What do people usually talk to Mettle Health about?
We are willing to talk to you about anything. But these are the kinds of questions patients and caregivers often wrestle with: What about my family (financially, emotionally)? What’s an advance directive? What about intimacy—will I ever have sex again? What does hospice actually do, and how do I know I’m ready for it? How do I talk to my employer about my situation? How do I make sure my family knows my wishes? How can I make decisions with confidence?
What’s the difference between a Mettle Health counselor and a therapist?
While therapists tend to be trained in psychology or psychiatry, Mettle Health counselors are trained in palliative care. Palliative care aims to improve quality of life for patients and caregivers confronting serious illness. We address the combination of mind, body, and spirit, and explicitly include family, friends, and caregivers as an important part of your life.
I already have multiple doctors—why do I need Mettle Health?
Conventional American healthcare focuses on the disease, not the person living with the disease. Mettle Health doesn’t just focus on disease or diagnosis: we are an extra layer of support for the people confronting these challenges. Being a patient or caregiver is often about making tough decisions while decoding complex medical language and systems. We are here to provide context for your medical questions, space for your emotional well-being, and guidance for your next steps.
What am I going to get with a consultation?
Confidential and personalized consultation(s) that address your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Sometimes in as little as one session we can help you reframe the way you think about your situation and develop a concrete set of next steps for the journey ahead. Mettle Health can’t change your diagnosis, but we can change the way you navigate it.
Is this palliative care?
Yes. But, people often confuse palliative care with hospice or end-of-life care, which can feel scary and isn’t completely accurate. Palliative care simply aims to improve quality of life for patients and caregivers confronting serious illness. It addresses physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. While palliative care includes hospice and end-of-life care, you do not need to be dying to engage in this type of support. Palliative care is often misunderstood, putting a roadblock between people and the support they need, but once informed of its definition, 90% of people say they would be likely to consider palliative care for a loved one.
How do I qualify for this service?
Being a living human being anywhere in the United States is all that’s required. You may identify as a patient, a caregiver, a family member, or a friend of someone facing a challenging diagnosis. Experiencing serious illness, disability or loss makes you a candidate, but you do not need to be suffering to benefit from a consultation—you can simply be planning for the future, or concerned about yourself or someone else.
Do you take health insurance?
Mettle Health is not able to take health insurance at this time. We are actively exploring other ways to reimburse for our services, including health insurance coverage and inclusion in HR/benefits packages. Please stay tuned for updates and email us directly with any questions.
Can I meet with someone in person?
To make our services accessible to people across the country, Mettle Health consultations are currently offered over the phone or by video chat only.
How many sessions are needed?
Every situation is unique, but in general, clients schedule one to two sessions after their initial consultation. Some clients schedule on an as-needed basis, days, weeks, or months apart, and others benefit from a more regular routine. Your counselor will help recommend a plan that best meets your individual needs and diagnosis.
Will you talk with my doctor or prescribe medications?
Mettle Health does not prescribe medications or keep a medical record. At this time, we do not offer the option to have a Mettle Health counselor speak directly with your medical team, but we’ll help you advocate for yourself to get the information you need.
Who is a typical client?
While there is no one typical client, examples of clients include: someone who’s received a diagnosis and wants help approaching decisions about treatment; caregivers who find that what they want for the patient differs from what the patient wants; a patient who has made significant decisions about care, but is second-guessing those choices and looking for reassurance; or a caregiver dealing with regret or remorse who needs help coping.
When’s the right time to contact you?
Any time you’re struggling to cope or to make sense of your own, or a loved one’s, health situation is the right time. When it comes to getting help, people tend to wait far too long, which means we suffer more than we need to.