The free resource list is at the bottom, but I truly recommend browsing this page to see what professional help might look like for you and to think about whether you should look into it now or can afford to wait to look into it.
WHEN: When should I seek out help?
The National Institute of Mental Health (which is a subset of a subset of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) puts forward that to figure out whether you need help, you must first “determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life”.
If you are feeling mild symptoms for less than two weeks, there are small acts of self care you can do to help. However, if those symptoms do not improve or seem to get worse, talk to your health care provider.
If you have more severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more, then it’s recommended you seek professional help.
The infographic below, created and provided by the NIMH, gives the specific symptoms, self care activities, and suggestions for professional care.
WHAT: What types of providers are there?
There is actually a variety of mental health professionals, with different methods, prescription capabilities, and strengths. If you’re unsure of which to choose, consider talking with a family doctor or nurse practitioner for guidance and possibly referral.
The following information was found in this article on MedicalNewsToday.
General Info
provide individual and group counseling
various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices
Prescription Capabilities
CANNOT prescribe medicine
Strengths
can help with anxiety, depression, other general mental health conditions
can specialize in areas such as addiction, trauma and relationship counseling
Insurance
May cover some mental health counselors- make sure to check with your insurance provider
General Info
hold a doctorate in psychology
Prescription Capabilities
Cannot typically prescribe medicine, though this might vary depending on the state
Strengths
evaluate and treat mental health conditions
perform counseling and psychotherapy
carry out psychological testing
Insurance
Can cover psychological services- make sure to check with your insurance provider
General Info
do not typically provide counseling services, but can work with those who do
understand the nature of physical conditions and their relation to mental health
Prescription Capabilities
CAN prescribe medicine
Strengths
specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
monitor effects of mental health conditions on physical health
Insurance
May cover psychiatry- make sure to check with your insurance provider
General Info
provide mental health services
might evaluate patients and provide counseling
Prescription Capabilities
CAN prescribe medicine
Strengths
prescribing and monitoring medications
Insurance
May be covered?- make sure to check with your insurance provider
General Info
can provide group and individual therapy and work in various settings
Prescription Capabilities
CANNOT prescribe medicine
Strengths
evaluate and treat mental health conditions through counseling, advocacy, and case management
Insurance
Unsure- make sure to check with your insurance provider
General Info
typically free
accessible through organizations and charities
Prescription Capabilities
CANNOT prescribe medicine
Strengths
individuals who have experienced and recovered from mental health conditions
Insurance
Not covered by insurance- typically free
HOW: How can I find the right therapist?
When choosing a therapist, there are a lot of factors to consider. While I personally have been fortunate to find a match quickly, sometimes it takes a few tries to find someone that matches what you need.
Factors to Consider
their qualifications
their experience
their area(s) of expertise
their approach and philosophy of therapy
the tools and techniques they use
their ability to prescribe medication, if relevant
costs and insurance coverage
Interviewing your Therapist
It’s a good idea to ask your potential therapist questions on the first appointment (or, if they allow, over the phone prior to an appointment) to get an idea of how they operate and how they can benefit you.
Some example questions include the following:
What are your qualifications?
How long have you been in practice?
Have you worked with similar conditions in the past?
What are your policies and fees?
What tools and techniques do you use to achieve successful outcomes?
How long do people typically stay in therapy with you?
What approach do you take to therapy?
How will I benefit from therapy with you?
Can you prescribe medication?
What insurance providers cover your services?
Do you provide referrals to other professionals and services, if necessary?
How to find a Therapist
Now that you know what you should look for and what to ask, you need to know where to find them!
It can help to ask a family doctor, nurse practitioner or insurance company for a list of qualified professionals (doctors and nurse practitioners can provide referrals)
Other ways to find therapists include:
word of mouth, from family and friends
workplaces, such as through HR or employee assistance programs
