Newly diagnosed, how to find best help in North-West US?

Hello, @jodimj

I am so sorry to hear that your news got worse, not better. I can certainly relate to how confusing the diagnostic grades can be and what they mean for me and my hopes. You deserve support as you wade through this, and local support might be quite helpful.

I am living with gynecological cancer (endometrial) and am also a psychotherapist working with and training other therapists around the US and abroad (not about cancer specifically). I want to offer you some possible routes to find a therapist with expertise in cancer who will take your insurance in Oregon. Two routes occur to me right off the bat.

1. There is an Association of Oncology Social Work. I searched their site for providers in Oregon and came up with this link to a list. https://aosw.org/patients-caregivers/find-an-osw-near-me/
It may be that these are social workers working in cancer centers, but some may be in private practice and may be able to take you on as a client. You can find names of folks with expertise in what you are facing and contact them. Ask whether they are in network for your Medicare Advantage Plan.

I also searched Psychology Today's website (where therapists advertise their practices). I was able to filter the search to include Medicare (but it doesn't break it down to Medicare and Medicare Advantage, which would be super useful to you). Here's the url for what I came up with in Oregon.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/oregon?category=cancer&spec=456&spec=636
The first person who came up sounds incredibly well-trained. I do not know her at all, but use many of the same treatment models that she mentions on her introduction.

One thing to keep in mind when you look at Psychology Today. Most therapists lists themselves as having a waiting list or not accepting new patients. When I write directly to them through the site, and say that I see that they are full but would appreciate any suggestions they may have for other therapists to try, they often write back and say that the website is out of date. Many have then accepted the person I was trying to refer to them. I think this keeps them from getting swamped with so many referrals that they could not manage. So...if you read about someone that you like and see that they are not taking clients now or have a waiting list, my suggestion is to consider writing to them to ask anyway. Especially if you are feeling that your time is limited, let them know that. They may be quite willing to bump you up their list on that basis. Most therapists very much want to work with someone who really wants their services...they feel they can help them and are more likely to jump through hoops to find a way to work with you.

Lastly, you can contact your insurance company and ask them for a list of therapists that have expertise in oncology issues and accept their policy. If they can't produce anyone who is available, you can go back to them and ask them to authorize payment for you to work with someone outside their network.

I am sending you my care and hopes for the kind of treatment and support that you need and deserve. I also hope that you find excellent medical treatment that is successful.

Sending prayers and hugs,

Gynosaur

Thank you very much for your kind words, suggestions and direction. I shall follow through with these leads.
Not the best with the computers , so once again , very great full for links and easy suggestions.
Keeping you in my prayer bubble on this chapter in life.
Words don’t flow as well for me, big healing hugs ,
Jodi

Thank you for your response and help I have looked into a therapist and checked with my insurance. Got a second opinion locally, she agrees with the plan at this point and is happy to see me anytime.
Finding a therapist educated in cancer, has been tough. Although I did hear back from a local group. Waiting to speak with her soon.
I wish I was closer to one of the better hospitals, I am great full for your insights and direction.
Sincerely , j

I originally went to Sutter in Sacramento, second opinion Stanford, third opinion Mayo Rochester Minnesota. I decided on Stanford. I had to make a decision based on the information provided and decided on Stanford. They had apartments across from the hospital based on our income we were charged $100 a night. I had Medicare and PPO. I hope that was some use?

J, you are most welcome. The insurance maze is challenging to navigate; it can be exhausting all by itself! I also want to mention that most therapists are licensed to practice by their states, not by the US government. If you are searching for someone in your local area, it can be difficult to find someone who has expertise in what you are going through AND who has openings. If you think you could become comfortable talking with a therapist by phone or using telehealth (video on a computer, phone, ipad/tablet or similar device), then your options grow. Since COVID, many of us have been granted privileges to work with clients through these telehealth channels. Some people find this not comfortable or not worth considering, and I understand that completely. For them, being face-to-face with someone, in the same room, feels safer and more connected. For some of my clients, though, this has been a godsend, as they can work with anyone in our state, increasing their chances of finding someone who is available and knows about what they are facing. For some, it has been even more comfortable not having to take time to commute to an office and find parking, etc. And, for some, talking by phone or video actually feels more comfortable.

Again, j, I hope you can find what you need and so deserve and that it is accessible for you. I'm glad you've had a second GYN ONC opinion and know that that other provider will welcome you in future. I still pray that you receive medical care that brings you good health.

Gynosaur

Check out https://www.clearityfoundation.org/. They are located in San Diego but support women with gynecologic cancers nationwide. At Clearity, they provide individualized support to patients, families, and caregivers. Their support is personalized, based on each person’s needs and priorities.

They provide information you can trust, backed by science. Reach out today to find out how we can help you with your journey. Click here to see how to use this site to learn more.

Just to be clear, this website (clarity foundation.org) is for Ovarian Cancer. It may be helpful to read for other gynecological cancers but the information is specifically targeted to ovarian cancer.