Question: I have a question which I hope you can help me with. I'm looking for a new therapist, one that is in-network and takes my insurance. I am doing a ton of research, calling up therapists and clinics, but I keep bumping into the money issue. I just hung up with yet another therapist that didn't work out, and I'm honestly feeling helpless, hopeless and demoralized. Is this how the system is going to work? Is money just going to keep running the show? I know this is a loaded question and I imagine that sympathize but feel there's not much you can do. I'm asking that you perhaps stop, reflect and honestly see what there is to do about this situation. I'm assuming that many people have had this experience and felt similarly. Furthermore, it is up to us, as a community, to see what we can do to address this very concerning issue. Thank you very much and look forward to your response.
Thank you for raising this important topic. Your point is well-taken. Many therapists, especially those with the strongest reputations, will not accept insurance. Serious therapy becomes pricey and unaffordable to many who really need it. While I do not have the solution, I would like to share a few angles to help shed light on this issue.
First, unlike in many other areas of medicine, insurance reimbursement for psychotherapy is pitifully low. From insurance reimbursement alone, a therapist who holds the primary responsibility for his family's livelihood will be unable to pay the huge bills that our lifestyle calls for. In addition, those therapists who are successful in private practice are not becoming wealthy; at best, they are able to pay their bills and lead a regular frum lifestyle.
Second, you are absolutely correct. This problem is communal and should be addressed as such. We have so many organizations that fund various medical treatments, such as Bonei Olam & RCCS, making them accessible to the average frum person. Our Torah leadership have discussed this and recommended that the community create a parallel organization to fund mental health needs. In fact, Rav Chaim Epstein zt"l began Keren Ezer L'nefesh, an excellent organization which subsidizes therapy for those in Yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs. Hopefully, others will follow suit to assist other demographics.
Third, for better or worse, money is a factor in everything. Shlomo Hamelech already taught us vihakesef yaane es hakol. Those with access to money have access to things far beyond mental health treatment. For reasons unbeknownst to me, this is built into the world. This does not mean that the wealthy are necessarily happier, nor do they necessarily lead healthier lives. However, there needs to be some system of prioritizing and, at least in this world, this does it. Yes, it raises hashkfafic questions, but my point is that this is not limited to access to therapy.
Lastly, the trends are working in your favor. Recent years have seen a large increase in the numbers of young people entering this field. This has resulted in a proliferation of new therapists, most working at insurance-accepting clinics. In most of the major frum population centers (e.g., Brooklyn, Lakewood, Monsey) one can readily find highly qualified therapists who accept insurance. This is especially true at federally funded clinics, which pay at a higher rate and typically attract more experienced clinicians.
Originally appeared in Yated Neeman