Psychologist Visits and Insurance: Thoughts?

[forever_hannah]

So apparently I ran out of visits that my insurance will cover. The cap on the number of visits is supposed to be gotten rid of in January, but does this make anyone else angry?
I can go see my general physician as much as I need to, but I have a limited number of times I can go see my psychologist? That doesn't seem right. It's like they're implying that mental health isn't as important or serious as physical health. While I know first hand that mental health directly affects physical health.
Basically, this is just a rant on how ignorant most people are about mental health issues.
Spread awareness. Spread the love.

Thoughts anyone?

[Nina Twin]

I know what you mean. I have a social problems class, and my teacher (understandably) rants and raves about our health care system all the time. Mainly, he can't stand that people get a limited number of visits to a psychiatrist/psychologist because depending on the problem, it may take far more time than the "week" that the insurance company pays for. It's completely silly; it's like we have no regard for the importance of mental health. People just ignore the fact that having a mental problem can be just as distressing or disabling as having a physical one.

[forever_hannah]

Honestly, the only times I really miss school are when I'm so overwhelmed and just in a bad place that I need a mental health day so I can deal. In this modern society, it makes me sad and angry how much stigma there still is about these issues. It's just ridiculous.

[InSovietRussiaORGASMGotU]

I noticed your location says Alabama, however, a similar situation is in Canada. For here, MediCare covers psychiatric visits but not visits to psychologists unless of course you have some additional insurance coverage. It is unusual, however, I see reasons for both sides of the coin; psychiatrists tend to see more patients in a day yet have shorter visits and as a result they can prescribe medications (money). Psychologists tend to see fewer patients, however, they tend to do more in-depth analysis and usually do diagnosing. They can order various tests to be done, however, psychiatrists and other medical doctors can lead to more money by prescribing medications.