You should also expect that you will be satisfied with your interactions with your therapist and feel like you are moving closer to reaching the goals that you have outlined at the onset. The cost of therapy varies widely, based on the therapist's credentials, their experience, and their geographic location. Often, health insurance will cover a portion of the cost. Again, every state has different legislation governing insurance benefits, and it is very important for you to understand how your particular insurance policy works regarding mental health and substance abuse coverage. It will probably be an important issue in your initial phone conversation with your therapist to discuss the role of your particular insurance coverage in treatment.
Many people carry insurance that is managed by a managed care company.
This often will mean that a therapist will have to submit a written or telephonic treatment plan to a managed care reviewer, who will then review the treatment plan and make a decision as to whether or not therapy services will be authorized and, therefore, paid for. Again, it is important that you understand how this works and that you speak to your therapist about this at the beginning of treatment. This is an important question that often will be decided upon between the therapist and yourself. Many therapists prefer to work within a family therapy model and will often want to see significant family members that may be related to your particular concerns. Not all therapists share this same philosophy and many others will only be interested in talking with you about your views on your problems.