Choosing a Provider

Consider these factors when choosing among the various types of mental health providers:

• Your concern or condition.
• What should you look for in a mental health provider?
• Whether you need medications, counseling or both.
• Your health insurance coverage/cost
• When choosing a mental health provider, consider these issues:
• Education, training, licensing and years in practice
• Areas they specialize in and specific services they offer
• Treatment approaches and philosophy
• Which insurance providers they work with
• Office hours, fees and length of sessions

Don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions. Finding the right match is crucial to establishing a good relationship and getting the most out of your treatment.

Getting started with a mental health professional

Finding the right mental health professional and the right approach to therapy is as important as finding the right medical doctor. Whether you are planning to see a counsellor, a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist, you can begin with a phone call to the professional and make enquiries about the following:

• You might describe your reason for wanting to make an appointment. 
• Ask if he or she is experienced in dealing with such issues. 
• Ask about the professional’s approach to dealing with mental health issues and how he or she generally works with clients. 
• Ask about the consultation fees, whether or not he or she accepts insurance and how payments are handled. 
• If you are comfortable talking with him or her, the next step is to make an appointment.