What To Do If You Can’t Find An Online Therapist With Open Appointments
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many moms have been finding themselves struggling with their mental health. The level of disruption that has been caused by school shutdowns, daycare quarantines, and work-from-home orders has been like nothing our generation has ever had to shoulder. With all the changes and the constant weighing of risk associated with simple activities like sending your kid to school or going to the grocery store, many moms have been experiencing increased symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Now that we are 19 months into this pandemic, the chronic levels of stress are wearing on our bodies and our minds. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to begin working with an online therapist to help you cope with the symptoms of anxiety and overwhelm that can feel all-consuming.
But what if you can’t find an online counselor with open appointments?
Because of the impact of the global pandemic on our mental health, more and more people are reaching out for online therapy appointments. However, with such an increased need for counseling appointments, many therapists’ schedules are completely filled and they’re not able to accept any new clients. This can make it challenging for you if you are reaching out for counseling support but aren’t able to find a therapist who can fit you in.
Here are three options to look at if you can’t find a therapist with an open appointment time.
Check With Your Insurance Plan For Available Telehealth Therapists
If you have health insurance and want to use your benefits to cover your therapy appointments, your health insurance plan may be a good place to start to find a therapist. Your insurance company’s website will have a place where you can search providers by type, name, location, etc. Using that list, you can contact therapists who take your insurance plan to see if they have openings.
However, if you aren’t able to find a therapist who accepts your insurance plan and has an opening to fit you in, you can ask any therapist of your choosing for a Superbill to submit to your insurance company using Reimbursify to help get the cost of your appointment covered. As always, be sure to talk with your insurance plan directly to find out your specific benefits as they relate to in-network and out-of-network coverages.
Search A Directory for An Online Counselor
Finding a therapist with an opening isn’t the only criteria for choosing a therapist. You want to make sure that your online counselor knows how to help you with your specific needs. There are a variety of directories that can be amazing resources to help you find a therapist with a specialty that may be best for your situation.
Postpartum Support International Directory: Therapists and counselors listed in this directory have special training and focus on supporting women throughout the perinatal journey.
Therapy for Black Girls: This website and directory focus on supporting the mental and emotional wellness of Black women and girls.
OnlineTherapy.com: Providers listed on this website specifically provide online therapy. Depending on where you live, you can find an online counselor who is licensed in your state and provides counseling services specific to your own needs.
Open Path Collective: If you do not have health insurance or do not have a plan that will cover your therapy sessions, Open Path Collective can connect you with counselors and therapists who offer sliding scale fees to help make counseling services affordable for you.
Ask to Be Waitlisted For The Next Available Appointment
Sometimes you find that one therapist you really want to work with but who doesn’t have any appointment openings. If you contact an online therapist and are told that they are not accepting any new clients, ask if they have a waitlist and if they would be willing to add you to the list. Some therapists choose not to offer a waitlist for a variety of reasons, but if you let the counselor know that you are willing to wait to start services (if that feels appropriate for you), you can either plan to follow up with them in a few weeks or ask if the therapist is willing to contact you once they have an opening.
Start Working with An Online Therapist for Women with Anxiety in Colorado, Louisiana, or Hawaii
Getting in to see an online therapist you want may feel like a lot of work but, finding your best fit is worth it! I would be honored to support you in addressing the issues affecting you from the comfort of your home. I offer support for women in Colorado, Louisiana, and Hawaii. To start your therapy journey, please follow these steps:
Schedule a free 15-minute consult via phone or video
Start receiving support from the comfort of your surroundings!
Other Services Offered By Ashley Comegys, lCSW
I offer a variety of services to women in Colorado, Louisiana, and Hawaii. This includes therapy for anxiety, online postpartum depression treatment, online postpartum support, and online depression treatment. I also offer online grief counseling for women, online therapy for military spouses, and online trauma treatment for women. Learn helpful info by visiting my about page, or my blog!