need help finding therapist!!

Hii i have been looking for therapy in my area and have no idea what I’m doing. I contacted some ppl via psychologytoday.com and instantly heard back from a therapy business seemingly desperate to get into contact. And then another therapy business immediately asked me to send images of my insurance card and my ID! This all feels so shady. I was hoping to talk to therapists directly, but instead I’m being reached out by their businesses and they won’t let me talk to the therapist I was hoping to see UNTIL I make all these decisions. I for some reason thought you’d contact a therapist, get a consultation call, and make plans with them. What’s with all this third party business going on???

Stay.Fluid

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3d

That’s the way every single therapist I have ever had has been handled. You don’t speak with the therapist until your initial meeting, usually. They also ask for ID and insurance up front to see if the therapist you are hoping to consult with is covered by your network.

Mimi <3

Date posted: 3d

@Stay.Fluid omg really!? 😅 that makes sense but man i hate to share these details first thing talking to a business (if you can’t tell im paranoid as hell lol). what did the process look like for you?

Stay.Fluid

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2d

@Mimi <3 Yes, they usually like to pair you with someone who focuses on your main obstacles to ensure a likely match/benefit to your mental health. You do not have to share lengthy details. For example “I noticed Mr./Mrs. ABC focuses on OCD, PTSD and is also a licensed EMDR specialist. That is what I am looking for” If they ask you any more personal questions beyond that you can just say “I would be more comfortable saving that information for my initial consult with the therapist” They should respect your answer. If not, I would let them know that you appreciate the call back, but that you feel it would be best to keep exploring other avenues and hang up.

Mimi <3

Date posted: Yesterday

@Stay.Fluid I appreciate the help! I think what bothers me most actually is the asking for my id/insurance card upfront. I’m in communications with them through email and I do not feel comfortable sending photos of my insurance and ID to a business I have no previous affiliation with….Like I have no reason to trust them, ykwim? it’s still bothering me but I won’t be able to negotiate any meetings unless I give that info.

Stay.Fluid

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3d

It’s actually very professional that they’re responding back to your inquiry so quickly. Sounds like an efficient office space.

Steven55!

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3d

Contact NOCD for a free consultation. It's what I did, and it changed my life. If they don't accept your insurance, access the International OCD Foundation website. They have a directory of approved therapists, based on location. If you have OCD, it's important that you see a trained OCD therapist who use ERP therapy, the gold standard for OCD treatment. Too many standard therapists claim they know all about OCD, but it's nonsense. OCD is a peculiar disorder and requires a trained therapist. The giveaway is if they're trained in ERP therapy. The trained OCD therapists use it. Also, many therapists provide teletherapy, which is what NOCD does, so you don't necessarily have to, physically, go to an office. If the therapist is licensed in your state, s/he can treat you virtually, if the service is offered. Hope these tips help.

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