Anxiety/panic attacks. Need to find a therapist who accepts Medicare

Posted by SusanEllen66 @SusanEllen66, Jun 23, 2023

I’m undergoing lots of stress. I have medication, Zoloft, and Lamictal because I have Bi-polar II, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression.
What I need right away is a therapist who will talk with me. I can’t find anyone who takes Medicare, and I’m not allowed to drive far due to a sleep disorder.
Last night I was going to drive myself to the behavioral health center at a nearby hospital. That’s how things were going. I was able to get myself to sleep though.
This anxiety has been building up for months because of my health issues and family situations.

So, I decided to reach out here because you are all so supportive. Thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

@mitfit

I have found that most therapists do not accept Medicare …

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This is very true. I got involved with the Behavioral Health at Stanford and they accepted
my Medicare and UHC Plan
F. You can also go to Psychology Today website
and enter “Therapists who
accept Medicare.

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@2cents

There's a shortage of psychiatrists, and I know many of them, in our state, work with adjudicated youth, in the prison system, or in one of the two state mental hospitals. I know people who've gotten counselling through Catholic Social Services, or Lutheran Social Services. I've heard good things. Can you find a doctor who you can private pay? There are many more people being treated for mental health since the Affordable Care Act was initiated which is a good thing, but an overload on the previous systems.

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@2cents thanks for your suggestions.
Private pay would be very hard on my SS income. That’s why I am looking for a provider that takes Medicare.
Thanks!

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@teababs09

Medicare itself is a good resource for doctors and therapists who accept Medicare. If possible, call them less than 5 minutes after their phones turn on which I think is 8:00 am est. I have had luck calling them mid-afternoon also. The suggestion about psychology today is a good idea also.

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@teababs09 thank you. I am looking at the Medicare website for providers.

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@oceanlover1 I found a therapist that takes Medicare!
She only does tele-health and that is perfect for me.

I found her on the Medicare website. I’m very happy!

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@teababs09

Medicare itself is a good resource for doctors and therapists who accept Medicare. If possible, call them less than 5 minutes after their phones turn on which I think is 8:00 am est. I have had luck calling them mid-afternoon also. The suggestion about psychology today is a good idea also.

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I think if you go to Medicare.gov online you might be able to look up doctors and therapists in your area who take Medicare in addition to calling them. Good luck!

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If you are in Southern Minnesota. Try, SCHRC..South Central Human Relations Center. In Owatonna, MN.

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@SusanEllen66

@naturegirl5
I’m willing to do virtual visits.
I live in AZ and will check around. Thanks!

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I lived in Arizona for 10 years and saw a therapist nearly the entire time. I would change therapists all the time because it was me, not them, that was my problem. I found the most dedicated, compassionate, HELPFUL therapists at Spectrum social workers 877-634-7333. They have virtual or office visits. The social workers were amazing in helping me deal with grief and loss of life due to a house fire we experienced. For situational depression, I could not find a psychologist or psychiatrist that was willing to take the time to talk to me. ALL just wanted to throw drugs at me and that was all. It has been 2 years since the house fire, I never would have gotten this far in my recovery had it not been for Spectrum. I found people who were dedicated to their community/my community. Social workers from Arizona, not the Californians who thought they were highly educated and the best (narcissistic culture to a laidback, often difficult lifestyle of Arizona). Find someone who knows your community is my suggestion.

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