DC-area therapy?
October 5, 2009 9:20 AM Subscribe
Looking for a therapist in the DC area to deal with general anxiety issues and depression. Some restrictions apply:
They must be within reasonable walking distance of a metro stop and take Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
I only want to take medications as a last resort, but I would prefer an MD of some sort. As I understand it, anyone can call themselves a "therapist." I'd also prefer a female, in DC itself or the close-in VA suburbs.
They must be within reasonable walking distance of a metro stop and take Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
I only want to take medications as a last resort, but I would prefer an MD of some sort. As I understand it, anyone can call themselves a "therapist." I'd also prefer a female, in DC itself or the close-in VA suburbs.
You could also consider someone with a PhD in psychology, a licensed clinical social worker, or some other credential. MDs who do psychotherapy can be hard to come by, but don't think it's MD vs. some uncredentialled unknown quantity.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:34 AM on October 5, 2009
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:34 AM on October 5, 2009
I only want to take medications as a last resort, but I would prefer an MD of some sort. As I understand it, anyone can call themselves a "therapist." I'd also prefer a female, in DC itself or the close-in VA suburbs.
While I can't help you find the MD you are looking for (although I have several suggestions for clinical social workers who could help), I think it bears pointing out that you are incorrect about your assumptions here. In the first place, one needs to be licensed to hang out a shingle, and one certainly needs to licensed to be on an insurance panel. In the second place, licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, and counselors are likely to have much more educational and internship experience in actually delivering therapy than are MDs. This is because MDs have a ton of other stuff to learn, while these other types of clinicians are specializing in psychotherapy. The amount of training in counseling that the average psychiatrist graduating today gets is very small. There's nothing wrong with that, their specialty is in something else, but it may obviate your criteria nonetheless.
(If you end up interested in Clinical Social worker referrals, email me and I'll get back to you.)
posted by OmieWise at 9:52 AM on October 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
While I can't help you find the MD you are looking for (although I have several suggestions for clinical social workers who could help), I think it bears pointing out that you are incorrect about your assumptions here. In the first place, one needs to be licensed to hang out a shingle, and one certainly needs to licensed to be on an insurance panel. In the second place, licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, and counselors are likely to have much more educational and internship experience in actually delivering therapy than are MDs. This is because MDs have a ton of other stuff to learn, while these other types of clinicians are specializing in psychotherapy. The amount of training in counseling that the average psychiatrist graduating today gets is very small. There's nothing wrong with that, their specialty is in something else, but it may obviate your criteria nonetheless.
(If you end up interested in Clinical Social worker referrals, email me and I'll get back to you.)
posted by OmieWise at 9:52 AM on October 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
Update from the OP. throwaway email address: askmedc@hotmail.com
posted by jessamyn at 10:31 AM on October 5, 2009
posted by jessamyn at 10:31 AM on October 5, 2009
Nthing the check-out-non-MDs route. My (brilliant, skilled, and beloved) DC-based therapist is a licensed clinical social worker. Look for people who are PhDs, PsyDs, and LCSWs - I think those are the big three to search for.
Also, unfortunately, it is pretty hard to find a good therapist in DC who both a) takes insurance and b) has openings. This city has a ton of therapists but many of them don't deal with the insurance system.
You can always go through your insurance for partial reimbursement; that's what I do for my therapist. The cash back isn't great (like $40 on a $130 bill) but at least it's something.
If you don't find the right therapist for your insurance plan, check out The Women's Center or GWU's Psy.D. Center Clinic for more affordable care from professionals.
posted by harperpitt at 12:50 PM on October 5, 2009
Also, unfortunately, it is pretty hard to find a good therapist in DC who both a) takes insurance and b) has openings. This city has a ton of therapists but many of them don't deal with the insurance system.
You can always go through your insurance for partial reimbursement; that's what I do for my therapist. The cash back isn't great (like $40 on a $130 bill) but at least it's something.
If you don't find the right therapist for your insurance plan, check out The Women's Center or GWU's Psy.D. Center Clinic for more affordable care from professionals.
posted by harperpitt at 12:50 PM on October 5, 2009
check out www.psychologytoday.com. click on the "therapy directory" then select Washington DC. you can check out therapists' profiles, areas of expertise, credentials, hours, locations, and sometimes their pictures. you can send emails to therapists you are interested in. Pretty good site.
posted by Lylo at 1:09 AM on October 6, 2009
posted by Lylo at 1:09 AM on October 6, 2009
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posted by Ironmouth at 9:22 AM on October 5, 2009