therapist recs?

Submitted by MaxieMcIntosh t3_11ddl40 in StamfordCT

This was posted a while back but thought I'd ask again since there are many new people in the community. I'm seeking a new/local therapist, female, who treats adults and ideally is in-network with Aetna. So hard to find a good match! Thanks in advance.

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Pinkumb t1_ja8ar6c wrote

I just want to share that in my experience there are two groups you'll be recommended. They advertise as accepting Aetna but neither of them are in-network. I believe the cheapest rate was $75 a session for a junior non-licensed professional (student in training). The typical staff was $325 a session. That fairfield average income really doing us dirty when it comes to mental health services.

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MaxieMcIntosh OP t1_ja8ddeq wrote

Ugh I know the whole system is just awful and so challenging to navigate. I do have out-of-network benefits with 20% coinsurance which is better than most behavioral health plan benefits but still $$ depending on the provider's hourly rate. I'm thinking of trying one of those 100% virtual talk therapy services but then you just never know what you're gonna get...Thanks for sharing!

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MaxieMcIntosh OP t1_ja8dh9w wrote

I'm also wary of going to anyone younger than me, lol! So that eliminates a good chunk of my options!

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lilfoodiebooty t1_jaaen7t wrote

I don’t have recommendations, sadly. It took us (husband and me) six months to find a therapist and they are not in the area. You may have some luck in Darien or Norwalk but they didn’t give me good vibes. We wanted an in-person therapist but no one who has the expertise we needed took insurance. We also do not have psychiatrists which makes managing our ADHD challenging.

Many mental health professionals out here are self-pay and only provide super bills. However, my work does not provide health insurance that has out-of-network coverage. Check with Aetna to see if they do.

My therapist is in Farmington (70 miles away). She’s great but I miss the in-person third place that comes with therapy. Sucks to do it in my office but it is what it is. I hope that the telehealth coverage that comes with the public health emergency.

I hope the comments here prove to be more helpful.

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MaxieMcIntosh OP t1_jaakcow wrote

Ugh, I empathize with your struggle! The whole system screwed up...They have some online platforms now that do psychiatry/prescriptions. I myself am skeptical but have a friend who found a provider he sees virtually via talkiatry and it's covered in-network I believe.

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lilfoodiebooty t1_jaawagb wrote

While I emphasize with providers not wanting to deal with insurance companies, it alienates whole groups of people like us. I made a post and calculated I had to essentially shell out $1000/mo at least to get the same amount of care I get now. I am not struggling but that’s money I could put elsewhere.

As a person with ADHD, I am not eligible to receive stimulant medication. They do not prescribe it and telepsychiatry is in hot water due to over-diagnosis and prescribing for ADHD. It’s hard out here.

I forgot to ask if you tried calling your insurance for help (they can send a list) or going on Psychology Today to search for providers?

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Equivalent_Classic93 t1_jad9lb2 wrote

I found my therapist on Headway, she’s amazing and sessions with her were super productive

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Massive_Wash_9528 t1_ja9i6hf wrote

Feel free to DM - I have a great referral in Norwalk if you are willing to drive a bit!

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