Finding Mental Health Therapists ASAP?

[CBSN]

A friend of mine was just diagnosed with cancer (not CLL) and she doesn't already have a therapist. I offered to help her find one who can start seeing her as soon as possible. We are in the United States, where mental health resources are very constrained and it can take months to get off the waitlist or to even find a therapist who is taking new clients, let alone one that accepts insurance. I know there are numerous resources out there for people like us with cancer...are you aware of any options to "skip the line" and get a therapist quickly after a cancer diagnosis?

I'll continue my research of course, but would love to know what this excellent group may already know!

[Shrink]

Hi, CBSN ,

I hope this helps a bit

Perhaps her oncologist can rec someone their practice refers to or knows. If not , I suggest internet search for best licensed psychotherapists in her area .

At this time post covid, most therapists are using Zoom or Face time That makes it easier to find a therapist out of area or anywhere for that matter.

She can also call her insurance plan and ask for a list of therapists that are covered . She can look them up or call and get a feel on the phone if she feels comfortable.

The most important thing is a good fit . That takes some searching.

Hope this helps. I’ve been practicing for over 55 years and know that healing happens in therapy when there is a meaningful connection .

Best of luck

[Zia2]

Hi. Online therapist often don’t have waitlists and since, and due to COVID there are hundreds to chose from. Yes insurance matters but there should be enough available they could find one. If they don’t want the online option then yes it could be months. There aren’t nearly enough of us to see in person as the online companies flourish and the younger generations prefer this. Even teenagers do. Hopefully they’ll give it a try. Have questions ready when the call is made. They have the right to interview before making an appointment and some therapists offer a free consultation. Hope this helps. I’m currently licensed in two states but moved to management over ten years ago and now work from home in another capacity. There are crisis lines to call and talk to someone and ERs have or call in therapists as well. Would their oncologist’s office possibly have a therapist on staff or be able to refer to a therapist they work closely with? There is a National hotline to use as well if needed

[Sunfishjoy]

I’m a therapist and would lbe Ike to recommend you look at Psychology Today, Therapist finder. There you can search by zip code and speciality and see listings of psychologists and social workers, including their specialities and if they are in network with any insurance companies. Secondly you can call the psychological association in the state the prospective patient lives in for referrals. In NY it’s the New York State Psychological Association. Hope this helps.

[CoachVera55]

When I hit stage IV I desperately went through my Aetna insurance & they got me started with a group called Able To in about 1 month. I am about to start my 4th 3 month session with them again, twice weekly with a Coach & Therapist just based on this recent Follow Up. The insurance pays it all & not even co pays. I pray your friend gets affordable help quickly. A Cancer diagnosis is nothing to play with 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[Katie-LMHC-Artist]

I use to have a profile on Psychology Today. It is a good resource. If you can’t find someone that specializes in cancer you could try and put the words “chronic illness” or “illness” in the pull down section of the site. You could also try “Thriveworks”. They are online. I have a friend who is seeing someone through that site. She requested someone close to her age to see. She was able to get an appointment within 2 weeks. Hope this helps. Take care!🦋

[CBSN in reply to Katie-LMHC-Artist]

Thank you so much! To your knowledge, can virtual/Zoom therapy occur across state lines? Or should I still only search what is in-state for her? (Choosing the "cancer" filter turns up exactly zero search results, unfortunately)

[Katie-LMHC-Artist in reply to CBSN]

If you are using your insurance you probably have to stay in state unless you pay out of pocket. I am in Massachusetts and I bill my clients state insurance, mostly Blue Cross. I am working part time and continue to see my established clients. You could call your insurance company and ask them if they will pay for someone out of state. Chances are you have to stay in state. Hope this helps!😊

Note: I do know therapists that moved out of state and continue to do telehealth with in state clients. They stay paneled with that states insurance.

If you send me a private message I may be able to help you with more suggestions. 👩‍🦳

[Katie-LMHC-Artist]

This is a profile of a therapist in my state that lists chronic illness and cancer as specialties on Psychology Today. You can check those issues off in the pulldown on the site. Hope this helps!🦋

Screen shot

[CBSN in reply to Katie-LMHC-Artist]

Thank you! Yes, it seems the state I'm looking in (Maryland) for my friend doesn't turn up many options when I check "cancer" or "chronic illness." But this profile you shared is ideal!

[Katie-LMHC-Artist in reply to CBSN]

Go to the filters on Psychology Today. I just checked your state and pulled up therapists that include cancer and chronic illness in their profiles. 😊

[CBSN in reply to Katie-LMHC-Artist]

Yes, thanks! I was able to find a bunch more, I just had to turn off the "takes insurance" filter

[Katie-LMHC-Artist in reply to CBSN]

Hope you’re able to find someone. Take care!

Happy

[Katie-LMHC-Artist in reply to CBSN]

psychologytoday.com/us/ther...

Try this link. This will bring you to therapists in your state that work with clients who have cancer. 🦋

[bayside64]

On a CLL support group last night, one the members spoke of an amazing oncology psychiatrist in NY city, Dr. Friedman, that does in person and zoom meetings. Sorry I don’t have more information.