Counselors and fees

[ChrisG]

Recently diagnosed and avoiding moving forward. My wife looked up some people we could meet with and I had a question for the group about what the going rates are for counselors? The first person we spoke to wants $450 for 90 min on Zoom and doesn't take insurance. I can probably submit to my insurance but I'm pretty sure they are not going to cover even half of that fee. We are in the NY area about an hour north of NYC just to put things in perspective. I feel as if we need to look into more people.

 

[Crossbreed]

Autlanders, Thriving Outside of the Box: Finding Support Resources in the USA...

 

[Skittlebisquit]

What do you want counseling for? If its couples counseling, that's different than someone who is a specialist in ASD, autism spectrum disorder.

I think many people here are constrained to operate within something covered by insurance. I go to an independent contractor, who has a contract with my local county mental health department. There is no cost to me, I receive something called CBT which is cognitive behavioral therapy.

CBT isn't really what's needed for autism related issues, many of the therapists simply do not understand the issues. I think I will let someone else try and explain why, its complicated.

 

[Skittlebisquit]

CBT is valuable even so, it acts as a pressure relief valve, and teaches some important skills for coping. The issue is as an Autistic person you are wired differently. Some counselors just dont get that.

 

[Crossbreed]

If its couples counseling, that's different than someone who is a specialist in ASD, autism spectrum disorder.

(Not if one is autistic.)

 

[MyLifeAsAnAspie]

There are also many free support groups which now meet online. The AANE has a support group for spouses.

Events Archive – The Asperger / Autism Network (AANE)

https://www.meetup.com/Autistic-in-NYC-Queens/

The New York City area also has many in person groups which will meet again when COVID is under control.

 

[DogzSpirit]

There are also many free support groups which now meet online. The AANE has a support group for spouses.

That's a good source. I signed in for the free online support groups, which took place with other ND people.

Yet, as far as couples counseling goes...

I have searched out couples groups and online counseling and find it's all quite pricey. I'd really like to see what level of cooperation I have from my NT spouse, prior to shelling out too much money. Insurance will be a battle at best. It certainly will fall short of covering such fees.

Thus I referred to your link and then on another link from that page, noted:
(This is the additional link) Neurodiverse Couples and Partners - Support Groups, Social Groups, and Online Discussion Forums – The Asperger / Autism Network (AANE)

There appears to be a group for NT spouses that is no fee? There's another one that charges 40.00 a session. Both are on the above page. I am wrote to them to figure out the difference between the two online support groups for spouses, and figure out if indeed the first is free.

These are the two groups. Does anyone know the difference of these two? Has anyones spouse taken part in either and what was that persons feedback or resulting benefit to them/their AT spouse? Did attending backfire (personal experience please if indeed there was a disadvantage/negative outcome etc as a result of NT spouse attending.) Yes, I am cautious and looking for potential landmine effect from potential counseling/support sources. Not all are created equal and a counselor for all I know it, could reinforce negative perspective of their ND spouse.

That actually happened with two counselors many years ago, so I am aware of the unexpected or undesirable turns counseling could take, depending upon the skill of the counselor. Now I grant you, that happened in past marriage counseling and also at one turn in going for counseling with a spouse in regards to helping us to help my son, so this is not the same category. But still, having worked int he mental health field with an different population, I can see where the turns were a result of inadequate training/skills for those given counselor.

Online Monthly Neurotypical Spouse/Partner Group
This group will take place from the comfort of your own computer or tablet with a web camera, using a HIPPA-compliant program to ensure your confidentiality. It is intended for the non-Asperger partner or spouse of an individual with an Asperger profile. Participate in discussions with others who truly understand the relational issues that come up in neurodiverse couples. When: Dates and time to be determined Facilitator: Grace Myhill, MSW Cost:$40 per person per session To Join: Please contact Grace Myhill at 617-504-3116 or [email protected]


The second groups states it is as follows:

AANE Online Spouse/Partner Discussion Forums
Spouse/Partner Group
This group, serving people from all over the world, is for individuals married to or in partnership with someone with an Asperger profile. Here you will have the opportunity to offer and receive support, to strategize, and to share experiences with others in who might relate to your situation.Grace Myhill, LICSW, is the group moderator. Grace is a clinical social worker who specializes in working with adults with Asperger profiles and/or their spouses. She has facilitated Spouse/Partner Groups for AANE since 2004 and has counseled many neurodiverse couples. To Joinlease send an email to Grace at [email protected] or fill out the form below.

 

[DogzSpirit]

Any feedback on the paid counseling as per Grace Myhill on the AANE site also very much appreciated.

As mentioned I had viewed many examples of poor counseling in the past. I really must review someone carefully, prior to opening us up to areas of challenge, as a result of such.

It is not imagined. In hindsight I am stunned at past apparent missteps which came prior to my being aware of my and potentially my son's likelihood of being AT. Example: A counselor made a recommendations to remove my sons bedroom door, so he could not keep it closed. I said that feels like the wrong solution for someone whom is anxiety prone and socially phobic, and we just won't be risking that type of humiliating situation at my hands.

 

[Raggamuffin]

If therapy isn't affordable there are lots of books out there with invaluable information. If reading isn't your bag - there's lots of audiobooks out there too.

Every therapist I've seen has had shelves therapy and self help books. They are invaluable with regards to understanding and unravelling issues and working on potential solutions.

Ed