Treatment for eating disorders

I was wondering if anyone who has been through therapy/treatment for eating disorders might be able to offer some insight - 

 

I'm going through a process with kaiser to get them to pay for me to see an actual psychologist vs their MFTs/LCSWs for therapy for a variety of isusues but specifically eating disorders. Ive seen three MFT's through kaiser (that is all they have available for "therapy") and all of them told me they dont have any specific experience in dealing with eating disorders and other than a group class 100 miles from my house...there arent any other resources. 

I have a hearing this week....and I'm not really sure what to say to get them approve my request other than the fact that they dont have anyone with appropriate training/experience based on what three MFTs told me.

 

(but just as a little backdrop - my request started after I filed a complaint against a male MFT who touched me inappropriately and made several sexual comments/requests during a "therapy" session" - and since they wont tell me if/what disciplinary action was taken I told them I won't go back in that building)

 

Any thoughts...advice....

Have you approached the department of managed health care? Northern California kaisers have eating disorder programs and specially trained therapists. The clinic where I work has an eating disorder specialist who is a psychologist . There is also an eating disorder out patient program for seriously ill anorexics.

Just the fact that they do not have specially trained specialists to treat your issues and based upon what happened to you, should be grounds for an outside referral. Hate to say this , threaten to take legal action. That will get them moving, as well as contacting the state department of managed care that oversees entities, such as Kaiser.

They know I am an attorney...I havent threatened to take legal action yet though the case manager has acknowledged that I have a basis. All I really want is help and dont have the emotional energy to invest in any kind of legal action so I'm praying they will just give me what I want. 

I understand about the energy needed for legal action and not wanting to, or even being able to go there. I hope that they will cover the outside referrals. I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Lots of Hugs.

Gail

I'm praying you get some good advice here. I know you have been reaching out a lot. I wish I had a magic button I could push for those of us that struggle. I've been dealing with a few personal issues myself. I ended up putting off the work I was having done till July, but ill keep u posted and text you on that.  Love you and keep your head up you will defeat this battle. 

Thank you my friend. Text me this week - hope everything is okay!! Love you tooooo!!!!!!

I have to agree, you may need to seek legal advise.  You made feel lucky that I can see whoever I want for 20 visits a year.  I have a therapist that had a RNY/DS hybrid and understands what a I am going thru and had similar issues leading to eating disorders.  Good luck and a big hug.  I hope you get what you need. 

I'm sorry hon! I work in insurance, but I have heard Kaiser is tough. Do you have any medical professionals like one of your doctors that could write up a letter stating that the treatment you are receiving is not good enough and that you need treatment by an MD? For most insurances you have to prove why it's needed and why the current course of action isn't good enough. Letters from actual medical professionals backing this up usually helps because then it isn't just how YOU FEEL or what you THINK. I would also see if you could get letters form the MFTs stating they do not have the appropriate training/experience to be able to help you.

Good points...I wonder if my PCP would be in any position to write something....or maybe my bariatric surgeon. 

Maybe I can consult with a psychologist who may be able to halp...hmmm. 

I'm glad you responded - gave me some new things to consider - thanks!

I'm sure you've done this but what about contacting an eating disorder specialist, maybe at a local university, to understand what the difference in training is so that you may hi-light the differences.  I know that after years of CBT therapy, I had to meet with an eating disorder specialist for the VSG process and her perspective was DRAMATICALLY different than the other therapists I'd met with.  

I'm sorry you're going through this Allison, I know it's been a rough few months and I hope this hearing goes your way without much more trouble.

Elisa