Frustrated-- want treatment but can't afford it right now... LONG RANT

[jennjt]

I just wanted to vent a little, I guess, as this has been eating away at me for a few days now. I have learned that my "pity pot" is a dangerous place for me to be, so... here goes...

After learning about the effectiveness of CBT for emetophobia on here, I have been actively seeking a CBT therapist for over a month now. I knew that I had to get my medications stabilized first, and I did that. Well, this past Tuesday, I went to my new psychiatrist for a follow-up after the med changes, and he basically said that he wants me to be in CBT (he saw right away that the phobia is underlying it all) before I come back to see him in 3 months. I have changed medications 4 times over the past year, and am content with what I am on now. Anyway, I totally agreed and asked for recommendations. I had already found, online and through a friend who goes there, the one CBT specialists in my area. My psych first recommended one of his partners' practices, but I was not comfortable with that, as they don't really do CBT, and it's strictly a Christian therapy practice. I don't share those religious beliefs and have had experience with that before, so I asked for a 2nd recommendation-- stressing the importance of it being CBT. He referred me to the practice I had already found, and I called them on Tuesday, full of hope.

First of all, there is only one therapist in the practice that has ever heard of emetophobia. He said he had one client recently with it, but it was the first he ever heard of it. That was a bit unsettling, but he said CBT would work on all phobias-- he also mentioned exposure therapy... Anyway, I was still open-minded and willing to give it a shot UNTIL they said that it was $400 a month! WHAT?! I don't have mental health insurance (have health insurance but it's private, and they basically think I have had "too much" mental health stuff in the past, so there is a rider on mental health coverage for me). They require once per week, a minimum of 25 sessions for "optimum effectiveness." There is no way we can swing that in the budget. Not to mention it's 45 minutes away (gas), and I would also have to pay a sitter.

So.... sigh. I am just frustrated. I hope my psych will continue to see me. I want treatment, but it is not feasible at the moment. So, trying to get off the pity pot and just push myself little by little. Any suggestions?!

[Ana Bellini]

Oh well. That's a lot. My CBT therapist works with my health insurance and I pay like, two or three dollars an appt. I'm sure you will find someone closer to you and cheaper. Sorry you can't afford it.

I just want to say that my therapist had never worked with an emet before and she still helps me A LOT. Don't say no to someone just because you are the first emet they meet. Mine had never heard of emetophobia before, but it didn't stop her from making my life much better.

This is my suggestion: Look for someone else. Call places, find a cheaper and closer one. I'm sure you'll find out someone great for you.

[Grace47]

Check to see if your county has a mental health clinic. They often have a sliding pay scale. It sounds like a really frustrating situation.