Therapy threatened by loss of insurance
Dear Harriette: I started seeing a therapist a few months ago, and I’ve been feeling much better ever since. Unfortunately, I’ll be 26 in a little over a month, and I’ll no longer be able to afford it without the help of my parent’s insurance. My job doesn’t offer any kind of health benefits. What can I do to keep up my progress under professional guidance without insurance or lots of money? — Making Progress
Dear Making Progress: Talk to your therapist about a discounted price for you after your insurance runs out. Figure out what you can pay and ask if the therapist will accept that amount. Oftentimes, counseling professionals will work with patients when insurance challenges stand in their way.
Look around immediately to find insurance that you can afford. Do your research. Some teaching hospitals offer deeply discounted medical services, including mental health. Community health clinics sometimes offer affordable prices. You may even be able to find a free service. Do not give up. Shop around for an in-person option as well as an online one.
Dear Harriette: My husband is semi-retired, basically due to the aftermath of the pandemic. He has a job but hardly has to go in. I work for myself and have a few contracts that I service from my home office. It is frustrating for me to see my husband doing nearly nothing all day, including helping me or our household. Even if I work late, he rarely thinks to cook a meal or do anything to help. He just sulks. I suggested that he see a therapist to help him snap out of the doldrums. That went nowhere fast. How can I get him to have life again? The way he behaves today is almost like he’s lifeless. — Dead Man Walking
Dear Dead Man Walking: Your husband may be depressed about his situation, especially if he used to work a lot and has now been sidelined. Perhaps you can encourage him to take up projects around the house. Ask him directly if he can handle a particular task. Then help him by gathering the tools needed, and encourage him as he tackles the challenge. When he finishes that one, suggest another. This may feel like extra work for you, but if it catches on, he may start initiating projects on his own. Do your best not to show your frustration. Instead, be upbeat and appreciative. This may help brighten his outlook and get him engaged again.
As far as therapy goes, do your own research to find a therapist who may work with both of you. Start going yourself so that you can get support for this new reality you are facing. Then invite him to join you and see if he is willing to make the effort with you to help strengthen your lives together for the future.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.