When faced with mental problems, including anxiety, depression, and other mental problems, it can be tough to know where to obtain the best care. Majorly the challenge of locating the correct professional stems from the highly variable way in which mental health issues can emerge. For example, one person’s depression might differ greatly from someone else’s, and the same applies to substance use disorders, traumatic stress, attention issues, and even psychosis. There are also many different types of mental health providers doing distinct clinical work, for example, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatrist-mental health nurses, physician assistants, licensed clinical social workers, and others. When selecting various kinds of mental health providers, there are elements you need to consider, some of which are explained in this article.
First of all, consider your condition or concern. Most mental health providers handle various issues, but one specializing in a condition might be more suited to your needs. For instance, if you have a depression problem, you might need to see a psychologist who focuses on that area. You might have to consult a licensed family and marriage therapist if you are facing marital issues. The more complex your diagnosis or, the more serious your symptoms, the more training and expertise you need to search for in your mental health professional.
Secondly, knowing whether you require medications, counseling, or both is important. Some mental health professionals are not certified to prescribe drugs. Thus, your choice might depend, in portion, on your issue and how severe your symptoms are. You might have to see more than one mental health professional. For instance, you might have to see a psychiatrist to manage your drugs and a psychologist or another mental health professional for counseling.
Thirdly, consider your insurance coverage. Your insurance plan might have a directory of specific mental health professionals who are covered or might only cover specific kinds of mental health professionals. You need to check beforehand with your insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare to find out the mental health services they cover and your benefit limits.
How can I find a mental health professional?
There are several options for finding a good mental health professional. First, ask your insurer for an index of covered professionals. Secondly, ask for a recommendation or referral from your primary care provider. You can also talk to your family, friends, workmates, or clergy. Check if your employee assistance program or student health center provides mental health services or request a referral. You can also contact a national or local mental health organization online or by phone, for example, NAMI. Moreover, you can search the internet for associations with lists of mental health professionals, for example, the American Psychological Association, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the American Medical Association, and others. In addition, check phone book listings or explore the internet under groups such as counselors, psychiatrists, social service organizations, community service numbers, or psychologists.
Finding the right mental health professional is vital to establishing a working relationship and reaping the most out of your treatment. Hopefully, this page has offered the needed help in choosing your perfect match.
