Finding a therapist

[amy8686]

So, a few weeks ago (in the midst of a 2-day crying fit that I hope was just a side effect of Clomid), I decided it's time for me to find a counselor or therapist that I can talk to as I go through this process. I checked on my insurance benefits and off I went to find a therapist.

I thought this would be relatively easy. I live in a small city - there are hundreds of therapists here. I got 1 recommendation from the fertility clinic, 3 from an organization that specializes in mental health for mothers, and I found 1 additional one online. Not a single one of them has returned my call asking for an appointment. Not even to call back and say that they're full. It shouldn't be this hard to get mental health help, right?

Has anyone else had this problem? Any tips for finding someone good, if I need to move beyond those who have been recommended to me? I'm reluctant to just start calling names from the insurance list... in the midst of daily doctor appointments, I don't have patience to waste time blindly trying therapists who may or may not be good. But it seems that, at least around here, it's hard to get in with those therapists who are recommended by others.

I'd love to hear about others' experience with therapy in general, too... even if you don't have a magical solution for how I can find someone.

 

[S_Dowd]

I don't want to read and run, so even though I have never been to a therapist, I will say that not returning phone calls is sooo rude! I understand your frustration. I'm sorry.

I don't know if you are a Christian, or not, but I do know that some churches have free counseling. I've considered it for myself, but I just haven't had the guts to actually make the appointment. And even if you aren't a Christian, I'm sure they wouldn't mind talking to you, anyway. I go to an infertility and miscarriage group at my church and it has really helped me a lot. It's a small group, but it's nice to be able to share what's going on and have other people there to understand. I hope you find someone that you feel comfortable talking to!

 

[ces2008]

Alot of times, at least in the US, a dr has to put in a referral for a therapist. My therapist was referred to me one of the two times in 2011 when I was hospitalized for my Depression, Anxiety and Suicidal Thinking. He is amazing! He help me deal with my Infertility as well as my Major Depressive Disorder and Major Anxiety Disorder.
I would talk to ur dr. See if they have a recommendation or can refer u to somone. I applaud you in deciding to see someone! Alot dont! I hope u find a good one that u r comfortable with and that it helps u! Im always around if u need to talk! Just PM me!

 

[PinkPeony]

I don't have a good way to find one... I just went through the list of counsellors on my FC website and chose one based on their website. Didn't have a problem getting a call back. So I'm no help there... But wanted to say it was a very positive experience and I've been coping much better since. I think if I get really messed again up I'll go again. I wasn't sure about going bc I've never done anything like that, wasn't sure it would help but it did. So keep trying. It's definitely worth it.

 

[amy8686]

Just wanted to post an update that I finally found someone (a recommendation from the local motherhood-mental-health organization) and she's great! I feel better already - seeing a therapist was definitely the right move for me.

Thanks for the support... it gave me the kick in the butt to keep searching when I was ready to give up.

Amy

 

[Chcltbnny]

Hi

I also wanted to find someone to chat with about all this stuff just to clear my mind. I found that my insurance did not have a ton of in-network therapist but I found a few out of network. Here is a link that I used: www.goodtherapy.org - it was cool because they found me someone in my area and we emailed first and then followed up with a call to set an appointment.

Try that link and see what it gives you.

C