Can I choose a psychotherapist with medi-cal? Or does the insurance carrier chooses for me?

I talked to my primary care physician about childhood trauma, trouble sleeping and some other issues. She suggested a psych evaluation which I did this week. They determined that I required a more long term "dynamic" approach and gave me a number to call where I will be screened once again over the phone and will be called back in a week to be assigned a therapist depending on my case.

The issue is that the therapist herself told me that they often don't call you back and it depends on the severity of the case. She told me that I would have to be calling them insistently and even hinted that I try to make it sound more severe than it is when I get screened to increase my chances of getting help.

I have experience with talk therapy. I went on and off for many years in my home country. I moved to California last year and I was trying to figure out if I can just find a therapist online that accepts my insurance (Santa Clara Family Health Plan) and go directly instead.

I would appreciate any help. Thanks!

submitted by /u/Lopsided_Research164
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