Counseling

For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?

Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
you hoped to achieve during the counseling?

Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
as well?
..
..
..
..


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16848-461FCCFE-317@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?
>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?
>
> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?


We have a counselor we have seen off and on for years. A psychologist who
was recommended either by our pediatrician or by a school counselor. Its
been twenty years so I'm not sure which. Different family members have seen
him individually and we have also had group sessions. My oldest daughter
saw him when she was in her early teens, and took one of her sons to see him
ten years later.

I scheduled a couple of visits with him after I was involved in a
particularly gruesome car accident for help in dealing with the flashbacks.

I keep meaning to make an appointment with him for another problem. Nothing
huge but I think he could either shed some light on it or help.

None of us have used him in place of or in addition to medication and
physician visits for such things as depression.

Our insurance paid part of the cost. I don't recall the percentage or the
limits.

But they are only human. At one point he told us he really didn't
understand why Charlie and I were still married. Think he's had a couple of
divorces since then.

Jo

hi donna, as a former clinical social worker/psychotherapist, i'm
biased toward social workers (usually have MSW or LCSW after their
names.) depending on their training, they tend to take more of the
whole picture into account than a psychologist (meaning family,
support network, etc). that said, there are also great psychologists
out there doing therapy. psychiatrists, though, lean more toward only
prescribing meds and not doing therapy. As a social worker, i'd refer
a patient who needed medication to a psychiatrist for the meds, while
i continued to do therapy. the psychiatrist and i would touch base
occasionally to make sure things were going well and that no tweaking
of meds was needed.

as a patient, i've gone to both LCSWs and psychologists, and I've had
medication and not, depending on the issues I was dealing with at the
time.

to find a good counselor, ask your primary care physician for a
recommendation, or ask friends if you're comfortable doing so. good
luck!

diane

Donna G. wrote:

>
>
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?

I got a referral from my medical doctor. My insurance did cover 50% of
the sessions, but the psychologist worked with me on the fees. Many of
them have sliding scale. It didn't matter to me what his title was, but
it will matter to the insurance company, so make sure that the person
has certification that will allow them to bill the insurance company.

>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?

Yes and Yes. If I hadn't gone for counseling, I don't think I'd be here.
I was very depressed a number of years ago.
>
> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?

I did both. I took Prozac as I was so depressed I didn't want to get out
of bed, and I had to work. My psychologist and I discussed it, and he
worked with my M.D. who gave me the prescription. Having the two of them
work together was a good thing. If you decide you want to try
medication, you will need to do something like I did, or go to a
psychiatrist who can prescribe. Psychologists and social workers cannot
write prescriptions.

If you have any questions, you can email me at cm at carmay dot com.

Hugs,
Carole

I agree with Diane on this. I have seen a LCSW and had a good experience. I
think they are well qualified to do therapy. If you do need meds they can
see that and send you to someone for help. I have also had a bad experience
last year with a new counselor. I believe in word of mouth references. I
would find one that has similar beliefs and ideas and that can guide you to
where you need to be.
Best of Luck,
RhondaM

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16848-461FCCFE-317@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?
>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?
>
> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
>
> Donna G.
> .
> .
> .
> ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
> them FRIENDS......
>

Thanks, everyone, so far for your input. I did finally put a call into
my pcp today. Actually talked to his nurse and I feel like such a fool.
She asked me was I feeling depressed or did it feel more like anxiety or
what. Told her I just didn't know. That I am having some fears about
some things---namely my health and where it is all headed and lately I
have just been getting a bit overwhelmed with it all but I wasn't really
sure what was driving the force behind it all. And, since it just
started a few weeks ago and kind of comes and goes, not all consuming, I
just couldn't quite put my finger on it. Sheesh, how's that for
looking like an idiot. Don't even know WHY I need counseling, just
feel like I do need to talk to someone to help me sort it all out.
Does that make any sense?

I think I would be more inclined to talk to a social worker as well.
Not really preferring to go to a psychiatrist.

I did call medicare and they said they will pay for some of it. Will
call my secondary insurance to also see if they cover any of it.
Called another friend of mine who has her masters in social work and she
gave me the numbers of several low income places that definitely do
sliding scale work.

Ugggh, I just want to be done with all of this stroke stuff and
nonsense. I want to go back to life before stroke and the additional
health issues!!!

Whaaaaa, whaaaaaa, whaaaaaaa........I know, I know, quit the whining!!!


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

Hi Donna,
I have been to counselling through the Arthritis Society here and also
through a stress management class. The counselling was on a need basis and
was individual. She was a social worker and always has her door open to
me - a wonderful woman and I learnt so much from her. She taught our 2
stress management classes and I truly don't think I would have survived as
well as I did in the last 12 years without those. Our government picked up
the tab on those -the joys of social medical programs.

I also went through marriage counselling 2 years ago with a psychologist.
She was incredible - recommended by our doctor but we did have to pay for
her. It would not have worked as well if we hadn't been committed and done
the homework (same as above) and we achieved much of what we needed. My
husband needed the medication route - that was a basis of the problem and he
now sees that. We never completed the sessions as we probably should have
as that was when I had the reaction to enbrel. We did continue to work on
our problems after on our own and I believe we have worked through most of
the problems in our marriage and hope it is as strong as ever. Neither of
us will hesitate to go back to counselling though.

Good luck and for the record I would not hesitate to take the meds.
Unfortunately the meds caused a reaction on me (duh) and we didn't try
another this time around. Still might be an option.

Kelly

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16848-461FCCFE-317@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?
>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?
>
> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
>
> Donna G.
> .
> .
> .
> ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
> them FRIENDS......
>

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:11167-462005F2-346@storefull-3111.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> Thanks, everyone, so far for your input. I did finally put a call into
> my pcp today. Actually talked to his nurse and I feel like such a fool.
> She asked me was I feeling depressed or did it feel more like anxiety or
> what. Told her I just didn't know. That I am having some fears about
> some things---namely my health and where it is all headed and lately I
> have just been getting a bit overwhelmed with it all but I wasn't really
> sure what was driving the force behind it all. And, since it just
> started a few weeks ago and kind of comes and goes, not all consuming, I
> just couldn't quite put my finger on it. Sheesh, how's that for
> looking like an idiot. Don't even know WHY I need counseling, just
> feel like I do need to talk to someone to help me sort it all out.
> Does that make any sense?
>
> I think I would be more inclined to talk to a social worker as well.
> Not really preferring to go to a psychiatrist.
>
> I did call medicare and they said they will pay for some of it. Will
> call my secondary insurance to also see if they cover any of it.
> Called another friend of mine who has her masters in social work and she
> gave me the numbers of several low income places that definitely do
> sliding scale work.
>
> Ugggh, I just want to be done with all of this stroke stuff and
> nonsense. I want to go back to life before stroke and the additional
> health issues!!!
>
> Whaaaaa, whaaaaaa, whaaaaaaa........I know, I know, quit the whining!!!

No, Sweetie. Whining is perfectly appropriate right now.

Check the local hospital or public health clinic and see if they have
support groups for arthritis people or those in stroke recovery. Those are
usually free. Then you can take your time about finding someone for private
consult. Read recently that many, many people develop depression after a
brain 'injury' either through trauma or stroke. Common enough that it has
been well documented.

And no wonder you are having trouble working things out and feeling
stressed. You are recovering from brain injury and your brain is trying to
forge new pathways. Its busy doing that. So doing everything else needs to
take a back seat - and that includes coping skills.'

Be patient and kind with yourself. You are working hard!

Adelle

Donna G. wrote:
>
>
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor?

I'm going to take counseling to mean psychotherapy.

> Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions?

Individual. Group may work for some things, I guess, but I never liked
it and I don't believe it to be effective for many issues.

> Did your insurance cover any of the counseling?

Not applicable in my case.

> Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?

Yes, it matters a lot. What kind of 'counselling' are you looking for?
If you're looking for psychotherapy, go to a clinical psychologist.

>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good?

Some good, some bad. Just like finding a rheumatologist, finding a good
clinical psychologist can take some shopping around.

> Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?
>

Sometimes, though it wasn't really 'counselling' in the standard
connotation of the word, so I'm still assuming you mean psychotherapy,
which is much much different.

> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?

Medication for what???

Ari

--
spammage trappage: remove the underscores to reply
Many people around the world are waiting for a marrow transplant. Please
volunteer to be a marrow donor and literally save someone's life:
http://www.abmdr.org.au/
http://www.marrow.org/

Thanks, everyone for your sharing your experiences with me and for the
encouragement.

Keep pushing me!!!

I am feeling a little better tonight as I did find an online group to
look in on and just reading a lot of the others posts already has made
me feel not so alone and not so completely nutso.

Whew, what a relief. I really need that right now.

Hugs to you all!!!


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

>
> Ugggh, I just want to be done with all of this stroke stuff and
> nonsense. I want to go back to life before stroke and the additional
> health issues!!!
>
> Whaaaaa, whaaaaaa, whaaaaaaa........I know, I know, quit the whining!!!
>
>
> Donna G.

Hi Donna,

Looks to me like you found your answer to why you want to talk to someone!
I've had an assortment through the years and everyone was different. One guy
I saw once
and never went back. Didn't care for him at all! Another I liked alot, but
he was unreliable.
Sometimes he'd show up and sometimes he wouldn't. Not good. Some have
different "methods"
of treatments depending on what they studied. Find one to your liking and
hang on to him/her.
By the way, I tend to prefer males. That is just a personal choice, but I
believe they can relate
to me better in some areas.
GaryZ

You have had plenty of advice here, but will just put in my 2cents...
I have been seeing a counselor since Jan 04...Randy really helped me get
through some very difficult times...My dad had just died, we were helping
out my husbands family and had 2 of my bils and 1 sil living here as well as
our reg Boarder...Mike was trying to get his SSDI and wasn't working and I
was fighting my LTD all the time...My FM, Anxiety and depression was at an
all time high...At first I saw him every 2 weeks. I was already taking an
antidepressant prescribed by my OB/GYN. But after a while he suggested that
I see the psychiatrist also. She worked with Us and got my meds right and
with counseling I started to climb out of the hole...Now I only see him
about every 6 weeks if that...
One thing though....it does depend on "What" he is...because medicare will
not pay for his fees at all...He also works with his church as a counselor
and they provide him the ability to see patients on a Pay as you can
Scale...So I have been able to continue seeing him even after my insurance
changed to Medicare..

How I found him? Well my mom had used him when she was having problems a few
years earlier...
And so I knew he was good before I saw him...

Oh and Medicare does pay 50% of the psychiatrist fees...And I see her every
3 months for my medications..And I make sure that she knows what my Rhuemy
has me on and visa versa...so they know what I am taking...

Donna, I hope that you consider talking to someone...It does help and when
you start sliding into that hole...It is very easy to let it swallow
you...But always look up...Never stop looking up...

Cindy
"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16848-461FCCFE-317@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?
>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?
>
> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
>
> Donna G.
> .
> .
> .
> ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
> them FRIENDS......
>

Cindy,


Medicare won't pay for a psychologist? Why the heck not, they are a
educated registered professional?! I am really surprised to hear this.
..
..
..


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

Diane,

When you did counseling work, did you get reimbused by insurance
companies at all? Did you get payed by medicare?
..
..
..


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

> Medicare won't pay for a psychologist? * Why the heck not, they are a
> educated registered professional?! * I am really surprised to hear this.
> .

Donna, Cindy didn't say he was a psychologist, which is probably the
problem. There are some very capable counselors working with churches
or in other settings, but if they are not "licensed" clinical social
workers or "licensed" psychologists, insurance/medicare will rarely
cover them. licensing means they've gone through rigorous training and
passed exams in the state in which they practice.

to address ari's statement that there's a difference between
counseling and psychotherapy: he's right. i'd define counseling as
more of a discussion of a problem and an offering of advice. a
psychotherapist, while he or she may appear to be doing the same
thing, is always looking at what's going on on a deeper level--the
core personality, the psychological and social history, etc, and
intervening in those areas as necessary. where i disagree with ari is
that a psychologist is the best choice. most mental health services in
the US are provided by licensed clinical social workers and as a
group, they're equally competent.

what it boils down to, donna, is not just the skill level or degree of
the person, but the personality fit between you and him/her. sometimes
the first one is not the best fit. if you're lucky, it is.

keep us posted on how you're doing.

diane

Thanks, Diane, that really does help me better understand things.
Appreciate your input and help so much!!!

Appreciate everyones input and help!!!
..
..
..


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

I started taking medication before seeing the counselor, mainly because I
was so anxious that I couldn't even think straight enough to decide which
counselor to see.

She is a LCSW, and just the neatest person to chat with. We discussed a lot
of things, and she helped me immensely. The medication made it easier for me
to 'sort' the pile of stuff in my head into manageable pieces, and deal with
them one at a time.

I only had 5 or 6 sessions, and I'm not taking the meds anymore, but I would
not hesitate to do either again if I felt things were getting wonky.

Oh, I have BCBS and they have an excellent mental health network program.
They helped me find the counselor, paid 100% for the first 5 sessions, and
have an emergency counselor available by phone 24 hours a day.

Kelly C.

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16848-461FCCFE-317@storefull-3117.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?
>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?
>
> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
>
> Donna G.
> .
> .
> .
> ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
> them FRIENDS......
>

On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:36:34 -0400, Donna G. wrote
(in message <11167-462005F2-346@storefull-3111.bay.webtv.net>):

> That I am having some fears about
> some things---namely my health and where it is all headed and lately I
> have just been getting a bit overwhelmed with it all but I wasn't really
> sure what was driving the force behind it all. And, since it just
> started a few weeks ago and kind of comes and goes, not all consuming, I
> just couldn't quite put my finger on it. Sheesh, how's that for
> looking like an idiot. Don't even know WHY I need counseling, just
> feel like I do need to talk to someone to help me sort it all out.
> Does that make any sense?

It makes A LOT of sense, Donna! And frankly, the first sentence I left in
the quote from you sums it all up pretty well to me. I think you did better
telling her than you think you did. I suspect you did better than most folks
who make that call on their own. They just needed an idea of which direction
to send you and whether you needed immediate intervention.

I admire you for taking steps to protect your health ALL AROUND!


--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare

Donna, I left private practice before the big HMO boom. At that time,
people paid me directly and filed for their own reimbursement.
coverage was more spotty than it is now, since there has been a big
push for better mental health coverage from insurers. Since I worked
primarily with teens and their families, medicare was not an issue.
Sorry not to be more of a help!

diane

On Apr 13, 12:33 pm, DKGBee...@webtv.net (Donna G.) wrote:
> For those of you who have gone through some counseling, how did you find
> a good counselor? Did you go to individual counseling or group
> sessions? Did your insurance cover any of the counseling? Did it
> matter to you whether it was a social worker, psychiatrist, etc?
>
> Were your experiences with the counseling good? Did you achieve what
> you hoped to achieve during the counseling?
>
> Did you do just the counseling or did you also do the medication route
> as well?
> .
> .
> .
> .
>
> Donna G.
> .
> .
> .
> ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
> them FRIENDS......

Donna I have both seen therapists and as a psychiatric nurse
practitioner do therapy myself for a living. Therapy is a wonderful
way to find a new perspective on your problems and I found it
especially helpful; in dealing with health issues. medications work as
well and the combination of the 2 is often best. My advice find a
therapist or provider you are comfortable with. Like any other
professions there are good ones and bad and some who we just don't
"click" with. Kate

Donna, since my clients were mostly teenagers, I didn't have any
dealings with Medicare.
My patients paid me, then filed their own insurance. That has changed,
for the most part, since insurance carriers must cover mental health
care to a greater degree now than they did then. Let us know how you
do finding the right person.

diane

Donna, I only know that my when I had Cigna, they would pay...but Medicare
wouldn't...I don't know his exact...Initials on the end of his name. I was
looking around here trying to find something with it on there...But
apparently he doesn't qualify...I went to Medicare's site and put in for
mental Health Outpatient in OK and this is the result I got....
Information provided is for the state of Oklahoma
The Medicare coverage information matching your selection criteria is shown
below.

Mental Health Care (Outpatient)
Coverage under Medicare
Medicare covers mental health care given by a doctor or a qualified
mental health professional. Before you get treatment, ask your doctor,
psychologist, social worker, or other health professional if they accept
Medicare payment.

Outpatient Mental Health Care: Medicare covers mental health services
on an outpatient basis by either a doctor, clinical psychologist, clinical
social worker, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant in an
office setting, clinic, or hospital outpatient department.

Medicare covers substance abuse treatment in an outpatient treatment
center if they have agreed to participate in the Medicare program.
The amount you need to pay
You usually pay 50% of the Medicare-approved amount.

You pay a separate copayment amount for the facility service.

For more information, you may call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
The part of Medicare that pays for this service or supply
Part B Benefit
Medicare Contact for additional information
State of Oklahoma Carrier: 1-800-633-4227
1-800-MEDICARE
Important notes

1.. You must pay an annual $131 (in 2007) deductible for Part B
services and supplies before Medicare begins to pay its share.
2.. Actual amounts you must pay may be higher if a doctor, health
care provider, or supplier does not accept assignment.


"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:26962-462139AB-322@storefull-3116.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> Cindy,
>
>
> Medicare won't pay for a psychologist? Why the heck not, they are a
> educated registered professional?! I am really surprised to hear this.
> .
> .
> .
>
>
> Donna G.
> .
> .
> .
> ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
> them FRIENDS......
>

Thanks, Cindy, that really helps a lot!!!
..
..
..


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of you for all of your input and
suggestions. It really has been most helpful to me!!!

I will wait to hear from my pcp about suggestions he has for who I might
go see for counseling.

Have also made an appointment to go talk with my pastor. He has been so
incredibly helpful and supportive to me since the stroke and I feel like
he can at least help me start sorting things out a bit.

Will let you all know!


Blessings to you all!


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

OK, say some prayers!

PCP's office just called and I am going in to his office tomorrow
morning. Apparently they have a social worker that works between 2-3
different offices and sees patients. She will have a session with me
to help my pcp determine whether she would be helpful to me, whether she
thinks I need to see someone higher up (ie: psychologist or
psychiatrist) whether see thinks she can handle the case and/or whether
she thinks I need meds along with counseling. Then will go talk with
my pcp and hopefully make a plan of action. It's at least a start, and
my pcp's nurse said she thinks that I will really like this social
worker. We shall see! Acck.....I'm a little nervous about it all, but
I know it is a start and what I need to do. Also have an appointment
with my pastor, so will be talked out by the end of the week...lol!

Thanks everyone for all of your support, it truly does mean the world to
me.


Hugs,


Donna G.
..
..
..
ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
them FRIENDS......

"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25809-46237F68-645@storefull-3114.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> OK, say some prayers!
>
> PCP's office just called and I am going in to his office tomorrow
> morning. Apparently they have a social worker that works between 2-3
> different offices and sees patients. She will have a session with me
> to help my pcp determine whether she would be helpful to me, whether she
> thinks I need to see someone higher up (ie: psychologist or
> psychiatrist) whether see thinks she can handle the case and/or whether
> she thinks I need meds along with counseling. Then will go talk with
> my pcp and hopefully make a plan of action. It's at least a start, and
> my pcp's nurse said she thinks that I will really like this social
> worker. We shall see! Acck.....I'm a little nervous about it all, but
> I know it is a start and what I need to do. Also have an appointment
> with my pastor, so will be talked out by the end of the week...lol!
>
> Thanks everyone for all of your support, it truly does mean the world to
> me.
>

Just remember, it isn't just up to her if she is the one who can help you.
You are the one who has to feel that the right connection is possible. Make
sure you tell them what you need rather than just the other way around.

Jo

Donna, I do pray that your apointment tomorrow will go well and be helpful
to you. And pray that you will find whoever is just right to work with you.
Can only imagine how you're feeling.
Gwen


"Donna G." <DKGBeeker@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25809-46237F68-645@storefull-3114.bay.webtv.net...
>
>
>
> OK, say some prayers!
>
> PCP's office just called and I am going in to his office tomorrow
> morning. Apparently they have a social worker that works between 2-3
> different offices and sees patients. She will have a session with me
> to help my pcp determine whether she would be helpful to me, whether she
> thinks I need to see someone higher up (ie: psychologist or
> psychiatrist) whether see thinks she can handle the case and/or whether
> she thinks I need meds along with counseling. Then will go talk with
> my pcp and hopefully make a plan of action. It's at least a start, and
> my pcp's nurse said she thinks that I will really like this social
> worker. We shall see! Acck.....I'm a little nervous about it all, but
> I know it is a start and what I need to do. Also have an appointment
> with my pastor, so will be talked out by the end of the week...lol!
>
> Thanks everyone for all of your support, it truly does mean the world to
> me.
>
>
> Hugs,
>
>
> Donna G.
> .
> .
> .
> ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we call
> them FRIENDS......
>

donna, it's EXCELLENT that your pcp has a social worker working with
her! i hope you feel good about the appt. good luck.

diane

I think it sounds great that they are talking about *whether* she would be
helpful. That indicates folks who realize there isn't just one fit, which a
good counselor should. now then, don't be nervous, she won't bite or
otherwise attack you! LOL Yeah, you're a bit peculiar, but you aren't
really nuts. heehee (hey, we need some laughs on this day!) And you are
phenomenally good at coping - nothing wrong with wanting a bit of an assist
after all you've gone through.


--
Nann
remove the Gator cheer to email me
Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare