Couple’s Therapy and 3rd Class Medical

[anonfuturepilot]

My significant other and I have been going through some COVID relationship stresses and she’s requested we do couples therapy sessions. However, I don’t want anything to risk my plans to apply for a 3rd class medical and begin private pilot training once the pandemic is over and I’ve saved enough.

She plans to be the main “patient” and therefore will be reimbursed through insurance. Having read through other posts, there has to be a diagnosis for insurance to reimburse. This being the case, I had a few questions:

• What “diagnosis” is this typically and will it be attributed to my medical record even if my insurance isn’t reimbursing?
• What are the reporting requirements when going through a 3rd class for these types of sessions?
  
• Related to above, will I have to fully disclose notes of these visits to an AME/the FAA?

Trying to decide whether paying cash is preferable to insurance route. Thanks in advance. Really appreciate what you all do.

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

My significant other and I have been going through some COVID relationship stresses and she’s requested we do couples therapy sessions. However, I don’t want anything to risk my plans to apply for a 3rd class medical and begin private pilot training once the pandemic is over and I’ve saved enough.

She plans to be the main “patient” and therefore will be reimbursed through insurance. Having read through other posts, there has to be a diagnosis for insurance to reimburse. This being the case, I had a few questions:

• What “diagnosis” is this typically and will it be attributed to my medical record even if my insurance isn’t reimbursing?
• What are the reporting requirements when going through a 3rd class for these types of sessions?
  
• Related to above, will I have to fully disclose notes of these visits to an AME/the FAA?

Trying to decide whether paying cash is preferable to insurance route. Thanks in advance. Really appreciate what you all do.

You may want to see my FAA medical information page for more information and links at http://tinyurl.com/FAAMedicalInfo.

Per the FAA you should report all visits to licensed healthcare providers. Depends on the state and type of counselor if this qualifies.

Diagnosis for the insurance would often be something like adjustment disorder or relationship stress. If not your insurance, then not normally under your name in the insurance.

If you receive a diagnosis per the FAA, then they will require a psychological assessment and the forensic psychiatrist will want to see the actual session notes. You may want to advise the counselor of this issue in advance.

You are definitely one step,ahead of the game understanding the possible implications ahead of time. But as others will point out here, first take care of your health, then worry about FAA medicals.

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

Well, it's better than arguing over sex for money....

Oh, I don’t know. That seems resolvable simply as a matter of how much money.