OBHS Q & A:
Each semester OBHS is asked
questions about various aspects of the services offered to students. This
semester we have decided it might be helpful to students to see on our website
frequently-asked questions and the answers to them. We will add from time to
time Q & As, so be sure to check our website frequently.
1.
Question: One of my friends said we should not use our sessions
unless we have a real crisis — we should save them (sessions) until we
really need them – I’m not sure — I have a problem and I need to talk to
someone but I can still function — what should I do?
Answer: Please make an appointment with
OBHS and let us determine the level of need — you might as well use our
expertise! In general, it is always better to deal with personal issues earlier
rather than later. Avoiding a crisis is so much more constructive than having
to deal with a full-blown crisis.
Wesleyan
students need never be concerned about “using up” their access to mental health
services — OBHS will always be available to help students deal with emotional
problems in whatever way is most effective.
2.
Question: What constitutes a session? How do I know how many
times I’ve been seen?
Answer: OBHS has always customized treatment programs. The usual time for a session is 45 minutes but often that doesn’t suit the particular need and/or circumstances of a given student — so we can customize them. For example: 5 minute phone calls (9 of these = one 45-minute session) or 15-minute sessions each day for a period of time, or a combination of phone calls, short sessions and longer sessions. OBHS is focused on maximizing a useful response to students’ particular needs — not just an arbitrary “in place” protocol.
3. Question: I think I have insurance from Wesleyan —
how does that work if I
see an outside therapist?
Answer: If you have Wesleyan insurance, it will cover
100% of the cost of outpatient treatment up to $500 and then 80% of the cost up
to $5,000. Information about your claim/treatment will be sent only to you with
this form of insurance.
If you have
insurance from other sources (for example: parent’s insurance which also covers
the student) it is probable that information about the claim (including the
outside provider’s name, address) will be forwarded to the primary insurance
holder (parents, etc.). Diagnosis may also be included.
4. Question:
If I want an outside provider how do I go about it?
Answer: We recommend that students who want an outside
therapist (preferably one near campus)* go to the Outside Referrals link
on the OBHS website. Once there they will see that those therapists who are
within walking distance (or easy public transport) from campus are displayed
according to their professional affiliation (Social Worker, Psychiatrist, and
Psychologist). These professionals have the requisite credentials but one still
needs to determine the quality of the interpersonal “chemistry.” The best way
to determine how good a “match” a therapist is would be to ask to meet with
him/her for a short appointment in order to decide with whom the student feels
most comfortable. If the professional declines to do this or says something
like, “ . . . I never do that . . .” then the student knows a lot about that
therapist. In short — be sure you feel “comfortable” with the therapist. If
you aren’t getting close to finding someone, come back to OBHS for some help in
your search. We are here for you.
*If you have any questions, please come in or call us.
5. Question: Why would someone want to go to an outside
provider?
Answer: There are numerous reasons why a student might
want to seek therapy with an outside provider — some examples would include:
1. If a student
has previously been in treatment and would like to see a therapist on a more
frequent basis than OBHS can provide because it operates on a time-limited
model.
2. If a student
has come to OBHS but it is clear to both the student and his/her therapist that
the student would benefit from more frequent therapy than OBHS can cover.
3. A student
thinks it would be good to have some part of his/her life take place off campus.
6. Question: What if I have been to OBHS early in the
academic year? I don’t
know how many
appointments I had but something has come up and I need to see a therapist
again. Can I come back to OBHS?
Answer:
Just call OBHS and ask for a consultation with the person you saw.
7. Question: My roommate found an outside therapist but
after three sessions
never wanted to go back. Can she go back to
OBHS?
Answer:
She certainly can go back and OBHS will help her.
8. Question:
What if travel to an outside therapist is difficult?
Answer: If there is a problem getting to a therapist
appointment, please get in touch with OBHS.
Please submit your questions or comments directly to
Dr. Philippa
Coughlan. (Please note that your email is not "anonymous")
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