Greater Metropolitan Phoenix offers many addiction therapy resources to those in need of help. Enlist the support of your primary doctor. His recommendations can guide you to qualified therapists. Obtain referrals from your doctor and community, then refine your list through research. Determine how much payment costs and how to pay for it. Visit each provider who meets your criteria to discuss your needs and expectations.
Identification
Discuss addiction problems with your primary care doctor. Addiction takes many forms. Whether your addiction involves alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, sex, work, exercise, food, cutting, shopping or anything else, discuss your resolve to rid yourself of addiction. Obtain your doctor's assessment of your physical and emotional health. Learn what kind of therapy she recommends.
Resources
If you do not have a primary care physician, find one now. Contact the Maricopa County Medical Society to identify low-cost or free resources if you need them. Call the Maricopa County Public Health Department. They will offer referral and resource suggestions. Reach out to area hospitals and medical centers for referrals and resources. Contact veterans, community and other social services organizations.
National associations such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine may also help you identify a doctor.
Considerations
Learn if you qualify for Arizona state health insurance programs if you are uninsured.
Inquire about how to pay for therapy. Private health insurance may cover the costs of addiction therapy. Not all insurers cover all forms of addiction therapy or programs. Learn whether your insurance company pays for the kind of addiction therapy your doctor recommends.
Flexible medical spending accounts may help you pay for some expenses on a pretax basis. Your Employee Assistance Program can also help you find ways to get the help you need. EAP programs provide confidential help to employees seeking assistance.
Solutions
Perform online research to learn even more about addiction therapy and therapists in Phoenix. Your doctor will provide you with the contact information of therapists he trusts. Research these professionals and their affiliations. Know how long each therapist has been practicing in Arizona. Determine each therapist's specialty.
Then contact each of the referred therapists whose background matches your needs. Ask about the fees they charge, then confirm that your insurance plan or proposed methods of payment will suit the provider.
Time Frame
Arrange a meeting with each therapist in Phoenix who meets your criteria. At this point, you have a short list of recommended providers. Ask each for a free consultation. Visit all therapists within a short time frame to evaluate the information about treatments you have collected. Don't rule out personal feelings when you meet a therapist. Your therapist's experience and communications skills can help you succeed in the recovery process.
Prevention/Solution
Get the support you need to overcome addiction. Some people need an inpatient program and daily therapy. Others receive help from community outpatient programs like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. Recognize that necessary medical and emotional support makes the difference in releasing yourself from addiction.
