Hey lemmy,
I’ve been in need of outside mental support for a while now but I’d like to confirm my current options. I was able to get counseling for free through my school but since I graduated I can’t benefit from it anymore. Is the only way now paying private counseling? I checked my spouse health insurance and it covers like $300/year which apparently barely covers two sessions. I’d appreciate any insight and information. Thank you!
It seems like MSP doesn’t cover counselling, even with referral, but perhaps your spouse’s workplace offers something like Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many jobs that I’ve had in BC that offer benefits also offered an EAP for their employees and spouse/dependents. They usually have a phone number that you can call to setup 5-10 free counselling sessions “per issue”. I’ve had them extend sessions beyond the limit before by calling back, but that is EAP dependent most likely.
EAP can offer other “extras” as well, but again depends on the package the workplace offers its employees.
Reference that may have additional options: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/getting-help-for-mental-illnesses
There isn’t great support through the public system, unfortunately. A while ago when I was going through a hard spot I did end up going to some group therapy sessions at Burnaby Hospital so I think something like that is available through the public system but it’s ultimately pretty limited.
Are you on / have you considered medication? In my experience, I had mental health issues throughout most of my life and therapy / counseling were really only temporary coping mechanisms. Methods like CBT could prevent me from spiraling but not from feeling crappy in the first place. Once I got on the right antidepressant my issues basically dissolved away and I haven’t had any further troubles. Medication may not be right for you, but I’m just mentioning it because in some cases, for some people, counseling & therapy alone can’t solve the problem.