Should I See Two Therapists At the Same Time?
In the search for mental health support, some individuals consider seeing two therapists simultaneously. While this approach might seem beneficial, offering multiple perspectives and varied techniques, it also raises significant ethical and practical concerns. The primary question is: what is in the best interest of the client? Ensuring continuity, alignment, and ethical responsibility in therapy is crucial for meaningful progress.
Why Would You Consider Seeing Two Therapists?
Seeing two therapists at the same time, either within the same modality (e.g., two talk therapists) or across different approaches (e.g., a cognitive-behavioral therapist and a somatic therapist) could be useful depending on your circumstances. You might be seeking complementary methods or transitioning between providers.
Examples of Combining Different Therapy Modalities
A client working with a trauma-informed therapist while also engaging in art therapy.
A client with an individual therapist and a couples therapist.
A client with an individual therapist and is in group therapy.
A couple seeing a marriage counselor together while one partner also works with an individual therapist.
A person receiving both psychotherapy and specialized treatment such as EMDR or DBT from separate providers.
Potential Benefits of Seeing Two Therapists
While seeing two therapists can present challenges, there are some situations where it may be beneficial:
Access to Diverse Techniques: A client struggling with complex trauma may benefit from both talk therapy and somatic therapy.
Comprehensive Care for Complex Needs: If a client has multiple mental health conditions, such as anxiety and PTSD, seeing two specialists may enhance overall care.
Additional Support: During crises or major life transitions, having more than one therapist may provide extra reinforcement.
Practical Considerations
Scheduling and Time Management Challenges
Juggling two therapy sessions per week (or more) requires careful scheduling and emotional energy. Clients need to consider whether they have the capacity to fully engage in both therapeutic relationships.
Financial and Insurance Implications
Insurance policies often do not cover multiple therapists working simultaneously with the same client unless clearly justified. Out-of-pocket costs can become unsustainable, making this approach financially impractical for many.
Managing Communication Between Therapists
Effective therapy relies on consistency in treatment goals. If therapists are unaware of each other’s work, there’s a risk of mixed messages and fragmented support. Some therapists may ask clients to sign a release of information to ensure ethical collaboration.
Risks and Complications
Conflicting Therapeutic Advice
Different therapeutic approaches may offer contradictory guidance. For example, a CBT therapist might focus on structured problem-solving, while a psychodynamic therapist might encourage deep emotional exploration. Without integration, this can create confusion and hinder progress.
Emotional and Mental Adjustment to Different Therapy Styles
Each therapist brings their own methodology and personality to the process. Switching between different therapeutic styles may make it harder for the client to establish trust and consistency.
Potential for Overwhelm
Therapy can be exhausting. You are doing deep, emotional work, so it might be too much on your system to put yourself in an intense emotional environment multiple times a week. You might experience some sort of “therapy burn out.”
Insurance Coverage for Two Therapists
Understanding Insurance Policies
Insurance providers may set limitations on the number of mental health sessions covered. Seeking two therapists simultaneously may require additional justification, such as differing specializations that serve distinct needs.
Criteria and Documentation Needed for Coverage
If insurance does allow for two therapists, clients typically need documentation explaining why two therapists are necessary. This may involve:
A referral from a primary therapist
Coordination between providers
A clear distinction in treatment focus
Navigating Insurance Approvals and Denials
Denials for two therapist coverage are common. Clients may need to appeal decisions, provide further evidence, or consider private pay options for additional therapy sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to “shop around” to choose a therapist?
Yes – you are the client, you deserve to find a clinician that is a good fit for you. Many therapists offer free 15-20 minute consultations; this is an opportunity to ask questions and decide if you would like to move forward with scheduling an appointment. You might decide to set up multiple consultations to compare how you feel. However, try to focus on just one therapist at a time when it comes to scheduling sessions.
Is it unethical to see multiple therapists?
Not necessarily. However, ethical concerns arise when there is a lack of coordination, potential for conflicting advice, or when it becomes financially or emotionally unsustainable for the client.
How to navigate insurance coverage for two therapists?
Check with your provider regarding mental health session limits and seek documentation from therapists to justify seeing two therapists.
How to choose between two therapists?
If you are seeing two therapists and feeling conflicted, consider which one aligns better with your goals, emotional needs, and availability. It may be beneficial to discuss this choice openly with both therapists.
Conclusion
Seeing two therapists at once is not inherently unethical, but it requires thoughtful consideration of the client’s best interests. Clear communication between therapists, an understanding of financial and insurance constraints, and a structured approach to therapy are essential. While there are circumstances where working with two therapists can be beneficial, it should be approached with caution and collaboration to ensure that it truly supports the client’s well-being rather than complicating their mental health journey.