u/iforcheese

Sorry if this is a series of really dumb questions, I just don't know what insurance looks like from the perspective of someone who pays for it. I'm under my parents' policy for health insurance. I really want to start going to therapy, and have found a few therapists that take the insurance company that my parents use, and have a couple consultations set up for this next week.

With this: Do providers choose their rates/how much insurance covers? Is there a maximum amount for therapy sessions that insurance companies will pay? If I ask my parents this stuff, it will make them suspicious.

I don't want to tell my parents I want to go to therapy. They'd likely use it as proof to say that I'm irrational/too emotional, and I don't want to give them that material to work off of. How bad would it be if I just went to therapy without telling my parents but still put it on the insurance? Would there be any way my parents would find out information about who I saw/what we talked about (even though that's probably protected by HIPAA)?

I've considered paying out of pocket for myself, but I'm also in college and its not super sustainable for me. However, one of my parents (the higher earner) just got laid off on Thursday and I don't want to put strain on them by doing stuff on insurance, since I'm pretty sure all of our insurance has a high deductible. My parents already got a continued policy thing to keep our healthcare coverage while my parent finds a new job. I haven't been to the regular doctor (not urgent care) since I was in high school because I don't want to cause financial burden, and I especially don't want to be one now. I don't mind paying myself, I have 2 jobs and I can do it, but I've also recently found out that some therapists heavily prefer/only work with insurance (??), so that might be a limiting factor.

I'm not really sure about anything with this post, now that I think about it. I just don't want to make things harder for anyone else because I need help. I can't figure out if telling my parents, going through insurance and letting my parents find out with time, or paying myself would be the best option here considering all of them have drawbacks. Any insight/advice?

Hi all :) I'm just wondering how people in their early 20s make new friends in Seattle?

I'm 21 and grew up in Seattle, but I go to college across the country and don't really have any lasting local friendships anymore. I'm here for the summer before I go back to school in the fall.

I'm pretty social, but I'm not super into the idea of going to bars alone, and I'd prefer something other than a running club to join (which are the most common suggestions I've seen online).

I've looked at Meetup, but most of the groups on there seem to be geared toward established professionals. I'd hate to feel out of place or like I intruded on groups that aren't really intended for people my age, even when they say they're intended for people in their 20s-30s.

For context, I LOVE volunteering, thrifting, and hiking! I also am a huge history nerd and enjoy leisure reading. However, I can become interested in almost anything so I'm open to any niche groups (I love learning about new stuff!)

Has anyone else been in a similar situation or know someone who was? Any suggestions would be very appreciated!