Coping and support (2)
- Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness
- Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction
Definition (1)
- Mental health: What's normal, what's not
Tests and diagnosis (1)
- Mental health providers: Find one to suit your needs
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Types of mental health providers
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continued:
Mental health providers: Find one to suit your needs
Research the characteristics of mental health providers
Your legwork doesn't stop once you have some potential mental health providers in mind. Before scheduling your first appointment, consider your preferences regarding whom you would be most comfortable talking to. Some factors include:
- Gender
- Age
- Religion
- Language
- Cultural background
Don't feel bad about ruling out some mental health providers based on these criteria. Your comfort level is important because you may be establishing a long-term relationship. Even tone of voice or appearance may matter to you. Although you usually won't know how mental health providers look ahead of time, some clinics, organizations or associations post pictures and biographies online.
Ask mental health providers lots of questions
Once you've found a few mental health providers who seem like they may suit you, it's time to call and ask a few more questions. In some cases, a receptionist may be able to answer most of your questions. You may be able to directly ask some mental health providers questions on the phone, or they may ask you to come in for an initial session.
Here are some issues to consider asking mental health providers about, either on the phone or at your first appointment:
- Their education, training, licensure and years in practice. Licensing requirements can vary widely by state.
- Office hours, fees, length of sessions and which insurance providers they work with, or if they work with Medicare or Medicaid.
- Their treatment approach and philosophy, to make sure it suits your style and needs.
- Whether they specialize in certain disorders or age groups. Some, for instance, work only with adolescents. Others specialize in eating disorders or substance abuse.
Don't hesitate to ask lots of questions. Finding the right match is crucial to establishing a good relationship and making sure you're getting the best treatment.
Evaluate progress with your mental health provider
Once you choose a mental health provider, make sure the match is working. If you don't feel comfortable after the first visit, talk about your concerns at your next session. Or consider finding a new mental health provider. As time goes by, think about how you feel and whether your needs are being met. Don't feel compelled to stay with a mental health provider if you're not comfortable.
Finding the right mental health provider can be hard work, and may require some trial and error. But it can also be rewarding. It may help you:
- Resolve short term problems such as stress or conflicts caused by a particular situations
- Work through long-standing personal issues
- Relieve disruptive or bothersome symptoms
- Overcome personal challenges
- Improve your relationships with others
- Ultimately enjoy your life more
(2 of 2)
- Factsheet: Mental illness and the family: Finding the right mental health care for you. Mental Health America. http://www.nmha.org/farcry/go/information/get-info/mi-and-the-family/finding-the-right-mental-health-care-for-you/mental-illness-and-the-family-finding-the-right-mental-health-care-for-you. Accessed Feb. 24, 2009.
- Finding mental health services. National Health Information Center. http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/fastfact2/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 24, 2009.
- How do I choose a therapist? Psychology Today. http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/content/therapy_choose.html. Accessed Feb. 24, 2009.
- Choosing the right mental health therapist. National Health Information Center. http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/KEN98-0046/default.asp. Accessed Feb. s4, 2009.
- Finding help: How to find help through psychotherapy. American Psychological Association Help Center. http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=52. Accessed Feb. s4, 2009.
