Cypher,

Consider yourself lucky, seriously! My insurance, which is a PPO and not even an HMO, will only allow me to see certain therapists. My therapist, however, does not accept insurance but I can file the claims to my insurance company, but they will only pay if they "approve" him. Their list of therapists is minimal and I choose to see a therapist who specializes in PTSD, he of course is not their "list".

I pay 120.00 a session for my Psychologist. I use my PCP for my meds and that is a 20.00 co-pay, however, my therapist thinks that I need to see a Psychiatrist because they are more experienced with dealing with the meds. There are long waiting lists in my area to see a Psychiatrist and almost all of them do NOT take insurance -therefore, I would have to pay 300.00 for an initial visit. Mind you, I live in a "city", and yet the mental health system here sucks.

This is not my first therapist, and in my experience, you are NOT paying too much or being ripped off.

As for the "scheduling" issue, have you talked to your T about it?

Good luck.

Best,
Rachel