How can I see a therapist on my parents insurance without my parents finding out?
I think the answer to your top line question is that there isn’t any way you can see a therapist on your parents’ insurance without your parents finding out. I believe that the insurance reporting is mandatory and I don’t think you can prevent it. I agree with the prevailing opinion that you should get access to therapy you are comfortable with and be candid at the outset about your concerns with your parents learning you are pursuing therapy, since it is an issue that is affecting your ability to deal with this. A psychiatrist is an MD who can prescribe medication. A psychologist is a PhD. Professionals called Counselors or Therapists generally have Masters degrees in counseling, psychology or something similar. All are licensed by the state. It isn’t really that important, any of these could provide the sort of individual counseling your are looking for. You may want to particularly investigate grief counseling.
I think you should just go see the therapist, and when there, ask about how to broach this subject with your parents. Therapists can help you with a multitude of situations. And you just might find this is an area in your life where you and your parents may find some common ground (grief from losing a close friend) and make a connection.
I’ll second going through your university first-just give them a call and they can answer these questions for you. Your university probably has very low cost counseling for students whether or not they have insurance. And, I wouldn’t worry much about the whole counselor, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist thing. You can google up the differences between these or read some past askme threads. The biggest difference that I know of is that only psychiatrists can prescribe medications–but, if it is determined that medications would help you your therapist would refer you to someone who would help in that area. Congrats on seeking help.
