Choosing the right mental health provider can be challenging. Every provider has their own areas of specialty and experience, so here are some things to consider along with questions you might want to ask when you are deciding on the right type of mental health provider for you.
There Are Many Types of Mental Health Providers
Which one is best for you? A psychiatrist? Psychologist? Social worker? Counselor?
Most mental health providers have either master's degree-level or doctoral-level training.
Here are some titles you may see when looking at our Staff Bio page?:
LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor
LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
MSW - Master of Social Work
ATR - Art Therapist Registered
MD - Medical Doctor (Psychiatrists)
When Looking for the right provider, consider:
WHY YOU ARE COMING TO OUR OFFICES
There are many kinds of mental health professionals, and most can provide a variety of treatment for a full range of conditions. Depending on your condition, however, you might benefit from a member of our staff whose specialty is more suited to serve your needs. For example, if you have depression, you may need to see a psychiatrist or a therapist.
If your depression is related to a life-changing situation, a therapist might be best for you; however, if your depression has been long-lasting with no explanation, you might do best with seeing a psychiatrist. You may need to see more than one mental health provider to meet your needs, and if you don't know what type of provider will be best for you, we will assess your needs in your first visit and set you up with the right provider(s) for you in order to give you the best treatment.
WHETHER YOU THINK YOU NEED MEDICATION
Only certain mental health providers can prescribe medications. Depending on your symptoms, their severity, and your concern, you may wish to see a psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions.
HOW SEVERE YOUR CONDITION IS
The more severe your symptoms, the more training you need to look for in a mental health provider. Sometimes the combination of your own family doctor as well as a counselor or therapist might be enough.
YOUR HEALTHCARE COVERAGE
Insurance policies vary widely on coverage of mental health providers. Check your coverage beforehand to make sure your plan covers the kind of treatment you will be receiving at our offices and if the provider you are seeing accepts your insurance.
