Where do I start?
When should I expect to feel better?
When you will feel better will be different for everyone. Some people feel better right away because getting started and having support instills hope. Having someone validate your concerns can feel like you are less alone. For some, starting the process can be hard, and sometimes you may feel worse before you feel better. Please don’t let this scare you away from therapy. It just means that talking about things you don’t typically talk about can bring up uncomfortable feelings. It’s a procesSome readersHow do I know if I should change providers?
Making a great connection with a provider is exciting. We trust their approach, feel safe opening up to them, and make progress toward our goals. Not all providers and clients are a good fit though. If you are not feeling a connection with your provider and it’s getting in the way of you meeting your goals, here are a few questions to ask yourself: ● Do I feel supported? A good provider will challenge you, yet will do so with compassion and understanding. ● Does my provider listen to me andFew readersWhat should I say when contacting a provider by phone?
When you call a provider, you will likely need to leave a voicemail. Here are some helpful details to include: Your name How you plan to pay for care Your phone number (make sure to say it slowly and clearly so they have time to write it down. To be safe, say it twice.) Give them some convenient times to call you back and let them know if you are OK with them leaving you a voicemail. If you are comfortable, you can leave your email address as well. Sample voicemail: "Hi, myFew readersIs remote therapy just as effective as face-to-face therapy?
Studies have shown that there are no major differences in therapist-client interactions between online and face-to-face therapy. However, the success of any therapeutic intervention is largely individualized and depends on the relationship between you and your therapist, regardless of whether it is remote or in person. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersI’m under the age of 18, do I need parental consent to receive therapy?
You may or may not need to seek consent depending on your state’s laws. Here’s a review of state laws regarding parental consent for mental health treatment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4393016/ If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersHow does confidentiality work?
Confidentiality between a mental health provider and a client means that whatever you tell your provider stays between you and your provider. Even the fact that you are meeting with a provider is confidential. If you want anyone to be able to communicate with your provider about your treatment or for your provider to share your records, you will need to sign a release of information first. Your provider will have this document and can help you fill it out. There are very few exceptions for whFew readersWho can prescribe medications?
Providers who are licensed to prescribe medicine often include psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, clinical nurse specialists, primary care physicians, and physician assistants. Depending on which state you live in, different providers may be allowed to prescribe. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersHow long will I be in treatment?
Every person has different needs when it comes to their mental health, so the length of treatment is different for everyone. Ultimately, how long you stay in treatment is up to you. Factors that may impact your length of treatment include the severity of your concerns, how long it takes for you to feel comfortable and to open up with your provider, how frequently you meet, and other life events are going on outside of treatment. Having a conversation about how long treatment may take is a goFew readersWhat should I expect in my first session?
During your first therapy session, your provider will typically start out by going over several forms with you. The forms include things like confidentiality, what to do if you need to miss a session, expectations for payment, and your mental health history. Don’t worry, not all visits are like this. They just want to make sure you know how to proceed as a client. Because the first session involves getting to know you, the provider typically asks a lot of questions, many more than usual. HeFew readersWhat should I write when contacting a provider by email?
When you email a provider, here are some helpful details to include: Your name How you plan to pay for care Your phone number Note: Remember, email is not confidential. Anything that you prefer to keep confidential is best communicated by phone. Sample email: Hello, My name is Name . I found your profile on MiResource and I am interested in learning more about your practice. I plan to pay with preferred method of payment (e.g., health insurance plan) . I’d like to find a timFew readersIf I decided to use remote therapy, are the sites or apps secure?
Remote therapy should always ensure client confidentiality because they are receiving personal information. You should only use sites and apps that are HIPAA-compliant and you should be able to verify your therapist’s identity. While the specifics vary within each site or app, you generally should be able to exchange secure messages/text, speak on the phone, and video conference with them. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com (maiFew readersShould I start with therapy or medication first?
Both medication and therapy have been proven effective for treating mental health concerns. Some concerns respond better to medications so you will need to talk with a mental health provider to determine if medication is the best option. If you have taken medication in the past, and it has been helpful, you may decide to start medication again. Many concerns also respond well to therapy only. Many prefer therapy because they like understanding why they’ve developed certain patterns and want toFew readersHow do I know if I need to see someone for my mental health?
Every person struggles with their mental health at some point in their lives. Using coping strategies that you’ve developed over time or talking with people you trust can often help you get over the hurdles you face in life. At times these just may not feel like enough. Many people seek out the help of a professional when their ability to cope has been overwhelmed or they want a fresh perspective. If you are spending a lot of time dealing with an issue or it’s significantly interfering with sFew readersWho should I go to if I am looking for talk therapy?
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a collaboration between you and a mental health provider based on dialogue. There are many approaches to psychotherapy and many types of providers that can help you learn the skills you need to overcome your challenges. Mental health providers that are trained to provide psychotherapy include marriage and family therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our SupporFew readersDo I need a diagnosis to receive care?
No. A diagnosis is not necessary to receive mental health care. People struggle with mental health concerns along a continuum. Some have a diagnosis for what they are experiencing and others don’t. If you want to know if your concerns meet the criteria for a diagnosis you can talk about this with any licensed mental health provider. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersShould I do in-person or remote care?
In-person care might be a better option for you if: ●picking up on body language or other nonverbal cues is important for you when interacting with others; ● you are comfortable in and prefer an office setting; ● you like to set aside a separate time and place for therapy. Remote care might be right for you if: ● you are nervous about meeting with someone in person and would feel more comfortable meeting with the provider in your location of choice; ● you have a busy schedule and need to saFew readers
General Insurance Terms
Types of Health Insurance Plans
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) A type of health insurance plan where you pay a set monthly fee (premium) with little to no deductible in exchange for health services from healthcare providers registered with the organization (in-network providers). These healthcare providers agree to meet a determined quality of care and lower their prices for people insured by the organization. However, HMOs do not cover services from healthcare providers outside their network (out-of-network providSome readersWho offers insurance?
Private Health Insurance Company Companies that are privately owned and issue insurance policies to cover your healthcare costs. Each insurance company has different plans at different tiers (platinum, gold, silver and bronze) which refer to the portion you are responsible to pay for each healthcare service and the premium of the policy. Medicaid A federal-state health insurance program available to people with low income that qualify. This program covers children, pregnant women, the bFew readersPayment assistance terms
Charity Care Programs These programs ensure that eligible and uninsured individuals can receive necessary medical care, even if they are unable to pay themselves. However, it is only available for medical services that are reasonable and necessary for diagnosis and treatment of the condition. An example are financial/bridge assistance programs that are run by the hospitals delivering the care. Grants from Nonprofit and Government Agencies Some nonprofit and government agencies are gFew readersQuestions to keep in mind when learning about your insurance benefits
A list of questions about the coverage of mental health services by your insurance to consider researching or asking your insurance agent: First, does your insurance company cover mental health care services? Do you need a referral from your primary care physician to get insurance to cover the treatment? Do you need a precertification from your insurance company to receive mental health care? (Ask for their precertification (/hc/en-us/articles/4Few readersTypes of mental health providers
Caregiver Family members, as well as specially trained caregivers, who provide care through in-home assistance, community programs, and residential facilities to support everyday living. They allow for patients who need long-term care to be able to live in their homes and participate in their community. These individuals include, but are not limited to: family members, friends, social workers, teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists and mentors. Case Manager A mental health provider appFew readersInsurance Terms you may want to know about
Insurance An arrangement where an agency run by the government or private company agrees to pay the full or partial price of medical services. You, in exchange, pay for a monthly fee called a premium. Premiums Payments to the insurance company for your policy that are monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually in order to receive all of the benefits that come with your plan. The amount varies by insurance company and plan chosen. Copay Flat-fees that you pay during a visit toFew readersPaying Out-of-Pocket
Out-of-Pocket Paying out of pocket means that rather than using an insurance plan, you cover the full cost of your care. The payment goes directly to your provider (keep in mind some providers only accept this method of payment and do not accept insurance). Formal Payment Plans An arranged payment agreement where the consumer pays a set amount of money at a predetermined frequency until the bill has been fully paid. These plans are usually offered by hospital or collection agencies.Few readers
Paying for My Care
If I pay out of pocket, how do I get my insurance to reimburse this cost?
First, make sure your insurance covers these services. You want to make sure that the services that you are interested in getting reimbursed are within your benefits by checking your EOB. Furthermore, consider if these services are in-network or out-of-network. Some insurances will only cover in-network services, so it is important to check if your insurance also covers services from out-of-network providers. You can find this information on your insurance’s website or by calling and talkinSome readersHow do I get precertification for a service?
In most cases, your provider or hospital will request precertifications. In the event that you have to request it, you can request this online, via Fax, or by talking to a representative. Requests are prioritized based on medical necessity. Healthcare procedures, medications or services on the precertification list of your insurance plan can require you to notify or get a coverage determination. In the case of notification, you just have to file a form to record the healthcare service or proceduSome readersWhat does it mean for a healthcare provider to be out-of-network?
Healthcare providers who are out-of-network are usually not covered by your health insurance policy. You will usually have to pay out-of-pocket for out-of-network providers. This payment is much higher than it would be if you had gone to an in-network provider. However, if your insurance company is a PPO or a POS, depending on their policy, the insurance would pay for some of the costs of out-of-network providers. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at suppFew readersDo I have to notify my insurance company when I move to a different address or state?
Depending on where you move, your insurance policy may change. If you move to a different state, it is very important that you notify your insurance company because you may need to switch to a new plan or a different company. You can follow these steps to update your address online. You can also call your insurance and talk to a representative. If you move within your state, your plan won’t change, it is only important for you to update your address in case you ever receive mail from your insuraFew readersCan I go to a mental health provider without clarifying with my insurance company that they will cover the cost?
Not all health insurance companies require pre-certification or a referral before seeing a mental health provider. However, there are many plans that do require you to have precertification or a referral from your PCP. Thus, it is important to check what benefits your insurance covers beforehand. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersWho can receive payment assistance?
Qualification for payment assistance are often based on income and need according to the Federal Poverty Guideline. Payment assistance is for people who do not have insurance or who have insurance that does not cover their mental healthcare needs. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersAre there any disadvantages of paying out-of-pocket?
Given that the biggest obstacle is an immediate expense, some mental health providers or centers offer reduced rates based on income or family size. To learn more about this, check out our Payment Assistance section. Mental Health Providers are free to set their own rates and offer a sliding scale when paying out-of-pocket. This can lead to paying even less than with insurance depending on where you fit in the sliding scale, duration of treatment, and details of the insurance plan. It is helpfulFew readersDoes it matter what I use to pay for my services?
The method of payment you use to pay for your services depend on where you go for your mental healthcare. Most providers take debit/credit cards, cash, or check. Some mental health providers will allow you to use other modes of payment such as PayPal. You can also take out a loan in order to pay for your medical bills. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersWhat is the difference between a Copay and Coinsurance?
Copays are flat-fees that you pay during a visit to a health provider or for prescription medications. Coinsurances are similar to copays, but instead of a flat-fee, you pay a percentage of the cost of service or prescription. For example, a 20% coinsurance for a $200 bill means you would pay $40. Each insurance plan will have an out-of-pocket maximum and that number will be the absolute maximum you will have to contribute annually and this includes copays and coinsurance fees along with deducFew readersIn which cases is no payment needed?
Services for which no payment is needed are typically available from non-profits or charitable organiza-tions that have therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists who donate their time and see patients for no cost. Many colleges or universities offer services to students through a Counseling Center or Health Center that are covered by the fees they have already paid to the university. Additionally, there are free mental health apps that can serve as tools for therapy. If you need more assistanFew readersWhat is payment assistance?
If you need help paying for your mental healthcare, you can receive assistance to pay for your medical bills or render services for little to no cost. Various government and non-profit programs provide payment assistance that helps pay for individual's healthcare. Some types include: ATR voucher, charity care programs, Federal or any government funding for substance abuse programs, grants from Nonprofit and Government Agencies, IHS/Tribal/Urban (ITU) funds, local assistance programs, state welfaFew readersIf I have insurance, how much will my appointments cost?
While appointments at your campus counselling centre can be covered completely, once they refer you to a provider outside of the campus centre, those appointments will either be covered by your insurance or you will have to pay out-of-pocket. The cost depends on the type of insurance plan you have and if your doctor is in-network or out-of-network. Usually, all you have to pay when you’re going to a provider covered by your insurance company is a set amount of money called a copay (around $15-35Few readersWill my parents know I'm going to a mental health provider if I am on their insurance plan?
Mental health providers are required, by law, to keep your information confidential. However, if you are on your parent's insurance plan or if they receive your medical bills and statements, they might see some information (like the type of service and date) from the bill. Changing the address for the bills and statements or, if on their insurance, paying out-of-pocket for the full cost of the mental health service would ensure this information is kept private from your parents. If you need morFew readersWhat are some of the advantages I have when I use insurance?
Insurance greatly reduces the amount of money you pay upfront for your doctor’s visits or medications. All insurance plans cover your healthcare from providers within their network, and some also cover out-of-network. Doctors in your insurance company’s network can give you services for little to no out-of-pocket costs. If your insurance has prescription benefits, it will also cover all or some of the medications that you need to get from the pharmacy. For example, a $300 prescription might coFew readersWhat if my insurance does not have any in-network providers in my area?
If your insurance does not have any in-network providers in your area you will have to go to an out-of-network provider. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersAre there any disadvantages to using insurance?
The disadvantages of using insurance depend on the type of insurance plan that you have. Unfortunately, your insurance won’t cover the cost of a visit with just any doctor. The most common disadvantage of using insurance is this network limitation, where most insurance companies–but not all–limit your coverage to in-network providers. Moreover, some insurance companies require you to get a referral from your primary care physician before you can go to specialists. Insurance companies may even lFew readersWhat are the first steps to pay with insurance?
Confused about how to pay for mental healthcare with your insurance? First, learn more about your coverage by following these steps: 1. Find your insurance card 2. Call your insurance company. The phone number is likely on the back of your card and may be listed under "behavioral health service" or "customer call". You can also go to our Insurance Company Directory to find your insurance company number. Keep in mind that some insurance companies are open 24/7 and others are only availFew readersIs there anything I can do to get my medication covered, if my insurance plan refused to cover it?
You can file for a drug exemption request. Generally, the process requires your doctor to write an explanation as to why the drug is appropriate for your medical condition. You must wait for the exception to be approved or denied. However, it is important to check with your insurance on their process for requesting a drug exemption because this varies by plan. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersHow do I know if my insurance covers mental healthcare?
To learn more about your insurance company’s policies, you can look at the website or call to talk to a representative. It’s important to know that some insurance companies outsource part of their mental health coverage to other companies. Again, you can look at the website or call to talk to a representative to find out if your insurance company outsources your mental health coverage. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com (mailto:sFew readersWhat does it mean if a provider offers a sliding scale?
A provider that has a sliding scale offers a flexible fee system that varies with income. This means that the lower your income, the lower the fee you have to pay for your session. The amount you pay should not be reflected on the quality of care you receive and the time you have with the provider. Most times providers don’t even know how much you pay because their office personnel handles it separately. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresouFew readersWill insurance cover all of my medications’ cost completely?
The amount you pay for medications is based on your insurance. Some medications have a copay, some are completely covered and some are not covered at all. There are several categories of medication: preferred, non-preferred, generic and name-brand. Each insurance plan has a Prescription Drug List (PDL) which are preferred medications. Preferred medications have the best overall value, which is determined by your insurance and based on its effectiveness and safety. Within the PDL there are “generFew readersIf I have a mental illness diagnosis can my insurance classify this as a preexisting condition and change my benefits?
You cannot be charged more or refused coverage because you have a preexisting condition. Once you have insurance, the company cannot refuse to cover treatment on the basis of it being a preexisting condition. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@miresource.com.Few readersWhat are some advantages of paying out-of-pocket?
An important consideration is a flexibility of paying out-of-pocket. You are not constrained to meet certain requirements (such as a referral from your primary care provider or condition/treatment coverage limits) to obtain care or have to fill out paperwork to get prior approval for care. You also have more freedom to choose the duration, focus, frequency, and treatment modality best suited to your needs. If you need more assistance, feel free to reach out to our Support team at support@mireFew readers
Caring for you while you connect
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