemplating talking to my current T about this but am not sure if that is advisable or not. I worry that she'll say, "If you're not happy then fine, go see someone else!" and I don't want to be dropped like that. I just don't want to mess up what I have with my current T since I know that the grass is always greener on the other side and I might really have the best T for me currently.

Would love any opinions and info that anyone can share. Thanks in advance.

BTW, I"m in the US and have BCBS if that helps.

[Mike_J]

I know that all BCBS policies are not the same. I would give them a call and ask if you have a limit on the number of sessions you can have in any given time period. That should be the only limitation on who you see.

[atisketatasket]

To be honest, I'm getting pretty sick of my current crew too. I'm considering finding a new one by standing on the street, following passers-by, and asking them "are you my therapist?" till I find one.

Probably not the most effective method. Yes, call your insurance - they should also have a list of therapists that they recommend or who take that particular plan.

[runlola72]

(((Hugs))) SC! I had a feeling you might be wanting to head down this road. I am not that creative in finding T's. I literally just scour Psychology Today and use the filter features to find what I want. Their accepted insurances are listed but not always up to date so if you see a T you like, call to be sure... maybe they are on your insurance panel and just haven't updated. As far as whether current T will find out? No idea. Sorry! So you want to try out a new T while keeping old one for a while, right? I wanted that a few months ago and made the mistake of telling potential new T that I was already seeing someone. He said he would not consider me as a client until I terminated services with first T. Which I wasn't willing to do. That doesn't seem right, I wish I could have just tried him on for size, even just 2 meetings.
Wishing you luck...

[SoConfused623]

I've already called the insurance company and have unlimited appointments as long as the T approves and I have very popular insurance so I can see just about anyone, that is not the issue.

I'm most interested in how you go about interviewing Ts.....do you do this in person or over the phone? What do you say, for example, "RunLola" mentioned probably best not to tell the new T that you currently have a T.... Do you tell them specifically what traits you are looking for in a new T?

Does insurance typically cover appointments where you are interviewing Ts? Or is it typically out of pocket?

I do not want to have to give up my current T while going through this process and likely will NOT tell her that I'm going T shopping.

Thanks!

[kecanoe]

I have BCBS and they do not notify old t if you see others ts. They even will pay for sessions with different ts on the same day as long as they are not in the same practice. They will not pay for 2 sessions at the same practice/clinic on the same day.
And they have paid for all of my first sessions/interviews with various ts. I think it is very normal for the first session to be an evaluation on both sides and I am sure there is a billing code for that.
As far as who to see, clergy often know who some of the good practitioners in an area are. I (clergy) have been asked for referrals and am happy to provide them. I don't think all practitioners are listed on Psychology Today. You could also ask a doctor. I have also asked people who attend 12 step meetings.