Posted by JD on May 29, 1999, at 7:47:40
In reply to Am I paying too much for therapy?, posted by mila on May 29, 1999, at 2:15:12
Unfortunately, highly regarded M.D. psychotherapists tend to cost around what your paying in my experience. As to whether it's "worth it", that can be hard to judge: it really depends upon the particular doctor, the particular patient, and the kind of treatment you are seeking and/or needing ... I would go with your instincts after a few more sessions as to whether you think a good working relationship can develop with this person. The lack of feedback you mention is often deliberate and can end up being surprisingly productive in the long run, but it has to occur in the right kind of neutral-but-supportive context--otherwise you will just end up frustrated and, yes, even ripped off!
My general advice to other people (based on the kinds of things I regret not having always done myelf) is mainly to avoid being passive about choosing a doctor--give due credit to referrals and experts, but also do what you can to actively shop around for a situation that really "feels right" for you. It's true that the price issue can be hard to get around when you're seeking a top professional... One possible way to get around this (not that I ever have) is to go into therapy with a therapist who's just completing their training, as the prices for such people can be greatly reduced--you're obviously trading off on experience and professional stature, but some of these people can apparently be very good if chosen with care.
Good luck,
JD> I recently started therapy. As i have no insurance, I am forced to borrow money from my parents to pay for it. We are paying $175.00 per 45 min session. I have decided to go with this expensive psychdoctor/psychotherapist because he was recommended to me as being very good and necessary for myself given my history of 5 years of bad treatment. The person who made the recommendation is a highly regarded high profile psychiatrist so I trusted his judgement.
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> So far I have had two sessions which were both rather uneventful and seemingly unhelpful. I feel terrible for paying someone that kind of money after simply talking about whatever comes to mind at the time, and getting little feedback. Are the first few sessions of therapy supposed to be like this? Am I just wasting my money? Or is this an investment that will pay off in the longterm?
poster:JD
thread:6789
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990601/msgs/6794.html