URGENT.. getting a councellor

Question

A doctor of mine said that he might get me in touch with someone I can talk about my problems with. But I want to get my own councellor and sort it out myself to show people that I want to help myself. my main question is Can you 'sign up' or get to see your own councellor or do you have to be referred to one? if i can, how do i go about searching for one locally? I know you will say that I should see the one my doctor refers me to, but still, please answer my question... I want to talk about my problems with them and like the idea of going to the meeting on my own. I am 16 by the way. thankssssss.

Answer 1

It's commendable that you want to help yourself but at age sixteen, there may be some problems you encounter when trying to make an appointment.

Have an open and honest conversation with your parents.  Tell them that you would like to be an active part in your own health care and would prefer to pick out your own counselor.  Then you can either look in the yellow pages under counseling or most large metropolitan cities have physician referral hot lines that you can call for assistance in finding a counselor.

Once you find a counselor you would like to see, have your parents make the appointment for you.  Your sessions with the counselor will be completely confidential and he/she is bound by confidentiality rules not to disclose any information regarding what was discussed during your sessions (not even with your parents).

Answer 2

It is commendable that you want to take initiative and find a counselor on your own.  As others have mentioned cost will be a factor in going to a therapist/counselor.  If your folks are willing to help out i.e. with insurance, then you are okay, otherwise you will need to find a place that accepts clients on a sliding scale basis.

Aside from using the phone book, some other possibilities are:

1) One already mentioned - your school guidance counselor

2) The SAMHSA website.  This is a government website that you can go to that lists mental health clinics by city and state.  It is at: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases...  Just click on your state and then click on Mental Health Facilities Locator.  Under the filters you would select your city and under the service setting select "outpatient care."  This would bring up listings in your town.  Then you could call and see if they have sliding scales if you don't have insurance.

Hope some of this helps.  Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

I would at least give the recommended one a chance and then it shows you are trying to co-operate. Then if you prefer look elsewhere. If you are on medication you will need one that can also prescibe medication. Other options would be to see if you have like a Lutheran Social Services or Catholic Social Services in your area.(You don't need to be Lutheran to go to the LSS one) They should have counselors that see people on as regular

basis and some will take w/out referral.

Not knowing where you live that is the best option. But do go see the refered one ..it might be fine ..if not at least you are showing you are trying!!

Answer 4

I suggest you talk to your school guidance counsler. They can point you in the right direction.. Some highschool counslers also work for a mental health facility. You are smart by seeking help,it is most important to get your feelings out. Good Luck to you!!

Answer 5

You can find your own, but not all counselors are equal. Your doctor can take the guess work out for you and recommend you to one that will help you.

You can find one yourself by looking online or in the phone books, but there could be waiting lists. Your doctor could help you bypass the waiting lists.

Allowing your doctor to refer you to someone still shows that you want to help yourself.  

Answer 6

When your GP refers you to a counsellor he is doing what he believes to be in your best interests. Do you need to 'show people' you can help yourself. If so maybe that is a part of your problem. You already suspect that people here will advise you to see the recommended counsellor. Could it be that they are right and you are wrong? There is nothing wrong with wanting to make your own decisions. That is an essential part of growing up. However, even us oldies have to consider whether we are thinking it through properly. You may be pleasantly surprised when you meet the referred person. If not you can always ask for a change. We run the NHS after all and have every right to exercise choice. If you were able to find your own counsellor who is to say that they would be any different to the GP's person. You will only find out at the meeting. Good luck.

Answer 7

yes you can get your own councillor but it cost very expensive  

Answer 8

You can choose your own counsellor, try the Yellow Pages or phone directory in your area. I have seen a few in my time and I found a good one ...eventually.Good luck.

Answer 9

You are absolutely entitled to pick your own counselor.  Most people are forced to go to certain people because of insurance or insistence from another person (doctor).  Depending on the laws where you live, you may have fewer rights as a minor.

I think it is very wise of you to be proactive about helping yourself.  This is an excellent start to any therapeutic relationship.  I wish you the best of luck.