Finding A Therapist or Counselor Archives

Blog Archives

How to Find a Therapist That Accepts Insurance

By: Jessica Taylor, LPC In today’s fast-paced (and sometimes scary) world, prioritizing mental health is essential. However, the cost of therapy can often be a barrier for many individuals seeking help. Fortunately, finding a therapist who accepts insurance can make mental health care more accessible and affordable. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore strategies for locating a therapist who aligns with your needs and accepts your insurance plan. Understanding Your Insurance Coverage Before embarking on your search for a therapist, it’s crucial to understand your insurance coverage. Begin by reviewing your insurance policy or contacting your insurance provider to learn about your mental health benefits. Key questions to ask include: What type of mental health services are covered? Are there any limitations on the number of therapy sessions per year? Do I need a referral from my primary care physician? What is my co-pay or co-insurance for therapy sessions? Are there any out-of-network benefits available? Having a clear understanding of your insurance coverage will guide your search and help you avoid unexpected expenses. Utilize Online Directories The internet is a valuable resource for finding therapists who accept insurance. Numerous online directories specialize in connecting individuals with mental health professionals. Websites like Psychology Today and Headway can help you filter your search based on location, specialty, insurance accepted, and treatment approach. When using these directories, be sure to verify that the therapists you’re interested in are currently accepting new patients and confirm their insurance participation. You can typically find this information on their profile or by contacting them directly. Seek Recommendations Word of mouth is another effective way to find a therapist who accepts insurance. Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have experience with therapy and ask for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide valuable insight into a therapist’s style, approach, and whether they accept insurance. Additionally, consider joining online support groups or forums related to mental health. Members of these communities often share recommendations and experiences with therapists, making it easier to find a good fit. Contact Your Insurance Provider If you’re having trouble finding a therapist who accepts your insurance, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance provider for assistance. Many insurance companies offer resources to help members locate in-network providers, including online provider directories and customer service hotlines. When speaking with your insurance provider, be prepared to provide information such as your location, the type of therapy you’re seeking, and any preferences you have regarding the therapist’s gender, specialty, or approach. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the insurance representative to assist you in finding a suitable therapist. Consider Teletherapy Options Teletherapy, also known as online therapy or virtual therapy, has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many therapists who offer teletherapy services accept insurance, making mental health care more accessible to individuals in remote or underserved areas. When exploring teletherapy options, ensure that the therapist is licensed to practice in your state and that your insurance plan covers virtual visits. Additionally, consider factors such as internet connection, privacy, and comfort level with online communication. Be Persistent and Flexible Finding the right therapist who accepts insurance may take time and persistence. It’s essential to remain patient and flexible throughout the process. If you encounter challenges or setbacks, don’t be discouraged. Keep searching, reaching out to potential therapists, and advocating for your mental health needs. Remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist is a crucial step in your journey toward mental wellness. By taking the time to research, network, and communicate with your insurance provider, you can find a therapist who meets your needs and accepts your insurance coverage. In Conclusion Prioritizing your mental health is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process of finding a therapist who accepts insurance with confidence and ease. Whether you utilize online directories, seek recommendations from others, or contact your insurance provider directly, remember that support is available, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With determination and perseverance, you can find a therapist who provides the care and support you deserve, helping you live a happier, healthier life. Interested in working with one of the amazing therapists at Thrive? Reach out today to get matched to the therapist that is right for you! We accept most insurance and offer support in getting reimbursements if your insurance plan has out-of-network benefits.

Struggling to Find Your Person? Here Are Four Ways That Therapy Can Help You Find Success in Dating and Relationships

By: Jessica Taylor, LPC Are you trying to put yourself out there in dating and relationships, but are struggling to find someone that you connect with? Or maybe you haven’t even taken the “put yourself out there” step yet, because you are still recovering from past relationships. Either way, if you feel that you are ready for a secure relationship, or want to be ready, here are the four ways that therapy can help with that. Education This one is key! A therapist that specializes in dating and relationships can help you gain important insights about yourself, such as what your attachment style is and how you communicate. These are a huge part of how you function in all relationships. If you are struggling in dating and relationships and don’t at least have some basic knowledge about yourself in these areas, you are setting yourself up for failure! Processing the Past Sometimes, the reason we are not functioning well in current relationships is because we have not yet worked through past attachment injuries or traumatic experiences we had in past relationships. This can create obstacles to allowing ourselves to trust and be vulnerable with others. Holding back might protect us in the moment, but it also leads to never having a genuine, secure relationship with another person. Therapy creates a safe space where you can bring up anything, without fear of judgment. And even if you think that you have processed all your past experiences on your own, or with friends, nothing compares to having a trained professional as an unbiased therapeutic partner. Your therapist will help you sift through these experiences in a safe way, while helping you gain some insights and integrate them into your life story in a way that will allow you to go into future relationships as your best self. Defining Goals and Action Steps Determining what your values and goals are in the area of dating and relationships is really important, and also something that often gets overlooked. One important thing to know is how values are different than goals. A value is the way you want to be in a certain domain of life. It is an ongoing process. A goal is something that you accomplish and can then “cross off your list.” For example, if your goal is to be in a relationship, then once you have found your person, that goal is completed. A value in relationships would be something more like: “I want to be a loving and loyal partner.” That is ongoing and something you must continue to check in on. Once you know your values, you can create your goals. Once you know your goals, you can work with your therapist to break these into action steps categorized as short, medium, and long-term. Accountability It’s easy to set goals, but the follow-through is where many of us struggle. Therapy is a great place to gain accountability to make sure that you are taking the action steps that you have committed to, toward your goal of improving your functioning in dating and relationships. A therapist will do this in a loving and non-judgmental way. Instead of allowing you to beat yourself up when you are dragging your feet on taking action, a therapist will help you assess what barriers might be getting in your way. Do you feel like you need help with finding more success in dating and relationships? Then I recommend determining whether therapy might be the next step you need to take. You don’t have to struggle alone! Therapists are trained to help you learn about yourself, uncover potential barriers, gain new skills, and hold yourself accountable in applying those new skills. Reach out today to connect with one of our licensed therapists!

Five Things to Consider When Picking a Therapist

By: Jessica Taylor, LPC Have you been considering going to therapy, but you have no idea where to start, or how to pick the right therapist? If that sounds like you, and you want advice on how to pick the perfect therapist, I’m here to help. As a licensed therapist, and also someone who has gone to therapy myself, I know that the process of finding a therapist can feel super overwhelming. I also know that you don’t want to waste your time and money on a therapist that just feels…fine. Or even worse, a therapist that is just totally the wrong fit. You deserve to find a therapist that feels like the perfect fit! So, here are the five things that I think you NEED to consider when picking a therapist, and also a few warning signs to keep an eye out for. The Five Things to Consider LOGISTICS Location: Make sure that the therapist you choose is close to work, school, or home. Trust me, you do not want to spend time in your car commuting to a therapist every week. A lot of therapists these days offer telehealth, so if that’s your thing, therapy will always be convenient. But I find that most people still prefer in-person sessions. The therapist can schedule at the frequency you need: For example, if you want to start off meeting every week (which is typical when first starting therapy), do not commit to a therapist whose calendar is super booked up, and they can only get you in every three weeks. Sometimes it will take a few weeks to get in for that initial intake, but then your therapist should be available weekly. In addition, make sure your therapist can accommodate times that are convenient for you, such as after work if that is necessary. COST Reasonably priced: Therapy is an investment in your mental health, and there is nothing more important, but going broke from therapy isn’t going to do your mental health any favors. Also, the most expensive therapists aren’t necessarily the best therapists! Look around at what different therapists in your area are charging (this differs by geographical location) and maybe try going with someone in the middle of the road (if you can afford it.) In-Network with Insurance: If your insurance plan offers mental health services, try to find a provider in-network with your insurance company. You will need to call your insurance company to see if you even have any MH benefits on your plan (a lot of plans unfortunately do not cover any mental health services.) Out-of-Network with Insurance: One huge benefit of seeing a therapist that is out of network with your insurance is that you and your therapist will determine what your treatment looks like, not an insurance company that knows nothing about you or your mental health. In addition, all your information will be confidential, as your therapist will not be required to release any information to an insurance company to prove that you need services. EXPERIENCE They have experience treating the thing you are going to therapy for: For example, if you are needing therapy for anxiety, you are not going to go to someone who only does couples counseling. The therapist’s website should list their areas of specialization, but feel free to ask them! YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE Therapy is a no judgement zone: You should not feel as though you need to keep things from your therapist for fear of judgment. Sure, it might take you a few sessions to fully warm up to them, but if you are holding back because you are getting weird vibes (or they are perfectly fine, but your personalities don’t mesh), they might not be the best fit. THERAPY CONTINUES TO FEEL BENEFICIAL You ultimately control your course of treatment: Every session might not contain some huge “break through,” but therapy should feel helpful overall. Please know that if you feel like you have hit the end of the road with a therapist, you can take a break from therapy and/or go looking for a new therapist any time you want. Possible Warning Signs The therapist is not transparent about costs for sessions. You should know this up front. If they don’t tell you when scheduling, ask! You feel like their values don’t match yours and they might be judging you. They are unwilling to at least have a 15-minute intro call before scheduling an intake session. Your therapist gets defensive when you ask them about their approach as a therapist or where they see therapy with you going. If your therapist doesn’t even mention or ask you about your goals within the first few sessions (some therapists might not see this as a warning sign, but it is for me.) There you have it! The five things that you need to consider when searching for a therapist. If you have any questions about our therapists, or therapy in general, feel free to give us a call! We are happy to answer any questions you might have, in order to help make this process feel a bit less overwhelming.

Thinking about Trying Therapy for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect

Amelia Elkins, LCSW, CAS Why Go to Therapy? Slowly but surely, going to therapy is starting to become more normalized. Everyone knows someone who has sought out support for reasons ranging from anxiety and depression to relationship struggles. There are a variety of reasons to seek out support and things don’t need to be an utter disaster to seek out counseling. Many begin going to therapy for life transitions, feeling stuck, or even wanting to develop better life goals or practices. Interested in reasons to attend therapy? More on that here. Finding a Therapist Can Be Overwhelming Finding a therapist can be a daunting job. Utilizing resources such as psychology today, social media, and google or yelp can be a great place to start. Some therapists accept insurance and some are private pay which is a factor to consider. I recommend folks who’ve never been to therapy to meet with at least three therapists to compare and see what feels like the best fit. After all, you may be spending a good amount of time with this person so you want to feel mutual trust, respect, and confidence in their skillset, training, and professionalism. At Thrive Counseling Denver, we value professionalism, continual training, and goal-oriented treatment. Sessions are always 50 minutes, we have a 24-hour cancellation policy, and you’ll get a text reminder 48 hours in advance. Here’s what a first session with us looks like. What to Expect >Step One: Woohoo you’re scheduled! At this time, you’ll receive a virtual intake packet which will include a disclosure statement, payment information, three mental health screenings, and an intake questionnaire. A disclosure statement includes licensing info for each therapist, reporting information, and confidentiality. The mental health screenings are a series of questions which help us as therapists to better understand what you’re struggling with. Lastly, the intake questionnaire is a list of questions exploring your symptoms, what brings you in for therapy, what you’re looking for, and your familial history. >Step Two: It’s time to attend the first session in person or via telehealth. If your first session is via telehealth, you’ll be emailed a link the day before the session, which you will click on at the time of your appointment. If you attend in person, you’re welcome to come a few minutes early to enjoy a complimentary sparkling water, Nespresso, water, or tea. We have sound machines going in the lobby to ensure confidentiality from those in session. >Step Three: Regardless of whether it is over telehealth or in person, here are some important things to know about your first session. The intake session will include reviewing the disclosure statement, processing your intake questionnaire you completed online, and establishing goals for treatment. It’s important to remember that it is completely normal to feel nervous during the first session and it’s your clinician’s job to help you feel comfortable. Our first priority is emotional safety, acceptance, and creating a space of nonjudgment. It’s also okay to come to the first session and not feel clear on your goals. Your therapist can help you get clarity and define goals for treatment. Some questions you may want to ask at the first session include: >How often do I need to attend? >Does your skillset match the goals I would like to work on? >What is the layout of an average session? >Do you provide homework or assignments outside of session? >Step Four: Time to decide which therapist feels right for you and to get started with working on your treatment plan. Therapy isn’t for everyone, but is has helped countless individuals feel not only supported and validated, but also re-energized about their life direction. More on that here. If you have any other questions, reach out to us today!

Men Get Therapy Too

It’s true, men get therapy too. Thrive Counseling has been helping folks in Denver since 2013, and we have seen the share of our clients that are men rise over the years. Men struggle with many issues just as much as women do (in some cases, even more so). But we know that Men have more barriers to feeling better than women do. Men Face More Stigma Than Women for Mental Health Issues In our culture, men are often given the message to “just suck it up.” Either explicitly or implicitly, men are told that their emotions either don’t matter or shouldn’t be there in the first place. They are told to keep them inside and what you do, don’t let anyone know that you’re hurt, angry, insecure, or depressed. This stigma can be a barrier for men to reach out for help and support when they are struggling. We know in our practice that when men call for a free consultation, they are overcoming stigma and the judgement of others to simply begin to feel better. Men’s Friendships Tend to be Less Open than Women’s Friendships I’ve heard from many of our male clients that it’s harder for them to lean on their friends when they are feeling down, feeling anxious, or feeling stuck. They say that they feel close to their friends, but there is not a sense of safety to bed vulnerable and they worry their friends will think they are “weird” or not be able to support them. In our culture, women are socialized to bond around emotional connection and support. Women often tell their friends intimate details of their inner lives; their struggles as well as their triumphs. Unfortunately men are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to friendships. Men are socialized to bond around shared interests and activities, not necessarily around conversation and open sharing. So when men really want a friend to know they are struggling, or want to know if their friends have gone through something difficult that they can connect to, it’s harder and more awkward to bring it up or talk about it. Luckily, this is changing. Men are feeling more open to be vulnerable with one another and even public figures are opening up about things like depression and anxiety (such as The Rock on his struggle Depression, and David Beckham on his struggle with anxiety and phobias). How to Feel Better as a Man First, it’s helpful to remember that the myth about men being unemotional is just plain wrong. Secondly, you are not alone. Men struggle just as much as women do, and in some ways women are set up with more social support than men are. It’s up to you to redefine masculinity and treat yourself as if you matter. If you need help, get it. If you want to open up to a friend, do it, and your true friends will rally around you. If you’d like a no-pressure way to begin feeling better, you can contact us for a free consultation. You can get expert advice about your pressing issue right away.

Ever Wanted to Ask A Therapist a Question?

Have You Ever Wanted to Ask A Therapist a Question? Any question. Maybe about your boyfriend. Or your roommate. Or your family. Have you ever thought to yourself “Am I just weird? Or is this normal?” Lots of people have wondered these things, and really want an answer. But often they don’t know where to begin. It’s intimidating to think about talking to a therapist. And then there’s the steps involved in finding one that’s close to you, that will see you, and that you can relate to. And then there’s the question of money, which is very important. Therapy does cost money. The average session in Denver costs around $150. If you just have a question you want answered by an expert, that’s a lot of money to spend. So Thrive Counseling offers something most therapist practice don’t: A totally free consultation. “Consultation” is just a fancy word for a friendly meeting where you get to ask anything you want, and get an honest answer. Sometimes this leads to further sessions, but sometimes not. It all depends on what you need. If you’ve ever wanted a therapist’s ear, and would like this for free, contact us for a free consultation today. We have evening and weekend hours so you don’t need to disrupt your work schedule or miss out on walking your dog.

People Talk About Their First Therapy Session

We love this amazing video from Boldly where people open up about their first therapy session. What really jumped out to us (what what we have heard from our own clients) were these quotes from the video: If I don’t tell people I know and love about my problems, why would I tell a stranger my problems? I was really nervous and I almost cancelled.. So much emotion came out at me, and I was such a great feeling..

3 Things You Don’t Want Your Therapist To Know-And Why You Should Tell Them

We all “know” that we should be open with our therapists, that’s the reason we have a therapist in the first place. A place that is just for you, with your therapist or counselor’s undivided attention. A place with no judgement. However, it is still really hard to be open, and it’s normal to feel embarrassed about some things that come up in therapy. Here are the 3 top things that I notice my clients feel embarrassed about, and why I love when they share them with me. 1 I’m not sure if I can trust my therapist completely. Why you feel this way: You know that your therapist is there for you. You hired them after all! They are bound by very strict rules of confidentiality. But still, this is a stranger after all. How do you know that they won’t tell their friends about “that crazy client of mine?” We don’t share a lot of ourselves most of the time, so you feel really open and vulnerable. Why you should tell your therapist: We completely understand. Most of us have going through therapy or counseling ourselves and we know what it feels like to be vulnerable and wonder if the person on the other side of the room is really trustworthy. We love to have these conversations so that we can reassure you, explain how confidentiality works, and explore any deeper trust issues that this brings up. If you feel uncomfortable with being the only one talking about themselves, you can also ask questions about us. It will help your process if you can talk openly with your therapist about trust. 2. I do this really embarrassing thing to cope, and I feel ashamed about it. Why you feel this way: We all do things to cope with difficult emotions and thoughts-good things, bad things, crazy things, embarrassing things. When we are put under a certain kind of stress, we all have the urge to act out. Sometimes it’s surprising what we find ourselves doing in deeply uncomfortable moments. We just want to feeling to go away, and we stumble upon something that gives us temporary relief. Why you should tell your therapist: We get it. We’ve heard it all. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. We are here to help you and to understand you. Here’s an incomplete list of unhelpful coping that I’v heard about just this past month: Stealing things pacing binge eating binge drinking using drugs punching yourself pulling out you hair picking a fight with your spouse starving yourself making yourself throw up See? You’re not as alone as you think you are, and these behaviors are not part of your personality, but a behavior that you are reaching for in moments of desperation. Your therapist wants to know so that they can work together with you to find better coping tools. 3. I’m not sure this therapy is working. Why you feel this way: Maybe you’ve been going to counseling for a while, and you are just not seeing the progress that you want to. Or you feel disconnected from the process. Or not heard or understood. You wonder where the therapy is going, or you’re not sure of your goals anymore. This is really common. Why you should tell your therapist: We do not take this personally. We want to know what you’re thinking about the process and if you’re unhappy with it. We are here to serve you and help you towards your goals. Often, we can re-adjust to get back on track. Sometimes we see lots of progress that is not apparent to you, and we love the opportunity to point that out. Perhaps it’s time to end therapy because we’ve reach our goals. We want to know so we can help.

How To Find a Therapist near the Denver Tech Center

If you’re looking for a therapist in a large metro area like Denver, it helps to be more targeted in your search. Thrive Counseling is located just north of the Denver Tech Center, so we have a lot of clients that either live or work in the Denver Tech Center (or the DTC, as the locals call it). Sometimes we are not a good fit for someone, and they ask me how to find a different therapist in the Denver Tech Center. Here’s three ways to go about it: 1.If you want to find a therapist that takes your insurance, call your insurance company directly and ask for referrals. They have the definitive list for who is in-netowrk with you, and you can ask them to search in a specific area for you. 2.You can use a Therapist Directory like Psychology Today, and search via your Zip code. This will give you a list of therapists in your area. 3.Call Thrive Counseling or send us an email. We are near the Denver Tech Center and would love to hear from you.

How Do I Find a Therapist in my Network?

We’ve all been there. You’ve decided you’re interested in finding a counselor in your area. You may even know what type of therapist is right for you. But first, do they take your insurance? Insurance networks can be really confusing, especially with therapy and counseling. Here’s how to find a therapist in your insurance network: Call your chosen therapist and ask them. Ok this seems obvious, but I have definitely had first-time consultations with clients who take the time to come into my office and have never asked me whether I take their insurance or not. Most therapists list on their website which insurances they take, but if it doesn’t be sure to call and ask. Understand the Difference between In-Network and Out-Of-Network Benefits It’s crucial to understand in-network vs. out-of-network benefits when you are looking for a therapist. In-Network means that a therapist has a contract with your insurance company and has agreed to see the plan’s members for a fixed price. You, as the insured person, are only responsible for a co-pay to your therapist. You can go see any therapist that is in-network and only pay the co-pay each time you see them. Out-of-network means that a therapist has not agreed to join the insurance plan’s network and does not have a contract with them. So you, as the insurance holder, as responsible to pay the therapist. Some plans will reimburse you for your costs, and any therapist can give you the correct receipt (usually called a Superbill), which you then mail into your insurance company to be reimbursed. Some plans don’t have this benefit. So be sure you call your insurance company and ask. You can call as say “I want to see a therapist that’s out-of-network, can I be reimbursed for those expenses?” Use an Online Listing to Find a Therapist that’s In-Network for You There are a few online listings for therapists. Therapists pay a fee each mont to put their profile on the website, and you can search by zip code, specialty, and (importantly) by insurance company. The two biggest ones are Psychology Today and GoodTherapy. When All Else Fails, Call Your Insurance Company for a List You can call Member Services for your insurance company and ask for a list of all the in-network therapists in your area. Why is this a last-ditch effort? Well, lately insurance companies have come under fire for not having updated lists (meaning the list includes therapists that have moved, closed their practices, etc). This is the problem of Narrow Networks. But if you’re still trying to find a therapist that’s in-network for your insurance company, it’s worth calling the insurance company directly.

3 Reasons You Might Benefit from Counseling

It’s easy to think you can solve your problems on your own but even the strongest of individuals need help sometimes. Self-help books, talking with loved ones, or seeking online counsel have their places in helping you overcome mental or emotional barriers. Sometimes you need real help to get your life back where it should be. The best way to find this help is through a certified counselor or therapist. It can be difficult to get over preconceived notions or stigmas about counseling. It is one of the best ways to get your life moving forward again. Let’s look at three different situations of when its best to stop trying to solve your problems on your own and why you might need a counselor. 3 Reasons You Might Need Counseling in Life If You’re Stuck in a Rut People often try several healing techniques or self-help before finally turning themselves over to the help of a counselor. If you don’t seem to go anywhere with your own self-help and you feel “stuck” in a mental or emotional rut, it’s time to make an appointment with a counselor. If you are your wit’s end, you have nothing to lose when meeting with a counselor. If You’re Having Dangerous Thoughts Even the happiest people go through dark times. If you’re having dangerous thoughts such as suicidal or homicidal notions, you need to seek a counselor immediately. These types of thinking patterns are not normal, and need to be taken care of before anyone is at real risk, including yourself. If you are having suicidal or homicidal thoughts, call a counselor, or help hotline. If You Need More Resources A counselor will do what they can for you during sessions, but sometimes the best help a counselor can give to you is other resources. These resources could include literature, different patterns of thinking, and other support groups. With a counselor, you get the individual efforts to help yourself along with other resources and suggestions. It can be difficult to take the steps to meet with a counselor but a counselor is trained and ready to help you resolve your issues. If you’re stuck in a rut, are having dangerous thoughts, or just want more resources to help yourself don’t stay stuck, call a counselor right now.