Paying for and pursuing treatment via insurance vs. with no insurance?

[RJ2018]

 Hi, everyone... .

My mom, who I suspect is an uBPD, will soon finally be evaluated and pursue real treatment. Thank God.

However, I've been finding that trying to help determine the best starting place for her, especially while she is technically not in crisis, has been a rollercoaster of obstacle and frustrations, to say the least. But the latest issue and question I've come across is whether it is better for her to pursue these services with or without her insurance (if has some -- I'm not yet certain that she does)?

In having the usual thought and experience of seeking medical services for physical health, I'd previously believed it is unquestionably better to have and use insurance for these services, but after certain conversations with different facilities I've called as well as some of what I've been reading online, I'm starting to think maybe not... .for several reasons but one actually being costs -- especially in a case like hers where she currently doesn't have income. I'm wondering if it would be better to see what assistance she can qualify for without involving her insurance (again, if she has some) and if that might not be a better route both financially and practically for other reasons in the long run?

Please share your thoughts and experiences. Thanks!

[Harri]

Hi RJ2018.

I used to pay out of pocket years ago as I did not want my insurance knowing my business.  $200.00 a session was a lot especially because I was going 2x a week.  I changed my mind when I had a health crisis that prevented work plus resulted in very high medical costs.  My experience is that I got the same sort of treatment regardless but actually got better help when I was on medicaid for about 7 months though that may be because my therapist worked through a hospital.  When I was off medicaid but still not working and financially strapped I was lucky enough to get hooked up with a post doc student who was closely supervised.  He was awesome and we sort of learned and grew together.  Is there a teaching hospital nearby where you may get some service like that?  Their lack of experience is more than made up for by the intense supervision they receive.  I am not sure if it would be the same with a person diagnosed with BPD but it is worth trying (id she gets that diagnosis).

I do find counseling services far better through a hospital setting where you tend to get people more experienced in things like PTSD (my diagnosis) and a particular kind of sexual abuse that I experienced.  No one batted an eye at my somewhat unusual history.

Have you looked at hospital based programs or psychologists?  Can I ask what is your biggest concern with insurance based services?  I am sure you know that even with certain insurances, treatment can still be expensive especially if the person is not working.

Hope something in the jumble of info I wrote is helpful.