People seek the services of a psychologist for various reasons, for individual therapy, family therapy, grief, trauma, consulting about a child’s behavior or school program, and for expert opinions regarding legal testimony. I work in private practice, primarily doing outpatient psychotherapy- meaning that generally people make appointments with me regarding issues related to mental health. However, I also work with couples adopting children on preparing for their child, consulting about setting up their home and addressing concerns their adoption agency may have. In private adoptions, I have worked with both biological mothers and adopting parents in accordance with the terms they have set. When working with children and families, I work traditionally doing psychotherapy for childhood issues, and I also help parents with health children develop behavior programs that fit for their homes.
Clients often ask about fees and insurance coverage. I am a provider for many PPOs in the area and am happy to bill insurance for services provided. Insurance companies - if they have mental health coverage- pay only for services that are related to a disorder. Translation: Insurance pays for therapy if you are ill, not if you are well. Thus, seeking the services of a psychologist to help prepare for adopting a child may be helpful, but unless there is a mental condition allowable by your insurance company involved, it probably will not be a covered benefit. This is not a trick, simply an explanation.
Whatever the case, you should be able to “get a straight answer” about your therapist and their fees at your first appointment. Some insurance plans have a tiered fee structure based on a patient’s diagnosis, so it is not always possible to give a copayment amount right away. However, you should be able to call your insurance company and get an idea of what the expenses may be, and the therapist should be straightforward about your diagnosis and copayment.
If you have insurance and have called all of the providers in your area and not had anyone call you back, or been told no one is taking new patients (I have heard of this happening)- you can call the insurance customer service line and let them know of your situation. They have ways of calling local providers and can usually help get an appointment. If that is unsuccessful, you may also want to call your human resource department or whoever manages the insurance at an employer sponsored plan.
Emergencies
If you are a current client of mine and are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit your local emergency room. If you have a non-life threatening emergency, call the office at 714.577.0400 and either the secretary will help you or you can be transferred to the answering service.
If you are not currently a client and are seeking help, you can call the national crisis hotline at 800-448-3000, or 211- the national social services directory if it is active in your area. (It is active in Orange County, CA)
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