I'm currently in the process of trying to get therapy sessions set up, but I seem to have run into a brick wall. I'm looking right now at hopefully being able to use my health insurance as a way to help afford this. I got a contact last night for a therapist, but unfortunately they don't accept policies from my insurance provider. The receptionist mentioned that maybe I could see someone else at the same location, but they wouldn't be as specialized in gender identity issues as the one that I was recommended. Is it okay to see someone else that doesn't have much experience in these issues or do I want to try another place for counseling?
Also, is there any way to negotiate insurance? I only talked to a receptionist over the phone but am wondering if by contacting the actual therapist I could get them to make an exception for my case. I must admit that I'm still very new at working with insurance companies so any advice on that front would be very beneficial.
I guess my other bet is to look for any possible therapists in my area and try all of them until I find something I can afford either by insurance or on a sliding payment basis. Does anybody have contact for counselors in the Des Moines, IA area that work well with gender identity issues?