I found out today that my insurance ran out for my therapy. I am on meds and I am still depressed and in the midst of this awful divorce process. Does anyone know if it would do any good to appeal? My plan only allows 20 visits per calendar year for Psychiatric outpatient treatment. I don't feel ready to give this up yet. It's the only REAL support I have. What can I do? If anybody has any suggestions, please help. <P><P>------------------<BR>Blessed be.<BR>****************<BR>Keridwen<P>Keridwen_7@yahoo.com

I think you can appeal these things. Also, I don't know your religious beliefs but I went to a minister for counseling and it was a great help (better than traditional therapy for me). I was not a super religious person but a friend referred me to her church and it was great. It is also free. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Appeals usually involve writing letters and don't always get dealt with quickly so act right away. good luck

I agree with Fairydust - I thrived in a faith-based support group, but I'll admit - I'm prejudiced against therapists - have this gut reaction, like what is the incentive to "heal" me, if I am paying them while I am "sick?"<P><BR>

Keri,<P>Check out the fine print. My EAP paid for 10 visits and then would pay for more at the therapists prescription. I think I would have had to pay additional out of pocket till I met the deductible.<P>You said it was your insurance, is this a regular bene or is it a part of the employee assiatance progarm(EAP)? The EAP's are normally for drug/alcohol abuse but may include therapy for other causes.<P>Good Luck,<P>Bob

{{{{{{{{{Keri}}}}}}}}}}<P>If you can't appeal, do you qualify for a state funded program?? Check your church for referrals also, and they still are a great source for comfort. Good luck. Dana<BR>

Keri:<P>You can indeed appeal the decision. Write a letter and copy your employer's insurance department. They will quite often intervene on your behalf.<P>You might also tell your therapist about your situation and see whether he or she would be willing to write a few letters on your behalf or, if that doesn't work, give you a reduced rate on your sessions.<P>Be prepared to write a lot of letters. I fought the system on another issue once and eventually got what I was asking for but I had to rejustify my claim every time.<P>Good luck! --HBC

Well, I checked with my company. Our company stipulates the 20 visits...not the insurance company. I talked with the benefits person here at our location and she said there was nothing I could do. 20 visits is the limit and they don't make exceptions. I just don't understand that. I can go to my medical Dr. 20 times a day, but I can't see my therapist more than 20 times a year. And I'm going through the most emotionally debilitating experience of my life. As for a minister, I have a LOT of issues with ministers. My grandfather, who was a S. Baptist minister, molested me from the ages of 2-5. I don't really trust religious people too much. I kinda stay away from the whole church scene. I know, I know, not all are like that, but I just don't think I could get past my fear to trust someone that much. Not to mention, my beliefs are contrary to most Christian doctrine. I think I will check with our local mental health clinic. Maybe there's something through them. Thanks you guys. I feel like all I've done today is worry about this and make phone calls. I just don't understand why mental health is considered less important than physical health. <P><P>------------------<BR>Blessed be.<BR>****************<BR>Keridwen<P>Keridwen_7@yahoo.com

Keriwden,<P>See if the counselor / therapist will take a reduced amount. Unless he/she is full, it is still incremental income to them.<P>Meaining, half is better than none.<P>just a thought, negotiate both ways,<BR>up and down, from the source and to the supplier.<P>thl<BR>

My psychologist costs less than my psychiatrist and is much more helpful on the emotional issues. There may be something like a Family & Children's Services program in your city. There also may be a sliding fee program your local YMCA or YWCA could tell you about.