Stupid Question

[meltoine]

Can I get a referral for a therapist from my PCM or do I have to go through military one source?

There are only two therapists here who work with MOS. I've seen them both and didn't like either. 

[Deleted]

I *think* Military One Source only does referrals to counseling services, not therapists per se, and I believe it's only about 10 visits per "instance" (might be more or less, I haven't used this service in about 5 years). This is good for grief counseling or marriage/family counseling, but probably isn't enough if you're trying to process deeper/longer term issues. But it's a good place to start. I think I remember one of my counselors telling me that if she thought I needed more than 10 (or however many) sessions, she could then refer me back to base for additional services. So it's not a bad place to start if you just want someone to talk to.

I'm honestly not sure what you can get by going to your PCM, but he or she should know what Tricare does and does not cover and be able to give you some options.

[meltoine]

MOS technically gives 12 visits, but your initial contact with them counts as one, so in reality only 11.

I just don't like either of the counsellors that work through MOS here, so I was hoping to get access to a wider network of providers.

[Deleted]

Nov 22, 2015 22:10:15 GMT -5 meltoine said:

MOS technically gives 12 visits, but your initial contact with them counts as one, so in reality only 11.

I just don't like either of the counsellors that work through MOS here, so I was hoping to get access to a wider network of providers.

Yeah, I get you.  I have had some...not great counselors through MOS.  Okay, not BAD counselors, just ones I didn't click with, or who didn't have any experience with my specific issue.  I don't remember where you live, but are you maybe close enough to go to the next town over?

Definitely talk to your PCM.  You might also try talking to a chaplain (again, they should be able to let you know about other local resources).  Does your base have MFLCs?  

I hope you're able to find someone who works for you.  I wish it wasn't so complicated to find someone.   The state of mental health coverage in this country is...not good.     

[meltoine]

We're in little rock. So not much nearby other than what's here.

The first counsellor I saw here H and I were together for marital counseling and she basically mocked our religious beliefs, so I was sour on her from then on. The other one is her H, and he spent my entire first session with him talking about himself. I don't think I said anything other than "mmhmm" and "that's interesting" the whole hour, lol

I will check with my PCM. I don't believe we have MFLCs, but I should double check.

[Deleted]

Nov 22, 2015 22:27:39 GMT -5 meltoine said:

We're in little rock. So not much nearby other than what's here.

The first counsellor I saw here H and I were together for marital counseling and she basically mocked our religious beliefs, so I was sour on her from then on. The other one is her H, and he spent my entire first session with him talking about himself. I don't think I said anything other than "mmhmm" and "that's interesting" the whole hour, lol

I will check with my PCM. I don't believe we have MFLCs, but I should double check.

Yikes.  I would have considered reporting the first one to her licensing board.  Or at least given her a bad review on google.  She sounds awful.  If you're at Little Rock, you definitely should have MFLCs (Military Family Life Counselors).  Your H should know how to find them.  If you don't want to talk to him about it, then any chaplain should be able to point you in the right direction.

[Deleted]

Just read your post on MMM. Lots of hugs.

[G22]

I got a referral from my PCM to see a psychologist for anxiety a couple years ago.

[audette]

My PCM sent me to a psychologist or a therapist when we were at Lewis (I can't remember which it was, as this was some years ago). PCM thought I was depressed (I had gone to see the PCM because I was having trouble losing weight... don't get me started on that whole deal).

[prettyinpink]

I read your post on MMM, big hugs Mel.

[sushi]

You can actually self refer to anyone civilian network the first 8 visits, so that gives you plenty of time to see your pcm

One source is your only anonymous option for civilian. However most mil clinics have someone you can talk to anonymously who has ties to the local community for recommendations.

Good luck.

[amaristella]

I don't have an answer to your question but I hope that life lets up on you soon and allows you some breathing room.

[brandienee]

I went through my OB and was given a list of names. Unfortunately the ones that took tricare were terrible here, so I am paying OOP for counseling. Yay.

At least the anti-depressants are covered.

[meltoine]

Dec 2, 2015 8:57:53 GMT -5 brandienee said:

I went through my OB and was given a list of names. Unfortunately the ones that took tricare were terrible here, so I am paying OOP for counseling. Yay.

At least the anti-depressants are covered.

I'm sorry That sucks. 

[brandienee]

Dec 2, 2015 9:25:43 GMT -5 meltoine said:

Dec 2, 2015 8:57:53 GMT -5 brandienee said:

I went through my OB and was given a list of names. Unfortunately the ones that took tricare were terrible here, so I am paying OOP for counseling. Yay.

At least the anti-depressants are covered.

I'm sorry That sucks. 

Thanks, it is worth it in the end. My counselor is worth her price and I've been doing much better. 

I hope that you're able to find someone.