Hi RaptorsFan, It’s wonderful that the insurance company is paying for psychological treatment as part of your rehab! These sessions can cost from $150-$200 an hour and very few people can afford to pay out of their own pocket.
I think insurance companies realize that trust and a fit is very important in order to benefit from psychological treatment. I know that at least some of the largest Canadian LTD insurance companies do not require you go to a specific clinic or psychologist of their choice. The psychological treatment they are suggesting is NOT an independent medical evaluation and the psychologist’s first duty is to you. The psychologist will need to provide regular reports to the insurance company just like your other treatment providers and medical doctors provide reports. Allyoops had a nice quote somewhere about not being too naive!
Your insurance company may have asked you if you have a preferred psychologist or have received treatment from somebody in the past that you would like to see. If so, often they will contract with that person you want to see as long as he is qualified and will provide the recommended treatment and reporting.
My suggestion is that you find out what kind of psychological treatment the insurer has suggested. Do your own reasearch and try to find the best psychologist that will meet your needs. Try to talk to the psychologists at least over the phone and then get back to the insurance company with a suggestion of who you would like to see. Make sure this person is a registered psychologist and very experienced. I would not discount or eliminate the clinic the insurance company has suggested as they have access to some of the very best people. Make sure there is a fit and that you trust the person to work in your best interest.
Good luck!