How to Claim Social Security Benefits During the Pandemic

With my local Social Security offices being closed due to COVID-19, what is the best way to apply for my Social Security retirement benefits?

Because of the pandemic, all Social Security field offices across the country have been closed since March, so you cannot just walk in, talk to a counselor and apply for benefits in person right now. But there are other ways to claim your benefits that are much easier and quicker. Here is what you should know.

How to Apply?


The easiest and most convenient way to apply for your Social Security benefits during the pandemic is to do it yourself online at SSA.gov. It usually takes around 15 minutes to complete the application as long as you have gathered all of the required information and documentation (more on that below). You can also save your application as you go, so you can take a break at any time.

If your situation is complicated or you are uncomfortable using the internet to apply, you can have a Social Security employee assist with the process via telephone. To make an appointment call 800-772-1213. (If you are hearing impaired, you can call 800-325-0778.) The phones are monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the time of your appointment, the representative will call you.

If you start to complete the online application form but find that it is too confusing or complicated, call the agency and set up a phone appointment.

Once you have submitted your application, a representative may contact you with updates or questions about your application. You can also check the status of your application by signing in to your “my Social Security” account at SSA.gov/myaccount.

When to Apply?


You should file one or two months before you want benefits to begin. If you are the worrying type, you can do it up to three or four months before. It takes a little time to process the paperwork. Putting in your application a few months early allows you to fix any problems that come up without it interfering with your starting date.

It is also worth noting that if you start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits before age 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You will receive your Medicare card about three months before your 65th birthday. It will include instructions to return it if you have work coverage that qualifies you for late enrollment.

If you decide to delay your retirement benefits, you will need to sign up just for Medicare at age 65. You can sign up at undefined or over the phone at 800-772-1213.

Need Information


In order to apply for Social Security benefits online or over the phone, you will need to be able to document some information about your identity and work history. Before applying, have the following information handy:
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your birth certificate (original or certified)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States
  • A copy of your U.S. military service papers if you had military service before 1968
  • A copy of your W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax return for last year
  • Your bank information (including your account number and the bank routing number) where you want your benefits direct deposited.
For a complete checklist of what you will need to complete your application, see SSA.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published November 6, 2020

Coronavirus Versus Flu: How to Tell the Difference

Can you explain the differences between the coronavirus and the seasonal flu? I am 70, and usually get a standard flu shot, but would like to find out what else I can do to protect myself this winter.

Because of the dual danger of influenza (flu) and COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that this fall and winter could be the worst ever for public health. Understanding this, knowing the differences and similarities between the viruses and knowing what you can do to protect yourself is the best way to stay healthy and safe through this difficult time.

Flu vs. COVID-19


Because many of the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have concerns or symptoms. Testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. With that said, here are some similarities and differences you should know.

For starters, seasonal flu symptoms come on pretty quickly, whereas COVID-19 often develops gradually over a period of a few days and then either fades out or gets worse. Common shared symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, headache, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhea and nausea. Pinkeye and a dry cough are associated with COVID-19.

Many people are having their temperatures taken these days before entering public spaces. A fever occurs in approximately half of COVID-19 cases and may also be present in an individual with the flu. Lack of a fever does not rule out COVID-19 or the flu.

You are likely to have a runny or stuffy nose with the flu. COVID-19 has reportedly caused loss of smell and taste in some cases. To learn more about the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19, visit the CDC website at CDC.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm.

How to Protect Yourself


While there is no vaccine available yet to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Do the best you can to stay away from highly populated public areas. If you have to go out, wear a mask and keep at least six feet away from other people. Every time you come home, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

There is evidence suggesting that people who are deficient in vitamin D may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19, than those with sufficient levels. Check with your physician prior to adding vitamin supplements to your routine. Your primary healthcare provider may advise you to take in around 800 to 1,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D from food or supplements daily. Daily exposure to the sun may also increase your vitamin D levels, remember to avoid overexposure from the sun.

To help guard against the flu this year, you should talk with your physician about getting a flu shot that is specifically designed for people 65 and older. The "Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent" or the "FLUAD Quadrivalent" are the two options that provide extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot offers. You only need one flu shot each year. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after you receive the flu shot. Most healthcare professionals advise receiving the flu shot in early fall, at the start of flu season.

Pneumonia Vaccines


If you have not been vaccinated for pneumonia, you may also consider getting the pneumococcal vaccines. Both the flu and COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, which hospitalizes around 250,000 Americans. In approximately 50,000 people each year, pneumonia may be fatal. These numbers could be much higher this year with the dual threat of the flu and COVID-19.

The CDC recommends that all individuals age 65 and older get two vaccinations – Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, administered one year apart, protect against different strains of the bacteria to provide maximum protection.

Medicare Part B covers both flu and pneumonia shots. To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these shots, visit VaccineFinder.org and type in your location.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published October 30, 2020

Washington County Community Foundation Receives $164,530.00 Grant for Pocket Park.

Downtown Salem will undergo a bit of renovation over the next two years as a new pocket park is constructed. This endeavor was one of many ideas submitted by local residents who participated in the creation of the Washington County Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan. “We are very excited to be able to facilitate the construction of the pocket park,” stated Judy Johnson, Executive Director of the Washington County Community Foundation. “We actually started working on it pre-COVID, which seems like an eternity ago. Once Daniel Martinez, assistant professor at Indiana University’s J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program and lead architect for the project, and I had a basic concept down, we submitted a Letter of Intent to Regional Opportunities Initiative, with our fingers crossed.”

After submission of the Letter of Intent, they received an invitation to submit a full proposal. “The Letter of Intent was a lot of work, but it provided us a great foundation to build the idea for a pocket park,” explained Johnson. Next a group of stakeholders was pulled together to talk about design elements, themes, and locations. “We really want to thank the people that participated on the Stakeholder team: Brande Abbott, Karen Barry, Joy Bierly, Alex Campbell, Jeremy Elliott, Lisa Fleming, Mayor Justin Green, Krista Martin, Tara Kritzer, and Kristy Purlee. Their contributions added to the strength of the proposal.”

Applying for the grant was a three step process. Upon positive review of the written proposal, the group was invited to make a live presentation to the selection committee. “Daniel was a great partner throughout the entire process,” explained Johnson. “He and Lulu Loquidis really did most of the heavy lifting. They created an amazing proposal.” Martinez and Loquidis are co-founders of LAA Office, a multi-disciplinary design studio that explores the territory between landscape, art, and architecture. The office is based in Columbus, IN.

“The Salem Pocket Park project will be a unique synthesis of public space and public art that links the historic downtown square with the John Hay Center. It will feature new works of art honoring significant women in Salem’s history, as well as seating, tables, shade umbrellas and planters,” explained Martinez.

The group hopes to begin the project this fall, weather permitting. Next spring, Salemites will notice a lot of work happening on the corridor between the Salem Square and The John Hay Center. The group hopes to have the project completed within 24 months.

 

Protecting Seniors on Social Media

I am concerned that my 75-year-old mother accidentally shares a lot of misinformation through her social media with her family and friends. Are there any resources you know of that can help increase digital literacy for seniors on social media?

Unfortunately, the digital misinformation problem your mom is experiencing is not uncommon. According to researchers from Princeton University and New York University, people aged 65 and older are up to seven times more likely to share dubious links on social media than their younger counterparts.

There are several theories. The first is that many seniors started using social media sites only within the past few years and may lack the digital literacy skills to identify misleading content.

Some other possible theories are that most seniors experience some cognitive decline as they age, making them more likely to fall for hoaxes. Many older Americans also suffer from chronic loneliness which can cause them to share misinformation as an attempt to make connections with other people. Studies have shown that older people are generally more trusting than younger generations, which can make them more vulnerable.

All of this is particularly concerning now as we sit in the midst of a global health pandemic and the 2020 election season, both of which are ripe with misinformation, rumors and conspiracy theories. Seniors are prime targets of this misleading information because they are much more likely to vote than their younger cohorts.

Where to Get Help


To help your mom detect and combat online misinformation there are several great resources she can turn to that offer free courses and tips. If your mother encounters misinformation about COVID-19, she should reach out to her healthcare professional.

These free digital literacy online courses were created to help seniors detect and combat online misinformation. Often the courses fill up fast, but many are available on demand and can be completed at your mother's own pace.

Reputable online courses include interactive videos and webinars on spotting and filtering misinformation. Digital literacy curriculum may be available through virtual classroom settings. The courses range from short one-hour courses to in-depth six-week courses.

Some of these digital literacy courses were originally targeted for middle school and high school age students, but can be equally as informative for seniors. You may be able to find curriculum that is specifically adapted from the school age students for seniors. These lessons may help your mom detect the difference between news, opinion and propaganda.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published October 23, 2020

Donors Help Washington County Community Foundation Award Over $25K in Grants

Thanks to our generous donors and the Foundation’s Touch Tomorrow Funds, Fund for Education, and The Women’s Fund Washington County nonprofits will be receiving over $25,000 in grants.

Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana will be receiving a $2500.00 from the Fund for Education to continue educational financial literacy programs in the county school systems.  Students learn about work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through in-person classroom volunteer instruction, or, when school is not in session, via virtual presentations.

Blue River Services has been awarded a $4678.85 grant to assist in furnishing the community room at the newly purchased and renovated Grandview Manor North Apartments in Salem. 

The Town of New Pekin will be seeing some new playground equipment with a $10,000.00 to assist in installing, mulching, and fencing in the equipment they purchased from the Louisville Bats.  The equipment will be specifically for 2-5-year-old children to play without the presence of older kids in order to have a safe alternative to what is currently offered.

CASA of Washington County will be receiving a $2400.00 grant from The Women’s Fund for the CASA Cares program, which will provide essential items in a backpack to abused and neglected children being removed from their homes by DCS.  The program will provide the child and the foster home with necessary items not immediately available when emergency removal occurs.

Dare to Care will be able to continue their school food programs in Washington County with a $6000.00 grant to provide food to children and families while following school COVID guidelines.

The donors of the Washington County Community Foundation are having a tremendous impact on the lives of our residents.  Their generosity is making a difference.  Thank you donors!

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever

 WCCF Announces D. Jack Mahuron Education Fund Recipients

The D. Jack Mahuron Education Fund was established at the Washington County Community Foundation to encourage educators and staff to teach in innovative ways.  This year, the fund has awarded several teachers in the county school corporations over $3200.00. 

Bev Newcomb’s Eastern High School sewing class will receive new supplies to due COVID sharing protocols to assist in life skills.

Students in the 5th Grade East Washington Middle School classrooms of Leann Hardin, Cameron Smith, and Erica Hobson will be “Reaching for the Stars” as they complete a short study of Newton’s Third Law of Motion and how it relates to rocketry.

Sarah Fisher’s West Washington Elementary School classroom will be more calming with tools to help student engagement while allowing them the opportunity to move without getting out of their seats.

Students in Jenisa Collier’s first grade Bradie Shrum Elementary School classroom will be more organized with Seat Sacks to help them stay more organized through COVID protocols as well as being able to easily see social distance with carpet markers.

Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade teachers at Bradie Shrum Elementary will no longer have to share supplies to fully implement Orton-Gillingham phonics thanks to a grant application written by Lorie Campbell.

Andrew Lewellen’s Eastern High School Advanced Manufacturing Class will be gaining a new table top planer to enhance their sawmill by processing rough cut lumber into material they can use in the CNC router, laser engraver, and other manufacturing processes.

West Washington students in grades Kindergarten through 12th will be receiving their own stylus to keep screens clean and germ free.  According to Kelly Williams, “a stylus has become just as essential as a mask for learning in today’s world.”

Culinary Arts students in Valerie Lewellen’s Eastern High School classroom will be receiving new supplies such as griddles, bowls, measuring cups, and frying pans to supplement their limited resources and allow COVID protocols to be followed.

Joni Hardy’s First Grade classroom at Bradie Shrum Elementary School will be engaging in engineering and design while taking a closer look at real-life design.

Jacob Johanningsmeier’s Eastern High School math classes will be able to utilize more 3D printing models with a grant to purchase the expensive filament that the printers require.  His classroom will be using models of projectiles and ramps for velocity and acceleration testing, slopes, rates of change, three-dimensional graphing, and cylindrical shells.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever

How to Create an Online Memorial for a Departed Loved One

My mother passed away last week, and because of COVID we did not have a funeral. I would like to create some type of online memorial for her so family and friends can express their condolences and share their stories. What can you tell me about making an online memorial for my mom?

Creating an online memorial for your mom is a great idea and one that is becoming increasingly popular in the age of COVID. Thousands of families have created online memorials for their departed loved ones, especially those who did not have a proper funeral because of the pandemic. Here is what you should know.

What is an Online Memorial?


An online memorial is a website created for a deceased person that provides a central location where their family and friends can visit to share stories, fond memories, photographs, comfort one another and grieve. The memorial can remain online for perpetuity or a specific period of time, allowing people to visit and contribute any time in the privacy of their own space.

Online memorials started popping up on the internet in the late 1990s but were created primarily for people who were well known. But now, these sites are for anyone who wants to pay tribute to their departed family member or friend and ensure they will be remembered.

Content typically posted on an online memorial includes a biography, pictures and stories from family and friends, timelines of key events in their life, along with favorite music and even videos.

Another common feature is an online guestbook where visitors sign their names and write tributes to the departed. Online memorials can also direct visitors to the departed person's favorite charity or cause to make a donation, as an alternative to sending funeral flowers.

Some online memorial sites today even offer virtual funeral/event capabilities as a replacement for an in-person funeral. The virtual services may include helping you get the word out by offering invitations and RSVP tracking.

Top Online Memorials


To make an online memorial there are a variety of websites available that make it easier than ever to create a thoughtful, personalized memorial profile for your mom to celebrate and honor her life. The process of creating an online memorial can be very satisfying.

You also need to know that some online memorial sites are completely free to use, while others offer a free and a paid version that provides additional features.

Memorialize Facebook


If your mom used Facebook, you could also turn her profile into a memorialized account for free by simply submitting a request to memorialize her account with Facebook. This option will let your mom's family and friends share stories, photos or memories to celebrate her life, with the word "Remembering" shown next to her name.

Once her Facebook account is memorialized, the content she shared is still visible on Facebook to the audience it was originally shared. However, her profile will not show up in public spaces such as people she may know, ads or birthday reminders.

In addition, you can also create a Look Back video through the memorialized page, which is a short video created by Facebook highlighting your mom's pictures and most liked status messages.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published October 16, 2020

Foundation  Awards $75,000 grant to CAST

 

For many children in our county, the simple act of reading is not so simple.  However, for EVERY child in our county, the ability to read proficiently is an absolute requirement in order to be successful in life.  Volunteers at CAST have been tutoring students who struggle to learn to read for many years, and now, thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Washington County Community Foundation, CAST is going to be able to step up their ability to help struggling readers in a big way.

"We are profoundly grateful to the Washington County Community Foundation for the generous grant funding.  This money will help us build our vision for a Southern Indiana Dyslexia Center which we know will literally change the lives of kids and families in our community," stated Dustin Houchin, CAST Board Member. 

CAST, with this financial assistance from the Community Foundation, seeks to be a model for addressing reading difficulty in a rural community.  So far, 35 teachers and tutors in Washington County have been trained in the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading.  This phonetic method is tremendously effective for teaching dyslexic students to read and it also improves reading outcomes for all students in a classroom.  Tutors are now beginning to offer free reading tutoring services to students who need extra help – focusing on those who screened as displaying dyslexia characteristics – but open to all students who have need.  This initial investment is only the beginning of a much more expansive vision.  Because the community is in the midst of a service desert, there is a great need for a regional Dyslexia Resource Center that would provide much needed training, tutoring, family support, and testing services. 

“We know that about 20% of the population in the United States are dealing with dyslexia and reading difficulty.  We also know that a child who does not learn to read functionally by third grade is four times more likely to drop out of school than his or her peers.  Our work at the Dyslexia Resource Center is the realization of a dream that will not just give hope - it will give real support, real strategies, a real system that is proven to help children read at grade level.  With this investment we will be able to expand teacher trainings, offer family support services, develop dyslexia testing services, and tutor any child who needs our help in Washington County and throughout Southern Indiana,” stated CAST Director, Cassie Summers-Corp.

Currently, 7 students are receiving in-person tutoring services through CAST but many more spaces will soon be available and there are 19 classrooms in Washington County equipped with a Reading Specialist teacher who received training through CAST.  Since inception, CAST has tutored over 200 students in Washington County.

“Game changer is a term that is probably over used in our society,” stated Judy Johnson, Executive Director of the Washington County Community Foundation.  “But what do you call it when a child who has struggled all his life to read, is three years behind his classmates and is only in the third grade, suddenly has the light switch turned on in his brain and can now read?   A child who, within a few months of being diagnosed, was reading at grade level.  Without a doubt, his future was transformed.  There are many more children like this one in our region.  The Dyslexia Resource Center will be a beacon of hope for them to have the same opportunities as their peers.  We just have to identify them and then teach them in a different way.”    

Ultimately, CAST envisions a regional Dyslexia Resource Center that will serve a multitude of needs for children across Southern Indiana.  Currently, the closest resource centers are in Louisville and Indianapolis.  To accomplish this, CAST is partnering with Dyslexia Institute of Indiana.  “The Dyslexia Institute of Indiana has been an invaluable resource for our organization by providing training, support, and advice to us in our mission to serve families in Southern Indiana.  We are so grateful for our partnership with an organization as highly-regarded and excellent as the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana,” said CAST Board President, Kim Scifres.  

The mission of the Washington County Community Foundation is to engage people, build resources and strengthen our community.  Visit the website at www.wccf.biz and like the Foundation on Facebook. 

Through tutoring and mentoring opportunities, CAST seeks to encourage students in Washington County to become contributing citizens who develop a lifelong passion for learning.  Visit their website at www.castwashco.org

How to Recognize and Stop Elder Abuse in the COVID Era

Can you write a column on how to recognize elder abuse and what to do if you suspect it?

According to the National Council on Aging, as many as five million seniors are victims of abuse each year, but studies suggest this crime is significantly under-reported. Only 1-in-14 cases of elder abuse get reported to the authorities because victims are usually too afraid, too embarrassed, too helpless or too trusting to call for help.

The term "elder abuse" is defined as intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes or can cause harm to a vulnerable senior. Elder abuse also comes in many different forms: emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect (or self-neglect) and financial exploitation.

Those most vulnerable are seniors who are ill, frail, disabled, socially isolated or mentally impaired due to dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

It is also important to know that while elder abuse does happen in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, the vast majority of incidents take place at home where the individual lives. And tragically, the abusers are most often their own family members (usually the victim's adult child or spouse) or caregiver.

How to Recognize Abuse


So, how can you tell if an elderly relative or friend is being abused and what can you do to help?

A change in general behavior is a universal warning sign that a problem exists. If you notice that your relative or friend has become very depressed, withdrawn or gets upset or agitated easily, you need to start asking questions. Here are some additional warning signs for different types of elder abuse:
  • Physical or sexual abuse: Suspicious bruises or other injuries that cannot be explained, sudden changes in behavior (upset, withdrawn, fearful), broken eyeglasses, or a caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone.
  • Neglect or self-neglect: Weight loss, poor hygiene, unattended medical needs and unsanitary or unsafe living conditions.
  • Emotional or psychological abuse: The individual is extremely upset, agitated, withdrawn, unresponsive, fearful, depressed or demonstrates some other unusual behavior.
  • Financial exploitation: There is missing money or valuables, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or transfers between accounts, unauthorized use of credit, debit or ATM cards, unpaid bills despite available funds, checks written as a loan or gift or abrupt changes in a will or other documents.

For more tips on how to recognize the warning signs of abuse during the pandemic, see the National Center on Elder Abuse website at NCEA.acl.gov/Resources/COVID-19.aspx.

What to Do


The best ways to help stop elder abuse is to be in touch and keep the lines of communication open. If you suspect any type of abuse or neglect in your relative's or friend's home, report it to your local protective services agency.

Adult Protective Services is the government agency responsible for investigating elder abuse cases and providing help and guidance. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 to get the agency contact number in your area or visit NCEA.acl.gov/Resources/State.aspx.

The agency will ask what you observed, who was involved and who they can contact to learn more. You do not need to prove that abuse is occurring; that is up to the agency.

To report suspected abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, call the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman – see LTCombudsman.org for contact information.

If you feel the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

 

Published October 2, 2020

How to Find an Online Therapist

What is the best way to find online therapy services for my anxiety and depression? I just turned 63 and have become increasingly hopeless since the COVID pandemic hit and cost me my job. I need to get some professional help, but I'm also high risk for illness and very concerned about leaving the house.

I am sorry to hear about your job loss and the difficulties you are going through right now, but you are not alone. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll, 45% of Americans report experiencing fear, anxiety and depression related to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn.

To help you through this difficult time, there are a variety of therapists, psychologists and other mental health providers you can turn to. Due to the pandemic, most of them are now offering online counsel to their clients through teletherapy services. This will allow you to interact virtually with a therapist from the comfort of your home using only a smartphone, tablet or computer.

How to Find a Therapist


A good first step to locate a therapist is to ask your primary care provider or family and friends for a referral. You can also look on your insurer's website for a list of therapists covered under your plan. Be aware that some insurers have limited or even no coverage for mental health, and many mental healthcare providers do not participate in insurance plans. (Medicare does cover mental health services.)

Other resources to help you find a good therapist include online finder tools at the American Psychological Association (locator.apa.org) and the American Psychiatric Association (finder.psychiatry.org).

If you want some help, there are also online platforms that can help match you with a licensed mental health provider. Many of these online platforms allow access through your phone or computer and contract with thousands of licensed and credentialed therapists. Typically, the process starts with a few questions to assess your goals, your condition and your preferences and then matches you with some top therapists in your state.

If you do not have insurance coverage or cannot afford therapy, you can call or text 211 (or go to 211.org) anytime for a referral to a provider. These providers offer support at no cost or on a sliding scale, based on your budget.

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 and ask for a referral to a local resource or provider. They also have the "warm line" for nonemergency calls, where you can talk anonymously to a trained professional at no cost.

Another possible option is Federally Qualified Health Centers, which are community-based health centers, some of which may offer teletherapy services at no cost. To search for centers in your area visit FindAHealthCenter.hrsa.gov.

Interview Your Therapist


Before you start sessions with a therapist, it is important to make sure he or she meets your needs. If you are not comfortable with the person, you are unlikely to benefit from the therapy. Schedule a call or a video chat to get to know each other and ask about the therapist's training, years in practice, specialties, therapy techniques and fee. Ideally the therapist you choose will be a good personality fit for you and will be within your budget or covered by your insurance.

 

Published October 9, 2020

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