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?
Dr Donald Kaesser of Central Iowa Psychological Services. Don's office line is 515 222 1999. His bio is here: http://www.iowacounseling.com/don.htm (http://www.iowacounseling.com/don.htm.)
You might have to copy and paste that URL to make it work. A large portion of Don's client base is in transition. He's a character but very effective.