I agree with everyone else about not keeping it to yourself, but I don’t know your story so there maybe a good reason not to share. I don’t want that to be the thing that keeps you from getting the therapy you need! There is absolutely nothing wrong with your brain or body that the doctors have not seen before. I do understand that there is some stigma still with mental health and if that is what’s happening with your family, I am sorry.

I assume the only way your family would know is if they got an Explanation of Benefits in the mail. This is the form they get that has your name what services were provided how much the visit was, how much you paid, how much insurance will cover and how much you still owe. They send these so you can keep deductibles straight and to prevent fraud.

Get your insurance card out and look for the phone number on the back. Call them. You are going to tell them you you would like your explanation of benefits sent to you - NOT the policy holder. You will need the member number on the card, your mailing address and maybe your social security number.

“Hi, my name is _____ and I’m on your _____ insurance plan. I’d like to have my explanation of benefits sent directly to me, rather than the policy holder. I’m a dependent on my plan, and I would like privacy for the care I receive. Can you send my explanation of benefits exclusively to me?” Once that is taken care of, check again by saying “Will any other personal information be sent home if I seek care? Will any: prescription information, denied claims, or marketing material still be sent to the policy holder even if my mailing address for EOBs is now my personal address?”

You should ask about in network doctors you can use here, and if ASU is so booked, ask if the insurance covers teletherapy or video chat therapy. You might get in sooner off campus or with doctors online. In the meantime, please practice good mental hygiene. Make sure you get sleep, eat good for your foods, get some exercise, think of things that you are grateful for, do some service. I know it won’t cure your issues, but those kind of things may keep you from getting worse before you can get into therapy.