| Guidelines for Contacting & Choosing a Therapist
Getting referrals: Start by getting one or more names of therapists whose qualifications are suited to your needs. Choose therapists yourself by looking through this site, or by asking friends whose opinions you respect, or by calling the Guild at 800-731-8126 for help.
Using insurance or not: If you have mental health benefits, begin to consider whether you want to use your insurance for your therapy. Browse this site for information that will help you in this process (especially Your Rights and Insurance v. Self-Pay). Familiarize yourself with the conditions and limitations of your policy. If you’re thinking about using insurance, find out whether your insurance will cover therapy with a Guild therapist. Guild therapists are willing to discuss the pros and cons of using whatever benefits you have.
Making phone calls: After getting a few therapists’ names, call to find out if the therapist has time available. This can also be an opportunity to spend a few minutes talking over any questions and concerns. When calling a Guild therapist, be sure to mention that you were referred by the Guild.
Initial consultation: It is an accepted practice to visit one or more therapists for an initial consultation. Some therapists charge for it, some do not. It gives you a chance to choose the person you feel most comfortable with.
|