I am really looking for advice from anyone who has had treatment for generalized anxiety on what has worked and how to find a provider.
Some background: I live in a rural area and years ago I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I met with two people at our local clinic, one who prescribed dozens of prescriptions, the other who did some general talk therapy. I tried this for two years, then both of them left and the clinic closed all outpatient mental health services, so we are left with a few small private clinics only.
My primary doctor is part of a bigger health system, located about 40 miles away. She referred me to a specialist who I felt understood what was going on with me better than anyone I have seen. She recommended I immediately start cognitive behavioral therapy and that medications likely were not appropriate. The bill after insurance discount from this one session was $379!
I did select a low deductible plan knowing I need to address these challenges and want to make 2020 the year I work on this, but I am at a loss as to what to do. There are some local options, but looking at their websites they seem to all be providers who do everything - behavioral issues in children, couples counseling, ADHD, dialectical behavioral therapy, substance abuse, trauma, etc- not really specialized on any area of mental health. One of the clinics advertises 'Christian Counseling Services' which scares me a bit. I really do not trust the experience and skills of these small LLCs.
It seems I have two options?
1. Meet with someone a local clinic and try to be open minded. Potential lost time / money and I don't really trust any of these places necessarily.
2. Try to find a way to get enough time off work to go to the clinic 40 miles away regularly and deal with what I suspect will be much higher expenses.
Any other thoughts and ideas are welcomed, thanks.