Off Campus Referral

Below are ways to connect with an off-campus provider

1. Psychology Today

Psychology Today is a wonderful resource in helping students find providers in the community. Students can use this website to search for providers in the local community or for providers in your home community. You can further tailor your search based on your insurance, concerns you would like to address in therapy, gender identity of the therapist, cultural communities served, and more.

2. Case Manager Referral Form

The Case Manager at Student Counseling Services provides FREE referral assistance and coordination to help Illinois State students connect with the appropriate resources and services, both on- and off- campus. Our Case Manager is extremely knowledgeable about the organizations and services that ISU and the Bloomington-Normal community can offer our students. The Case Manager is excited to share this information with our students, while empowering each student to connect with the services and resources that will best meet their individual needs. Case management sessions are tailored to each student’s needs and may include:

assessment to determine the most appropriate services
guidance in determining the provider and/or organization that is the best fit for you
assistance understanding your insurance coverage for mental health services
assistance scheduling with new providers/organizations
follow-up to make sure your needs are being met
ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.

When should you meet with a Case Manager?

You are seeking a referral to a good mental health provider in the community.
You are new to ISU and need information on available services at SCS or within the community.
You need information on reliable resources.
You aren’t sure where to obtain help and need guidance.
You are withdrawing or leaving ISU and need support in your home community.
You are returning from a leave of absence, hospitalization, or withdraw and want to get started on the right foot!

To receive referral information from the Case Manager or to schedule a meeting to discuss referrals with the Case manager, fill out the Case Manager Referral Form. Contact Student Counseling Services today by calling (309) 438-3655. In an emergency, call 911.

3. Through Your Insurance

Your insurance can help you find mental health providers that are in-network. You can do this by calling the customer service number on the back of your health insurance card, or by going to the insurance carrier’s website and searching for providers. The ISU Student Health Insurance is another very helpful way of providing excellent coverage for mental health counseling.

Suggested questions for your insurance company

Which mental health practitioners (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, licensed counselors) does my policy cover?
At what percentage does my policy cover services? (Typically policies cover anywhere from 50%-80% of your per session cost.)
Does my policy have a session limit? (Some policies have a session limit; other policies have a limit on the total amount of dollars that they will pay for outpatient psychotherapy. Once you reach that amount, they will no longer provide coverage until your policy renews for the next year.)
Is there a deductible? (Most policies have deductibles – how much you will need to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins. It your policy has a deductible, ask what it is and if you have met any or all of it.)
Do I have any "out of network" benefits? (This information will help you decide if your insurance will cover you when you see a provider who is not on their panel. Sometimes the insurance will still cover a portion of the fee and this gives you more flexibility to see someone who has been recommended to you.)

The second step is finding a counselor who is experienced with your presenting concerns and a good fit for you personally. If you have a list or providers from your insurance company, call several of them and ask the following questions:

When contacting a therapist, consider asking these questions:

I am struggling with __________________ and I am looking for a counselor/psychiatrist. Do you have experience working with those concerns?
What is your approach to working with _____?
Where is your office located? Can I get there via public transportation?
What day and times are you currently available?
Are you currently accepting new clients? How soon would an appointment be available?
What are your fees? ($80-$150 per session is the range of standard fees.
Are you an in-network provider for (state the name of your insurance)? Will you directly bill my insurance company?
Do you offer a sliding scale for students who are not insured (if you don't have insurance)
Do I have to pay "up front" for services?

When you call, talk to the therapist personally if possible. Indicate that you are looking at possible therapists and gathering information to make a decision. Be ready to leave your phone number and a time you can be reached in case the therapist is unavailable when you call. It is important that you choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and at ease, since your treatment will involve working together as a team. Before you contact a therapist, clarify what qualities you prefer in a therapist (warm, caring, straightforward, honest, gentle, etc. and if you have any other preferences (e.g., Gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious orientation).Referral Coordination

Student Health Insurance Information

The Student Health Insurance plan has excellent mental health coverage: it will cover outpatient mental health services at 80%, with no session limits. There is a $50 deductible per policy year, which is waived if you have other health insurance. All claim requests are processed through Illinois State University Student Insurance office. In order to insure that your visit is covered, please fill out and return any paperwork sent to you by Student Health Insurance related to your claim. If you do not, you may be responsible for the entire cost of the visit.

If you anticipate seeking mental health care, consider keeping the Student Health Insurance, as sometimes it can be difficult to find providers through other plans.