How wrong is this? (insurance, more expensive, therapy, price)

[bblaine]

I recently went to a psychologist for some help. I went to her home- which she works out of. My insurance covers it but I have a $50 copay. The session starts out normally- I tell her almost everything that is an issue in my life, then when time was up, she asked if I was serious about counseling and I said yes, but I didn't know if I could afford $50 a week. She asked me what kind of car me and my husband drive and said that sometimes people come to her with 2009 vehicles and say they can't afford to pay for her services. I guess our 2 cars passed her test. She offered a trade- which was me come to her house for 2 hours every Sunday to pull weeds. I would be there with another client who is also in a trade agreement and I was told that I could not discuss our trade agreement with her and she was very adamant about it. She also said that we went over the time so I owe her more than the $50 (so I think this Sunday was to pay for the overage). I am supposed to watch the clock to make sure we don't go over the time. (her clock is some kind of really small round painting without numbers, located above the door - not that I can't read it, but shouldn't it be clear what time it is?) Is this as crazy as it sounds?

[Mel2882]

Originally Posted by bblaine

I recently went to a psychologist for some help. I went to her home- which she works out of. My insurance covers it but I have a $50 copay. The session starts out normally- I tell her almost everything that is an issue in my life, then when time was up, she asked if I was serious about counseling and I said yes, but I didn't know if I could afford $50 a week. She asked me what kind of car me and my husband drive and said that sometimes people come to her with 2009 vehicles and say they can't afford to pay for her services. I guess our 2 cars passed her test. She offered a trade- which was me come to her house for 2 hours every Sunday to pull weeds. I would be there with another client who is also in a trade agreement and I was told that I could not discuss our trade agreement with her and she was very adamant about it. She also said that we went over the time so I owe her more than the $50 (so I think this Sunday was to pay for the overage). I am supposed to watch the clock to make sure we don't go over the time. (her clock is some kind of really small round painting without numbers, located above the door - not that I can't read it, but shouldn't it be clear what time it is?) Is this as crazy as it sounds?

Is this for real? I think the weird part started when you went to the psychologist's HOUSE.

[ajzjmsmom]

Is this woman a professional? Is it even legal for you to do things for her to make up that difference in price? I have never heard anything like this.

[Élan vital]

it's different,for sure.
Kinda nice to go back to the trade and barter system
I would rather do lawn work for my doc than pay the $375.00 per office visit. Now that's nuts

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

NO, bartering of any kind is absolutely prohibited by the Ethics Code for Psychologists. No wonder she didn't want you talking about it - she could be brought up on charges before the Texas State Board.

Run, not walk, away from her. Anyone that unethical may well be doing unproven therapy. Her focus on money is demeaning to the profession (I am a clinical psychologist).

[ljd1010]

I would call the state board to report this and find someone else ASAP.

[BCG8]

I would also report this. it is HER job to keep track of time, like any other profession. let us know what you decide to do!

[LookinForMayberry]

Regardless of her situation, it doesn't appear that you are getting the help you looked for from her. Time to move on.

[Viralmd]

This is completely unethical and should be reported to your state board of licensing. It is not appropriate for patients to meet, unless in a group therapy session, and even MORE inappropriate for this woman to suggest this bartering 'system.'

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by bblaine

I recently went to a psychologist for some help. I went to her home- which she works out of. My insurance covers it but I have a $50 copay.

$50 is actually not bad..

Originally Posted by bblaine

The session starts out normally- I tell her almost everything that is an issue in my life, then when time was up, she asked if I was serious about counseling and I said yes, but I didn't know if I could afford $50 a week. She asked me what kind of car me and my husband drive and said that sometimes people come to her with 2009 vehicles and say they can't afford to pay for her services. I guess our 2 cars passed her test. She offered a trade- which was me come to her house for 2 hours every Sunday to pull weeds. I would be there with another client who is also in a trade agreement and I was told that I could not discuss our trade agreement with her and she was very adamant about it.

I imagine it was your 1st session?
If she's like this with just listening, forget it.

As far as bartering; I don't really have a problem with it but as others say it's probably against ethics. If I was able to barter like that would I do it, probably as long as I wouldn't get into any legal trouble.

I agree with DreamWeavin, normally sessions are a lot more expensive. What is charged per session is nuts. I bet if you look at your insurance receipt you'll see she charges high prices too.

Originally Posted by bblaine

She also said that we went over the time so I owe her more than the $50 (so I think this Sunday was to pay for the overage). I am supposed to watch the clock to make sure we don't go over the time. (her clock is some kind of really small round painting without numbers, located above the door - not that I can't read it, but shouldn't it be clear what time it is?) Is this as crazy as it sounds?

IMO, time should be her job. What I've seen is that 45 minutes is usually the norm for patients not to be backed up in the waiting room. Now, not all are like this; it was mostly the ones dealing with kids.