Finding the right fit for mental health care is important for treatment success. Here are some tips for finding a provider who is right for you.
Start by identifying the type of mental health provider you need.
It is common for people to have more than one provider who meets different needs.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are doctors (MD or DO) who specialize in mental health disorders. A psychiatrist can:
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
Provide psychotherapy.
Prescribe medication.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
A PMHNP is a nurse practitioner with advanced training in mental health, typically a master’s degree or doctorate. A PMHNP can:
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
Prescribe medication.
Psychotherapists
A psychotherapist provides “talk therapy” for individuals or families. Psychotherapists have a master’s degree in either social work (called an LCSW), or professional counseling (called an LCPC). Both LCSWs and LCPCs can provide psychotherapy. Psychotherapists can:
Provide diagnoses and counseling for a range of concerns.
Create treatment plans to help set goals for your time in therapy.
Psychotherapists cannot prescribe medications.
Psychologist
A psychologist is trained in science that deals with thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Psychologists have special training and hold a PhD or PsyD in psychology. Psychologists can:
Diagnose and treat a variety of mental health disorders.
Administer testing to help diagnose mental health disorders.
Provide psychotherapy.
Psychologists typically do not prescribe medication.
Next, think of factors that are important to you when choosing a provider.
Your concern- Most mental health providers treat a range of conditions, but you can look for someone who specializes in concerns you have.
Your health insurance coverage- Insurance policies may have a list of providers you can see. Some insurance companies have specific mental health coverage. If you have private insurance, it is a good idea to call them before scheduling with a provider to check your coverage.
Whether you need medications, therapy, or both - Not all mental health providers can prescribe medication. It is common for people to see more than one mental health provider to engage in both medication management and psychotherapy.
Lastly, decide what is important to you when choosing a provider.
You are allowed to ask questions about your provider to make sure that they are the right fit. You may ask about their education, specialties, and experience. You may also ask about their practice style or treatment approaches. It is also okay for you to express concerns or have open conversations if you feel like you need something different in treatment.
