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Handling Your Referral
Handling Your Referral
1. “Now that I have a list of referred providers, what should I do now?”
a. Your next step is to work with your counselor to connect with services that are as affordable, accessible, and appropriate as possible.
2. Call the providers on your list
a. Make your first calls as soon as possible to get the process started. If you need company or support making these calls, you might ask a friend or a UCC counselor to sit with you as you do so.
3. Leave messages
a. Don't be surprised if you get an answering machine, as many counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists do not have office staff or secretaries.
b. Leave a message something like this: "Hello, my name is Lee and I was referred to you by the George Washington University Counseling Center. I'd like to discuss the possibility of working with you. Please call me back at (202)885-0000. The best time to reach me is before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Thank you."
4. Ask questions when you speak to providers
a. Here are some good questions to ask a potential provider during your first phone call:
b. "I have (United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.) insurance. How would we handle my insurance claims? What are your fees and payment policies?"
c. "My concerns have to do with (an eating disorder/anxiety/depression/grief/etc.). Is this something you have experience working with?"
GETTING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
1. Plan ahead
a. Get directions and determine in advance how you will get to your provider’s office. Leave plenty of extra travel time for your first appointment. A good resource is the Washington, DC metro and bus system website: www.wmata.com.
2. Call if you are running late or if you are going to miss your appointment
a. Be sure to bring the phone number and address of the provider with you when you go to your appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Will my health insurance pay for off-campus care?
A: Health insurance, whether through United Healthcare or some other plan, can often help with the cost of off-campus services. For more assistance with health insurance questions, please see: Mental Health Insurance Coverage
Q: Why can't I see a counselor on campus for my long-term/open-ended treatment?A: Ongoing mental health care is generally considered a private health care responsibility, not a service provided by the university. What the university does provide is short-term treatment for mental health needs. Your health insurance is intended to help you cover your long-term mental health treatment costs. In addition, your mental health support may need to be more specialized, extensive, or immediately available than the services that can be provided on campus.
Q: Why do some students prefer off-campus care?
A: Some students prefer to go off-campus rather than see a counselor at the Counseling Center. It can feel more private to have your own therapist off-campus rather than to come in to the Counseling Center.
A: There is a wider choice of counselors off-campus. Some services simply aren't available at the Counseling Center, such as psychiatric medication management, neurological services, intensive individual psychotherapy, alcohol and drug related treatment, inpatient services, etc.
Q: What if I don't like the person I was referred to?
A: It is very important that the services you receive off-campus are helpful to you. Sometimes, a student doesn’t feel comfortable with a provider or feels like they don’t “click” or that the counselor doesn’t “get” the student. This is very normal, as many people “try on” one or two counselors before finding someone they like and feel comfortable with.
A: If you don’t feel like the first counselor you see is a good match for you, you can make an appointment with another counselor on your list. Alternatively, you can call a UCC counselor or Case Manager at 202-994-5300 and s/he will help you sort out your next steps. You can consult with us about any concerns you have about your private care, but you should certainly call if you feel that the person or place you have sought treatment from has not treated you well.
Q: All I need is a prescription refill. Why can't I get that at the Counseling Center or the Student Health Center?
A: If you are on medication for a psychological/psychiatric condition, it is important that your medication be well-supervised, even if your condition has been stable for a long time. The psychiatrist at the Student Health Services is not available for ongoing psychiatric medication management or therapeutic services. Most students who need medication see a psychiatrist off-campus who can provide them with more accessible and tailored care. Excellent psychiatric services are available to students in the greater DC area and in many cases insurance can help with the cost or sliding fees can be arranged. Either the SHS or UCC can help with referrals for psychiatric services.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
If you are still unsure about the referral process, or if you have additional questions:
1. Contact a UCC counselor at 202-994-5300 if you need practical help or emotional support in connecting with off-campus services.
2. Information on choosing a therapist, the nature of psychotherapy, and assessing the quality of your off-campus care is available on the UCC Web site: gwired.gwu.edu/counsel. Another good resource is www.aboutpsychotherapy.com
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