When you need to Talk to someone...

Life in the 2000s is difficult, no doubt about it. There have always been situations that can cause emotional stress- a death in the family, divorce, alcohol or drug abuse, raising children. But today, there are many more "real life" situations that people just like you have to deal with.

• Job stress - "Every day, I'd wonder if I was next to get the axe. Finally, I realized I couldn't fix this on my own..."
  Getting laid off, or worrying about it. Fewer people doing the same amount of work. Uncertainty. Constant change. Demanding bosses.

• Family and relationship problems. - "All I wanted was to be his father again, not the enemy.., but I didn't know how...
  Trying to make a marriage work. Troubled teenagers. Children with behavior problems or learning disabilities. Baby boomers caring for young children and aging parents. Challenges of dual careers.

• Serious illnesses: the mind-body connection.
  Preventing physical illnesses that are caused by stress. Recovering from a life-threatening illness. Learning how to live with a chronic disease.

Sometimes you need to talk to someone, someone who can help.
How can you tell if it's time to ask for some help?

• When you feel like you can't do it alone.
• When you feel trapped, like there's nowhere to turn.
• When you worry all the time, and never seem to find the answers.
• When the way you feel is affecting your sleep, your eating habits, your job, your relationships, your everyday life.
• When it's not getting any better.

  "One day a friend at work gave me the name of a psychologist I could talk to..."

When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, trained professional. There are many types of mental health providers you can choose from. What's important is that you select a provider with appropriate training and qualifications.

Psychologists spend an average of 7.2 years, in addition to their undergraduate college degree, in education and training. They possess a unique combination of scientific methods, along with substantial skills and experience in working with people who have real life problems. Psychologists study the science of human behavior, and then apply it, in a professional setting. Psychologists are licensed by the state in which they practice.

A psychologist can help you identify your problems, and then figure out ways to best cope with them; to change contributing behaviors or habits; or to find constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond your control.

"What a relief to have someone to talk with, someone who could do more than just listen sympathetically... I found constructive ways to deal with the situation."

How does "therapy" work?

Therapy works by helping you objectively look at behaviors, feelings and thoughts in situations which you find problematic. It helps you to learn more effective ways in dealing with those situations.

Therapy is a collaborative effort. You and your psychologist will identify your goals what you want to have happen, and agree on how you'll know when you're making progress. Your psychologist will talk to you about the length of time it may take to help you see changes.

Progress, and change, can happen. Nine out of ten Americans surveyed by Consumer Reports said that psychotherapy had helped them. And in another recent major national study, half of the patients studied were making improvement after eight sessions of therapy, 75 percent after six months of therapy.

"My psychologist helped me to understand and deal with my feelings... Life is slowly getting back in balance."

There are answers for your questions.

What about confidentiality?
Your privacy is important to you and will be important to your mental health provider. All members of the American Psychological Association subscribe to a Code of Ethics that requires strict efforts to maintain patient confidentiality.

Today, patients are often asked to approve the release of information in order to obtain insurance reimbursement or coverage for their treatment. Your psychologist will only release that information if you sign a release form indicating that you give your approval.

Is therapy included in my insurance health plan coverage?
Many insurance and coverage plans, including HMOs, provide some level of coverage for psychological services. In addition, government-sponsored health coverage programs (Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, etc.) provide varying levels of coverage.

If you do not have coverage, and will be paying for your treatment out of pocket, you can talk with your psychologist about sliding-scale fees, or working out a payment plan. Community mental health centers are also an alternative.

Millions of Americans who have received help from psychological treatment would say that it is one of the best investments they've made, in terms of improving their lives.

How should I evaluate my insurance coverage for psychological services?

• Call your insurance health plan representative to find out exactly what is covered outpatient therapy, inpatient treatment, etc. and what level of coverage you have.
• Ask if the full cost of treatment is covered, or only a part. Inquire if there are there limits - co-payments, limit on the number of visits, annual or lifetime maximums.
• If the plan covers only "medically necessary" treatment, find out how that decision is made.
• Ask what you can do if your coverage is denied or cut short.

Find out if there is a group of providers, a "network," that you must choose from or if you can choose any qualified provider. If you can choose any qualified provider, find out what licenses and degrees he or she must have before reimbursement is authorized.

What if I do not have insurance coverage, or the coverage is inadequate?
It's important that you talk with the benefits or human resources manager at your employer. Let him/her know that you believe mental health services are important, and that you are concerned that you have no or limited coverage. If you belong to a union, talk with your union leaders.

How can I find a psychologist?
First, gather information. Talk to your doctor or other health professionals. Today, many family practitioners work with a team of providers, including psychologists and can refer you to one they know and trust. Consult the department of psychology at a local college or university, or the local community mental health center. You could also ask a clergy member, as well as family members and friends who may know of, or have heard about individual psychologists.

The American Psychological Association can also assist you. By calling 1-800-964-2000, you can be connected directly to the state or local referral service for your area.

How do I choose a psychologist who's right for me?
Once you have the name or names of several psychologists, there are several questions you'll want to ask, including:

• Are you a licensed psychologist? How long have you been practicing?
• What areas do you specialize in (i.e., family therapy, marriage counseling, etc.)?
• What kind of treatment do you usually use, and why do you feel this would be effective for my situation? How long would you expect my treatment to last?
• What are your fees? Will you accept my insurance or HMO coverage? Will you directly bill my insurance company? Do you have a sliding fee scale, or will you set up a payment plan?

Once you've established the credentials, it's important that you feel comfortable with the psychologist, since your treatment will involve working together as a team. A good rapport with your psychologist is critical. Choose a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and at ease.

Information source: American Psychological Association