And well-meaning ppl send these lists of therapists but those lists are overwhelming cos you gotta contact/research all of them to see who is 1. in your network 2. accepting new patients 3. equipped to deal with your specific issues

And a lot of providers are out of network/don't accept any insurance (I'm not sure why this is the case). So you are setting ppl up to spend hours only to find out that none of those providers are an option. Fkn hell

I think it is great that ppl compile lists of practitioners. But until & unless we get rid of the MESS that is insurance/in-network v. out of network/reimbursement, etc., those lists are not very helpful. A list of docs w/ X identity won't help anyone if they can't pay for it

In conclusion: yes, many of us need mental health services. But the system is a FUCKING MESS even if you have exceptionally good insurance. It's a mess. And that's before we even get into the bias of doctors and how awful these experiences can be for already marginalized ppl